This weekend’s weather might not be the most ideal for outdoor activities. But if you’re feeling brave, there’s still plenty to do across Michigan.

Highlights include a massive Finnish winter festival in the UP, a spicy food festival in Grand Rapids, and more.

Since the weather is expected to be dicey this weekend, I suggest checking the official event pages for cancellations or postponements before heading out.

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

Not ‘paranoia’ to fear election disruptions, says Whitmer (NPR): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan is preparing for possible efforts to disrupt voting in the 2026 and 2028 elections, warning it would be “a mistake” to assume interference won’t happen. In an NPR interview, she said Democratic governors are running “tabletop” exercises to plan responses, citing concerns ranging from ballot-count disruptions to the use of federal deployments as election pressure.

Jackson County residents pack meeting demanding end to ICE partnership (MLive): More than 100 residents crowded a Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting to urge the sheriff’s office to drop its agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing fears of racial profiling, costs, and community harm. The meeting grew tense, with residents removed or confronting commissioners, as supporters and opponents clashed over the policy. Sheriff Gary Schuette said the program is not yet active, no cases have met its criteria, and the department is still awaiting federal training.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan launches vasectomy pilot program (Detroit Metro Times): Planned Parenthood of Michigan has launched a vasectomy pilot program in Grand Rapids, with plans to expand statewide. The organization says the move responds to rising demand for permanent birth control and aims to expand reproductive health options amid nationwide abortion restrictions. The program follows clinic closures and staff cuts after federal funding reductions, as Planned Parenthood seeks new ways to broaden access to care.

Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

1. Grand Haven Winterfest

Jan. 22-25

Grand Haven

2. Beer City Pepper Fest

Saturday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Intersection (133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids)

Northern Michigan/UP

3. Thunder Bay International Film Festival

Jan. 22-25

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena)

4. Noquemanon Ski Marathon

Jan. 23-24

Al Quaal Recreation Area (501 Poplar St., Ishpeming)

5. Heikinpäivä Snow Sculpting Invitational

Jan. 23-25

Quincy Green (1 Quincy St., Hancock)

6. One-Act Festival

Jan. 23-25

Harvey Theatre (4000 Highway M-137, Interlochen)

7. Heikinpäivä

Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Downtown Hancock

8. Tip-Up Town USA

Jan. 24-25 & 31

1625 W. Houghton Lake Drive, Houghton Lake

Mid/South Michigan

9. Coldwater Winterfest

Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Heritage Park (1776 Heritage Drive, Coldwater)

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

10. Fenton Home Show

Jan. 24-25

Fenton Community Center (150 S. Leroy St., Fenton)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Paula Solis.

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