Free events in Tri Cities, MI

Know your status with free, private HIV testing at The Hearth Home. The team offers judgment-free care, safer sex supplies, and guidance on prevention options such as PrEP and DoxyPEP. Walk-ins are accepted, and results are available within minutes. For information, call 989-753-9011.

Returning for the first time in almost ten years, the Summer Dance tradition is coming back to life with Rebel Line as part of the celebration. Admission is free, and festivities continue rain or shine, honoring a favorite Apple Mountain summer pastime.

A free SHiNE dance fitness class brings upbeat choreography to Wenonah Park, set beneath sycamore trees with a refreshing river backdrop. Expect a full-body, high-energy workout set to popular music that blends elements of jazz, ballet, hip hop, and calisthenics in a fun HIIT-style format. It is open to all ages and fitness levels with no dance experience required, and it is designed to help participants feel confident, strong, and empowered. Bring a water bottle and plenty of energy, and consider a yoga mat or towel for the cool down. The session takes place on the grass, where movement and music come together to fuel fitness.

The 4th Ward Block Party at Rexer-Jablonski Park features refreshments and a welcoming chance to connect with neighbors. In time for back-to-school, backpacks will be given away, with a goal to double last year’s distribution of about a hundred. Material donations for supplies to fill the bags are welcome. Some event details are still being finalized.

The Dock Door Concert Series presents a free performance by the Sarah Regal Band, a group of seasoned musicians known for high energy sets that blend country, pop, and classic rock hits. The atmosphere will be lively and suited for dancing with friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the music with their favorite concert companions. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the show, with more details to come. The schedule is subject to change or cancellation.

The 989 Airbenders Disc Golf Summit brings the community together at Emerson Park for a free, family friendly celebration of the sport. Browse disc golf vendors, test your aim in putting games and other skills challenges, and enjoy activities for all ages, including a kids table. Raffle drawings happen throughout the event, summit merchandise will be available, and the Sawadee Asian Cuisine food truck will be on site. It welcomes seasoned players, first timers, and families alike, with additional vendor updates, raffle reveals, and other details to come.

This free concert features Leo and Merry. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

This free, rain-or-shine concert features LISTEN TO THE MUSIC, a Doobie Brothers tribute presenting faithful live versions of the band’s biggest hits. The set showcases favorites such as China Grove, Long Train Running, What a Fool Believes, Black Water, and Listen to the Music, songs that have remained staples on classic rock radio worldwide for decades. The group includes Kevin O’Donnell on drums and vocals, Riley O’Donnell on guitar and vocals, James Naro on guitar and vocals, Chris Dahmer on keys and vocals, and Dave Johns on bass.

Interpretive Naturalists lead a gentle wildflower outing conducted aboard golf carts, designed to be accessible for people with limited mobility. This free program requires advance registration. Participants meet outside the Visitor Center. Suitable for ages 15 and older, with an adult required for anyone under 18.

A drive-through food giveaway offers boxed groceries with a simple, contact-friendly process and clear pickup rules. Bring a photo ID. There is a limit of two food boxes per vehicle, unless additional recipients are physically present with matching identification. If collecting for more than one household from the same vehicle, each household must either be present or provide written permission along with identification. If someone is picking up for you because you are working or homebound, prepare a separate permission note for each giveaway that authorizes the named person to collect a food box for your household from The Salvation Army. Include your full name and the full name of the person picking up, the number of people in your household and their ages, and make sure the note is dated and signed. The person picking up should carry a copy of your photo ID, which can be a photocopy or a clear photo on a phone. The authorization applies only to this event. On arrival, follow the posted signs to text the number provided, then use the link you receive to complete the sign-in form. After submitting, a confirmation screen will appear. Take a screenshot and show it to staff in the parking lot, and keep it handy on your phone. If you do not use a smartphone or prefer assistance, staff can complete check-in for you on a tablet. Sign in one time only, and make sure your confirmation reflects the correct event. Walk-up participants are accommodated. To help loading move quickly, clear space in your trunk or cargo area and have the trunk open or your doors unlocked. Do not block driveways, and be prepared to move if emergency vehicles need access. Patience and cooperation help everyone receive food safely and efficiently.

This is a free, public concert connected with Celebrate Recovery at Old Town Christian Outreach in Saginaw, Michigan. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy live music.

Stop by the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA for a Bookmobile visit. You can browse books for children, teens, and adults, and sign up for a library card. Bring an ID that shows your current address to register. A laptop with internet access will be available for checking and sending email. Borrowed items can be returned at any Bay County Library System branch, or returned to the Bookmobile.

No-cost cornhole tournaments are hosted at Fischer Platz on Tuesday nights. Gather friends for friendly matchups, enjoy music, and find food and drinks on site. Space is limited, and registration happens in person.

Every-BODY Fitness, Allied Group Fitness, and Downtown Midland present a POUND session on Main Street at The Commons Pedestrian Plaza Stage. POUND Pros Carrie McMurrian and Ali Huntoon lead a 45-minute, music-driven workout that channels the energy of drumming. This outdoor class is free to attend, with optional donations appreciated. All ages and fitness levels are welcome and no prior experience is needed. Bring a yoga mat and water, wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing, and be ready for an upbeat sweat session. Ripstix, the green drumsticks used in class, will be provided. The workout is held outside and will proceed only if weather permits. Reservations are available and open 21 days before the class.

Ocean fun comes to the Storytime rug with a themed gathering that blends a read-aloud with music, simple games, and engaging activities. Families can also enjoy time to mingle, giving kids and caregivers a chance to connect. The event is free and no registration is required. For questions, contact Linda at 989-755-8402 or lhawke@readsaginaw.org.

Prepare for the new school year at the Back to School Health Clinic, a family friendly opportunity to take care of essential health needs. Services include recommended vaccines for all ages, lead capillary screening for children 1 to 6, physicals for children 1 to 6, and a Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment offered on the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers Mobile Dental Bus. Any dental care beyond the KOHA screening will be billed to participating insurance or the individual, and a fluoride option is available with participating insurance. Car seat safety checks are also available, along with additional resources. Most services are provided without out of pocket charges except where indicated. The clinic is hosted in the Midland County Services Building within the Health Department on the second floor.

Swing by Dow Gardens for Library Card Nights, a special summer evening where guests with a valid Michigan public library card get free admission on select Wednesdays. It runs from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, and kids 5 and under can enter free as well. Just present your library card at the admissions counter the day of the event. No advance reservations are required. This listing is for Wednesday, August 12.

Enjoy one last celebration before school starts with a family friendly evening at William H. Haithco Recreation Area. The lineup includes more than 30 community vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, a variety of inflatables, foam activities, a gaming bus, food trucks, emergency vehicles, games, prizes, and a movie by Haithco Lake to end the night. Free school supplies are available, and admission is free. Bring a blanket or chairs if you plan to watch the movie. The splash pad and beach will remain open on their normal schedule during the event.

This weekly poetry series brings together the Midland community to hear local voices. Featured readings include Donny Winter, Robert Fanning, and Carol Sandford, and one session invites community members to share their work during an open mic. The event is free and does not require registration. Attending every session enters participants into a drawing for a gift basket with a poetry theme.

Presented by Downtown Bay City, this free summer concert series brings live tribute performances to Wenonah Park. This event spotlights Pop Hits Live with a set celebrating the music of the Spice Girls and Gwen Stefani. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Across the season, the lineup spans tributes to artists such as Bob Seger, Prince, ABBA, and AC/DC, along with classic rock and country favorites, supported by Excellency Presents.

Third Street Star Bridge marks its 10th anniversary with a summer of line dancing in downtown Bay City. In Cahoots Country Dance Club turns Third Street into an open-air dance floor beneath the Star Bridge, creating an energetic setting for country line dances and good times. Participation is free, whether stepping onto the floor or simply enjoying the atmosphere. This milestone celebrates ten years of community and connection in the heart of the city.

Thrive on Thursday is a weekly summer get-together with a free meal, free food distribution, plus an educational guest and a craft. It’s a community event benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and everyone is welcome to stop by for food and fun at the summer location.

The airport’s inaugural powered paraglider fly-in welcomes pilots, future pilots, spectators, volunteers, and both aviation and food vendors to Jack Barstow Airport in Midland, Michigan. Admission is free for everyone. The weekend centers on PPG flying and community, with dry camping available for pilots and flight crew, a pancake breakfast, a barbecue, vendor displays, and plenty of opportunities to connect while supporting and growing the sport. Attendees are asked to pre-register and complete a waiver to help organizers plan for pilot parking, camping, volunteers, food service, safety, and other logistics. Vendor participation requires advance approval, and submitting an application does not guarantee a booth. Approved vendors will receive setup guidance, parking and arrival details, and information about any applicable fees. The event has been rescheduled due to forecast severe weather during the original dates, with plans to hold it under conditions better suited for safe flying. While in Midland, consider kayaking the Tittabawassee River, exploring the Canopy Walk at Dow Gardens, biking local trails, dining downtown, or visiting nearby parks. RV water fill and waste dump services are available at the Midland County Fairgrounds. For questions about pilot logistics, camping, RV parking, vendor approval, volunteering, sponsorships, food vendors, or general inquiries, contact Jason Reamsma of Metal Sky High Powered Paragliding School LLC at (810) 498-8750.

Wing Thing is a free, first-ever powered paragliding (PPG) fly-in taking place at Jack Barstow Airport. Pilots and spectators can enjoy powered paraglider flights along with dry camping. There will also be a pancake breakfast, BBQ, vendor displays, and time for the powered paragliding community to connect and support the sport.

Experience an Artist Chat in the Rowley Gallery at Studio 23 featuring fiber artist Joanne Grabinski and her talk, Demystifying My Artistic Process. The program highlights how artist members create, what inspires them, and how they share their craft. Grabinski will offer a concise overview of her approach while demonstrating on a work in progress so guests can see the equipment, tools, materials, and steps she uses. She will also present completed pieces and answer questions, with casual conversation continuing afterward. Attendance is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Joanne Grabinski is an improvisational fiber artist who uses the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques of needlepoint to create one-of-a-kind nonrepresentational abstract artworks. Color and geometric shapes are central to her designs, which often evolve as she stitches. Her work has appeared in juried and invited exhibitions at Studio 23, Creative 360, Artworks, 515 Gallery, Art Reach, the University Art Gallery at CMU, the Park Library at CMU, Oliver Art Center, and Glen Arbor Arts Center. Her five-piece A Wheel & 4 Triads is part of Interlochen Center for the Arts' permanent collection and hangs in the Mallory Towsley Center for Arts Leadership. After more than 30 years in higher education, she chose to pursue new paths as an artist and creative writer.

Kickin' in the Mitten leads line dance sessions alongside the Midland Street Market each Thursday. The dancing takes place right in the street beneath the lights.