Hike to the bay, Cherry Fest arts & craft fair, country under the stars, cherry crafts, a diner revival, and more.
27 Jun
Happy Friday, 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 weekend ahead:
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Trail hike 🥾
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Art & craft fair 🧺
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Bridge concerns 🌉
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Diner immortalized in song: Ryan Hurd’s new country single “JP’s Hard Luck Diner, Permanently Closed” brings back the spirit of the beloved Traverse City eatery more than twelve years after it shut its doors — read the full story
Golden Hour Sails await: Experience evening cruises across Grand Traverse Bay aboard Wind Dancer, the Manitou, Nauti-Cat, or the classic Althea with wine, snacks, and sunset views every night this summer — plan your cruise.
Pedestrian bridge removal planned: DNR plans to remove the Traverse City State Park pedestrian bridge next summer to meet ADA requirements, prompting State Sen. John Damoose to express frustration over unanswered local concerns — read more.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
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This could overturn the minimum wage cap
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MSU will raise tuition by 4.5% this fall
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Join a conversational gallery talk
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Learn about the Ironman Michigan race
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Stop by the Cherry Fest Market
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Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, Taproot Cider House turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—Potter’s Bakery is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, Union Street Station hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Bolt action: Hunting for bold florals, buttery satins, or that perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece? InterQuilten stocks bolts of fabric so good you’ll actually look forward to hemming, quilting, or just petting every. single. yard.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
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📆 Traverse City happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🎷 Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz Trio @ Workshop Brewing Company | Friday (6/27) at 6 pm – Whether you’re itching to take the stage or just soak up some smooth grooves, this all-ages Jazz Jam is your ticket to spontaneous solos and toe-tapping camaraderie. Bring your chops (or just your appreciation) and settle in for a night where every improv moment feels like pure magic.
🧗 Climbing at Elev8 in June @ ELEV8 Climbing Gym | Friday (6/27) at 6 pm – Ready to push your limits and meet your new climbing crew? For just $20 (gear included), you’ll conquer bouldering walls, swap beta with fellow adventurers, and maybe discover muscles you never knew you had. No booking, no fuss – just show up, chalk up, and ascend.
🧘 The Art of Peace – Sound Voyage with Eva @ New Moon Yoga Collaborative | Friday (6/27) at 6 pm– Float away on a sea of Tibetan singing bowls as Eva weaves an improvised soundscape designed to melt stress and ignite inner calm. Bring a bolster, snag a blanket, and let the healing vibrations do the heavy lifting—suggested donation $20 keeps the good vibes flowing.
This weekend
🥾 Hike the Ridge @ The Ridge Nature Preserve | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Lace up your boots for a 1.5-mile adventure up one of Grand Traverse County’s highest points. You’ll climb roughly 200 feet over moderately challenging terrain, with sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay, Leelanau County, and beyond. Along the way, learn how this new GTRLC preserve will protect water quality and wildlife habitat while opening up fresh trails. It’s free, but registration is required—so grab your poles, water bottle, and bug spray, and secure your spot today!
🏊 Ironman Michigan 70.3 Race @ Grand Traverse Bay YMCA | Saturday (6/28) at 4 pm – Dive into the triathlon buzz with a deep-dive presentation from Ironman race director Joel Gaff, medical pros, and local pro Katie Treston-Tourney. Learn course secrets, gear tips, and join a no-holds-barred Q&A before hitting the roads for Sunday’s bike course preview. Whether you’re racing or racing to spectate, there’s something here for every endurance junkie.
🎵 Tyler Hubbard @ Bayside Music Stage | Saturday (6/28) at 6 pm – Get ready to kick off the National Cherry Festival with a bang as country superstar Tyler Hubbard brings his chart-topping hits and solo swagger to the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Whether you’re a “5 Foot 9” devotee or here for the Florida Georgia Line nostalgia, expect a high-energy set, festival vibes, and maybe a surprise or two under the summer sky.
🥊 UFC 317 Watch Party @ Significant Strikes Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, & MMA | Saturday (6/28) at 6 pm – Gear up for a night of undercard thrills and main-event mayhem on the big screen—pizza and a drink are on the house for $10. Cheer, jeer, and high-five fellow fight fans as the Octagon action unfolds in real time. RSVP to secure your spot and your slice, because missing this would be a real knockout… of the wrong kind.
🍒 National Cherry Fest Arts & Crafts Fair @ Downtown TC | Sunday (6/29) at 10 am – Count down to cherry season with a stroll through handcrafted heaven. From eye-catching ceramics to original prints, this fair is your ticket to unique finds and local flair. Bring your sweet tooth and your curiosity for a day of artful surprises under the summer sun.
🎨 Samantha Hall Art @ Downtown TC | Sunday (6/29) at 10 am – Dive into Samantha Hall’s colorful world of prints, tea towels, and more at her juried booth. Preview her treasures online or shop in person for one-of-a-kind pieces that brighten any space. Support small-batch craftsmanship and bring home something truly original.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/27 Kevin Paul @ North Bar – 5 pm
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6/27 Brian T. McCosky @ Brady’s Bar – 5 pm
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6/27 Chris Smith @ Rove – 5:30 pm
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6/28 Tyler Hubbard @ Bayside Music Stage – 6 pm
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6/28 Kamikaze Comedy @ Right Brain Brewery – 9 pm
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6/28 One Hot Robot @ Union Street Station – 9:30 pm
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6/29 David Martón @ The Pub – 5 pm
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6/29 Cheap Trick and more @ Bayside Music Stage – 6 pm
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6/29 Comedy Mixtape #25 @ Workshop Brewing Company – 7 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – TC edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Shawn Schmidt (Coldwell Banker Schmidt Traver) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 1988 | 3100 sqft
Old Mission’s LinDale Estates just got a serious glow-up—this four-bedroom stunner rocks designer finishes, a master suite that moonlights as a spa (hello, steam shower and soaking tub), and a family room downstairs that practically begs for epic movie nights. Two fireplaces mean double the cozy, and the foyer is ready for dramatic entrances or muddy boots, depending on your vibe.
West Bay views make the top floor feel like a treehouse for grown-ups, while the rolling yard is basically a playground for humans and pets alike. The sandy 300′ shared beach is just down the hill, with private parking for your beach gear (or questionable paddleboard skills). Even the neighborhood park and a bus to Old Mission Elementary are on standby—because convenience is the real luxury.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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Traverse City, MI 49684, United States of America
