Here’s what’s happening in Michigan this weekend (Jan. 16-18)

Guests and members of the media walk the floor at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

By Karel Vega

January 16, 2026

If you’re looking for what to do this long weekend, we’ve got your back.

Highlights include the Detroit Auto Show, the opening of a new special exhibit at the Michigan History Center (with free entry to boot), as well as an event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Detroit.

As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you want me to highlight, send me a note here (please send suggestions at least one week before the event).

West Michigan

1. Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show

Jan. 15-18

Devos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

2. Portage Home Show

Jan. 16-18

Crossroads Mall (6650 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage)

3. Hunter Ice Festival

Jan. 16-18

Downtown Niles

Northern Michigan/UP

4. 139th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament

Jan. 16-18

UP Nordic Ski Complex (Cliffs Drive, Ishpeming)

5. Stomp the Snow Lantern Lit Snowshoe Walk

Saturday, Jan. 17, 4-7 p.m.

Pine Grove Country Club (1520 W. Hughitt St., Iron Mountain)

Mid/South Michigan

6. Black Velvet Exhibit Opening

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1-3 p.m.

Michigan History Center (702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing)

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

7. The Novi Home Show

Jan. 16-18

Vibe Credit Union Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi)

8. Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival

Jan. 16-17

Downtown Tecumseh

9. Detroit Auto Show

Jan. 17-25

Huntington Place (1 Washington Blvd., Detroit)

10. Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest

Jan. 17-18

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Road, Armada)

11. Mt. Brighton Duct Tape Derby

Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

12. Great Train Show

Jan. 17-18

Vibe Credit Union Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi)

13. MLK Day at The Wright

Monday, Jan. 19

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (315 East Warren Ave., Detroit)

Author

Karel Vega

Karel Vega is The ’Gander’s newsletter editor. Coming from a long background in public radio, Karel strives to find stories that inform and inspire local communities. Before joining The ’Gander, Karel served as managing editor at WKAR, the NPR affiliate in East Lansing, Michigan.

Have a story tip? Reach Karel at [email protected]. For local reporting in Michigan that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Karel’s newsletter.

View all posts