In honor of Grandparents Day, bring your Grandkids (or let them bring you!) to the Boardman River Nature Center to join Storyteller and Narrative Coach Jen Strauss for an interactive workshop called, “Have I Ever Told You About the Time I….”

In this playful and interactive workshop, Jen will guide Grandparents and their grandkids through storytelling warm-ups & activities that will awaken memories and help you turn those memories into stories to share with each other. Come play the Nursery Rhyme Scramble, create a Four-Square Story to share, and learn an easy way to organize & tell tales over your hand! Go home with Storytelling Prompts to help you grow your own family Storytelling Tradition at home.

When: Sunday, September 8th from 1:00 - 2:30pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $15/person or $40 for a group of 3 or more. Please click here to register.

Join park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., for a Star Party! Rangers will provide information on preserving dark skies, and GTAS will have telescopes set up for visitors to enjoy.

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Taylor Swift Social in Northern Michigan! Shake the dust off your favorite Eras outfit and be ready to sing and dance to Taylor's Discography ALL NIGHT!

Are you ready for it?

Now if you're DOWN BAD from missing the coveted Eras Tour, this is your perfect opportunity to celebrate your being a SWIFTIE and make new friends. Don't forget your friendship bracelets! But if you do, we will have a bracelet making station and a photobooth so bring all the shimmer and shine!

DJ 1Wave will be ready to play our favorites from Taylor all night!

More info and tickets

The Elk Rapids Arts & Craft Show is a fantastic way to enjoy the Labor Day weekend! With over 60 vendors showcasing their creations, there's bound to be something for everyone. Exploring the downtown area and popping into local stores before and after is a great idea too. And of course, grabbing a delicious lunch or dinner at one of Elk Rapids' eateries would make for a perfect day out.

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Our annual alpaca farm day is back… just a little earlier in the season! Come on out to this FREE family fun event! The day will be fun filled for all! Event will feature:
-Walk through the alpaca pastures and meet all the babies from this summer!
-Free Animal Park Admission
-Meet all of the 2024 alpaca babies, and get up close and personal
-Food Truck! The Meat Guys BBQ!
-Kids Crafts
-FREE Face Painting
-Free refreshments
-Bounce house
-Door Prizes for the first 10 customers!
-Raffles with proceeds going to a local cause
-In store specials and SO MUCH MORE!

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Outdoor yoga in the dog run at the shelter. Join Tiffany for a "Doga" class that will raise funds for shelter animals and raise the spirits of the humans who participate. Rain or shine. Reserve a spot online. By donation, suggested $10. Bring your own mat. Prepare for FUN!

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For 5th grade and up, stop by the East side of Kingsley Branch Library for your school supplies! You can also register for The Rock afterschool program, and enter to win backpacks and lunchboxes courtesy of Papano's Pizza of Kingsley!

This event is sponsored by Papano's Pizza, The Rock of Kingsley, and Kingsley Branch Library.

We are accepting donations of school supplies for this event, please drop off at Kingsley Branch Library or Papano's by August 28th:

1" Binders
1.5" Binders
Composition Notebooks
Folders
Loose Paper
Glue Sticks
3x5 Index Cards
Reusable Water Bottles
Pencil Pouches
Black, Red, and Blue Pens
Highlighters
Colored Pencils
Pencils
Pencil Cap Erasers
Pencil Sharpeners

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 Northern Michigan Climate Families and Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology are excited to invite you to the third event in our "Food, Farms, and Fun" series - a free guided tour of Anavery Farm on Tuesday, August 27th at 4pm. This event will connect families with our local Traverse City farming community and highlight the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for the health of our planet and people. 

Event Details:

What: Guided Farm Tour at Anavery Farm, followed by hot dog cookout ($3 per hotdog, cards preferred)
When:  Tuesday, August 27th, meet at 4pm, tour departs at 4:15pm, cookout starts around 5:15pm
Where:  Anavery Farm, 6071 Secor Road, Traverse City, MI 49685
Who:  Designed for kids ages 4-10, but families of all ages are welcome!
Sign up:  Reserve your free spot here!

About Anavery Farm:

Anavery Farm is a family-owned regenerative farm that integrates animals, plants, and the land into a harmonious family.  They create a healthy environment through sustainable animal husbandry. At Anavery Farm, grazing animals sequester carbon, poultry feed the soil, and community engagement creates quality jobs.  And the icing on the cake? Saving the earth through agriculture creates delicious meat.  We think you’ll agree that happy animals taste better!

About the Event:

This family-friendly tour will give you and your children an up-close look at how a local meat farm operates and cares for its animals. We'll have the opportunity to meet the farmers and animals, and learn about the farm's sustainable practices.

After the tour, we’ll be having a hot dog cookout starting around 5:15pm. It’s a perfect chance to relax, enjoy some good food in this beautiful setting, and connect with other families.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing (including hat and sunscreen!)

• Water bottles

• Moola for hot dog cookout

• Your best animal noises
  

Join Sea2Stable for our third tropical-style, family-friendly and free community event Luau on the Lawn on Sunday, August 25 from 12-4 pm in Cedar! Enjoy horse presentations, educational talks, and horse interactions; participate in crafts, activities, and lawn games; and learn about our mission. Bring a blanket to enjoy a picnic on the lawn and support the mission with our donation snack bar and silent auction! Event sponsor: Precision Plumbing & Heating.

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Join us for a FREE FAMILY FUN DAY at The Barn at French Valley Vineyard!

Don't miss Mindful Musical with Miriam Pico from noon to 1pm followed by story hour with the enchanting Mary Robertson!

Snacks, tie dye supplies, games and more, plus lots of space to run and play from 11:30am to 4pm Sunday, August 18th!

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Join Friske for a thrilling, up close experience for your kiddos as they experience this year's fantastic lineup of BIG RIGS! The little ones will be able to learn about the machinery from operating professionals and get plenty of pictures taken! Some participants *may* allow the children to climb into the drivers seat of the machinery, but please understand that experience cannot be guaranteed.

It's a day full of memories at Northern Michigan's destination for great food and farm fun!

FREE ADMISSION

WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 12-4pm
FRISKE FARM MARKET
10 miles south of Charlevoix | 40 miles north of Traverse City

2024 BIG RIG LINEUP

•Pioneer Sugar Behemoth Articulating Tractor
•East Jordan EMS
•Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange
•Hutson John Deere of Atwood
•Landscape Logic
•Sommer Solutions Excavating
•GLF Environmental
•Friske Orchards:
-Pruning Platform
-Tractors
-Spray Rig
-Delivery Truck
-Hummerbee Forklift
+more TBA!

LAST CHANCE FOR THE SEASON $5 Peach Paradise Ice Cream Sundaes ALL DAY LONG! Order yours at the bakery counter!

*Please Note: pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the market building, pavilion, orchard, or playgrounds.

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Parrots are intelligent, highly social and complex beings that can live up to 80+ years. Join us on August 17th at 10:30 AM to meet Sheba the Macaw and Joey the African Grey when Traverse City’s Parrot Sanctuary will present an educational talk on parrot care, characteristics, diet, body language and much more. The presentation starts at 10:30 am. Out of courtesy to Wendy and the animals, guests will not be able to join the presentation after 10:30. This event is free for members and included with the price of daily admission for non-members.

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The annual Downtown Art Fair on August 17th from 10am to 5pm on Cass Street (between Front & State) in downtown TC.

Discover a showcase of incredible artwork by talented local artists. Find a one-of-a-kind piece to enhance your home or the perfect keepsake for a loved one.

Don't miss this delightful celebration of artistic expression in the picture-perfect setting of downtown TC.

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“DUCK” into BELLAIRE…let the “QUACKIN” begin. The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 37th  ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY FESTIVAL in Downtown Bellaire. Featuring a weeklong of events including kids activities, Rubber Ducky Parade and Race, and live music.

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Get up close and personal with the trucks and vehicles that serve our community!

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Join Traverse City Horse Shows for a showcase of equestrian talent at Flintfields Horse Park. Witness elite riders and horses from around the globe gather to compete for top honors in the FEI 3* Grand Prix.

• Date: Sunday, August 11

• Time: 2 pm EST (Gates open 8 am; Grand Prix activity begins at 12 pm)

• Location: Flintfields Horse Park, 6535 Bates Rd. Williamsburg, MI

Watch the ultimate test of skill and precision as world-class riders and their magnificent steeds navigate a challenging course, vying for victory in this high-stakes competition. From heart-stopping jumps to breathtaking displays of athleticism, this Grand Prix promises edge-of-your-seat excitement for spectators of all ages.

In addition to the thrilling competition, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with delicious food vendors, shopping opportunities, and entertainment for the whole family with musical talents by The Miriam Pico Duo. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend outing, the $120,000 Four G Surfaces CSI3* Grand Prix is an event not to be missed!

100% of ticket revenue will be donated to Generations Ahead.

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Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Imagine the life of the pioneers as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local history experts share the area's history. Watch as teams of oxen and horses cut, load, and haul hay and artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.                               

The fair is held at six of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida. Each farm has a variety of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors. Click on the farm names below to see what's happening at each farm. A shuttle bus runs between the farms on a regular schedule during the fair, so you can park your car and easily get around to the different venues. 
                                  
Arrive anytime between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Most people spend 3-4 hours at the fair.

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Who: Fun for all ages

What: This is a FREE event to the public including live music, nonprofit organizations providing interactive games, food and beverage vendors, and a variety of entertainment!

Where: Front Street between Union Street and Park Street. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Park and Union Streets.

When: August 2 & August 9 | 6-9pm

Details: Come downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the events taking place on Front Street. Enjoy this walkable event in summer’s third act. The Aug. 2 FNL event will be paired with the all-day Street Sale, so take your shopping bags!

Parking: For information on where to park, click here. The closest parking garage is the Hardy Parking Garage. Metered parking is free after 6pm.

More info

Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Imagine the life of the pioneers as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local history experts share the area's history. Watch as teams of oxen and horses cut, load, and haul hay and artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.                               

The fair is held at six of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida. Each farm has a variety of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors. Click on the farm names below to see what's happening at each farm. A shuttle bus runs between the farms on a regular schedule during the fair, so you can park your car and easily get around to the different venues. 
                                  
Arrive anytime between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Most people spend 3-4 hours at the fair.

More info

Come explore the amazing world of insects with MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Nate Walton. In this family-friendly program, participants will learn what makes a bug a bug and what makes them different from other creepy crawly creatures. They will also have opportunities to get inside the mind of an insect and see the world from a bugs-eye-view. They will accompany Dr. Nate on an insect safari to explore the wilds of the botanic garden while they look for and learn about some of Michigan’s coolest summer insects, like: ant-lions, tiger-beetles, and wooly-bears.

Note: This program is designed for learners ages 7 and up, but all ages are welcome to attend and participate! A portion of the program will be outdoors so please dress appropriately. Individuals with allergies to insects (including cockroaches) should take necessary precautions before attending this program.

FREE! Attendance is limited, so registration is required.

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The Traverse City Dance Project's final performance on its 2024 summer tour will be an exciting and rare opportunity for Northern Michigan audiences to experience professional dance at its best, right here in downtown Traverse City! Set against the backdrop of Rotary Square, attendees are in for an evening of artistry at this captivating, FREE performance. Before the main event, guests can enjoy pre-show tunes by Jordan Hamilton and his band, setting the perfect mood for the evening ahead. The program boasts an impressive lineup of professional dancers from across the country, showcasing new dance works by esteemed choreographers Matthew Neenan and Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott, in collaboration with composer Jordan Hamilton and musicians Grayson Nye & Andy Catlin. Additionally, audiences can look forward to a new work by Rachel Harris, a Bessie Award Nominee and Howard University's 2021 Emerging Choreographer to Watch, along with a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, promising a diverse and engaging program. This performance also features guest artists Isabella LaFreneire, a dancer with the New York City Ballet, and Dylan Ward of Pacific Northwest Ballet, performing choreographer Peter Martin’s famous Black Swan Pas de Deux from the ballet Swan Lake. This performance also includes guest artists from the Grand Rapids Ballet, under the direction of James Sofranko, performing excerpts from choreographer George Balanchine’s ballet Who Cares. Following the performance, attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A session with the dancers, musicians, choreographers, and crew, providing insight into the creative process and behind-the-scenes experiences. This promises to be a highlight event of the summer, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in downtown Traverse City. Please remember to bring your own chairs or blankets as seating will not be provided. All donations will support the Traverse City Dance Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This event is accessible to all, but please reach out to us in advance if there are specific needs we can accommodate.

6:30 Pre-Show Music

7:30 Performance

The rain date for this performance is August 4th, 2024. Please check the website for updates regarding inclement weather three hours before the performance.

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Who: Fun for all ages

What: This is a FREE event to the public including live music, nonprofit organizations providing interactive games, food and beverage vendors, and a variety of entertainment!

Where: Front Street between Union Street and Park Street. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Park and Union Streets.

When: August 2 & August 9 | 6-9pm

Details: Come downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the events taking place on Front Street. Enjoy this walkable event in summer’s third act. The Aug. 2 FNL event will be paired with the all-day Street Sale, so take your shopping bags!

Parking: For information on where to park, click here. The closest parking garage is the Hardy Parking Garage. Metered parking is free after 6pm.

More info

FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE on the BIG Screen

Grab some great food from Hangry’s before or during the show. Follow Hangry’s Facebook page for Movie In The Park updates.

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Program will be at the Visitor Center auditorium. The McGraths will have their collection of Michigan snakes.
This program is free, but a recreation passport is required for entry.

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63rd annual art fair eaturing over 100 juried artists from around the country.
Lots of parking. Easy access (east of the Traverse City construction). Three Food Trucks. Golf Carts to help shoppers to and from the parking lot (especially when carrying shopping bags).

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Lakeside Shakespeare presents Romeo & Juliet—experience the magic of outdoor theater performed by an ensemble of professional Chicago actors. Pre-show begins at 6:30pm, show begins at 7pm.

Admission is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $30 for adults and $10 for kids 12 & under. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, your own picnic, and enjoy the Bard under the stars!

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Grab your family and friends and come out to the ballpark on July 26th for Star Wars Night! It will be a great evening filled with fun, food and FIREWORKS! There will be a Star Wars jersey auction benefitting Generations Ahead, so come out and stop at our table to say hi.

Use code “GA2024” to receive $2 off for box or lawn seat tickets.

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Come visit the Boardman River Nature Center for after-hours fun! Be a nature detective and complete an educational scavenger hunt and learn about Michigan Animals and ecosystems through the soft glow of lanterns!

Registration: Free. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events

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