11 Michigan events to make the most out of your weekend (April 10-12, 2026)

(The 'Gander)

By Karel Vega

April 10, 2026

Am I the only one who feels like Mother Nature has been out to get us recently with all of these weekend storms? Luckily, it looks like we’re in for a break weather-wise this weekend, with even some sun in the forecast for Saturday.

This week’s highlights include a comics convention in Kalamazoo, a film festival in Lansing, a huge clothing swap in Detroit, and much more.

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 Lantern Festival

Through June 14

John Ball Zoo (1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids)

“The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. Over 145,000 guests experienced the festival during it’s 10 week run in 2025. In 2026, John Ball Zoo is expecting similar attendance over the course of the festival, which runs from mid-April to June.”

2. Kalamazoo Comic-Con

April 10-12

Kalamazoo Expo Center (2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo)

“The Grand Rapids Comic-Con is a feel good story of determination and old fashioned hard work that created one of the premiere family-friendly events in West Michigan. From 2016-2019, the convention saw even more growth, and lead to the addition of a Summer show in 2021, followed by the now-annual Kalamazoo Comic-Con edition of the convention held each spring alongside the annual fall show at the DeVos Place.”

Northern Michigan/UP

3. Festival of the Angry Bear

Saturday, April 11, 3 p.m.-12 a.m.

Ore Dock Brewing Co. (114 West Spring St., Marquette)

“It’s finally time to awake the bear after an extra year off to renovate and expand the “bear den” at the newly expanded Ore Dock Brewing Company! Each year in April as the frozen grounds of Lake Superior’s shore attempts its thaw, Festival of the Angry Bear comes out of hibernation and takes over Spring Street in downtown Marquette. Modeled after some of the great beer festivals of Europe, the festival is a showcase of barrel-aged beer, live music, and delicious food.”

Mid/South Michigan

4. Capital City Film Festival

April 8-18

Lansing

“The Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) celebrates artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community. The annual festival showcases an eclectic mix of independent films, live music, interactive media, and more in Michigan’s capital city.”

5. This & That Market

Sunday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jackson County Fairgrounds (200 W Ganson St., Jackson)

“One day only — mark your calendars and come meet some of the most amazing small businesses around! Shop handmade goods, home decor, boutique finds, curated shops, candles, wall art, and enjoy food trucks and adult beverages!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

6. FoolMoon

Friday, April 10, dusk to midnight

Downtown Ann Arbor

“FoolMoon is a light-filled night of spectacle art and Foolish fun! Each year brings fantastical luminary sculptures created by students and community members to light up the night.”

7. ReVamp Clothing Swap Festival – Spring

Saturday, April 11, 12-5 p.m.

Jam Handy (2900 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit)

“We’re hosting a Clothing Swap Festival and everyone is invited!!
Picture this, 500 of your best friends all clear out their closets and you get to take their unwanted things. While doing that, you get to enjoy amazing local musicians, meet new friends, and upcycle clothing. At the end, all of the left over items are donated to local non-profits in Detroit!”

8. Modded Detroit 2026 Season Opener Car Show

Saturday, April 11, 1-7 p.m.

3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township

“Modded Detroit is taking over 20+ acres at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association this Saturday for one of the state’s biggest shows. We expect 2,000+ vehicles, from exotics (Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren) to American muscle, JDM/KDM tuners, imports, trucks, and bikes.”

9. Detroit Metro Bourbon Fest

Saturday, April 11, 4-6:30 p.m., 7-9:30 p.m.

Regency Manor & Banquet Center (25228 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield)

“Detroit Metro Bourbon Fest features 100+ rare/high end whiskeys and bourbons, classic cocktails and local distilleries. In addition we’ll have food vendors, live music, and other vendors.”

10. All Things Detroit Day 2026

Sunday, April 12, 12-5 p.m.

Eastern Market (2934 Russell St. Sheds 3, 4, and 5, Detroit)

“All Things Detroit Day 2026 (80s Edition) is bringing the energy ALL the way back with a full throwback experience celebrating Detroit’s incredible small business community. Join hundreds of artists, makers, chefs, and entrepreneurs for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with art, fashion, food, culture, and community — with a retro twist.”

11. FestiFools

Sunday, April 12, 4-5 p.m.

Main Street, Ann Arbor

“Build a giant puppet, make a crazy costume, or bring an old pan to bang on, to help celebrate the annual FestiFools spectacle on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor! This beloved public art tradition was founded by Mark Tucker, our Art Director, in 2007, and features bizarro, street-sized “puppets” all created and animated by LSWA students and community members!”

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