Events in Traverse City today

Chris Sterr brings back an open mic on the patio at Traverse City Whiskey Co. The event encourages participants to share their music, with attendees asked to bring an instrument, their music, and an open mind.

Enjoy a Speedquizzing trivia night featuring Shawny-D at Thirsty Fish Sports Grille. There is no entry fee, and you can compete solo or gather a team of up to six people. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers.

Women’s Council of Realtors Northern Michigan presents a recurring Haves & Needs meeting followed by a home tour at the Aspire North office main conference room. The agenda begins with market updates that cover buyer needs, new listings, and recent price changes, then continues with an in-person tour of approximately four to five active properties located near one another. Carpooling is encouraged to make collaboration and networking easier during the tour. The format is designed to increase listing exposure, provide real-time market feedback, strengthen professional relationships, and build local market knowledge. Open to Realtors, Strategic Partners, and guests. To place a listing on the tour or to host a home as a Strategic Partner, contact Ree Zerafa at wcrhometourtc@gmail.com or 231-492-7951.

In honor of 85 years of conservation, the Grand Traverse Conservation District is presenting a Year of the River speaker series featuring engaging talks about the Boardman–Ottaway River, conservation efforts, GTCD history, natural resources, and related topics. This program spotlights the Boardman River’s current conditions and conservation in action with featured speaker Sara Vaughan, Director of Conservation at GTCD. Hosted at the Boardman River Nature Center, it is intended for adults and teens. Registration is required and costs $5 per person.

Experience contemporary jazz that blends familiar standards with original compositions for a balanced, modern sound.

Great Lakes, Great Plants returns with a refreshed slate of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences that showcase horticulture, design, and the natural character of Northern Michigan. Created for industry professionals and enthusiastic plant lovers, this three-day gathering blends inspiring presentations, guided garden visits, and special access opportunities, including a rare plant auction. This year highlights Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape, Treecycling, and The Wildland Garden, offering practical insights and creative ideas. The program is supported by the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association and hosted by The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in the heart of Traverse City. The first day focuses on expert talks and time in the gardens, followed by an evening of networking, dinner and dessert, and both silent and live auctions featuring uncommon plants. Featured speakers include Nick McCullough, Erin Presley, Matthew Ross with Brian Zimmerman, and Tim Boland. The second day brings bus-based tours of four thoughtfully selected gardens and landscapes across Northwest Michigan, with lunch included and transportation coordinated for the group. Post-conference options extend the experience. A field botany walk with Matthew Ross has limited capacity and requires separate registration with a fee, with location details to be shared and transportation on your own. A nursery open house at Four Season Nursery is complimentary for registered attendees with advance sign-up and offers behind-the-scenes access and insights from Brian Zimmerman and team. An intimate evening sail with the speakers on West Grand Traverse Bay has very limited space and a separate fee, and includes wine, light refreshments, and a celebratory toast. These add-ons are available exclusively to symposium participants.

Fresh produce, locally made goods, and a welcoming community atmosphere fill the East Bay Corners Farmers Market. Throughout the season, look for rotating activities such as car safety seat checks with Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority, food safety and preservation sessions with partners including MSU Extension and the EB TWP Food Security Advisory Committee, yoga hosted by the East Bay Library, cooking demonstrations with SEEDS, and outreach promoting the 3-Mile Trail with the Traverse Area Recreation Trail. Family-friendly programming includes the Power of Produce Club for children ages 5 to 13, where young shoppers learn about healthy eating and gardening and receive a weekly coupon to spend with vendors. The market is a collaboration between East Bay Township and SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers, supporting regional agriculture and small businesses while strengthening community connections. SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted, and participation in the Grand Traverse County Senior Produce Program helps make fresh, local food accessible to more households. Some weeks focus solely on market shopping, while others feature special activities, with occasional details to be announced.

Bare Earth Skin Co. sets up a booth at East Bay Corners Farmers Market with handmade soaps, candles, wax melts, and other favorites. Visitors can sample scents in person and pick out something special.

Share a simple act of kindness over coffee with a pay-it-forward note system. Take a footnote from the board to cover your drink, or, if you wish, purchase one so the next guest can enjoy the same gesture. Participation is entirely optional, and everyone is welcome to stop in for a cup no matter what kind of day it has been.

Winner of three Lambda Awards, Marshall Thornton presents a reading from his latest novel, Half Double Murder, followed by a Q&A. The mystery follows Brown, a troubled teen, and Chester, a senior in an LGBTQ fiber arts group, who initially come together to crochet sweaters. Their focus shifts when the director of The Center is accused of killing the owner of a nearby hair salon after the salon owner posted transphobic attacks on social media. Brown, Chester, and their fellow crafters work to clear a friend’s name, leaving the question of innocence at the heart of the story.

A whimsical theme brings a 100-foot-long strudel together with the German Twinkie, turning their meeting into a playful centerpiece. The focus is on this standout pairing of treats and the lighthearted spirit it inspires.

A monthly bring-your-own-bulk trade day centered on Pokemon cards, with plenty of opportunities to swap and trade. Bulk is accepted for store credit at boosted rates, making it easy to turn extra cards into singles, sealed items, or other options. To participate, bulk should be unsleeved with all cards facing the same direction, English only, and limited to Pokemon cards. Submissions must be NM and brought in boxes, for example ETB or USPS Flat Rate. Only common and uncommon bulk is accepted for bulk lots, with no energy or trainer cards included. Current store credit rates are $15 per 1,000 for commons and uncommons, $20 per 1,000 for holo rares and reverse holos, $0.25 each for V, VMAX, VSTAR, and ex cards, and $0.50 each for full art trainers. Bulk that is not sorted will be processed at the common and uncommon rate.

A recurring comedy night lands on the final Sunday of every month, centered on delivering plenty of laughs.