Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

Trick or Treat downtown Glen Arbor
2024-10-27 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Downtown Glen Arbor, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
Glen Arbor business district offers family-friendly daytime Trick or Treating! The Sunday, before Halloween, come out and enjoy the season with us, this year on Oct 27th from 12-3pm, 2024 (or until the treats run out!) Be festive, dress in costume and invite your friends, family and neighbors to Trick or Treat at participating businesses. Open to the public & free to attend. We encourage you to “shop small and eat local,” too. Use the hashtag #glenarbortrickortreat and tag us @visitglenarbor on Facebook & Instagram to share your Trick or Treating photos!
Plus, bring your non-perishable pantry and household goods for the local food bank. Donate your items in the trailer parked outside of Art’s Tavern.

Trunk or Treat in Downtown Empire
2024-10-31 17:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Empire
All Ghosts, Goblins, Cowboys and Cowgirls! Come Join In The Fun! Trunk or Treat in Downtown Empire. Sliders provided by the Empire United Methodist Church (donations appreciated). Sponsored by The Empire Area Community Center.
Event will take place on Front Street in downtown Empire on Thursday, October 31st from 5-6pm.

Beading Workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 11:00 | MI
Join jeweler Holly Lang for this fun session. Learn various beading methods and create a bracelet to take home with you! All materials will be provided

PJ Party “Better than Black Friday”
2024-11-29 06:00 - 09:00 | Downtown Glen Arbor, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
Join us for this fun #shopsmall event Thanksgiving weekend, on Friday, Nov. 29th, 2024. The PJ Party is an annual tradition in the Glen Arbor business district, where you are invited to wear your pajamas and come out for special sales and offers with participating local merchants for a “Better than Black Friday” shopping experience. Select businesses open early, this year from 6/7-9am* to feature specials and sales only offered during this time.
Afterward, watch the Bed Parade down part of Western Ave from 9-9:30am then grab a drink or breakfast treat. Shops continue Thanksgiving weekend sales during their normal hours of operation the rest of the day/weekend.
PLEASE VISIT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES!
Forest Gallery
Refuge Salon – Get 25% off of all Aveda products and gifts with purchase on Friday, Nov. 29th from 7am -9am
M22 Glen Arbor – open early at 6am offering once a year sales
Coastal – open early at 6am offering once a year sales
Cherry Republic Retail Store – 7am-9am Take 20% off everything in the store (excludes wine and shipping costs). Then, from 10am-7pm be the first to shop their Black Friday Special: spend $75 or more and receive a $15 gift card (*one per customer)
Cottage Book Shop
Inn and Trail Gourmet – Open at 9am, offering in-store specials all day!
Harbor View Lavender/The Cherry Stop
Leelanau Coffee Roasters
*Check with individual merchants for their own offerings and hours of operation.

Bed Parade
2024-11-29 09:00 - 09:30 | MI
The fun and quirky Bed Parade returns the day after Thanksgiving, among other holiday traditions in Glen Arbor. You’re invited to simply view the spectacle from the curb and cheer on participants as they roll their festively decorated bed on wheels down Western Avenue, or join in the fun with your own festively decorated bed!
Want to participate? Rally your troops and haul your creativity to town for a 9am parade start time on Friday, Nov. 29th, 2024. The “parade” will begin just outside the Pine Cone and complete at the Post Office. Join other participants for a post-parade treat from Leelanau Coffee Roasters or Art’s Tavern, which will be open for breakfast.
This event is open to everyone. No registration required. Sponsored by Becky Thatcher Designs, Contact Michael Lyons for questions: (630)776-0036 michaell@worthathousandwords.com

Tree Lighting + Holiday Market Opening
2024-11-29 18:15 - 20:00 | Glen Arbor Town Hall, MI, United States
Shop a curated variety of goods during the Glen Arbor Artisan Marketplace Thanksgiving weekend in Glen Arbor, MI.
Friday, November 29th, 2024
The inaugural “Tree Lighting” takes place around 6:15pm outside the Town Hall. Doors open to the Town Hall from 6:30-8pm to preview and shop the goods during the Marketplace Opening.
Saturday, November 30th: Shop an amazing selection of gifts from 24 vendors at the Glen Arbor Artisan Marketplace, located in the Town Hall from 10am-3pm
Plus, families and children are invited to meet Santa & Mrs Claus @ the M22 Wine Patio from 11am-1pm for festive photo opportunities. Located at: 6298 W. Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI.

Glen Arbor's Holiday Market
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Glen Arbor Town Hall, MI, United States
Shop a curated variety of local artisan goods during the Glen Arbor Holiday Artisan Market, Thanksgiving weekend in Glen Arbor, MI.
FOLLOW THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE
Friday, November 29, 2024
Tree Lighting & Caroling @ 6:15pm outside the Town Hall with Carols led by Fred and Chris. Be among the first to shop the goods during the Holiday Market Preview Party from 6:30-8pm.
Saturday, November 30th, 2024
Find an amazing selection of gifts from 25+ vendors at the Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace, located in the Town Hall from 10am-3pm.
Families and children are invited to meet Santa & Mrs Claus @ the M22 Wine Patio from 11am-1pm for festive photo opportunities. Located at: 6298 W. Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI.

How to be a vendor/participate:

View/Print Vendor Application

Event Chair, Cre Woodard, Email: crewoodard.landscapes@gmail.com Phone: (231) 735-5300
Please make checks payable to “Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce,” or pay securely online via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/glenlakechamber
Please print and return your application, with a check for $125, by June 1st, 2024.
Mail checks and application to: Cre Woodard, PO Box 21, Empire, MI 49630

Questions? Feel to contact the chamber by email at info@visitglenarbor.com

Empire Artisan Marketplace
2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Empire Township Hall, 10088 W. Front Street, Empire, MI , Empire, MI, 49630, United States
On November 30th, take advantage of the trifecta of shopping local. There are 3 markets in Empire on that day. Start your day at the Empire Town Hall where the Artisan Marketplace will be taking place. Meet 20 artisans and have a take out lunch prepared by Mel and Fel. Next go right across the street to the library where a used book sale will be taking place plus the Glen Lake Women’s Club will be having a beautiful vintage jewelry sale. Finish your shopping spree in Empire at the Cottonwood Inn 1/4 mile East of the Town Hall. Located at 9583 W. Front Street. There you will find a Christmas Boutique, plus more artisans. All events are from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Ugly Sweater Bingo Community Potluck
2024-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Glen Arbor Town Hall, MI, United States
Bring a dish to share and BYOB. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater and play a round or two of Bingo. 5 pm – 8 pm on Tuesday, December 3 at Glen Arbor Town Hall.

Permanent Jewelry Pop Up at The District
2024-12-13 16:00 - 19:00 | MI
Stop by The District during Glen Arbor’s Local Night to shop and sip from 4-7pm Friday, December 13th.
Heather from Arabella will also be here for a permanent jewelry pop up!
Grab your friends and head out to Glen Arbor for a night of shopping and fun!

Shop & Sweets in The District
2024-12-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-21 12:00 - 16:00 | MI
Stop by Coastal and M22 Glen Arbor Saturday, December 21st from 12-4pm for your last minute shopping needs!
Finish up those Christmas Lists while snacking on some sweet treats. Christmas is almost here!
Coastal will also be having their Snow Sport Sale. Take 20% off Cross Country Skis, Poles, Ski Boots and Snowshoes!
Reward yourself with a glass of M22 Wine and cozy up in the heated Wine Patio or by one of our fires!

"The Sky Is Always There" - Exhibit Opening Reception
2025-01-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
The Glen Arbor Arts Center looks overhead with its first exhibit of 2025, The Sky Is Always There. This juried exhibit opens January 10 with a reception, 5-8 pm in the gallery.
The Sky Is Always There is an exhibition that moves beyond direct representation, beyond portraits of puffy clouds. Applicants were asked to consider the sky from its atmospheric characteristic to its mythic history. Is the sky so familiar that we forget to consider it? Is the sky just more psychic wallpaper? These are some of the creative prompts exhibitors will interpret.
More information about The Sky Is Always There can be found on the GAAC website: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS The exhibition runs through March 20. The GAAC is open during the week 9 am – 3 pm, and on Saturday noon – 4 pm.

Nature Sketching and Journaling - January 18 - 10:00 AM
2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
The Sleeping Bear Nature Group will kick off the new year with another inspiring and educational outing, lead by artist and environmentalist Penny Krebiehl. This month’s meeting will begin with a recorded lecture from the recent Wild Wonder Conference with presenter Kate Rutter, entitled Celebrating Place Using the Four S’s: Scenes, Senses, Spaces, and Souvenirs. At 11:15, the group will then depart for a guided field trip to Lake Ann State Park. Be sure to pack pencils/pens, paper or drawing book/journal, water bottle, snacks/lunch, and dress for the cool, chilly weather with comfy walking shoes, and your curiosity.Registration is not mandatory, but is helpful in case there is a change in the schedule or bad weather issues: 231-326-5361, or info@glenlakelibrary.net.

Empire School Redevelopment Plan
2025-02-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Learn about the exciting new proposal to restore and revitalize Empire’s historic School House. Revitalize LLC and building owner Joe VanEsly will discuss their vision for this community landmark. They’ll share the same presentation that same evening at the 7:00 pm meeting of the Village of Empire Planning Commission.

Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
2025-02-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Take a stroll through the GAAC’s current exhibits, The Sky Is Aways There 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/

Author Lisa Rabey
2025-02-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Local author Lisa Rabey will read from her new short story “Love in the Time of Cherry Season”. It’s included in the romance anthology “Love on the Lakefront” a collection of 12 short stories, all set against the backdrop of the Great Lakes. With special treats from Grocer’s Daughter, this will be a great warm up for Valentine’s Day!

Empire Winterfest
2025-02-22 09:00 - 21:00 | Empire Township Hall, 10088 W. Front Street, Empire, MI , Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Empire Winterfest returns on Saturday, February 22, for a day of winter fun!
9am | Yoga at the Township Hall
12-5pm | Book Sale at the Library
12-3pm | Saunas at the Empire Beach
1pm | Polar Plunge at the Empire Beach
2-5pm | Winter Activities at Joe’s Friendly Tavern and Sleeping Bear Surf
2-4pm | Coffee Hour at Tiffany’s Cafe
4pm | Children’s Winter Storyhour at the Library
5-7pm | Soup Potluck & Music from Chris Skellenger and Paul Koss at Empire Township Hall
Bring a soup, salad, or dessert to share. BYOB
All Winterfest activities are free to attend, and the event is sponsored by the Empire Area Community Center (EACC). A freewill offering will be taken during the potluck to support EACC’s general fund, which is invested back into the community through events like this one.

Tech Tuesdays - Useful Apps: February 25 - 2pm
2025-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Explore the many apps that can make your smartphone even smarter! Library staff will demonstrate some of the most popular apps, and explain how to download and install them on your device Bring your phone, and your questions. Join us at the Glen Lake Library in Empire for this informative workshop. Tech Tuesdays are presented by the public libraries of Leelanau County.

Drawing and Nature journaling Club
2025-03-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Join us on Saturday, March 15 @ 10 am for another adventure in nature journaling at the Glen Lake Library. Explore and enhance your connection to the natural world through these monthly workshops. Local artist, educator and environmentalist Penny Krebiehl will lead this field trip, gathering first at the library before venturing outdoors. Penny will guide participants through sketching and journal writing techniques in the field, before reconvening back at the library for further discussion and sharing. Dress for outdoor temps/weather, and bring drawing supplies (notebook/journal, pencils/pens). For more information contact Penny: penny.ok.art@gmail.com.

Maple Sugaring Days
2025-03-22 10:00 - 20:00 | 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 | MI
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 | MI
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.
