Step into Stars Hollow as this Michigan town transforms into Gilmore Girls set

BRIGHTON, MI — If fall conjures images of a chatty mother-daughter duo briskly walking past the town troubadour serenading by the gazebo all in pursuit of coffee − then Destination Stars Hollow is for you.

Before you smell snow, you can embrace fall in this quaint town full of foliage and local charm, less than a half hour from Ann Arbor, on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The town of Brighton will transform into the iconic Gilmore Girls’ fictional town this weekend as 41 businesses participate in the fan magic.

You can finally live out your fantasy of getting a cup of coffee at Luke’s Diner or a sweet at Taylor’s Soda Shoppe before heading to Friday night dinner at Richard and Emily’s.

Fans Laura Boote and Kathleen London organized the event, which has taken off on social media. Boote’s most recent TikTok promoting the event has more than 227,000 views and the Facebook page has nearly 34,000 people interested or RSVP’d.

As of Thursday, Boote said the official headcount for the free Saturday event is sitting at 14,000, not including the extra VIP packages on Friday and Sunday.

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

Boote and London assigned Gilmore Girl identities to each business based on location, character or episode.

Participating businesses will offer themed food, drink, merchandise and photo-ops. Organizers also have trivia, a knit-a-thon and a lookalike contest planned.

You can browse Kim’s Antiques at The Barn Antiques, get a healthy dose of coffee, coffee coffee at Lynn’s On First or shop Lorelai’s closet aka 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 magic risotto.

Fans can purchase a passport for $5 and collect stamps as duck in and out of businesses. A collection of 20 stamps enters you into a giveaway from local businesses.

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

Fans can square off in trivia, challenge each other in a bop-it tournament and debate Team Dean, Team Jess or Team Logan.

Gilmore Girl fanatics can head to for tickets and follow social media for updates at instagram.com/destinationstarshollow.