This weekend in Traverse City, MI

Join an open-water swim event celebrating clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay. The swim takes place on August 8, 2026, and the proceeds benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed.

Create custom armor for costumes in a hands-on workshop at Treysian's Treasures. Learn the essentials of working with high-density EVA foam, including how to read and trace patterns, mark and cut sheets accurately, assemble pieces, and shape them for comfortable wear. All supplies are provided, from tools and materials to ready-to-use patterns, so you can focus on building. Advance registration is required, and the cost is $10 per person. Everyone leaves with their project, whether finished or still in progress, along with a reference sheet that includes notes, tips, and tricks for future foamsmithing projects.

Second Breakfast Book Club brings together readers who enjoy pairing great stories with coffee and something tasty. Each gathering focuses on preparing a recipe inspired by a beloved book, blending conversation with a bit of hands on cooking. The participation fee covers ingredients, coffee is provided, and copies of the featured title are available for purchase through The Folded Leaf. Expect a cozy, well fed experience with a hint of hobbit charm.

GTCD’s Family River Days offer a monthly weekend outing where families connect with the Boardman-Ottaway River throughout the Natural Education Reserve. For two hours, the Boardman River Nature Center serves as a welcoming hub for hands-on learning, self-guided discovery, and time along the water. Participants can explore habitats above and below the surface, examine aquatic macroinvertebrates, learn about frogs through catch-and-release activities focused on their life cycles and habitats, and contribute to a community BioBlitz by documenting wildlife found in the park. These shared experiences encourage curiosity, environmental awareness, and stewardship of the river and surrounding natural spaces. Registration is free and required. Intended for families and children.

Traverse City Young Professionals hosts a casual Pickleball FunDay at the YMCA South outdoor courts at Logan’s Landing. The gathering offers a chance to get active in the fresh air while connecting with other young professionals. Players of all experience levels are welcome, from first timers to those who play regularly. Please bring a paddle and any other gear you prefer to use. Expect lighthearted matches, friendly competition, and a social atmosphere on the courts.

This event brings Halford Wyatt to Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Young Company's one-week campers present Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo KIDS in an undersea adventure. Follow Marlin and new friends as they set out to rescue Nemo, always reminded to keep swimming. This production is presented under a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, and all authorized performance materials are provided by MTI.

Sandbox Saturdays brings a patio party to Thirsty Fish Sports Grille with summer vibes, cold drinks, and a steady flow of live music. For this edition, Stone Travelbee takes the stage. The kitchen features a collaboration with Taqueria T.C. Latino, offering authentic, homemade Mexican dishes alongside popular Thirsty Fish American favorites, giving you the best of both menus to pair with your beverage. All ages are welcome, and an honor cover is appreciated to support the musicians. The fun continues all season with added live music on Thursdays and karaoke every Friday.

The Northwestern Michigan Fair is a week-long community fair held at the fairgrounds. Ticket options include general admission and weekly passes, and the page notes that general admission does not cover grandstand events or Arnold Amusement Rides. Ticket pricing ranges from $4.00 to $25.75.

At The Dennos, the Traverse City chapter of Ikebana International is back for its third year with a pop-up exhibit featuring one-of-a-kind floral creations. Original arrangements are displayed throughout the sculpture court and gallery spaces, offering a serene, artful experience for visitors.

Learn how three orphaned brothers from New York, after following their older sister to Adrian, Michigan in 1867, turned an early venture selling sewing machines and household goods into a landmark music enterprise. In 1879 they shifted to a music house, moved to Detroit, and built a network of 43 branches across Michigan, Ohio, and Windsor, Ontario. By the 1950s, the Grinnell Brothers Music House had become the world’s largest music company. This presentation explores changing instruments and listening technology, from gramophones to record players, along with guitars, mandolins, and popular music of the era. A few musical pieces will be played, and the company’s motto is reflected in a focus on all things musical. The presenter’s book, Grinnell Brothers Music House: 1879-1981, is available to check out from the library.