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Happy Friday, Traverse City. In today’s edition: Cultural venue decisions, Beulah’s Christmas magic, free family fun day: pinecone owls, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Property tax growth fuels plans: Grand Traverse County commissioners were set to review the proposed 2026 budget and may revive a planning department. A vote on the plan is expected December 17 — see what’s in the 2026 budget.
Airport changes spark debate: Cherry Capital Airport Authority proposed draft standards, including added insurance requirements and new event fees, drawing pushback from aviation groups and the National Cherry Festival while final rules remain pending — read the full story.
Cultural venues at a crossroads: Traverse City commissioners weigh futures of Carnegie Library, Bijou by the Bay, and City Opera House amid repair issues, with decisions starting Dec. 15 and selections expected in January — see the options and timeline.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.
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🫶 We got your back
Big names, bigger laughs: Roy Wood Jr., the former Daily Show correspondent, will headline Traverse City Comedy Fest, running April 16 to 18, 2026, with his set at the City Opera House on Friday, April 17. Tickets are on sale now. Gary Gulman headlines Saturday. Comics can submit to perform through January 5, 2026. Get dates and ticket info.
Young leaders earn national stage: Kingsley High School’s NJROTC, only in its second year, has been chosen to represent Michigan in next year’s National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The 8th through 12th grade program is fundraising, with about $40,000 raised toward a roughly $91,000 trip goal. Sponsorships and community drives are underway. Get donation and contact details.
Hair day, handled: November hair doing the most? Allure Salon keeps it simple with friendly pros, an Aveda‑exclusive approach, and services from cut and color to nails, all in a relaxed, upbeat space. Expect fewer bad hair days, more effortless you.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.
Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🎤 Mal & Mike @ North Bar | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Acoustic disco on the North Bar roof, Mal & Mike bring smooth grooves, friendly volume, and a view that does half the work. Sing-along hooks, breezy harmonies, and cocktails you can finish before they melt, with just enough rhythm to sway without upsetting your knees.
🎄 The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas @ City Opera House | Friday (12/12) at 7:30pm – Holiday season in Traverse City means trading parking lot chaos for The Bergamot’s 8th annual A South Shore Christmas. Expect soaring harmonies, heartwarming stories, timeless classics, and originals you secretly know by heart, all polished enough to impress Rolling Stone UK. Cozy, no tinsel fatigue.
This weekend
✨ Beulah’s Annual Christmas Magic @ Downtown Beulah | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to lean into small-town sparkle, this is it. Darcy Library cookies at the trailhead, a Benzonia Library shindig at Mills, wagon rides, Santa, then the lighted parade and Moonlight Madness. Beulah does festive without the fuss, with prizes.
🎬 Klaus @ State Theatre | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Treat the little elves to Klaus at the State Theatre’s $1 Kids’ Matinee, and treat yourself to silence, nostalgia, and cheap thrills. It’s cozy holiday magic on the big screen, local vibes included, without the price tag of a mall photo with Santa.
🎁 Cherryland Children’s Christmas Party @ VFW Cherryland Post 2780 | Saturday (12/13) at 11:30am – Whether your kids still believe or you just want cookies, Cherryland’s Children’s Christmas Party delivers food, games, music, and a Santa sighting. Bring the crew, enjoy the chaos, and if you’re feeling festive, chip in a $10-or-less gift.
🔨 MidEast: Just Peace Holiday Craft Fair and Silent Auction @ Presbyterian Church of Traverse City | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Browse handmade crafts, fine art from local galleries, and gift certificates to favorite local spots, then participate in a silent auction supporting humanitarian relief for refugees in Gaza. A thoughtful way to shop locally while contributing to a meaningful cause.
🦉 Free Family Fun Day: Pinecone Owls @ The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park | Sunday (12/14) at 1:00pm – Round up the crew and head to The Botanic Garden for pinecone owl ornaments made from natural materials, a simple, hands-on craft that’s fun for all ages. It’s free, no registration, and all materials provided, so the table stays clean, the kids feel artsy, and you look brilliant.
🎺 With the Holidays in Mind – Encore Symphonic Winds @ Traverse City Philharmonic | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – If your holiday calendar is running the show, escape to the TC Phil Center at Cherryland Mall for a free hour with Encore Symphonic Winds. About 50 hometown players will fill the mall with carols, memories, and joy, no lists, no wrapping, no returns.
Next week
🎵 Holiday Concert @ City Opera House | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – At the Opera House, our Preschool through 5th grade Panthers are putting on a holiday concert, and yes, the tiny handbells are involved. Expect proud-parent tears, accidental solos, and a burst of community cheer, the kind that pairs nicely with cocoa, patience, and applause.
🎶 Holiday Concert @ Kirkbride Hall | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:30pm – Whether you still know all the words to Silent Night or just show up for the harmonies, the Grand Traverse Show Chorus and Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus are gifting us a free holiday concert. Local voices, classic tunes, zero ticket cost, maximum cheer.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ Price is right – Traverse City 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).
Listed by: Molly Buttleman (@properties Christie's Int'l)
On a quiet South Creek cul-de-sac 7 miles from downtown Traverse City, this park-like retreat sits amid hardwoods and evergreens, irrigation keeping things crisp. A covered porch leads to living and office zones that flow to an open kitchen, dining, and a sunroom turned plant lounge, then a deck surveying a generous yard.
Main-floor primary suite with laundry pairs with a second bedroom and full bath. The bright walkout adds a lounge, third bedroom, full bath, and room to expand. 11-foot ceilings, Anderson windows, natural gas fireplace, whole-house surround sound, reverse osmosis, softener, newer appliances, and a recent water heater make it turn-key.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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