Fellow Michigander,

We’re in for a fun one as St. Patrick’s celebrations abound this weekend across Michigan.

Other highlights include a comedy festival in Grand Rapids, a celebration of Rosie the Riveter in Lansing, 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).

Karel Vega

Newsletter Editor, The ’Gander

Use of Michigan’s ‘red flag’ law jumped 31% in a year (Bridge Michigan): Use of Michigan’s “red flag” gun law rose 31% from 2024 to 2025, with courts granting 407 risk protection orders allowing firearms to be temporarily removed from people deemed a threat.

Wife of state lawmaker accused of embezzlement (MLive): The wife of state Sen. Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway Township, is facing felony charges after prosecutors allege she embezzled more than $35,000 from the Yale Chamber of Commerce. Kellie Lauwers, a former chamber treasurer, is accused of writing checks to herself and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Residents affected by tornadoes get tax extensions (WILX): Michigan is offering tax relief to residents in Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties after the deadly March 6 tornado outbreak. Eligible taxpayers can request filing extensions and may have penalties or interest waived as recovery efforts continue.

Michigan events this weekend

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

West Michigan

1. Gilda’s LaughFest

March 11-15

Grand Rapids

“This major Midwest festival is based in Grand Rapids and includes events throughout West Michigan. LaughFest has provided the community with opportunities to see up and coming headliners before they made it big such as Nate Bargatze, Amy Schumer, Tiffany Haddish and more!”

2. Sugarbush Festival

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Blandford Nature Center (1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“Join us for our 56th year of celebrating the sweet arrival of spring! Discover the delights of this season as you explore Blandford’s Sugarbush Trail, watch live demonstrations, and learn about the maple sugaring process.”

3. Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 14, beginning at 11 a.m.

Route starts at Monroe Center St. NW at Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids

“We hope you have a great time at the parade, bring the little ones to the Big Fun Party and take the time to support our downtown and merchants. There are terrific restaurants, specialty shops, and top end merchandise all around downtown GR.”

4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Holland

Saturday, March 14, beginning at noon

Route starts at 8th Street Marketplace (150 W. 8th St., Holland)

“This family-friendly parade features walkers, vehicles, floats, giveaways, and more! Come join the fun on Saturday…and don’t forget to wear green!”

5. Irish Off Ionia

Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Calder Plaza (320 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“One of Michigan’s most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is back in 2026—and it’s doubling down on everything fans love. … with a bold new layout at Calder Plaza designed to deliver double the stages, double the drink tents, and double the fun.”

Northern Michigan/UP

6. Clare Irish Festival

March 11-14

Clare

“Get ready for another unforgettable year of celebrating Irish heritage, community, and all things green!”

7. Slide & Swing Challenge

Saturday, March 14, 1-3 p.m. (Registration 9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

The Highlands (600 Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs)

“Ready for a new way to hit the slopes? Join us for the Slide & Swing Challenge on our 5-hole alpine “snow course”. You will tee off overlooking Little Traverse Bay and make your way Camelot run, swinging and sliding the whole way down.”

Mid/South Michigan

8. Rosie the Riveter Day

Friday, March 13, beginning at 4 p.m.

Capital Region International Airport (4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing)

“The gathering honors the women who redefined the American workforce during WWII and the trailblazers leading Michigan’s industries today. Emceed by Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame inductee Sheri Jones, the afternoon is a vibrant, multi-generational celebration featuring a breathtaking vintage aircraft flyover and a veteran pin ceremony led by Retired Col. Frank J. Walker. A robust lineup of keynote speakers will address the crowd.”

9. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Saturday, March 14

Downtown Grand Ledge

“If you have Celtic Pride or just want to see a Wee Bit of Irish, come on down to Bridge Street and take in the sights and sounds of the parade.”

10. Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival

Saturday, March 14, 12-5 p.m.

200 W Ganson St., Jackson

“The 15th Annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at the American 1 Event Center at Keeley Park (AKA Jackson County Fairgrounds) and will showcase over 150 craft beers, ciders, meads and wines, along with food trucks, live music, games, firepits, retail vendors and more!!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

11. Detroit Shamrock Festival

Saturday, March 14, 12-10 p.m.

Detroit Festival Grounds (401 Macomb St., Detroit)

“Join us at Detroit’s Favorite St. Patrick’s Day Party in downtown Detroit! Enjoy all the festivities the day has to offer! Irish beer, whiskey and much more will be flowing, so come on down to GET ShamROCKED!”

12. 68th Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade

Sunday, March 15, beginning at 1 p.m.

Sixth St. and Michigan Ave., Detroit

“The Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade has brought together people of all cultures and nationalities in metro Detroit to celebrate Irish culture and make lasting memories. The parade is a great time to celebrate Corktown, Detroit and the positive momentum in the Corktown area.”