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Happy weekend, Tri Cities! In today’s edition: Affordable adventures with the Michigan Activity Pass, Court Street Theatre’s grand reopening, July 4 fireworks return, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Affordable adventures statewide: Save on fun with the Michigan Activity Pass, available at local libraries. Use your card for free or discounted entry to museums, parks, and campgrounds around the Tri Cities — see how to get started.

A fresh curtain rises: Saginaw’s Court Street Theatre celebrated its grand reopening weekend, with a focus on preserving local history. Owner Jordan Dice says the strong community response shows promise for the venue’s future — read the full story.

Family owned marina operator expands: TopSide Marinas has acquired Bay Harbor Marina on the Saginaw River in Bay City, marking its first Michigan location. The 80 acre marina, established in 1967, includes 400 wet slips — read the full story.

Rebuild slated through incentives: Saginaw City Council has voted to add the former Walgreens at North Michigan and West Genesee to its brownfield plan, paving the way for a new Speedway and 7-Eleven — see what’s planned and when.

Beloved summer tradition returns: Sanford Lake Association plans to bring back July 4 fireworks or drone show at Community of Christ Campground, open to the public, following announcement Sanford Dam is considered substantially complete — see what’s planned and where.

Regional chapters unite for showcase: Great Lakes Bay 2026 Home Show will be held over two weekends in Frankenmuth and Midland, featuring home building and design trends, Ask the Expert sessions, and limited vendor space — get all the event details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/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.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

❤ Uplifting the Underground Railroad @ Underground Railroad Resale | Tuesday (3/3) at 9:00 AM – Roll up your sleeves and meet the crew at Underground Railroad, Inc.’s retail shop on State Street for a YPN volunteer day that actually does some good. It’s low-glam, high-impact, with behind-the-scenes help, multiple shifts, and everyone checks in at the shop.

🎬 Movie Night Craft-Along @ Historic Masonic Temple of Bay City | Tuesday (3/3) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats a movie while finally finishing that scarf you started in 2017. Bring your paints, yarn, or tablet to the blue room, borrow supplies if you forget, and settle in for a pay-what-you-can, drop-in evening of creativity, community, and snacks from home or concessions.

🤖 Robotics Night @ Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:00 PM – SASA Robotics Night is free to enter, with $1 tickets for games, raffles, and Pantheon 5193’s rebuilt robot reveal, supporting Dragatrons 10653’s trip to the world championship in Houston. Meet the teams, watch the bots, and feel techy while spending like it’s 1999.

🍁 Tap-A-Tree @ Chippewa Nature Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:30 PM – Swap the pancake aisle syrup for the real deal on a guided wander through CNC’s Sugarbush. Learn to ID maples, tour the Sugarhouse, even tap a tree, then humble-brag about sap flow all week. Free, family friendly, meet at the Sugarhouse, dress for weather.

🔑 Unlocking Hope Fundraiser @ Ana Luis Salon & Day Spa | Thursday (3/5) at 10:00 AM – Book a massage, mani, or cut, bring a friend, and 100% goes to Child & Family Services of Saginaw’s Sexual Assault Center. It’s the 20th annual, with an online auction, so your spa day, your bids, and your conscience all get a polish.

🎨 Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists Exhibition Opening Reception @ Studio 23/The Arts Center | Thursday (3/5) at 5:00 PM – If you prefer your water with pigment and a frame, Studio 23 is hosting SAWA’s opening reception, free and open to everyone. Meet the artists, sip something, and watch juror Armin Mersmann crown the standouts, then pretend you spotted them first.

🧙 Wands, Wizards & Wonders: Family Night @ Back Orchard Barn | Friday (3/6) at 4:30 PM – Back Orchard Barn turns into Hogwarts for a night of games, crafts, and low-stakes magic. Snag the $15 Student Pass for activities or the $6 chaperone ticket, then treat the crew to wand making, butterbeer, and preorder donuts like a pro.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Tri Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 33°F – Low: 16°F – Precip: 26%

A chance of snow after 2pm. Mostly sunny. High near 33, with temperatures falling to around 31 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Snow likely before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North northeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 24°F – Low: 11°F – Precip: 12%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. North wind around 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Most popular house this week

This West-side 3-bedroom ranch blends classic charm with fresh updates, featuring hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring, central air, and a full finished basement ready for movie nights, workouts, or a play space. An oversized 2.5-car garage adds storage and hobby room. Out back, a stamped concrete patio sets the scene for easy outdoor entertaining.

Take a peek inside →