Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

Glen Arbor Arts Center Launches Creative Wellness Month This September
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) is proud to introduce Creative Wellness Month, a new, expanded initiative launching this September. A month-long series of art, movement, mindfulness, and community programs designed to support well-being and inspire reflection, renewal, and creative exploration.
Building on their former Creative Wellness Retreat, this reimagined, month-long series invites participants to slow down, reflect, and reconnect through visual arts, writing, movement, meditation, and nature-based practices. Program offerings will take place at both the Glen Arbor Arts Center in Glen Arbor and the GAAC Ceramics Studio at historic Thoreson Farm, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
“Creative expression can be a transformative tool for personal healing and community connection,” said Kristie McCaw, Program Manager at GAAC. “Creative Wellness Month brings together artists, wellness practitioners, and neighbors to explore how art and mindfulness can help us care for ourselves and each other.”
Programs are open to adults, with a mix of paid and free events available throughout the month. A full schedule and registration information is available at https://glenarborart.org/introducing-creative-wellness-month-in-september/
Creative Wellness Month includes:
Autumn Gratitude
Creating a Stitch Journal: The Art of Meditative Stitching
Forest Bathing & Expressive Arts in Nature
Creativity Bootcamp: Re-energizing Your Creative Practice
Healing Words: Writing Through Grief
Yoga Nidra for Creativity (Free, in the gallery)
Yoga for Artists’ Muscles (Free, in the gallery)
Mindful Messages: Creating Personal Affirmation Cards
Painting With Nature
Raku Firing Saturdays (at Thoreson Farm)
Touchstones: A Clay Wellness Drop-In (Free, at Thoreson Farm)
Through Your Own Eyes: A Healing Art Experience
Gallery Walk + Talk: Visual Art = Good Health (Free, in the gallery)
For more information, please contact:
Glen Arbor Arts Center
Kristie McCaw, Program Manager
kristiem@glenarborart.org
About the Glen Arbor Arts Center
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching community life through the arts by providing educational programs, exhibitions, performances, and more.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Luke Woltanski
2025-09-02 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 Luke Woltanski.
Luke Woltanski is known for his high-energy, captivating performances that keep audiences of all ages engaged. Backed by a talented group of handpicked musicians, Luke delivers an exciting mix of songs from every generation, making each family-friendly show a unique musical experience.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Liz Landry
2025-09-03 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Join us at Dune Bird Winery for our 2025 lineup of live music events, happening every Wednesday and Sunday from May through October. Whether you’re sipping wine, enjoying a handcrafted coffee, or just soaking in the vineyard views, our outdoor music series blends local talent with warm community vibes—perfect for a midweek break or a laid-back weekend outing.

Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music
2025-09-05 17:00 - 2025-09-19 20:00, 2025-09-12 17:00 - 2025-09-26 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.

Live Music at Bel Lago: John Piatek
2025-09-06 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-27 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 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.

‘Not Accepted: An Historical Look At Art Exhibition Rejection’
2025-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Rejection from juried exhibitions is baked into the cake for artists who want to show their work. “Not Accepted: A Conversation About Rejection,” a slide lecture, delves into the topic. The lecture takes place at the Glen Arbor Arts Center on September 7, 11 am. Tickets are $5 for GAAC members, $10 for nonmembers. Reservations are required.
“Not Accepted” explores rejection through the lens of two, historic examples: the Paris Salon of 1863, and the Third Reich’s suppression and destruction of visual art it considered “degenerate.” The topic also touches upon other issues: Who determines what is acceptable art? Whose voice is heard? And, whose voice is erased? GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads the discussion.
The lecture is offered as part of the GAAC’s exhibition HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story? The show is on display in the GAAC Main Gallery through October 23. To reserve a ticket or for more information about the exhibit, go to: GlenArborArt.org /EXHIBITS.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Dennis Palmer
2025-09-07 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 Dennis Palmer.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Nick Veine
2025-09-07 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 Nick Veine.
Nick Veine brings an eclectic blend of blues, country, jazz, and original tunes to every performance. Imagine Johnny Cash meets James Taylor with a touch of Alan Menken.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Dominic Fortuna
2025-09-09 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-30 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 Dominic Fortuna.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Your New Neighbors
2025-09-10 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Chris Smith
2025-09-14 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 Chris Smith.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Larz Cabot
2025-09-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Larz Cabot is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter known for his energetic performances and unique sound. With a playful spirit and a knack for captivating audiences, his music is sure to leave a lasting impression—like a rock that skips.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Andre Villoch
2025-09-16 15:30 - 17:30 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Join us for an evening of live music at Bel Lago. Enjoy performances by the talented Andre Villoch while you sip your favorite Bel Lago wines and take in the stunning scenery of Lake Leelanau – the perfect way to unwind.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Luke Woltanski
2025-09-17 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.

Story Time with special guest Katie Bosch
2025-09-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Join us for this special Stories & More story time gathering with author Katie Bosch. She’ll share her brand new picture book, inspired by the true story of the “Empire Sugar Bear”. The book will be available for purchase courtesy of The Cottage Book Shop.

Live Music at Bel Lago: Jesse Jefferson
2025-09-20 15:30 - 17:30 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Join us for live music at Bel Lago. Enjoy performances by the talented Jesse Jefferson while you sip your favorite Bel Lago wines and take in the stunning scenery of Lake Leelanau – the perfect way to unwind.
Jesse is a one man band with a guitar and loop pedal who loves engaging with the audience and taking requests.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Loose Change
2025-09-21 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States

Live Music at Bel Lago: Zeke Clemons
2025-09-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Bel Lago, 6530 S LAKE SHORE DR, CEDAR, MI, 49621-9615, United States
Zeke Clemons is a versatile solo artist and singer-songwriter, effortlessly blending genres and decades with crowd-pleasing favorites. From 1950s classics to modern hits, his mix of covers and originals promises something for everyone.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Highway North
2025-09-24 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.

Northport’s 11th Annual Leelanau UnCaged, September 27, 2025!
2025-09-27 | Michigan
Northport’s 11th Annual Leelanau UnCaged Set for September 27, 2025!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27 as the village of Northport transforms into a vibrant, car-free celebration of local music, dance, art, and food—all absolutely free!
Now in its 11th season of performances, Leelanau UnCaged has grown into northern Michigan’s most anticipated street festival, drawing thousands to enjoy the creative spirit of the region. From 11 AM to 10 PM, enjoy a spectacular lineup featuring 34 live performances across seven stages—plus, a dedicated dance stage with performances and interactive experiences happening all day long.

Movement Community
2025-09-28 09:30 - 11:30 | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
A unique eight-week grief support experience for adults who have experienced life-disrupting loss. It combines weekly hikes on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail with gentle and intentional conversation about loss. We’ll walk a different section of the trail each week, building toward the Dune Climb in week eight. You can learn more about the details of the group, get a sense of the experience in the short video, and sign up at https://www.emotion-mc.org/events/movementcommunity-glen-arbor.
Joining the Movement Community is free, but registration in advance is required as space is limited.

Movement Community
2025-09-28 09:30 - 11:30 | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street Highway M-72, Empire, MI, 49630, United States

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Liz Landry Trio
2025-09-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Dune Bird Winery, 5620 N Manitou Trail,, Northport, MI, 49670, United States

SHOPtober 2025
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-31 | Michigan
Shop Small, Eat Local, Win Big! Spend $350 at participating businesses in the Glen Arbor area during the month of October and get entered to win $100 in Glen Arbor Bucks!
Submit receipts in an envelope (yours or provided) by Nov. 5. Pick up/drop off at the M22 Store in Glen Arbor or mail to: Glen Lake Chamber, PO Box 217, Glen Arbor, MI 49636. Limit 3 entries per person.
Receipts must total $350 or more and be dated October 1–31, 2025. Winners will be announced via Facebook, Instagram and our email newsletter after November 10th. Purchases on lodging or services may be excluded.
Prizes up for grabs: $100 for 1st place winner and $60 for 2nd place! Bucks will be valid only for the coming calendar year. Merchants who receive “Glen Arbor Bucks” as a form of payment may be reimbursed by presenting the Chamber with the Glen Arbor Buck used for purchase. Questions about the event? Contact Kaitlyn at M22 Glen Arbor via email: kait@crystalriveroutfitters.com
• Browse the local business directory
• Share the SHOPtober Event on Facebook!

Exhibition Talk: HIStory/HERstory: Who's Story?
2025-10-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Four visual artists exhibiting work in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story exhibition talk about the power of the visual arts to take on difficult subjects. This facilitated discussion is October 4, 1 pm in the GAAC’s Main Gallery.
The HIStory / HERstory exhibition critically examines the power of voice. It digs into the idea that the victors write history while other histories are ignored, deleted, denied, left out of the official record. Artists Margo Burian, Mary Fortuna, Todd Lininger, and Stephanie Schlatter approached these ideas from feminist, judicial, and mythologic avenues. The discussion, facilitated by GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal, will delve into how these artist use visual language to translate difficult subjects, and the psychic and emotional benefits of being able to speak through one’s creative work.
More information about the HIStory/HERstory exhibition can be found online: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

Live Music at Dune Bird Winery: Larry Perkins
2025-10-05 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.
