We’ve got lots of fun on deck this weekend, with highlights including egg hunts, the kickoff of Michigan State University’s month-long science festival, and Ann Arbor’s famous Hash Bash.

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).

More Michigan prisoners than ever are getting educations, job training (Bridge Michigan): Michigan is expanding prison education programs, with about 4,000 inmates completing courses last year, up from 2,400 in 2020. Offerings range from high school diplomas to trades and college degrees through partnerships with universities, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes for incarcerated people across the state.

Contractor accused of falsifying water records for mobile home parks (ABC 12): A Brighton man and his company face multiple charges for allegedly falsifying water safety tests at several Mid-Michigan communities. Prosecutors say contamination levels went unreported between 2020 and 2023. Officials say no public harm occurred, but warn the alleged actions undermined trust in drinking water oversight.

A Las Vegas company says it will expand Michigan data center. Locals are in the dark (MLive): A Las Vegas data and crypto company plans to expand its Michigan data center and sharply increase power use, but Dowagiac officials say they’ve received no formal plans. The proposal has raised local concerns about noise, energy demand, and transparency as communities weigh the impacts of large-scale computing projects.

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

West Michigan

1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Spring Break Bonanza

April 3-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids)

“Join us for our annual Spring Break Bonanza — a week full of performances, hands-on activities, and all the museum fun!”

2. Antique Bottle & Glass Show

Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Kalamazoo County Expo Center (2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo)

“The 45th Annual Antique Bottle & Glass Show sponsored by the Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club, FOHBC Member. Antique bottles of all types, including early American bottles, bitters, cures, dairy bottles, inks, insulators, fruit jars, flasks, marbles, and more related items.”

3. Grand Haven Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Grand Haven Central Park (Fourth and Washington avenues, Grand Haven)

“It’s time for the annual Grand Haven Easter Egg Hunt! Located at Central Park, bring your children ages 10 and under to gather as many eggs as they can! Remember to get there early to take pictures with the Easter Bunny.”

4. International Bazaar at WMU

Saturday, April 4, 4-9 p.m.

WMU Student Center (1070 Student Center Loop, Kalamazoo)

“Join us April 4 for an evening of food, culture and celebration from around the world. All are invited to this community event … in the WMU Student Center. Admission is free, and food and drink tickets can be purchased at the door. Students prepare dishes from their home countries, perform cultural dances and host interactive booths and activities.”

Northern Michigan/UP

5. Keweenawesomefest

Friday, April 3, Doors open at 5 p.m.

Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton)

“Keweenawesomefest is a celebration of local music and the community of the Keweenaw Peninsula located in Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula.”

6. Easter Egg Hunt at Mineral Springs Park

Saturday, April 4, 9:45-11 a.m.

Frankfort Mineral Springs Park (630 Main St., Frankfort)

“Join the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce for an egg-stra special morning at Mineral Springs Park. We’re scattering over 5,000 Easter eggs for a day filled with surprises, springtime cheer, and community fun.”

Mid/South Michigan

7. MSU Science Festival

April 1-30

Michigan State University, East Lansing

“The MSU Science Festival is a free annual celebration of science, fueled by some of the basic elements essential to scientific inquiry: curiosity, wonder, and discovery. With events for the whole family to enjoy, the MSU Science Festival explores topics ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary.”

8. Hop into Spring – Downtown Egg-stravaganza 

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

State Capitol Building (100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing)

“This family-friendly celebration brings together the community for a day of laughter, treats, and festive Easter fun on the Capitol Lawn and along Washington Square. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend and enjoy rain or shine.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

9. Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo

April 3-4

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

“Whether you want to meet the Easter Bunny, have whiskers painted on your face, search for golden eggs, give back to the community or simply explore all the Zoo has to offer, this event is sure to put a hop in your step.”

10. Grand Slam Detroit Festival

Friday, April 3, doors open at 9 a.m.

Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway St., Detroit)

“Join us at Grand Slam Opening Day Festival on Friday, April 3rd! Detroit’s BIGGEST Opening Day PARTY!”

11. Hash Bash

Saturday, April 4, starting at noon

University of Michigan Diag (913 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor)

“Hash Bash is an annual event held in Ann Arbor on the first Saturday of April. The event is a collection of speeches, live music, street vending, and the occasional civil disobedience centered around the goal of reforming federal, state, and local marijuana laws.”

12. Detroit International Festival of Animation

Saturday, April 4, doors open at 7 p.m.

Senate Theater (6424 Michigan Ave., Detroit)

“Immerse yourself in a 93-minute mix of 19 animated shorts showcasing a eclectic selection of works from local and international animators.”

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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