Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

Glen Lake Fire Pancake Breakfast
2025-07-06 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Glen Arbor Town Hall, MI, United States
Glen Lake Fire Pancake Breakfast
Start your Sunday with a delicious pancake breakfast in support of our local heroes! Hosted by the Glen Lake Fire and Rescue Association and GLFD firefighters, the event includes hot pancakes, GLFD supporter T-shirts, and hats for sale. All proceeds help support local fire and rescue efforts—come hungry and show your support!
Sunday, July 6 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Glen Arbor Township Hall, 6394 W. Western Ave, Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
2025-07-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Scott Bouma Executive Director / Glen Arbor Arts Center (231) 334-6112 director@glenarborart.org
Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
GLEN ARBOR, Mich. — Throughout July, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s new Youth Plein Air Month will invite children ages 6–12 to step outside, paint in the open air, and capture the signature landscapes and buildings of Leelanau County.
“Youth Plein Air Month is intended to nurture confidence and creativity by taking art making outside the classroom,” said Scott Bouma, Executive Director of GAAC. “We want young artists to feel the very spark of inspiration that has brought seasoned plein air painters to this area for generations.”
Paint with Free Plein Air Art Kits
From July 1 through July 31, families may borrow fully stocked art kits at no cost. Each kit contains supplies and instructions, including standing easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and painters palettes. Young artists can paint on GAAC grounds or borrow the kits for up to four days to take on outdoor adventures.
“We’re excited to introduce children to the world of plein air painting with free art kits designed just for them,” said Kristie McCaw, Program Manager at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. “It’s a chance to spark their creativity, connect with nature, and experience the joy of making art in the open air, all while exploring the beauty of our region.”
Meet a Plein Air Artist Day | Saturday, July 12
Professional plein air painters will be on site at GAAC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for demonstrations, technique tips, and hands-on guidance. A rain date is set for Sunday, July 13.
“After decades in the classroom, I’ve seen how quickly young minds spark when they watch creativity unfold in real time,” said Mark Mehaffey, former teacher and featured plein air painter. “The artists will guide kids, inviting them to pick up a brush and experience the joy of capturing the world around them.”
Youth Plein Air Exhibit | July 28 to July 31
Each participant will have the opportunity to display one completed painting in GAAC’s classroom gallery. The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gathering and Awards Ceremony | Thursday, July 31
A community celebration on the GAAC back deck from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will spotlight the young artists and recognize their work.
“Seeing their artwork on display and hearing applause from family and friends can be transformative for young creators,” Bouma added.

Port Oneida Horse and Wagon Tours
2025-07-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-15 15:44, 2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:00 and 1 more date | Port Oneida Heritage Center, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy., Maple City, Michigan, 49630
Tuesdays, 10:00 am and 11:15 am
1.25 hour tour
Clip clop back in time to experience the Port Oneida Rural Historic District the way they did in the late 1800s – early 1900s! Learn about the life of the early pioneers, and their landscape as we travel by horse and wagon through the fields and side roads of this significant agricultural community of over 100 years, with beautiful vistas and farmsteads.
Meet at Port Oneida Heritage Center/Olsen Farm.
Our Horses: The stars of the tours are our two Belgium horses. You will learn more about the horses on the tour!
Group Rental also available by appointment. Call 231-334-6103

Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair
2025-07-16 10:00 - 16:00
The 53 rd annual Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair will be held on July 16 th , at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. The Art Fair features artists carefully selected to represent a wide variety of one-of-a-kind art pieces for sale including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry. Each year, thousands of people shop for that unique piece of art, either for themselves or for a special gift. Some go to their favorite artists’ booths to add to a collection, while others like to peruse vendors new to the Art Fair for a special purchase.
The Art Fair is a family-friendly event with a large selection of treasures available across a wide range of price points. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful homemade purse or jacket; an original painting of a favorite, local scene; a stunning piece of new jewelry; or a unique pottery garlic keeper; you are sure to find it at one of the well-displayed booths, both inside and outside the Township Hall.
Co-chairs Ruthy Bolton and Meg DeJager begin coordinating the Art Fair Committees in January to make sure all runs smoothly for vendors and shoppers on Art Fair Day. You can find them scurrying throughout the Fair, along with other Glen Lake Woman’s Club members in their bright yellow t-shirts throughout the day. They will also be hosting an information table right inside the Township Hall doors and can direct you to a specific booth. Bolton states, “Even with all our hard work these 7 months, we couldn’t pull off a successful Art Fair without the support of local businesses who donate advertisements and food or the media for getting the word out, and the Empire Lion’s Club for assisting with vendor loading and unloading.” DeJager adds, “The vendors really set the tone for the quality of the art at the Fair.
Check the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page for information about how to become a vendor.” “BATA is pleased to partner with the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair to provide vendor transportation to and from the event location. Helping support Leelanau County groups, organizations and events with transportation is a just one way BATA can provide added value to the communities we serve,” stated Eric Lingaur, Communications and Development Director for the Bay Area Transportation Authority.
All proceeds from the Art Fair support scholarships for Glen Lake Community School students. Since 1980, The Glen Lake Woman’s Club has awarded $350,000 to over 250 students attending Northwest Michigan College. Scholarships are also awarded for Blue Lake Music Camp and other critical student-needs through the school’s student assistance fund and the LIFT Middle School afterschool program. The scholarship recipients and Glen Lake High School Football players have a history of volunteering at the Art Fair with enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to assist where needed most. You will find them distributing coffee and donuts to vendors early in the morning, serving in the kitchen, setting up and taking down tables, and assisting customers at the popular jewelry or bake sale tables.
The Glen Lake Woman’s Club, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1937 with the goal of fostering social, civic, and educational projects. The charter members adopted as their slogan, “If you wish to live in a better place, better the place in which you live.” For more information about the Glen Lake Woman’s Club, the Art Fair, or our scholarship program, visit the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page or our web site at
https://www.glenlakewomansclub.org. Information is also available on the Glen Arbor Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.visitglenarbor.com.

Empire Anchor Days
2025-07-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-19 11:00 - 23:00 | Downtown Empire
Enjoy a variety of events during Empire Anchor Days, Friday and Saturday, July 18th and 19th, 2025. (In case of rain, dance will be in Empire Township Hall).

Events include:
Movie Night “The Search For Anna and Levi” on Friday July 18th, 2025 at 7pm at Empire Township Hall.

The Anchor Day Parade will be held a Noon on Saturday on Front St., Empire. Line Up: 11:30 at Johnson Park (Lions Park) 11570 Reynolds St.
A Pop Up Book Sale will be held from 11AM-3PM on Saturday at the Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 W. Front St, Empire. Event sponsored By: Friends of the Library.

Join the community for the Lions Club BBQ Chicken Dinner at Johnson Park (Lions Park) from 1-7pm on Saturday. Sponsored By: Empire Lions. Menu will include Grilled Chicken, BBs, Coleslaw, Potatoes and Shortcake.

Stop by for a treat and a bonfire at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. Enjoy Free Hot Dogs and S’mores from 6-8pm. Gelato and Chocolate shops open until 8pm.

On Saturday from 9-11pm enjoy Street Dancing with music by The Luke Woltanski Band in front of Glen Lake Community Library Front Plaza and Street. Bring: BYOB, Chair and Dancing Shoes. Sponsored By: Dave’s Garage Empire.

Empire Area Community Center (EACC) a Michigan Registered 501(C)3 Public Charity. Learn more about the host organization: empireareacommunitycenter.org

For questions contact March Dye, 231-633-9054, marchdye@gmail.com

Glen Lake Fire Department Open House
2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00 | GLFD Station 1, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor, 49664, United States
Glen Lake Fire Department Open House
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
GLFD Station 1, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor
Join us for a family-friendly open house at the Glen Lake Fire Department! Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, ice cream, and drinks, provided by the Glen Lake Fire and Rescue Association. Kids can explore fire trucks, the ambulance, and rescue boat while learning about local emergency services. It’s a fun and educational day for all ages!

Traverse City Dance Project: Summer Performance Tour
2025-07-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-31 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-02 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-08-03 19:30 - 21:00
The Traverse City Dance Project’s 2025 summer season features a four-stop tour of FREE performances across Northern Michigan! The program boasts an impressive lineup of professional dancers from around the country and showcases new dance works by Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott and recent Juilliard graduate Julia Ciesielska, in collaboration with live cellist Kyle Stachnik. The second half of the program will spotlight choreography by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, set to the iconic music of Queen. Pre-show tunes by DJ Eric P! The summer season concludes with Gala in the Gardens, a magical evening supporting the future growth of the Traverse City Dance Project.
Note: All of the shows, except for Frankfort, are outdoors. Bring your own chair/blanket for the Charlevoix and Traverse City performances, as seating will not be provided. We strive to make these events as accessible as possible; please feel free to reach out if you have any specific needs.

Port Oneida Fair
2025-08-08 10:00 - 2025-08-09 16:00 | Port Oneida Rural Historic District, 3164 W Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI, 49664, United States
“Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Imagine the life of the pioneers as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local history experts share the area’s history. Watch as teams of oxen and horses cut, load, and haul hay and artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.
Arrive anytime between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Most people spend 3-4 hours at the fair.
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.”

HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story?
2025-08-15 09:00 - 2025-10-23 15:00 | 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
HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story? [August 15 – October 23, 2025]
The Glen Arbor Arts Center takes on the question of history and voice in its next exhibition. HIStory/HERstory: Whose Story? is an exhibition that explores the idea that the victors have written history. This version of history has often been told from one perspective — while other histories have been ignored, deleted, denied, left out of the official record. The exhibition opens August 15, 5 pm with a reception in the GAAC Main Gallery.
Whether it’s visual art, literature, film, sports, science, politics, education, animal, mineral, real or imagined history, this exhibition asks:
• Who’s telling what stories?
• Who’s included in the official record?
• Who’s excluded? Omitted? Erased?
Twenty-four exhibitors take on these questions, and answer them with work about what’s included in the art historical canon; a fractured telling of Native American history; the voices inside a mom’s head; and other topics. Read more about the exhibit, and exhibition companion programs. View it online at GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS. HIStory / HERstory runs through October 23.

Labor Day Bridge Walk
2025-09-01 12:00 - 12:30
The Empire Area Community Center will help celebrate Labor Day with the 30th Annual Glen Lake Narrows Bridge Walk.
It will start at 12 p.m. on the Glen Arbor side of the Carl Olson Bridge. Meet at the north side of the Narrows bridge, 8137 S. Glen Lake Road.
Participants will enjoy the 0.3 mile walk over the Narrows Bridge and will get certificates on the Empire side.

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.

Author Julie Swanson
2025-09-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Inspired by the author’s own experience growing up in Leelanau County, the story follows fourth grader Jess Jezowski, who’s always felt more like a boy than a girl. Though set in the 1970’s, the thoughtful story explores issues of self-identity that will resonate today. Copies of the book will be available for purchase courtesy of the Cottage Book Shop.

Leaf Days
2025-10-11 - 2025-10-12 | Cherry Public House, 6026 South Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Come Join Us for Our Leaf Days Event in Glen Arbor! Fall Fun for All Ages: Games, kids’ activities, pumpkin painting and more
Live Music: Saturday, Oct. 11 1-4pm with Luke Woltanski & John Piatek
Pumpkin Carving: Sunday, Oct. 1 1-3pm Lord of the Gourd will be carving special pumpkins
Food & Drink Specials: Unique fall avors available all weekend long!

Fall Flannel Festival at Glen Lake Schools
2025-10-12 11:00 - 14:00
Glen Lake Community School’s second annual Fall Flannel Festival – Sunday, October 12th from 11am-2pm. This family friendly event offers something for everyone: Games, Touch-a-Truck, bounce houses, face painting and hair tinsel, mum and pumpkin sales, taco truck, and much more!

$5/person
$20/family

Ghoul-Friends + Guy-Goyles Day
2025-10-18
Saturday, October 18th – Grab your Ghoul-Friends and Guy-Goyles for a family friendly fall day throughout Glen Arbor!
Open to any local business to participate. Each may offer their own specials, activities or treats during a select timeframe.

Cottage Book Shop – Surprises at the counter; Scavenger hunt; “Pick Your Poison” blind date with a book, and more.
Boonedocks – “Sour Witches Brew” cocktail special for $9.
Coastal & M22 Glen Arbor – 3-5pm live music; wine specials; new fall home goods; s’mores and bonfires.
River Club – Two Buck Cluck Special: Purchase any two full priced drinks and get basket of wings for just $2.
Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Condos – 7-9pm dropin for a candelit read-aloud spooky story.
Cottonseed Apparel – Extra $10 off sale items!
Inn & Trail Gourmet – Pumpkin Spice scone special
Leelanau Coffee Roasters – Two drink specials: Vampire’s Kiss Latte and Frankenspice Matcha
Glen Arbor Arts Center – FREE make-and-take activity from 12-4pm. All ages welcome!
Cherry Public House – Festive food and drink specials — including a Spiced Mulled Wine.
Arts Tavern – Caramel Apple-tini for $10
La Becasse – Mystery Menu: 3 course prix-fixe for $55; Corpse Reviver Cocktail Special

Event on Facebook – Share and Invite your pals!

Glen Arbor's Trick or Treating 2025
2025-10-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Glen Arbor, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
The Sunday before Halloween, come out and enjoy family-friendly, daytime trick-or-treating in Glen Arbor on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 12–3 PM (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!
Share your photos! Email info@visitglenarbor.com, or use the hashtag #glenarbortrickortreat and tag @visitglenarbor on Facebook & Instagram!
• Share the Trick or Treating event on Facebook

Trivia Night!
2025-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Cherry Public House, 6026 South Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champ? Join us every Sunday evening at Cherry Public House for a brain-boosting good time with Trivia Night, hosted by the legendary Quizmaster Whoot! 🍻
🧠 Test your knowledge across pop culture, history, music, and more
🍔 Enjoy delicious food and drink specials all evening
🏆 Prizes for top teams – bring your A-game!
Grab your smartest friends, snag a table, and settle in for two hours of laughs, surprises, and fierce-but-friendly competition. Walk-ins welcome — fun guaranteed!
