There are some really unique events to take part in this weekend, with highlights including an alpaca festival in West Michigan, a fairy festival, and plenty of spring and Earth Day festivities.

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).

NWS surveying sites across Michigan following Tuesday’s storms (MLive): National Weather Service crews are surveying storm damage across Michigan after severe overnight thunderstorms downed trees and caused widespread outages. More than 60,000 customers were without power as of Wednesday morning, and officials are now working to determine whether any tornadoes touched down in affected areas.

Incoming U of M president drops out following cancer diagnosis (WXYZ): University of Michigan President-elect Kent Syverud will not take the role after being diagnosed with brain cancer and beginning treatment. University leaders say he will instead serve as a law professor and advisor as the school relaunches its search for a new president.

Michigan’s dams in need of $1B in repairs (Bridge Michigan): Flooding across Michigan is exposing weaknesses in the state’s aging infrastructure, with overwhelmed dams, roads, and sewer systems struggling under heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. Experts warn these issues will worsen as climate change drives more extreme weather.

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

West Michigan

1. Pinball at the Zoo 2026

April 16-18

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

“Michigan’s Premier Pinball, Arcade, and Game Room Show. Join us for our 26th anniversary celebration! Pinball at the Zoo features tons of games on the show floor, plus tournaments, vendors, and an auction.”

2. Michigan Alpaca Fest

April 18-19

150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan

“The Michigan International Alpaca Fest is the longest running alpaca show in the country.  2026 marks our 28th year.  After a couple of years off for Covid, we hope everyone enjoyed the  brand new  look and feel for the Michigan International Alpaca Fest, now known as Michigan Alpaca Fest.”

3. Kalamazoo Nature Center Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

7000 N Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo

“Celebrate Earth Day with us and participate in exciting activities all day long. Take part in KNC’s first official BioBlitz, a community science project to identify wildlife, with guided hikes to identify plants, insects, and more.  
Over 25 vendors, including food trucks, local artists, and eco-friendly non profits. Guided hikes to participate in our week long bio-blitz event. Kid friendly arts and crafts. Creature feature to meet our animal ambassadors.”

4. Earth Day Fest + Repair Fair

Saturday, April 18, 12-4 p.m.

GR City High Middle School (1720 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids)

“CNA is excited to bring this brand-new event to the Creston community! Earth Day Fest is a day of sustainability, hands-on action, and neighborhood connection – and we’d love to see you there. At the heart of the event is our Repair Fair, where volunteers will offer free repairs on small appliances, bikes, clothing, household goods, and garden tools. Instead of throwing it out, bring it in!”

Northern Michigan/UP

5. Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Fest 2026

April 16-18

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (14252 US Hwy 41, Copper Harbor)

“The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, is hosting its fourth annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. DarkSky International (formerly known as, the International Dark-Sky Association) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week.”

Mid/South Michigan

6. Bringin’ Back the 80s Fest

April 17-18

Harvey Kern Community Pavilion (601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth)

“Bring back totally awesome memories by celebrating the music, trends and events of the 1980’s. Peg your stonewashed jeans, tease your hair, and grab your friends…This is your chance to relive the 1980s! Outrageous Live Cover Bands, Best Dressed Contest, a huge display of 80’s Memorabilia, Retro Video Games, Breakdancing Show and much more.”

7. Annual Fairy Festival

Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

135 W. Cortland St., Jackson

“We welcome you to a very special day filled with imagination, adventure, and wonder at the 19th Annual Fairy Festival, a one-of-a-kind spring celebration designed especially for young children and the grown-ups who love them! Families from near and far are invited to step into a whimsical world where fairies roam, pirates sail, mermaids sparkle, and creativity leads the way. Children are encouraged to dress up, explore, and play, while adults often find themselves rediscovering a bit of childhood magic along the way.”

8. BAD 4:20 Party

Saturday, April 18, 12-9 p.m.

BAD Brewing Company (440 South Jefferson St., Mason)

“Get ready to light up the vibes a little early. Our BAD 4:20 Party hits on 4/18 with beer releases, food specials, and sweet treats!”

9. Earth Day Extravaganza

Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fenner Nature Center (2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing)

“Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to the green space you love! With 134 acres of forests, wetlands, and over 4 miles of trails, Fenner Nature Center is a vital place for nature, wildlife, and our community. Join us for a day of outdoor care, education, and hands-on activities that support local conservation efforts.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

10. Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest

April 18-19

All Star Sports Center (51400 County Line Rd., New Baltimore)

“Step into a world where fandom takes center stage. The Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest celebrates everything fans love. Comics, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay & Costumes, and More!”

11. Bay Arts & Culture Commission Family Fun Fair

Saturday, April 18, 12-2 p.m.

Delta College Planetarium (100 Center Ave., Bay City)

“Bring your families and friends and see what summer events are happening with many of Bay City’s organizations representing the arts, music, theater, reading, science, history and more.  From summer camps and workshops to family events, we have something for everyone!  Filling the planetarium lobby will be tables and booths with activities for all ages. Admission is free.”

12. Spring Fling Handmade Market

Sunday, April 19, 12-4 p.m.

Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site (49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township)

“Packard Proving Grounds invites the community to welcome spring at the Spring Fling Handmade Market on Sunday, April 19, from noon to 4 pm. The first-time indoor market brings together more than 50 local farmers and artisans offering handmade goods, fresh baked items, and thoughtfully crafted products.”

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 Brook Bolen.

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