It’s shaping up to be a beautiful spring weekend! If you’re searching for the perfect way to get outdoors and explore the vibrant food, arts and small towns around Northern Michigan, here are 15 events taking place from May 12-14. Hosting an event? Let us know! info@mynorth.com.
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May 12 | An Evening with Chasten Buttigieg | Traverse City
National Writers Series is teaming up with City Opera House to host an evening with Chasten Buttigieg, author of I Have Something to Tell You—an adaptation of his candid memoir about growing up gay in Traverse City, where he didn’t always fit in. The husband of former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, Chasten writes of his journey to find acceptance and self-love. Each ticket sold will include a copy of Chasten’s book. Doors open at 6 p.m.
May 12-13 | Comedy with Nick Leydorf | Traverse City
Get ready to laugh! Comedian Nick Leydorf will hit the Traverse City Comedy Club stage with his quick wit and fun-loving energy. Described as “funny, adorable, and non-threatening” by one writer, he talks about his unrelatable profession in such a relatable way that audiences can’t help but laugh.
May 12-14 | Mesick Mushroom Festival | Mesick
This festival is a spring must-do! The annual Mesick Mushroom Festival, located in the mushroom capital of the U.S., features a mushroom hunt, Blessing of the Jeeps, delicious local food, and activities for all ages.
May 12 | Wine & Chocolate Pairing | Traverse City
Wine and chocolate are the perfect pair! Head to Bonobo Winery this Friday for a delectable pairing experience in partnership with Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate Shop. Reservations are required.
Photo by Lighting Matches
May 13 | Live Music with Lighting Matches | Thompsonville
If you’re looking for a Saturday evening out, join Iron Fish Distillery for live music with Lighting Matches, an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids. Sip on fancy drinks from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the company of friends and family, or just drop in solo. Lighting Matches is known for staying true to their roots while setting fire to the lines and limitations of genre labels.
May 13 | Organist Andrew Rogers to Accompany Silent Films | Williamsburg
Organist Andrew Rogers will perform at The Music House Museum along with the 1923 classic silent film Safety Last and the short Ask Father, starring Harold Lloyd. Safety Last is a 1923 American silent romantic-comedy film, including one of the most famous images from the silent-film era: Lloyd clutching the hands of a large clock as he dangles above moving traffic.
May 13-14 | Made in Cheboygan Craft Show | Cheboygan
Find local gifts and artisan goods at Made in Cheboygan this weekend, supporting local crafters and small businesses from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
May 13 | Forest Bathing | Traverse City
Let your body and mind relax and become in tune with nature during this morning forest bathing retreat with Maureen Stine. Forest bathing is a restorative sensory exploration practiced with a group of people in a natural environment, typically lasting two hours. This is a good way to unplug, slow down and awaken the senses. The session begins at 10 a.m. at Boardman River Nature Center, and registration is required.
May 13 | Lakeside Club Tea & Fashion Show | Manistee
Take your mother, friends and loved ones to this traditional mid-afternoon English tea of finger sandwiches and sweets, as well as a fashion show, door prizes and raffles. The event is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Manistee High School.
May 13 | Barter Fair | Benzonia
Grow Benzie, Art Guild and LEAP are partnering up for an afternoon of swapping, trading and upcycling. From noon to 5 p.m., stop by to make a trade whether it’s clothes you are no longer wearing, puzzles you’ve finished or old tools—anything goes, but money won’t be accepted.
May 13 | Morel Mushroom Festival and Art in the Park | Lewiston
This morel mushroom celebration will host a slew of fun activities including mushroom hunts, art in the park, a farmers market, spring fling shopping and much more.
Photo by Traverse Northern Michigan
May 13 | Spring Beer Festival | Traverse City
Calling all Michigan beer fans! This popular brew fest will feature hundreds of fresh, local beers from some of the finest Michigan breweries, and food available for purchase. Join from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turtle Creek Stadium. Tickets are required for entry.
May 13 | Blessing of the Blossoms | Traverse City
Enjoy cherry pie, wine and local tradition at Blessing of the Blossoms—an event that dates back to the early 1900s, when farmers sought blessings for their crops. By the 1920s, Blessing of the Blossoms had become a cherished community event. Join this year’s event at St. Joseph Catholic Church starting at 1 p.m.; there is no cost.
May 14 | Mother’s Day Brunch | Glen Arbor
This impressive brunch at Nonna’s at The Homestead takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with menu items like banana foster waffles, smoked salmon benedict, mimosas and more. Reservations are encouraged.
May 14 | Mother’s Day Brunch | Suttons Bay
Shady Lane Cellars will host a special Mother’s Day brunch, featuring fresh flower bouquets, wine, and live music by Elizabeth Landry from noon to 3 p.m. Sip on Shady Lane Cellars Sparkling Riesling or try a DIY mimosa experience with fresh ingredients.