Empire Anchor Days
2025-07-19 11:00 - 23:00 (America/Detroit) | 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

Port Oneida Horse and Wagon Tours
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, 2025-09-02 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 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 | MI
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.

Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
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 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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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, 2025-11-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-09 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-16 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-23 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!

Glen Arbor's PJ Party 2025
2025-11-28 06:00 - 09:00 | Downtown Glen Arbor, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
Join us for a fun #shopsmall event Thanksgiving weekend. The PJ Party is an annual tradition on the Friday after Thanksgiving in Glen Arbor’s business district. 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, make sure to catch the Bed Parade 9-9:30am – starts in front of the Pine Cone and finished by the Post Office/Art’s Tavern. Enjoy shopping and dining locally throughout Thanksgiving weekend, during normal hours of operation.
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PLEASE VISIT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES…
M22 Glen Arbor – Open at 6 am
Coastal – Open at 6 am
Cottage Book Shop – Open at 6 am
Cherry Republic – Open at 7 am
Leelanau Coffee – Open at 6:30 am
The Totem Shop – Open at 6 am
Art’s Tavern T-Shirt Shop – Open at 7 am
Art’s Tavern – Open for Breakfast at 7 am
The Foothills Cafe – Open for breakfast from 8 am – 12 pm

Bed Parade 2025
2025-11-28 09:00 - 09:30 | MI
The fun and quirky Bed Parade rolls back into town the day after Thanksgiving — one of Glen Arbor’s many holiday traditions. You’re invited to watch the spectacle from the curb and cheer on participants as they roll their festively decorated beds on wheels down Western Avenue — or join in the fun by bringing your own creatively adorned bed!
Want to participate?Rally your crew and haul your creativity to town for a 9am parade start on Friday, November 28, 2025. The parade will begin near the Pine Cone and wrap up by the Post Office and Art’s Tavern. Afterward, warm up and celebrate with a post-parade treat from Leelanau Coffee Roasters or Art’s Tavern, both open for breakfast.
This event is open to everyone. No registration required.Sponsored by Becky Thatcher Designs. Questions? Contact Michael Lyons at (630) 776-0036 or michaell@worthathousandwords.com
