We’re wrapping up April in Northern Michigan with wildflower hikes at Sleeping Bear Dunes, birding at nature preserves, an alpaca meet and greet, and more spring events taking place from April 27-30 across the region. Hosting an event? Let us know! info@mynorth.com.

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April 27 – May 6 | The Drowsy Chaperone | Leland

Leland Performing Arts Center presents its upcoming show, following a middle-aged, asocial musical theater fan who, while feeling “blue,” decides to play an LP of his favorite musical–a fictional 1928 show, The Drowsy Chaperone. As the show evolves, characters find themselves in hilarious situations.

April 28 | Cherry Knoll Adult’s Night Out | Traverse City 

Get ready for an adult’s night out and silent auction with over 100 gifts for purchase, as well as snacks and a cash bar. Doors and bidding open at 7 p.m.; the silent auction ends at 9 p.m. sharp.

April 28-29 | East Jordan Rotary’s Annual Variety Show | Charlevoix 

You’ll be laughing and smiling all night at East Jordan Rotary’s Annual Variety Show, which will feature the East Jordan Rotary Chorus and a variety of entertaining acts. Grab your tickets in advance!

April 28 | Contemporary Dance Concert | Traverse City

Enjoy a spectacular evening of student-choreographed contemporary dance and original music from students at Interlochen Arts Academy. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. at City Opera House.

April 28-May 6 | Glen Lake Restaurant Week | Glen Arbor, Maple City, Empire

Celebrate all of the delicious food around the Glen Lake region! This week-long event will offer special menus from participating restaurants in the area, each ranging in price point with both breakfast and lunch specials, too.

Glen Arbor in summer

Photo by Taylor Brown

April 28 | Comedy with Bryan McCree | Traverse City 

Comedian Bryan McCree–seen on Mad TV, Comedy Central and, most recently, Comic’s Unleashed with Byron Allen–is coming to Traverse City Comedy Club this month. Grab a drink and enjoy the show with your friends.

April 29-30 | Spring Open Farm Weekend | Thompsonville 

Bring your little ones to Cotton Creek Farms for the opening of its 2023 season–and you’ll even get to meet the alpacas. They’re welcoming guests to their stunning 27-acre farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and not only will there be alpaca babies and products for sale, but also food from Howard’s Great Lakes Grill.

April 29 | Birding at the Bayou | Harvey

Go on a spring birding adventure! Head to Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a guided spring hike. This nature preserve is a key stopover for thousands of migrating birds each year, including geese, warblers, blackbirds and more.

April 29 | Volunteer Tree Planting Workday | Otsego County 

Missed out on Earth Day volunteer opportunities? Sign up for this tree-planting party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sturgeon River Nature Preserve. Participants will plant native trees around the preserve, caging them to keep deer from eating the new saplings. Bring gloves, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate gear. Secure your spot at this website.

Hillside of Trillium

Photo by Allison Jarrell

April 29-30 | Guided Wildflower Hikes | Empire 

Wildflowers are blossoming! Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours will kick off its annual guided wildflower hikes at the end of the month, taking hikers on a journey through the forest and dunes to spot early bloomers, wildlife and stunning wildflower habitats. Dress for the weather and bring your cameras.

April 29 | Japanese Taiko Drumming | Maple City 

Here’s your chance to get an in-person listen to Japanese Taiko Drumming featuring Raion Taiko’s Sound of Thunder Drummers. The empowering art of Taiko is rooted in Japanese music traditions and continues to grow today as a global cultural movement that amplifies imagination and builds community. The show will take place at 7 p.m. in the Glen Lake Community School auditorium. 

April 30 | How to Identify Foraged Mushrooms | Traverse City

Become an expert at mushroom foraging! Join Great Lakes Treats and Catering at the Cathedral Barn at Grand Traverse Commons from noon to 4 p.m. for an informative afternoon of wild foraged mushroom identification tips and samples. Following the presentation, take part in an optional hunt along the trail systems. Dress accordingly and be prepared for some unique mushroom sampling!

Photo(s) by Interlochen Center for the Arts