Events in Jackson today

Every other week, outdoor grilling days take place at Manchester Market with fresh favorites served straight from the grill. The menu rotates to keep things new, beginning with classic burgers and brats alongside sides, then switching up offerings at subsequent events.

Downtown Jackson Cruise-In & Concerts returns with a free, family-friendly evening that fills the downtown area with classic cars, live music, and plenty of food options. Stroll past showcased vehicles, enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants, and find food trucks at Horace Blackman Park. Music takes the spotlight at the True Community Stage with Summer Pops performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Participants bringing a vehicle can park in the cruise-in area at no cost. An optional $5 registration is available for those who want to compete for one of five trophy categories. Registered entrants also receive a dash plaque and a swag bag while supplies last. Whether attending for the cars, the music, or a relaxed night out with family and friends, this community gathering offers a lively, walkable downtown experience.

During Downtown Jackson Cruise Nights, JFUMC offers an open, welcoming space where visitors can cool down, take a break, and connect while the downtown celebration is in full swing. Guests can enjoy popcorn along with soft drinks and other refreshments, use restrooms available to the public, and take tours of the church building. It provides a friendly spot to sit and relax alongside the classic cars, food trucks, and live music that define these nights.

Explore seasonal produce at the River and Rail Food Hub as the Market Connect Program spotlights a different ingredient sourced from local farms. Each session features a brief, hands-on lesson, a tasting of a simple recipe that highlights the featured item, and a recipe card to take home. There is time for questions and open conversation, followed by a guided walk through the farmers market. Participants also receive a market gift card to shop directly with local growers and vendors. Activities take place in the garden on the northeast side of the building. Supported by Dawn Foods, with the farmers market made possible by Consumers Energy.

Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community presents the 8th annual Just Kids Back to School event with a foam party by Joystick Mobile and a live DJ from Loud and Proud Entertainment. Attendees can look forward to a backpack giveaway, raffle drawings, games, ice cream, drinks, and more. All activities and giveaways are first come, first served while supplies last. Donations are welcome, with gratitude to donors and the community.

At Jackson Coffee Company, this laid-back meetup brings people together for conversation and community. Enjoy well-made drinks and a warm, social atmosphere that makes it easy to connect. It is all about friendly faces and a good time.

This one day mattress fundraiser for Northwest Bands takes place inside the Northwest Early Elementary School cafeteria and features name brands like Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, and Therapedic, along with adjustable bases, memory foam pillows, and sheets. Delivery is free, and old mattresses and box springs can be removed for a small fee. Starting prices are Twin $249, Full $299, Queen $349, and King $499. Mention the post to receive a free set of sheets with any mattress purchase over $399.

This marathon-style throwing league features big axe first, followed by knives. Doors open before the action begins.

Rhea Lana’s of Jackson brings its fall and winter children’s consignment sale to a new spot inside Westwood Mall in Jackson, located in the former Justice store. Shoppers can browse thousands of gently used items at significant savings, including clothing for newborns through teens, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, maternity essentials, nursery furniture, outdoor play items, and more. Early access is available through tiered presale tickets, with Platinum, Gold, and Silver options that each admit two shoppers and are priced at $20, $15, and $10. Public shopping is also available without a ticket. Those interested in consigning can earn 60% of their sales, with items covered against loss or theft and payment provided immediately after the event. Each season, the sale helps families stretch their budgets, keeps quality goods out of landfills, and supports foster families through a dedicated shopping opportunity.

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra brings its Summer Pops series to the Victory Park Bandshell with a free community concert honoring America’s 250th year. Expect spirited marches, sweeping film music, and hallmark works by American composers such as Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, and John Williams. Seating is not provided, so bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. VIP packages, catered indoor receptions, and reserved seating are available only at the separate Jackson performance and are not offered at this location.

A plein air paint out with the Plein Air Painters of Jackson County will be held at Curtis Farms. For more information, contact Lisa Brown at 517-812-7057.

Get moving with a Zumba class led by Michelle, a dance-based workout that blends aerobics with upbeat rhythms from around the world. Expect easy-to-follow routines inspired by hip hop, salsa, merengue, and samba that boost your mood, improve coordination, and burn calories while you have fun. Drop-ins are welcome and no registration is required. Pricing is $6 per class or $45 for 10 classes.

Perinatal professionals in the Jackson, MI area are invited to a relaxed networking mingle focused on building genuine connections among those who support families through pregnancy, birth, and the first year postpartum. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments provided by Better Birth Jackson, a collective of birth and postpartum doulas. Attendees will have the option to share a brief one to two minute introduction about their work, and bringing business cards or flyers is encouraged. The aim is to put faces to names and strengthen the local network of people who care for moms, parents, and babies. Hosted by Dr. Moriah Severance at Jackson Chiropractic, the venue offers plenty of parking, a step-free entrance, and wheelchair accessibility. Children are welcome and toys will be available, and the space is breastfeeding friendly. This gathering is open to a wide range of providers, including midwives, OB/GYNs, doulas, social workers, community health workers, hospital staff in labor and delivery or postpartum, mother and baby nurses, pelvic floor physical therapists, chiropractors, mental health therapists, lactation consultants or counselors, pediatricians, nutritionists, and related professionals. RSVP is optional and can help with planning for food and refreshments.

Explore Jackson County’s parks with a friendly challenge created by Jackson County Parks and Experience Jackson. Visit designated park locations, use the Experience Jackson app to check in at each stop, and submit your completion in the app to qualify for rewards. After eight verified check-ins, participants receive a special Jackson County Parks water bottle. Finishing the eight visits by the early deadline also enters participants into a drawing for four Detroit Tigers tickets, courtesy of American 1 Credit Union. Open the app, find the Challenges section, select the Jackson County Parks Challenge, tap the on-screen check in button at each location, then submit your contact information to confirm eligibility. Along the way, discover hidden gems and recent improvements throughout the park system while collecting prizes for your progress.

Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rally brings a rotating mix of local food trucks to the River & Rail Food Hub, set within the historic state prison complex. It offers a relaxed lunchtime atmosphere where friends and coworkers can grab a bite and discover new local flavors. The lineup changes regularly, and weekly updates about participating vendors are shared on the Grand River Farmers Market Facebook page.

Spanish 101 at Forks Senior Center is led by Paul Vasquez and will meet weekly in the Conference Room. The first session drew 17 participants. A sign-up sheet is available for the next class.

The Jackson Art Association holds a meeting in the community room at Ella Sharp Museum, welcoming guests and anyone interested in meeting members and learning more about the organization. The program features an ice cream social followed by a presentation from guest speaker Richard Jordan, a plein air artist. The Artist of the Month segment has been moved to the second meeting of each month.

Ages 12 and up can train in a twice weekly adult martial arts class that blends traditional Okinawan karate with practical applications in a focused, supportive setting. Instruction covers core skills such as strikes, kicks, blocks, and solid footwork. Participants work on kata, formal movement patterns that apply technique against imagined opponents, similar to disciplined shadow boxing. Training also includes experience with traditional Okinawan weapons like the bo and sai, along with self defense methods that incorporate concepts from other martial arts. Sparring is used to develop control, precision, timing, and strategic awareness. The program emphasizes personal growth, discipline, and respect, and welcomes beginners as well as those looking to refine their practice. Guidance is provided by Sensei Steve.

Enjoy Disney’s Lorcana league play with free entry. Every participant receives prizes and promotional items.

Enjoy a book club conversation centered on The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, with thoughtful discussion, shared insights, and a spirit of fellowship. Please obtain your own copy of the book ahead of time. Open to first timers and longtime readers alike.