Welcome to your weekly rundown of weekend events across Michigan.
This week’s highlights include a massive Latino celebration in West Michigan, a hot air balloon party in southern Michigan, a book festival 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).
|
|
|
Michigan air quality dipping due to wildfires (CBS News): Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota has prompted a statewide air quality alert in Michigan through Thursday, with conditions that could last into Friday. Officials warn air quality may reach unhealthy or hazardous levels, especially in northern Michigan, and urge vulnerable residents to limit time outdoors.
Michigan Dems revive push to tax wealthy residents (Michigan Advance): Democratic lawmakers want to amend Michigan’s Constitution to raise taxes on residents earning more than $500,000 a year, and allocate the money to education, childcare, housing, and other public services. The proposal requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers before it could go to voters.
FBI offering reward for info on deceased baby at Michigan music festival (ClickOnDetroit): The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information in the death of a newborn found at the Electric Forest music festival in West Michigan. Police say the baby was born alive, and Michigan State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
|
|
|
Know someone who needs more Michigan in their inbox?
Recommend The ’Gander to a friend, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a vintage Vernors can lamp. If your friend subscribes, they’ll be entered, too.
|
|
|
Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
|
1. LAUP Fiesta
July 15-19
Holland
“This dynamic, five-day cultural festival celebrates Latino heritage through music, food, dance, and community fun for all ages.”
2. Muskegon Bike Time
July 15-19
Downtown Muskegon
“Muskegon Bike Time will be welcoming motorcyclists and the general public to downtown Muskegon and the lakeshore to celebrate those who love to ride and those who love to just watch the phenomenon that descends on Muskegon annually the third weekend in July.”
3. Macatawa Water Festival
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kollen Park (240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland)
“Over 20 community partners and sponsors will come together to offer water activities and educational experiences designed to engage all ages to learn about restoring and preserving our lake and watershed.”
4. Battle Creek Pride
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Leila Arboretum (928 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek)
“The Battle Creek Pride Festival is back, bigger and better than ever! This vibrant celebration will feature almost a hundred vendors offering unique goods, local crafts, and 2SLGBTQ+ pride merchandise. Food trucks will line the streets, serving up delicious bites for every taste.”
|
5. Gaylord Alpenfest
Through July 18
Downtown Gaylord
“Alpenfest is one of Gaylord’s biggest celebrations of the year. For an entire week, Downtown Gaylord fills with live music, carnival rides, parades, contests, great food and traditions you won’t find anywhere else.”
6. Troutarama
July 15-18
Baldwin
“Troutarama is a four-day summer festival bringing together families, friends, and visitors in Baldwin, Michigan. Each July, the festival features carnival rides, contests, live music, vendors, and community events for all ages.”
7. Festival Ironwood
July 15-18
Downtown Ironwood
“Festival Ironwood includes Music, Markets, Fun, Food, History and much more.”
8. Charlevoix Venetian Festival
July 18-25
Downtown Charlevoix
“Established in 1931, this jubilant tradition started with a simple candle-lit boat parade. Today, it is an 8-day festival that showcases big-name concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street and boat parades, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, buskers and much more.”
|
9. Carriage Town Porch Fest
Friday, July 17, until sundown
Mason Street and First Avenue, Flint
“Flint’s best festival returns. Performers take over front porches, street corners, and stages across six blocks of Carriage Town while thousands wander from act to act.”
10. Jackson Hot Air Jubilee
July 17-19
Ella Sharp Park (2800 Fourth St., Jackson)
“The main focus of the Jubilee is obviously the Hot Air Balloons, however that’s not all there is to enjoy. When you and your family come to Ella Sharp Park during the event you will be greeted by some longtime Jubilee favorites such as Craft booths, the Kids Kingdom, Vendors, and an Auto Show.”
11. Car Capital Auto Show
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum (240 Museum Drive, Lansing)
“Thousands of spectators and 225 registered vehicles are anticipated for this year’s event. This year’s event will also include a special “Lansing’s Auto Revolution” section featuring vehicles produced pre-1940 by Durant, Oldsmobile, and REO Motor Car Company. This is a free, non-profit, family-friendly outdoor show.”
12. Flint Pride
Saturday, July 18, 2-8 p.m.
Flat Lot (428 S. Saginaw St., Flint)
“Expect a day filled with music, performances, vendors, food, and community as we come together to celebrate our resilience.”
|
13. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
July 16-18
Ingalls Mall (881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor)
“The streets of Ann Arbor will transform into an art lover’s paradise where you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales.”
14. Farmington Founders Festival
July 16-18
Downtown Farmington
“The Farmington Founders Festival is a community celebration honoring Farmington’s history while bringing people together for a weekend filled with music, food, art, family activities, and local pride.”
15. The Blue Water Festival
July 16-18
Downtown Port Huron
“Enjoy favorites such as Live Concerts, Street Fair, OT’s Family Night, and Mannequins Making a Difference.”
16. Thunder Over Michigan
July 17-19
Willow Run Airport (801 Willow Run Airport, Superior Township)
” Join us for a family-friendly experience ! Walk around and enjoy the static display, a chance to meet with pilots and crew, KidZone, and more!”
17. Ypsi Pride
Saturday, July 18, 2-10 p.m.
Depot Town (East Cross Street, Ypsilanti)
“Join for full day/evening of LGBTQIA+ focused events, sales, and performances. All ages welcome.”
18. Detroit Bookfest
Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Eastern Market (2934 Russell St., Detroit)
“The event features over 300+ vendors spread across Detroit’s historic Eastern Market selling BOOKS, records, creative arts, and more!”
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
Are you enjoying this newsletter?
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.
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
3229 Greenpoint Ave., PMB 532
Long Island City, New York 11101
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or from this list.
|
|
|
|
