Events in Traverse City today

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.

Quick Start at Northwestern Michigan College offers a relaxed, drop-in setting for prospective students and families. Taking place at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus, it is geared toward those who have not yet applied or been admitted. Visitors can learn about academic programs, receive help completing an application, and talk through financial aid options.

Ease into the day with the Sunrise Sculpt Series, offering free Pilates Sculpt classes at The Open Space in downtown Traverse City. Held on select Tuesdays during the summer, these sessions focus on energizing movement to begin the morning. Participants should bring their own mat.

Settle onto the sand at East Bay Park for a gentle-flow yoga session in a peaceful setting with views of East Bay. The class welcomes all levels, including beginners and those who are prenatal or postnatal, with a relaxed pace focused on stretching and mindful breathing. Bring a yoga mat and water. A limited number of extra mats are available, and restrooms are on site. Weather can affect class status, so check Eventbrite or the Yogi Nomi Facebook page for updates. A minimum $10 donation is requested, payable by cash or Venmo.

This celebratory gala supports the Traverse City Philharmonic’s live performances and young musicians at the Community Music School. The evening offers continuous live music, a seated dinner, and both silent and live auctions. Early bird pricing is available, with single tickets at $160 before increasing to $175, and tables for eight offered at an early bird rate of $1,280.

The Open Page is a monthly queer writers circle created in collaboration with Up North Pride and The Folded Leaf. It welcomes LGBTQ+ writers, creatives who are questioning, and allies seeking a gentle place to write, explore, and connect. Each session begins with a brief prompt inspired by queer literature and themes of memory, identity, place, imagination, and joy, followed by quiet time for writing and an optional chance to share. No experience is required, and reading aloud is never expected. All forms are encouraged, including poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, journaling, letter writing, fragments, and works in progress.

Chris Sterr brings his open mic back to the patio at Traverse City Whiskey Co., offering a relaxed setting where performers can share their songs. Musicians are encouraged to bring an instrument and their music, and to come with an open mind for a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere.

Weekly open mic nights at The Stillhouse run throughout the summer, with a stage open to poetry readings, songs, instrumental performances, and stand-up comedy. Guests can step up to share their work or simply relax and enjoy each act. The atmosphere centers on creativity and offers a casual space for a variety of performances all season.

Put your trivia skills to the test in a quickfire quiz that is free to enter. Take part on your own or build a team of up to six people. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.

Catch Stray Cats at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan. The show starts at 7:30 PM.

A free playgroup and storytime at the Great Lakes Children's Museum welcomes children ages 0 to 5 with their caregivers. Presented by Curiosity Place, the program features a read-aloud led by volunteer Ms. Nancy, hands-on play-based activities for early learners, light refreshments, and opportunities for families to connect, along with helpful information and resources for caregivers. No registration is required. The playgroup does not meet when TCAPS schools are closed. This offering is part of the Neighborhood Network, a Northwest Michigan early childhood initiative that supports gathering, learning, and growth in trusted community spaces.

Get ready to wiggle, giggle, and read at a fun storytime for little ones and their grown-ups. Expect stories plus plenty of chances to jump, dance, and laugh. The program will be held in the North Conference Room of the Township offices, and you can also plan to stop by the library afterward for a snack and some informal playtime. Please note there is a sensory advisory, as the event may include loud noises and bright lights.

Expect contemporary jazz featuring a blend of standards and original pieces, moving from familiar tunes to new compositions. The music balances tradition and current styles for a varied listening experience.

Throughout the summer in Traverse City, LK brings roots-inspired, soul-infused sounds to North Bar TC as part of an every-other-Wednesday series.

Zeke brings a Wednesday set packed with familiar favorites, delivering a midweek soundtrack built around songs you already know and love.

The Pocket performs at Kilkenny’s. The lineup features Chris Sterr on guitar and vocals, Mike Shea on drums and percussion, and Stu Ford on bass.

Settle into a gentle, beachside yoga flow on the sand at East Bay Park, surrounded by a calm, natural backdrop overlooking the East Bay. The session welcomes all levels, including beginners as well as prenatal and postnatal participants, with an emphasis on easy movement, stretching, and mindful breathing. Bring a mat and water; extra mats are available if needed, and bathrooms are on-site. A $10 minimum donation is accepted by cash or Venmo. Classes take place weather permitting; for any updates or cancellations, please check Eventbrite or the Yogi Nomi Facebook page.

Bare Earth Skin Co. will have a booth at the East Bay Farmers Market, offering handcrafted soaps, candles, wax melts, and more. Browse the collection in person, take in the scents up close, and choose a favorite or a thoughtful gift.

Discover fresh produce and locally made goods at the East Bay Corners Farmers Market, a weekly gathering that fosters connections between neighbors, regional growers, and small businesses. The market is managed by SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers in partnership with East Bay Township, with rotating special activities such as car safety seat checks with Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority, food safety and preservation workshops, blood drives with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, TART 3-Mile Trail promotions, cooking demonstrations with SEEDS, and yoga hosted by the East Bay Library. For this market date, the featured activity is a yoga session in the North Conference Room. Families can participate in the Power of Produce Club for kids ages 5 to 13, which encourages healthy eating and gardening and provides a weekly coupon to spend with vendors. SNAP/EBT is accepted, and the market participates in the Grand Traverse County Senior Produce Program to expand access to fresh, local food.

At Grand Traverse Distillery, this kickoff event launches a crowdfunding campaign for the Three Mile Trail project. The campaign supports building a trail that helps children get to school, links families with libraries, and connects people to the destinations they need. It focuses on transforming transportation in the community, with critical connections made possible through community support.

Take part in a free gentle yoga class in the North Conference Room of the East Bay Township Building, guided by certified yoga therapist and instructor Janet Weaver. The session welcomes all experience levels, from first-timers to longtime practitioners. Please bring a yoga mat or a large towel if you can, and note that a limited number of mats will be available on site. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required.

A relaxed night out at The Magic Kiln for ladies who want to get creative. Choose a pottery piece, sip while you paint, and share plenty of laughs with friends as you make lasting memories. No experience is needed, just come ready to have fun.

Escape to the heart of the Mediterranean with a culinary experience focused on the legendary food heritage of Sicily. You’ll explore the island’s distinctive flavors, including how the signature sweet and tangy “agrodolce” balance shapes the local palate, and how factors like volcanic soil and coastal breezes influence regional ingredients. The night includes wine or a non-alcoholic beverage for each person, and it’s priced for two people.

At TC Eagles, a refreshed Switch season offers weekly drop-in Switcholio play alongside side games. Each visit includes four rounders with randomly assigned partners. After rounders, the highest PPR earns the dice roll that sets both seeding and the draw for a double elimination bracket. Entry for Switcholio is $15, and there are weekly payouts plus season ending payouts. A $5 optional pre-bracket game is decided by a coin flip between Knockout and Pile-On. The DudeTube airmail pot is available at $5 for one ticket or $20 for six. Players throw four bags from the regulation 27 feet, and every make pays out one quarter of the pot, with the possibility of multiple tickets being drawn depending on the size of the pot. Points are awarded for each rounders win and for bracket placement each week, and your eight best weekly totals count toward season standings. Open to the public. Non-members are required to sign in, and members may purchase drinks for non-members.

Experience a planet-loving concert where rhythms salute air, earth, and water. A seven-piece band performs original Americana songs that encourage a deeper connection with the plants and wildlife that share our world. Stonefruit Collective is featured amid flowering gardens and the charm of a historic barn. The performance takes place inside the new Debra J. Edson Family Education Center, and a peaceful stroll through the gardens before or after the music can round out the visit.

Enjoy a free Concerts On the Lawn performance featuring the Backroom Gang. Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the show, including Nate's Best Kettle Corn and Moomers Ice Cream. Presented by Grand Traverse Pavilions, with Serra Volkswagen of Traverse City as the title sponsor, support from Michigan Council for Arts, and headline sponsorship from Cherryland Electric Cooperative.

DJ Trivia comes to The Workshop Brewing Company, inviting teams to test their knowledge. Gift cards will be awarded to the top three teams.