Enter Stars Hollow as this Michigan town transforms into a Gilmore Girls set

BRIGHTON, MI – If fall conjures up images of a chatty mother-daughter duo briskly walking past the town troubadour serenading the gazebo in search of coffee, then Stars Hollow is the destination for you.

Before you smell the snow, welcome fall on Saturday, September 21st in this quaint town full of foliage and local charm, located less than a half hour from Ann Arbor.

The city of Brighton will be transformed into the iconic fictional town of Gilmore Girls this weekend as 41 businesses take part in the fan magic.

Finally, you can live out your dream and grab a cup of coffee at Luke’s Diner or a sweet treat at Taylor’s Soda Shoppe before heading out to dinner at Richard and Emily on Friday night.

Fans Laura Boote and Kathleen London organized the event, which became a huge success on social media. Boote’s recent TikTok promoting the event has more than 227,000 views, and the Facebook page has seen nearly 34,000 people show interest or RSVP.

Boote said the official attendance for Saturday’s free event was 14,000 on Thursday, not including additional VIP packages on Friday and Sunday.

So it’s a show? It’s a lifestyle. It’s a religion.

Boats and London have assigned each company a “Gilmore Girl” identity depending on the location, character or episode.

Participating companies will offer themed food, drinks, merchandise and photo opportunities. Organizers have also planned quizzes, a knitting marathon and a lookalike competition.

You can browse Kim’s antiques at The Barn Antiques, grab a healthy dose of coffee at Lynn’s On First, or shop at Lorelai’s Closet, also known as the Brass + Oak boutique.

Restaurants have also adopted menus inspired by Richard and Emily’s Friday night dinners and other elements of the show, including Sookie’s magical risotto.

Fans can purchase a pass for $5 and collect stamps as they enter and exit stores. A collection of 20 stamps will enter you into a drawing at local businesses.

Diehard fans can still sign up for a VIP experience at London Beauty. The store will take on the role of Lorelai’s house and greet guests on Friday night and Sunday morning with a commemorative tote bag full of gifts included in the $30 ticket.

Fans can compete in trivia games, challenge each other in a Bop-It tournament, and debate about Team Dean, Team Jess, or Team Logan.

Fans of “Gilmore Girl” can purchase tickets at eventbrite.com and check social media for updates at instagram.com/destinationstarshollow.