Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

Maple Sugaring Days
2025-03-22 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Dune Climb, 6748 S. Dune Highway, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
The main event on Saturday March 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. allows attendees to experience the full maple sugaring process in the parking lot at the Dune Climb. Participants can engage in sampling warm syrup enjoy kid-friendly activities and witness sap boiling demonstrations as part of this delightful event. This event is in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear.
The Twilight Hike portion of the event has been cancelled.
All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire Michigan and cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days $45 for an annual Sleeping Bear Dunes pass or $80 (or less) for the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass series.

Tech Tuesday: Library eResources - March 25, 2:00 pm
2025-03-25 14:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Join us at the Glen Lake Library as this month Tech Tuesday will explore the digital collections of our Leelanau Libraries. Library staff will walk you through our various websites and apps like Libby and Kanopy among others. No registration is required so stop in with your curiosity and your questions.

Documentary Film: Free for All - the public library
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Help celebrate National Library Week with a special community screening of “Free for All: the Public Library”. The film explores the remarkable history and ongoing evolution of public libraries, and the vital role they serve in American society. The screening is made possible by the Indie Lens Pop-Up program, with support from ITVS and Independent Lens, an award-winning PBS series.

The District's 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-19 12:30 - 15:00 | M22 Glen Arbor, Western Ave W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, Michigan, 49636
Easter Egg Hunt & Fun in Glen Arbor
The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District in Glen Arbor is hosting its fourth District Wide Easter Egg Hunt. The festivities will take place at M22 Glen Arbor, 6298 W Western Ave. on Saturday, April 19th. The afternoon will be full of Easter activities with spring drink specials (think wine cocktails and mocktails for the kids) and Peep S’mores by the fires. The event will kick off at 12:45pm with the Easter Bunny arriving by kayak! Then, from 1pm-2pm there will be crafts and opportunities for pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 2pm! After, relax at the M22 Wine Patio and enjoy an afternoon in Glen Arbor.
For more information, visit www.crystalriveroutfitters.com or follow us on social media (Facebook: Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, Instagram: @thedistrictglenarbor).
The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District is located on M22 in downtown Glen Arbor and is comprised of; Crystal River Outfitters, The Cyclery, M22 Glen Arbor & Coastal.
If you have any questions, please email our M22 Manager Kait Springsdorf at kait@crystalriveroutfitters.com.

Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
2025-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Michigan
Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
April 19 | 1 pm
Take a stroll through the GAAC’s current exhibits, Walking, and Reflections In Water. Join in a conversational discussion of the exhibitions with Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC Gallery Manager. FREE. Enjoy both exhibits in person and online here: https://glenarborart.org/exhibits/

Community Easter Dinner
2025-04-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Empire United Methodist Church, 10050 W Michigan Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
FREE community Easter Dinner on Sunday, April 20th from 12-2pm at the Empire United Methodist Church (10050 W. Michigan St., Empire, MI) Held by The Empire Area Community Center (A Michigan Registered 501 (C) 3 Public Charity). Call to let them know how many will be in your party (231)326-5510. Take-out also available.

Outdoor Gallery Panel Auction
2025-04-22 09:00 - 2025-04-24 14:00 | Michigan
Outdoor Gallery Panel Auction
Auction is April 22-24, 2025
All five panels from the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2024 Outdoor Gallery exhibition will be available for acquisition. The GAAC is holding an online auction April 22-24 2024. The 5-foot square artworks are reproductions of original collages by Leelanau County artist Margo Burian, winner of the 2024 Outdoor Gallery invitational.
The panels may be enjoyed at any time. They are displayed on the GAAC’s exterior walls.
For more information about how to bid on the panels, and to learn more about Margo Burian, go to: https://glenarborart.org/2025-outdoor-gallery-panel-auction/

Live Music at Bel Lago: John Piatek
2025-05-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Join us at Bel Lago for live music with John Piatek.
John Piatek is a guitarist, specializing in original music and live performance. John and his wife Madeline perform together, as the “Fridays.” John has a collection of original songs as well as perfected classics to share with the Northern Michigan community and beyond.

Artist in Residence Talk: Seattle artist Chandra Wu
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 2334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Seattle artist Chandra Wu will talk about her car journey east to Glen Arbor, and how that Spring trip became the heart of her artist-in-residence project. Wu, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s first artist-resident of 2025, will share stories and vignettes of her two-week residency on May 15, 10 am during a conversational presentation at the GAAC. The presentation is open to the public at no charge.
“I’m intending to make a quilt top based on my experience travelling to Traverse City,” Wu said. “I am excited to visit Michigan for the first time.” Wu plans to use sketches she’ll make while on the road. During the residency, she wants to learn more about the ancient, local glacial history, “the indigenous natural world, and the colonial history of homesteading and farming in the area.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Access MI Solar
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Learn about a unique funding opportunity to facilitate solar energy installation in your home or business. Leelanau Energy, a local nonprofit that educates and advocates for renewable energy, is partnering with the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities to offer a group-discount solar purchasing program for Leelanau county. Access MI Solar is a group-buy program that helps homeowners and small businesses afford solar panels to save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. The program offers a group-buying discount of 10% to all participants, in addition to an existing 30% federal tax credit. This meeting will be presented by a Leelanau Energy representative., who will outline the program, answer your questions, and provide an opportunity to speak directly with prior year program participants. Please note that this is a time-sensitive opportunity, with the application window for this year closing on May 31.

Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
2025-05-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
WALK AND TALK
May 17
Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
May 17 | 1 pm
Take a stroll through the GAAC’s current exhibits, Walking, and Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile. Join in a conversational discussion of the exhibitions with Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC Gallery Manager. FREE. Enjoy both exhibits in person and online here: https://glenarborart.org/exhibits/

Leelanau Reads: Nita Prose
2025-05-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Glen Lake School, 3375 W. Burdickville Rd., Maple City, MI, 49664, United States
The public libraries of Leelanau County invite you to an evening with bestselling mystery author Nita Prose. Join us at the at Glen Lake Schools auditorium for an engaging conversation between Ms. Prose and guest host Sarah Bearup-Neal of the Glen Arbor Arts Center. They’ll discuss Ms. Prose’s first novel “The Maid”. Get a copy and join the conversation, with a book discussion group at the GLCL on Tuesday, May 13 at 11:00 am. Ms. Prose has authored a sequel, novella, and a third book in the series, “The Maid’s Secret”, to be released later this month. This free event is open to all, with no preregistration required. Seats are first come, first serve. Copies of The Maid will be available for purchase at the event thanks to the Cottage Book Shop.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Billy & the Kid
2025-05-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Billy & the Kid.

Memorial Day Celebration
2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Michigan
6TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Friday, May 23, 2025, 10 am at the historic Glen Arbor Township Cemetery, 6305 Forest Haven Dr, Glen Arbor.
The program will include a eulogy for Civil War veteran Ruell Welch, a poem, Taps, and the Glen Lake 8th graders paying homage to the known 51 individuals buried at the cemetery.
Learn more about the Cemetery here: https://glenarbortownship.com/community-visitors/

Author Bonnie Jo Campbell
2025-05-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Bonnie Jo Campbell, a recipient of a 2025 Michigan Notable Author award, will discuss her latest novel “The Waters”. She’ll be at the library as part of the Michigan Notable Book author tour. Fellow Notable Author and Empire resident Anne-Marie Oomen will join us to lead the conversation. Copies of Bonnie’s book will be available for sale, courtesy of the Cottage Book Shop.

Live Music at the M22 Wine Patio with DJ Ras Marco D.
2025-05-24 15:00 - 17:00 | M22 Outdoor Wine Patio, 6298 W. Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
Stop by the M22 Wine Patio Saturday, May 24th from 3-5pm for live music featuring DJ Ras Marco. Grab a glass or flight of wine and jam out to some vinyl!

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Swingbone North
2025-05-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Swingbone North.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Jacob Abraham
2025-05-25 15:30 - 17:30 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Join us at Bel Lago for live music with Jakob Abraham from 3:30 – 5:30 PM.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Touch of Grey
2025-05-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Touch of Grey.

Artist in Residence Talk: Photographer Robert Beras
2025-05-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 2334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Photographer Robert Beras is an urban dream catcher. On May 29 he’ll discuss the rural and woodland dreams he captured with his camera during his May artist’s residency with the Glen Arbor Arts Center. The program begins at 10. Beras will share work and stories. The program is open to the public at no charge.
“My goal for this artist residency is to gather images for my Dream Series, expanding beyond Detroit’s urban and industrial landscapes,” said the Lathrup Village, Michigan, resident. “I aim to explore new environments that push the series in fresh directions. The residency will also provide dedicated time to develop my minimalist work, focusing on in-camera techniques — strong composition, exposure, and a heightened awareness of light and shadow — without reliance on digital manipulation.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Poetry with Ellen Stone
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Come and enjoy some fresh verse by Michigan poet Ellen Stone on May 29th from 7-8pm at Glen Lake Community Library. She’ll share readings from her newest collection, Everybody Wants to Keep the Moon Inside Them. Ellen will be joined by some special guests, fellow poets from Northern Michigan.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Legal Rehab
2025-06-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Legal Rehab.

Community Potluck
2025-06-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Glen Arbor Town Hall, MI, United States
COMMUNITY POTLUCK
Join in on the Community Potluck at Town Hall, June 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
BYOB and a dish to share. Free and open to all in our community.
Direct questions to deputyclerk@glenarbortownship.com.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Highway North
2025-06-04 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Highway North.

Volunteer Open House for Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear
2025-06-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Port Oneida Heritage Center, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy., Maple City, Michigan, 49630
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear will host a Volunteer Open House on Sunday, June 8th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Port Oneida Heritage Center at the Charles and Hattie Olsen farmstead, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy (M-22), four miles north of Glen Arbor.
Come out and learn about volunteer opportunities and speak with staff and current volunteers about the organization and its many programs and projects across Sleeping Bear. There are opportunities in positions such as volunteer Heritage Center greeters, horse and wagon tour guides, preservation crew, gardeners and event help.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Larry Perkins
2025-06-08 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Larry Perkins.

Glen Arbor Arts Center Partners with IPR’s Sound Garden Project to Bring Kodak Quartet to Glen Arbor Area
2025-06-10 - 2025-06-21 | Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Kristie McCaw
Program Manager | Glen Arbor Arts Center
(231) 334-6112
kristiem@glenarborart.org
Glen Arbor Arts Center Partners with IPR’s Sound Garden Project to Bring Kodak Quartet to Glen Arbor Area
Glen Arbor, MI — The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) is delighted to present the Kodak Quartet as their Musicians-in-Residence from June 10–21, 2025. Presented through a partnership between the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Manitou Music Series and Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Project, an initiative focused on planting classical music in unexpected places. The Kodak Quartet will bring its electrifying, genre-defying sound to the Glen Arbor area.
Now in its fourth year in Glen Arbor, the Sound Garden residency continues the GAAC’s commitment to making the arts accessible, immersive, and community-centered. Through this unique collaboration, the Kodak Quartet will bring live music into both natural and everyday community spaces—from beaches to boats, front porches to playgrounds, and schools to libraries.
About the Kodak Quartet
The New York City-based Kodak Quartet is recognized as one of today’s most exciting young ensembles. With members hailing from the U.S., Canada, France, and South Africa, the award-winning group has been described as blending “the intensity of a rock band with the depth of classical music”. Known for bold programming, boundary-pushing collaborations, and a dynamic stage presence, the quartet has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Banff Centre, and alongside GRAMMY-winning artists including Time for Three and the Kronos Quartet. Recent accolades include winning the 2023 Frances Walton and Coltman Chamber Music competitions.
Where to Experience the Music
Throughout their residency, the Kodak Quartet will create joyful, spontaneous encounters with music through a variety of free public events. These performances are designed to surprise, delight, and deepen community connection.
Sunrise Sounds – Wake up to morning music at favorite Glen Arbor locations
Open Rehearsals – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process on the GAAC Front Porch
Sound Samples – Interactive musical experiences in parks, shops, and other unexpected places
Pontoon Concert – A floating concert at the Narrows on Big Glen Lake | Saturday, June 14 | 2–3 PM | Weather Permitting
Sunset Sounds – A dreamy evening performance at Empire Beach
Musical Story Time – Family-friendly music at the Glen Lake Community Library
Glen Lake Community School Visit – An afternoon of music for students, including performances on the playground and during school pickup
Culminating Concert – A free final performance at Old Settlers Park Chapel
Friday, June 20 | 6–7:30 PM | Free, but reservations required due to limited seating
For the most up-to-date schedule and reservation information, visit www.glenarborart.org.
Or follow the GAAC on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/GlenArborArtsCenter
Instagram: @glenarborartscenter
About the Glen Arbor Arts Center
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching community life through the arts. Its Manitou Music Series brings high-quality music performances to Leelanau County each summer, with a focus on creative experiences that are welcoming, accessible, and inspiring.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Luke Woltanski
2025-06-11 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Dune Bird Winery invites you to unwind and sip on your favorite wine, handcrafted coffee or just soak in the vineyard views while enjoying live music by the wonderful Luke Woltanski.

Artist in Residence Talk: Jodie Chilcote
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Spring Arbor, Michigan printmaker Jodie Chilcote will carve out time in June to create a series of woodblock prints – illustrations for a children’s book that are the focus of Chilcote’s two-week artist’s residency with the Glen Arbor Arts Center. She’ll share work and stories from the residency at a presentation on June 12, 10 am. The program is open to the public at no charge.
“This is a project I have been wanting to complete for a few years now, but I haven’t given myself the time,” Chilcote said. “The residency will be the perfect opportunity for me to sit down and prioritize this illustration project.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music
2025-06-13 17:00 - 2025-06-27 20:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231/334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is keeping the lights on a little longer on Friday nights. Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music bring the B-Side Growlers back to the GAAC Front Porch on June 27, 5-7 pm. This “tradition-inspired, toe-tapping fired” acoustic trio from Grand Rapids plays a plein air concert of blues, jazz and country. Bring a chair and refreshments.
As part of Late Night Fridays, both GAAC galleries are open June 13, 20, and 27. In the GAAC Main Gallery is the 2025 Members Create, an exhibition of work by 49 GAAC members. In the Lobby Gallery: Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile by Leelanau County painter Mark Mehaffey. Read more about the exhibit here: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.
All Late Friday Nights events are free. The GAAC is located at 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.
