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’d like me to highlight,
please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).

Whitmer calls for federal regulations to protect kids on social media (Michigan Advance): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for federal regulation of social media companies at a summit in East Lansing on Tuesday, saying greater accountability is needed to protect kids. She criticized Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and highlighted recent court rulings against his platforms over algorithm impacts on children.

Chinese U of M researcher dies after questioning by federal agents (Freep): Chinese officials are urging an investigation after the death of a University of Michigan researcher following what they described as “hostile questioning” by US authorities. Campus police in Ann Arbor are investigating the March 20 death of Danhao Wang as a possible act of self-harm after a fall from a campus building.

Mackinac Bridge sets closure record (MLive): The Mackinac Bridge has seen a record 12 closures this year due to falling ice, far above the historical average. Officials say closures are necessary for safety, despite disruptions for commuters between the peninsulas.

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

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!”

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

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

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