The Farmington Beat Farmington & Farmington Hills |
| OCTOBER 23–30, 2026|FARMINGTON + FARMINGTON HILLS MI |
There is plenty to put on the calendar before Halloween: a theater outing, a twilight book walk and a downtown dance. This week also brings the start of early voting and a useful household cleanout opportunity. Here is your guide to making the most of the week close to home.
-from the editor |
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Trivia Question❓Which movie played on opening night at the Farmington Civic Theater in 1940? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
YOUR WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT |
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Early voting begins Saturday for both cities |
Registered voters in Farmington and Farmington Hills can begin voting in person on Saturday, October 24, ahead of the November 3 general election. The nearby site is Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills; Waterford Oaks Activities Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, is also available. Early voting runs through November 1, from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily, except Thursday, October 29, when hours are noon–8 p.m. |
Saturday brings the final scheduled waste collection |
Residents of both cities can bring eligible household hazardous waste to RRRASOC’s final scheduled collection event of 2026 on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Use the truck entrance at 20875 Mapleridge Avenue in Southfield. Accepted items include oil-based paint, household batteries and electronics; latex paint and commercial waste are not accepted. Check the materials list before loading the car. |
Drake and 12 Mile work may affect your route |
Farmington Hills is displaying a construction alert for Drake and 12 Mile roads, with a detour in place and completion expected around October 27. Allow extra time if your route passes through the area, and follow posted detour signs. The completion date is an estimate. |
Quote Of The Day |
“Strong communities grow when neighbors stay connected, support local, and celebrate the place they call home.” |
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LOCAL HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN |
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Planned for downtown Farmington: Running Lab |
Running Lab is planning a second store at 33211 Grand River Avenue in downtown Farmington. In an October 19 report, What Now Detroit said co-owner Ken Larscheid is targeting February 2027 for the opening. The Brighton-based retailer specializes in running footwear, apparel and gear. For local walkers and runners, this is a business to watch; the Farmington location is still planned, and the opening target may change. |
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Joke Of The Day |
What do you call a pumpkin that tells jokes? A pun-kin🤣 |
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Why mapping crews may visit your backyard |
Farmington Hills announced a six- to eight-week stormwater mapping project beginning October 5. OHM Advisors staff are locating storm-sewer outlets near drains, creeks and streams, and some properties may require brief backyard access. The city says affected residents will receive a door hanger 24–48 hours in advance; workers will wear high-visibility clothing and carry official identification. Questions about access or the project can go to Public Services at 248-871-2530. |
Free Local Pick |
The Hawk Experience on October 17 is free and includes the Michigan Makers Market, noon-to-4 p.m. tours, Fan Jam basketball activities and free parking. It is an easy no-cost option for families, shoppers and anyone curious about The Hawk. |
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A downtown movie tradition since 1940 |
The Farmington Civic Theater has been part of downtown life since 1940. Architect C. Howard Crane, who also designed Detroit’s Fox Theatre, gave the building its Art Moderne character. The familiar neon blade sign and entrance canopy helped make it a local landmark. In 1989, the balcony was converted into a second auditorium—a change that added another screen while keeping moviegoing in the heart of town. |
💚 SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! |
Have a local story, event, opening, correction or neighborhood photo to share? Send it to The Farmington Beat for consideration in an upcoming edition. Sponsor The Farmington Beat — www.thefarmingtonbeat.com |