Here’s your highlight of weekend events across the state worth leaving the house (and taking a long drive) for.
This week’s highlights include a BBQ and mac & cheese festival in Battle Creek, a Nordic festival in mid-Michigan, and a hot rod show in Detroit.
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 to deliver final State of the State (WILX): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address tonight, as she pushes her proposed $88 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes tax relief for working families and seniors and major investments in education.
Michigan Dems skip Trump’s State of the Union (The Detroit News): At least two Michigan Democrats—Sen. Gary Peters and US Rep. Debbie Dingell—skipped President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Peters later criticized the speech as divisive, while Dingell said she chose to watch from elsewhere to avoid the “drama.” Other Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin and several House members, attended the address, with Slotkin saying it was important to uphold tradition despite sharp disagreements with the president’s policies.
Michigan trade group pushes to end recyclable deposit program (FOX 2): The Midwest Independent Retailers Association is urging Whitmer to begin a conversation about repealing Michigan’s decades-old bottle deposit law, arguing it raises grocery costs and burdens stores, while instead promoting expanded curbside recycling.
|
|
|
Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
|
1. 20th Annual Winter Beer Festival
Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-6 p.m.
LMCU Ballpark (4500 W. River Drive NE, Comstock Park)
“This popular event will feature hundreds of fresh, local beers from Michigan’s finest breweries, plus local music, ice sculptures and carving demonstrations, fire pits to chase away the cold, and food available for purchase.”
2. Que the Cheese
Saturday, Feb. 28, 3-7 p.m.
Kellogg Arena (1 McCamly Square, McCamly St. S., Battle Creek)
“Introducing QUE THE CHEESE — where smoky BBQ meets ooey-gooey mac & cheese, all under one delicious roof at Kellogg Arena!”
3. Noodle Fest
Sunday, March 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Calder Plaza (320 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
“Welcome to the ultimate noodle throwdown. Sample, vote and help name West Michigan’s best bowl.”
4. Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming Opener
March 1-April 30
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids)
“This highly anticipated event, the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States, showcases the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths.”
|
5. Kids Kpop Party
Friday, Feb. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Traverse Area District Library (610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City)
“This family-friendly after-hours program introduces participants to K-pop culture through music, movement, and interactive activities. Come for the hottest party in town, geared toward 5-12 year-olds!”
6. TV6 Spring Craft Show
Feb. 28-March 1
UP State Fairgrounds – Ruth Butler Building (2401 12th Ave. N., Escanaba)
“TV6 Craft Shows have become the most popular shows in the UP and are well attended by both quality crafters and interested buyers. Each crafter is juried to ensure that all items are handmade by the crafter.”
|
7. Michigan Nordic Fire Festival
Feb. 27-March 1
Eaton County Fairgrounds (1025 Cochran Ave., Charlotte)
“The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival was created in 2016 to celebrate winter, fire, family and fun. As the days start to get longer and days start to warm, we created an opportunity to get outside, throw spears, and try some of the wonderful beers and meads produced in the area.”
8. 2026 Paddling Film Festival
Friday, Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m.
Hannah Community Center (819 Abbot Road, East Lansing)
“This event will feature six films including the award winners for Best Canoeing Film, Best Instructional Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, and a Special Jury Mention.”
9. Quiet Adventures Symposium
Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Farm Bureau Pavilion (4301 Farm Lane, Lansing)
“The Quiet Adventures Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes environment.”
|
10. 73rd Annual Detroit Autorama!
Feb. 27-March 1
Huntington Place (1 Washington Blvd., Detroit)
“America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show featuring over 800 Customs, Trucks, and Motorcycles”
11. 13th Annual Carhartt Day
Saturday, Feb. 28, 12-6 p.m.
McMorran Place (701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron)
“Wear your favorite Carhartt gear or warm clothes and join us in Casey’s on the Plaza for a drink. There will be Labatt Blue specials and Giveaways! Free entry!”
12. Art March Opening Celebration
Sunday, March 1, 3-5 p.m.
215 WEST (215 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale)
“Art March is back! This month-long celebration launched in 2025 to showcase the richness and diversity of the artistic world, while creating space for exploration, learning, and connection. We are kicking off the month with an opening celebration on Sunday, March 1st, 2026!”
|
|
|
Are you enjoying this newsletter?
|
|
|
Do you want to support The ’Gander’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 190,000+ subscribers?
Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Paula Solis.
The ’Gander is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
The ’Gander / COURIER Newsroom
611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003-4303
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or from this list.
|
|
|
|
