There’s a full slate of events across the state ready for you this weekend in Michigan.

Highlights include the kickoff of the massive ArtPrize, which turns the city of Grand Rapids into a canvas, along with festivals celebrating Hispanic heritage across the state, fall festivals, music, and 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).

Child vaccination rates in Michigan drop to 10-year low (Bridge Michigan): Michigan’s school vaccine exemption rate has climbed to 7.1%, its highest level in a decade, with nearly 25,000 students receiving waivers last year. Health officials worry the trend will lead to a rise in dangerous, and avoidable, infectious diseases.

Mike Rogers a no-show for Senate debate (CBS News): Republican US Senate candidate Mike Rogers is defending his decision to skip a televised debate with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, saying his campaign never agreed to participate and accusing the moderator of favoritism. El-Sayed appeared alone at the FOX 2 event. Both candidates remain committed to debates on Oct. 8 and Oct. 21.

Opponents of Copperwood Mine sue to block grant (WLUC): Protect the Porkies is appealing a $50 million Michigan Strategic Fund award for the proposed Copperwood Mine, arguing the funding process improperly redirected money originally designated for microchip manufacturing. Copperwood backers said the grant will support economic development in the Upper Peninsula.

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

West Michigan

🎨 ArtPrize 2026

Sept. 18-Oct. 3

Grand Rapids

“ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a celebration of ideas, conversation, experimentation, and inclusiveness. Each year, we welcome more than 900,000 visitors to experience the transformative power of art. Discover work by thousands of artists from around the world as our city transforms into a living canvas.”

💃 Grand Haven Hispanic Fiesta

Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium (1 N. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven)

“Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19th for an incredible day packed with vibrant energy, delicious food, and the best atmosphere in town as the Hispanic Fiesta returns to Grand Haven.”

Northern Michigan/UP

🚚 Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show

Sept. 18-19

Downtown St. Ignace

“Join us for the 30th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show! 200 working and non-working trucks fill downtown St. Ignace along with food trucks, vendors, live music, and more. Followed by the famous Parade of Lights across the Mackinac Bridge Saturday night.”

🪵 Paul Bunyan Days

Sept. 18-20

Furtaw Field (4986-4998 N. State St., Oscoda Township)

“Three days of lumberjack fun, live entertainment and family adventure!”

Mid/South Michigan

🎸 Michigan BluesFest

Sept. 17-19

Old Town Lansing

“BluesFest Michigan is an open-air festival in the charming Old Town of Lansing, Michigan. We showcase diverse styles of Blues, attracting well-known and up-and-coming musicians from across the state and around the world. Lots of interactive family friendly activities as well. Performer lineup and schedule will be announced closer to the event. Volunteer opportunities available.”

🍺 Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

Sept. 17-20

Heritage Park (601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth)

“With Frankenmuth’s unique German heritage and culture, the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest strives to preserve the sights and sounds of the Munich Oktoberfest. The event features authentic entertainment, dancing, Oktoberfest souvenirs, various food selections, and authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🍻 Saline Main Street’s Oktoberfest

Sept. 18-19

100 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline

“Friday night kicks off with live music, the ceremonial Tapping of the Golden Keg, and the return of the Bavarian Arm Burner—our crowd-favorite stein-holding contest! Saturday begins with Kinderplatz, a free kids area featuring an exotic animal petting zoo, balloon twisting, bounce houses and more from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The fun continues with the Wiener Dog Races, Hammerspiel, and live music beginning when the Biergarten opens at noon. Enjoy cold beer, German pretzels, and delicious food-truck fare until 11 p.m.”

👹 FrankenFest Detroit

Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Historic Fort Wayne (6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit)

“FrankenFest features mad, magical and mystical artwork from the area’s most intriguing vendors stitched together with a showcase of literary guests, haunt aficionados and paranormal experts.”

You have questions about data centers … we have answers.

Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of industrial development statewide. The ’Gander mapped the data centers that are proposed, approved, under construction, or already online in Michigan.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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