Happy Friday, everyone! Here are a few fun Northern Michigan events for you and your family and friends. You can find even more events in the MyNorth Calendar.
November 10–13: Old Town Playhouse Production of Elf — Based on the beloved holiday film. Buddy, a young orphan, is raised as an elf until his enormous size causes him to face the truth. He embarks on a journey to find his real father and discover his identity while helping New York City find the true meaning of Christmas. Old Town Playhouse MainStage Theatre, Traverse City. 231.947.2210, mynorthtickets.com.
November 11–20: Beauty and the Beast — Traverse City Central High School Music Department presents Beauty and the Beast. The stage version includes all of the memorable songs from the animated film plus a few new songs written especially for the Broadway Musical. Central High School Auditorium, Traverse City. 231.933.3573, mynorthtickets.com.
November 11-19: Celebrity Christmas Classic — Four local designers have been selected to create individual Christmas dining room displays. The public is invited to come in and vote for their favorite. Each vote is $1 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Zonta. All funds raised enable Zonta to award grants and scholarships in the community. In addition, they will have traditional wreaths, small trees and decorative accessories available for sale. This year’s raffle drawing includes three great prizes: Grand Prize—Featured Dining Room Package. $6,000 value; Second Prize— $1,000 Jewelry Package; Third Prize—$500 Local Restaurant Package. Raffle tickets available for $50 each or 3/$100. Only 400 tickets will be sold! November 10: Preview Party at Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring live music from David Chown, hors d’oeurves and beverages and the first opportunity to purchase Christmas items. Tickets $25. November 12: Visits and family photos with Santa Claus and his elves.
November 12: Traverse City Children’s Book Festival — TCCBF is a celebration of children, families, community and literacy. The festival offers a sampling of books for the entire family from a variety of Michigan and national publishers. Local non-profits are on hand with fun, kid-friendly activities and crafts. General attendance is free; no tickets required. Proceeds from the Traverse City Children’s Book Festival are donated to the Grand Traverse Area Literacy Council. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., City Opera House. 231.933.0448.
November 12: Concert at Dennos — Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist, both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as the solo performer, are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring; 8 p.m. Tickets $24-$35. Milliken Auditorium, Traverse City, 800.836.0717, mynorthtickets.com.
November 12: Birding Around Little Traverse Bay — Join Petoskey Audubon President and LTC staff as they caravan their way around Little Traverse Bay in search of migrating birds! Starting in Harbor Springs and ending at East Park in Bay Harbor, spending about 3 hours looking for geese, ducks, loons, grebes, gulls and other seasonal and resident birds. Visit six or seven sites with some walking. Please plan on meeting at the Harbor Springs Marina public parking lot. For more info contact Darrell at lawsodw@gmail.com. Pre-registration appreciated by calling 231.347.0991.
November 12: Shop Your Community Day — Downtown Traverse City salutes the community and shares a portion of proceeds toward the community’s favorite charities. Nonprofit organizations receive money from Downtown Traverse City merchants from the Shop Your Community Day. Do your holiday shopping in advance and 15% of your purchase amount will be donated to the charity of your choice. 231.922.2050.