As we welcome spring Up North, the grass is greener, flowers begin to bloom and local events are starting to head outdoors. From fundraisers and festivals to floral workshops and Easter Brunches, explore what’s happening in Northern Michigan this April 2022.

Bowling Down Main Street // April 2 // Harbor Springs

Get ready for the ultimate sign of spring in Harbor Springs… Bowling Down Main Street is back. And yes, you really do bowl in the street. Plus, there will be free cocoa and doughnuts for the kids at Johan’s.

Spring Floral Wreath Workshop // April 6 // Kingsley

Get ready to craft and sip with your friends during this floral wreath workshop at Olds Floral & Design. All supplies needed will be provided. Just bring yourself and something to drink.

Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings” // April 8 // Williamsburg

The Music House Museum will present Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings” on April 8. The King of Kings is a 1927 American silent epic film, and will be accompanied by Andrew Rogers on the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ.

Musical Performances at Encore 201 // April 16, 22, 29, 30 // Traverse City

Spend a night out at Encore 201, a new and unique industrial event space overlooking downtown Traverse City. The venue will host several exciting shows throughout April, featuring bands like the Drew Hale Band, Hannah Rose Graves and more.

 

Festival of the Angry Bear // April 9 // Marquette

After a two-year hibernation, take a trip to the U.P. for the Festival of the Angry Bear presented by Ore Dock Brewing Co. The event will feature live music, a feast of food trucks and four bars with over 30 taps (and not to mention an arsenal of barrel-aged beer).

Made in Michigan FUNdraiser // April 9 // Cadillac

Gopherwood Concerts is bringing back its annual Made in Michigan FUNdraiser at the Cadillac Elks Lodge. Come and enjoy great music and a silent auction, while supporting their ability to continue to provide local music.

Floral Easter Basket Workshop // April 13 // Kingsley

Nothing says spring like fresh flowers. Join Olds Floral & Design for a floral Easter basket workshop, decked out with dried flowers, willow branches and more. All supplies will be provided.

Play Reading: “Dance Nation” // April 14 // Traverse City

Parallel 45 Theatre will present a play reading of “Dance Nation” at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park. In this must-see play, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. If their new routine makes the cut, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay.

Easter Brunch // April 17 // Suttons Bay

Enjoy an Easter brunch in the heart of wine country at Black Star Farms. Gather your friends and family for a memorable meal, provided by their estate chef. The strolling brunch will also include many locally-inspired favorites.

Boathouse Restaurant Easter Brunch // April 17 // Traverse City 

Head to Boathouse Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula for an Easter brunch featuring crab benedict, smoked salmon, poached eggs, prime rib and more.

Easter at Artisan // April 17 // Traverse City 

Head to Artisan for a three-course Easter meal from noon to 7 p.m. where Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing the flavors of spring. Adults for $69 or $35 for children under 12.

Brunch at Artisan in Traverse City

Photo by Artisan Traverse City

Easter Brunch at Bonobo Winery // April 17 // Old Mission Peninsula

Bonobo has available reservations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Easter Brunch. Featuring crab cakes benedicts, classic benedicts, egg strata huevos rancheros, pearl sugar waffles and more, reservations can be made for parties up to 6.

Stafford’s Bay View Inn Easter Brunch  // April 17 // Petoskey

Pick your own Easter Brunch menu at Stafford’s! For $26.95 per adult, get your choice of breakfast starter, two main courses, two sides and dessert station access (kids $14.95 each for one main and two sides).

Writer Series: Joy Harjo // April 19 // Traverse City

The National Writer Series will welcome U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo to Traverse City. In this live-streamed event, get ready to talk poetry, history and discover writing inspiration.

Lift Your Spirits Festival // April 22, 23 / Bay Harbor

It’s time for an epic spring celebration. The first annual Lift Your Spirits Festival will be held in the Village of Bay Harbor, where you can try the best spirits from Michigan craft distilleries. The two-day event includes a five-course dinner, tastings and more.

Home Builders Association Home Expo // April 23, 24 // Acme

Head to the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for Northern Michigan’s largest home show. The Home Builders Association Home Expo will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in building, design trends, outdoor living spaces and more.

Brys Estate Wine Dinner // April 26 // Traverse City

Looking for a night out? Join The Cooks’ House and Brys Estate for a pairing dinner featuring five delicious courses and the best wines from the estate.

HONK! // April 28, 29, 30 // Leland

Bring your little ones to this fun show! The Leland Public School Theatre Program is proud to present the award-winning musical, “HONK!” Based on the classic fairytale, The Ugly Duckling, this production focuses on the power of acceptance with humor and tenderness. Showings will start in April and continue in May.

Restaurant Week // April 29 // Glen Arbor

Need dinner plans? Take your family out to dinner during Glen Lake Restaurant Week, and indulge in an array of dining options from french fries to French cuisine.

Photo(s) by Boathouse Restaurant