‘Gilmore Girls' fan event returns to Brighton for 3 days this fall
What started as a local tribute to the beloved "Gilmore Girls" has turned into a national draw — perfectly timed to celebrate the TV show's 25th anniversary this fall.
Destination Stars Hollow, inspired by the cozy town at the heart of the early 2000s cult favorite, returns for its second year this September in downtown Brighton.
And this time, organizers say it'll be bigger and better.
The event's first year in 2024 went viral, drawing more than 40,000 visitors — far surpassing the 5,000 people organizers expected.
'Last year was such a surprise success,' said Kathleen London, who co-founded Destination Stars Hollow alongside Laura Boote. 'The event itself came out of the desire to draw a spotlight on small businesses and main streets that have suffered over the past few years and struggled to stay relevant.'
More: 'Gilmore Girls' fans pack Brighton as town becomes Stars Hollow for a day
London and Boote, both Brighton residents and longtime fans of the show, originally envisioned a one-day celebration that highlights small local Brighton businesses along Main Street. But the response exceeded anything they imagined, with attendees coming from across Michigan and as far as Hawaii, Arizona, New York, and Florida.
'Gilmore Girls' is a drama that follows the relationship between single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory in the fictional small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut — known for its quirky charm and tight-knit community.
The town has become iconic among fans, many of whom long for a real-life version. Destination Stars Hollow brings that dream to life, turning Brighton into a temporary tribute to the show's idyllic setting.
Participating businesses take on different identities inspired by the show, with themed decorations and curated experiences to create an immersive experience that transforms Brighton into a fan's dream.
"It's all very cute," Boote said. "It turns out to feel like you're in a little Hallmark town.'
This year, the festival will expand to three days. It kicks off Friday, Sept. 19, with a $150 VIP shopping experience. The free-to-attend, public festivities run Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, featuring Stars Hollow-themed shopping, photo ops, food and more.
In addition to an exclusive shopping time, the $150 VIP package includes early access to shopping and a themed tote bag with items such as a Stars Hollow umbrella, tumbler, eye mask, socks, sticker sheet and other show-inspired merchandise. It also includes first access to special event additions and to book Friday night dinner reservations.
Also new this year are additional vendors, more food trucks and upgraded utilities to help accommodate the anticipated crowds. But the heart of the event remains the same: celebrating community, supporting local shops, and inviting visitors to step into the cozy, quirky world of Stars Hollow — if only for a weekend.
In the show, Rory Gilmore aspires to be a journalist and later pursues a career in journalism.
The Detroit Free Press gets a brief nod in the series in episode 17 of season 7, which aired in 2007. During a conversation about Rory's post-college job search, she lists the Free Press among several newspapers where she's applying. Her grandmother, Emily, calls the paper 'quite reputable.'
The show turns 25 in October of this year.
While no revival or large-scale reunion has been confirmed, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and star Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai, have hinted at some kind of 25th anniversary celebration. Graham told "The Wrap" in February that 'there are a couple things' she and Sherman-Palladino have been discussing, and floated the idea of a Christmas special during a March appearance on NPR.
Sherman-Palladino told "Decider" in April that she would never rule out the possibility of bringing back the show.
Follow for more information and updates on Destination Stars Hollow, visit the event's website or Facebook page.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Gilmore Girls' fan event returns to Brighton for 3 days this fall
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