Happy Tuesday, Traverse City. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let TC Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
- New market pavilion 🏗️
- Summer zipline’s back 🌞
- Cherry Festival fun 🍒
- Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
New market pavilion approved: Traverse City’s DDA signed off on a $97,600 design contract to build a permanent farmers market pavilion next spring — read more.
Housing land purchase complete: Peninsula Housing and the Leelanau County Land Bank have secured 9.5 acres from Suttons Bay Schools for future affordable homes, with construction kicking off in spring 2026 — learn more.
Summer zipline takes off: Mt. Holiday in Traverse City relaunched its zipline last weekend and capped it off with a Summer Solstice Party on June 20th — check out the details.
The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.
Highlights this week
- Michigan bear trapped in trash freed at last
- Stop by Cherry Fest Market for $5 in Cherry Bucks
- Free lunches offered to youth by Feeding America
- Scouts will march in festive community parade
- Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment
🫶 We got your back
Scoops of sunshine: Milk & Honey is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.
Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Fu Hua—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.
See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Honest Eyes Optical isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.
Kickflip ready: Drop in for decks, wheels, and gear that won’t bail on you—2nd Level Board Shop keeps everything locked in so you can focus on landing that trick instead of worrying about snapped axles.
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🍒 Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek PowWow @ Bayside Music Stage | Tuesday (7/1) at 10 am – Step into the heart of tradition at the Cherry Festival PowWow, where dancers, drummers, and vibrant culture take center stage. Early risers get the goods: first 50 dancers snag an honorarium, and there’s pageantry, powwow contests, and cherry dishes galore. Celebrate Indigenous pride, watch the Grand Entry at 11, and don’t miss the Wiigwaasmin Pageant for the young warriors and queens in training.
🎵 Weird Al Yankovic @ Pepsi Bayside Music Stage | Tuesday (7/1) at 6 pm – Get ready for accordion-powered parody galore as “Weird Al” brings his Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour to the National Cherry Festival. Expect high-energy takes on your favorite hits, hilarious multimedia surprises, and a sideshow spectacle you won’t soon forget.
🎥 Community Night w/ Interlochen in Town @ State Theatre | Wednesday (7/2) at 7 pm – Slip behind the scenes of Bob Dylan’s rise in this cult classic documentary, loaded with candid fan moments, fiery interviews, and a soundtrack that defined a generation. Grab a seat for a night where music history and teen antics collide on the big screen.
🤘 Pop Evil, Buckcherry, & Hinder @ Bayside Music Stage | Thursday (7/3) at 6 pm – Buckle up for a high-octane night of rock at the Bayside Stage. Pop Evil, Buckcherry, and Hinder are serving up wall-to-wall hits and an all-inclusive ticket option makes it a no-brainer. Grab your spot—this one’s going loud.
🎻 Dixon’s Violin @ Nauti-Cat | Thursday (7/3) at 10 pm – Hop aboard the Nauti-Cat for an unforgettable night with Dixon’s Violin—the world’s only visionary violinist and looping maestro. Expect electric vibes, a one-man symphony, and maybe even a little inspiration.
🕵️ Thrilling Traverse Amazing Race & Tour @ Alley Kat Adventures | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Think you know Traverse City? Think again—grab your teammates and dive into a citywide sprint of clues, off-the-wall challenges, and scenic detours. Text photos and videos back to your live host as you unearth hidden gems, rally friendly locals, and rack up bonus points. Perfect for families, pups, bachelor(ette) crews, or curious locals craving laughs, surprises, and a cheeky bit of friendly competition.
🎆 Fireworks on the 4th of July @ Delamar Hotel | Friday (7/4) at 8:30 pm – Ditch the backyard chaos and set sail for primo fireworks real estate aboard the majestic Wind Dancer. Sip locally curated bites and regional beverages as the breeze fills the sails and the schooner glides across Grand Traverse Bay. At around 9:30, the crew will drop the sails and guide you into front-row seats for Traverse City’s sky-high spectacle. Freedom never looked so sparkly!
This weekend
🎬 The Secret Of Kells @ State Theatre | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Round up the kiddos for a buck-a-head matinee where 12-year-old Brendan battles Vikings and a serpent god on a quest to finish the legendary Book of Kells. Doors swing open at 9 am—get there early to snag front-row seats for this enchanted forest adventure. Will Brendan conquer his fears and complete Brother Aiden’s masterpiece? Only one way to find out!
🗣️ Spanish Language Conversation Meet-Up @ Main Library | Saturday (7/5) at 10:30 am – Ready to ditch the textbooks and gab en español? Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned señor/señora, join us for laid-back chitchat over coffee and practice without the pressure. Make new amigos, brush up on tricky tenses, and embrace a casual fluency fiesta—each first Saturday, no passport required!
🎷 NMC Summer Jazz Band @ Grand Traverse Civic Center | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – Kick off your weekend with free, soulful jazz under the stars courtesy of Tim Scully’s Saturday Series. Grab a blanket, snag a spot on the lawn, and let the smooth summer sounds carry you into the night.
🎬 Books to Movies @ Main Library | Sunday (7/6) at 1 pm – Books may drop plot depth, but movies bring the popcorn. Grab a seat at the library, lean into nostalgia, and catch a novel-turned-blockbuster (or pure popcorn flick). Seats are limited—first come, first served, so sprint (not dash) in.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 7/1 “Weird Al” Yankovic @ Bayside Music Stage – 6 pm
- 7/1 Jesse Jefferson @ The Parlor – 8 pm
- 7/2 T.I. @ Bayside Music Stage – 6 pm
- 7/2 Rob Coonrod @ The Parlor – 8 pm
- 7/2 Zeke Clemons @ The Pub – 7 pm
- 7/2 The Pocket @ Kilkenny’s Irish Public House – 8 pm
- 7/3 Pop Evil and more @ Bayside Music Stage – 6 pm
- 7/3 Jazz Cabbage @ Brady’s Bar – 7 pm
- 7/3 USS Cherryfest Banger @ Union Street Station – 10 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
Steve Scheppe (Viewpoint Realty) – 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | Built in 1971 | 2076 sqft
Sunrise chasers and deck loungers, rejoice: this Old Mission Peninsula escape serves up 200 feet of sandy East Bay frontage and a panoramic watercolor show every morning. The lakeside deck is primed for epic brunches, sunset soirees, or just pretending you’re in a music video. Inside, beamed ceilings and a crackling fireplace crank the cozy factor to eleven, while the finished walkout lower level—with its wet bar and extra fireplace—ensures the party never has to end.
The three-car garage isn’t just for your toys—it hides a fully finished bonus suite for guests, in-laws, or that home office you’ll never actually use. Two buildable lots mean bragging rights, and with Traverse City, wineries, and adventure just minutes away, boredom doesn’t stand a chance.
