Events in Central Michigan today

Pickleball for a Purpose is a charity tournament at the Harrison City Park pickleball courts benefiting the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children and its Strong Roots Safe Kids Save Prevention campaign. Enter with a partner or come as an individual, with solo players paired when possible. A minimum donation of $25 per player, or $50 per team, is requested, and registration donations will be matched to multiply the support for children and families in Central Michigan. Divisions for beginner to novice and for intermediate to advanced may be offered depending on participation, and players of all skill levels are encouraged to take part. Points on the court translate into resources for child abuse prevention programs in the region.

Debbie's Flea Market in Harrison, Michigan brings a lively outdoor marketplace to the community on weekends throughout the summer, with additional open days for holidays and special happenings such as the Harrison Street Fair. Alongside visiting sellers, returning vendors refresh their booths often, so the selection changes week to week. Browse a wide mix of finds, from handmade crafts, collectibles, antiques, and vintage pieces to kayaks, seasonal decor, new merchandise, movies, discount items, jewelry, tools, gemstones, flags, toys, metal signs, home accents, furniture, sports and household gear, fishing equipment, locally made goat milk soaps and lotions, fresh produce and plants. Baked goods and hot meals are available from food trucks. Debbie’s on site stores are open during market hours, including the large blue buildings plus the sports and tool sheds. There is plenty of parking and a restroom. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome. Some sellers accept electronic payment, although many prefer cash. General parking has moved to the area behind the blue buildings to the east, with clearly marked accessible parking near the front. Because the market is outdoors, heavy rain can limit vendor setup. If the weather looks questionable, call ahead or check the event page for updates or to confirm hours. New vendors are invited. Space is $10 per day on non holiday weekends and $20 per day on holiday weekends. Pay only in person to Debbie, never online. To apply or ask questions, call or text 517-749-2618.

Begin at the Visitor Center to pick up an activity booklet, then explore learning stations throughout the park to discover more about Michigan’s forests. Every participant receives a goodie bag, and once the booklet is completed you can return to the Visitor Center to collect a prize. This event is free, but a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for park entry. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 989-348-2537.

Girls Day at The Hideaway Spa brings together hair tinsel, permanent jewelry, Botox, tarot readings, tooth gems, and henna, complemented by a charcuterie spread and playful, upscale drinks. Guests can pick their favorite services and enjoy a full lineup in one convenient setting.

Shop for fresh produce, crafts, and local goods at the Grayling Farmers Market at Grayling City Park. Vendors include farmers and makers, plus food and music. The market runs weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays during the season, and this date features hours from late morning into the afternoon.

At Grayling City Park, the market runs on Thursdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend into mid October. Browse a mix of vendors and crafters, with food, music, clothing, and more creating a welcoming, community-focused shopping experience. For vendor inquiries, contact graylingfarmersmarket1@gmail.com.

Author Michelle S. Morris will be on hand for a book signing with time to chat over coffee and light refreshments. She writes the Timber River Thriller series, which includes Comes Around, A Quiet Town, and Corrupted Waters, as well as the contemporary summer novel Fresh Water. Her books focus on connection, resilience, and family through strong women and multigenerational characters, set in a world that is not always straightforward and laced with enough suspense to keep pages turning. Each story captures a slice of life... and readers may notice familiar places or characters woven into the fiction. There will be opportunities to have books signed.

This event brings together live music, chilled beer, and a feel-good atmosphere. What more could you want?

Ride is performing live at Irish Kilt Brewing. The show is scheduled to start in the early evening.

One Love Reggae Band is live at Paddle Hard Yard for an evening of reggae music. The show runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so come by, relax, and enjoy the good vibes.

This celebration of all things cocoa offers a lineup designed for delightfully messy fun. Participants can take part in wrestling matches in chocolate pudding, compete in chocolate milk chugging challenges, and let young artists create pudding based artwork. A chocolate themed slip and slide adds to the excitement, along with additional cocoa centered games and activities. Playful and sweet, it welcomes chocolate fans of every age.

CASA partners with Challenger Sports to present a summer soccer camp at Crawford County Sports Complex in Grayling, MI. The camp returns with flexible scheduling options so families can choose what fits best, creating a friendly, soccer-focused experience for participants.

The Diabetes PATH Toolkit is an evidence-based program designed to help adults confidently manage diabetes day to day, including people with prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, along with family members and caregivers. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing symptoms, making informed treatment decisions, and setting achievable health goals. RSVP is required.

Bring your current craft project and spend relaxed time chatting with others while you create. Share ideas, get helpful suggestions for what you are making, or simply enjoy friendly conversation as you work.

Bring your talent for an open mic night that welcomes poets, musicians, singers, and comedians. Amplification, microphones, and stands are provided, along with options like acoustic guitar, acoustic/electric bass, an electronic drum set, and hand percussion. If you prefer, you can also bring your own gear and plug in. Performers can enjoy happy hour with 20% off food and drink all evening, and $25 Cut River Grille gift cards are presented to performers (while available).

The Venue on Main, Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, Hayes Township, and Harrison Community Schools are working together in Downtown Harrison on a back-to-school pavement painting activity. Focused on helping local students start the year strong, this creative community event uses street painting to mark the return to school.

Presented by Head Start Preschool, this outdoor get-together at Clare City Park invites young children and their families for a welcoming story time followed by bubble play. Children can move, giggle, and explore as bubbles fill the air, while caregivers share a relaxed experience together. It offers an easy way to support early literacy while enjoying fresh air. Families are welcome to attend as often as they like.

This hands-on hairstyling workshop for parents focuses on creating a polished donut bun. Participants can choose to practice a high or a low style based on preference. Registration is required. Bring a hairbrush and arrive with hair already brushed. All other essentials are provided, including a donut bun form, hair ties, bobby pins, hairspray, and pomade.

Join the monthly Cancer Support Group at the Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center. It’s open to anyone affected by cancer, including people who are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, in remission, living with long-term effects, or supporting a loved one. There’s no age restriction, and the session lasts about 90 minutes.

CCN Car Show hosts a monthly cruise-in at the Last Chance Garage, where car enthusiasts gather to enjoy a free dinner and spend time with fellow fans. Attendees can bring a classic to display or come to browse the cars and talk shop.

REFIT is an exercise session that turns working out into a fun experience. It takes place at Ogemaw Hills Church.

Families with toddlers and preschoolers can take part in a weekly story and play time that features a read-aloud, a hands-on activity or craft, and a small snack. Sessions are held at Harrison District Library, and during the summer the gathering moves to Harrison City Park Pavilion A next to the new playground by the pickleball court.

Spend a calm, self-guided hour among blooming lavender in Clare, Michigan. During this garden visit, participants hand cut fresh stems and shape them into an arrangement to take home while savoring the scent of summer. Each Sips and Clips ticket includes one bundle of fresh lavender and a lavender lemonade. The experience runs rain or shine, with rescheduling possible in the case of severe weather. All reservations are final sale and not refundable. It is a chance to relax, connect, and bloom.

Join an all-level Ashtanga yoga class at The Uncommon Ranch, led by certified instructor Jessica. This 90-minute practice includes opening and centering, sun salutations, standing and seated postures, and a calming finish with restorative Savasana followed by seated meditation. The session is held indoors in The Retreat, with a complimentary aromatherapy introduction to create a relaxing, grounding atmosphere. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and any props you like, and wear comfortable, breathable clothing.

Sweet Copper Sodas brings ice cold, Michigan-made refreshments to Northern Michigan farmers markets this summer. The lineup features classic Sarsaparilla alongside the Cherry Bomb flavor, all made with real ingredients. Visitors can pick up single bottles or a six-pack and fold these sodas into their regular market routine.

Adults are invited to an open art studio session in the Creativity Center inside the original gallery at AuSable Artisan Village. There is no fee and no registration, just show up. Bring your own supplies and materials, and create whatever you’d like. While there isn’t an instructor, Pam Meland will be there to help facilitate. Donations are welcome.

Let's Discuss Book Club meets on the second Thursday of each month in the WBDL community room. This month's book is "Orange is the New Black" by Piper Kerman. Copies are available at the library for checkout.

This themed camp invites participants to experience pioneer life on an Oregon Trail inspired journey. Campers explore the challenges of traveling west through hands-on adventures, creative problem solving, and classic camp activities. Along the route they watch for hazards like rattlesnakes, work through trail setbacks, make critical choices, and discover what it took to keep moving toward a new frontier. Days are filled with crafting frontier style gear, tackling STEM based projects, enjoying target practice at the range, playing games, and uncovering a few surprises. Everyone sleeps in their own tent to stay fully immersed in the experience, and dressing in themed outfits is encouraged. Two session lengths are available, with a standard option or an extended trek for those who want even more time on the trail.

Smoke Show performs in the small pavilion within Shamrock Park in Clare, Michigan.

Tasty food and refreshing drinks pair with an enthusiastic crew and a lively crowd for a feel-good celebration. It is all about good times from start to finish, with plenty of chances to cheer and make some noise.

Standish Historic Depot hosts a free summer concert series featuring live music, with dancing welcome throughout. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy performances with family and friends. The schedule highlights acts such as the Rhett Yocom Blues Band, The Rivermen, The Reliks, an Elvis tribute by Bryan Elzie Dixon, The Bentleys, Kowalski Brothers Band, Hale Creek Band, and High 5 Band, with one appearance by The Rivermen taking place in Omer City. Concessions include hot popcorn and beverages available for purchase. Voluntary donations that support the Depot’s year-round operations can be placed in candy cane collection containers. Event sound is provided by Wilk Entertainment.

Kilcare Feud returns with a fresh round of team-based fun. Form a crew and put your smarts to work in a playful showdown for prizes awarded to the three highest scoring teams. There is no entry fee, and the event is open to participants of any age. Food and beverages are available throughout. You can reserve a table by calling in advance, since space is limited. More feud nights are on the schedule.

Thursdays in the City features live music from The Sauce Cats at Riverwalk Place. This free community event, sponsored by the Gladwin Business & Professionals Association, is open to everyone. Expect an energetic mix of rock, blues, funk, and well known favorites from a lively, skilled band. Bring lawn chairs, gather friends and family, and settle into Riverwalk Place’s backyard for an evening of music, dancing, and a relaxed vibe. Dinner and drinks are available from Riverwalk Place for those who want to make a night of it. If it rains, the show will be moved indoors.