Head on down to Glen Arbor and shop/dine – most places are open for at least half the day for visitors. Grab a spot and enjoy the big 4th of JulyParade downtown Glen Arbor, beginning at 12pm. The parade leaves from Glen Haven making its way through to the North/East end of town. This year’s parade Marshal is _TBD_.
Participate…
Everyone is welcome and “anything goes!”
Want to participate in the parade? Cyclists (kids and families) and Walkers can join in the parade starting at the Christian Science Church. Cars and Floats participating in the parade, please meet at Glen Haven to line up 45 min prior to the parade start time. The parade begins at Noon.
Want a front row seat? Volunteer! We always need as many parade volunteers as possible. Bring your own broom to help walk with the parade and sweep the candy back towards the crowd, to keep kids off the street and safe.
Enjoy the area…
Most shops and restaurants are open part of the day for you! Please make sure to come to town early to park and enjoy shopping the lovely retailers and art galleries. Whether you’ll end up back where you’re staying or head back home, there’s a beach or lake or trail for you to enjoy some outdoor recreation the remainder of the holiday.
If you’re a boater, you can join in on the boat parade 4th of July evening on the Glen Lake beginning at 4pm in front of the Yacht Club.
More to celebrate on the 4th…
>>Flag Raising Ceremony | Old Settlers Park @ 10am
Join us for the annual Glen Lake Winterfest, Presidents Day Weekend: Saturday, February 15th, 2020! Festivities include a Perch Fishing/Contest + Chili Cook-Off.
This annually anticipated, mid-winter event in Glen Arbor is a favorite to visitors and locals alike. Proceeds from this event are given to the Glen Lake Schools Scholarship Fund. This is a family friendly event, just be sure to dress warmly! If you’d like to participate, the entry fee is $25 per chili. Winners will be crowned as the event wraps up around 3pm. Admission is $10 per person, which includes unlimited chili samples. $5 Admission for Seniors, over 70, and kids, 12 and under.
Participants are asked to submit entry forms by Friday, February 7th. Thank you!
Perch Fishing Contest
Festivities start at 7am with the beginning of the Perch Fishing Contest, with prizes for 1st through 4th place catches. All participants will bring their biggest catches from Big and Little Glen Lake to the Sportsman Shop at 1pm, and winners will then be crowned. Entry fee for this event is $20, and all ages are welcome.
Organized by Administered by Glen Lake Schools, the Chili Cook-off, kicks off at 12 Noon, hosted at Boonedocks in Glen Arbor. Entrants will compete to earn chili bragging rights. 1st through 5th Place winners, as determined by popular vote, receive a plaque commemorating the Chili Cook-off. Get there early for a seat inside Boonedocks. Dress warm and join us out on the deck for a winter-time party! Plenty of heaters, drinks, music, family, friends and chili to keep you warm!
Comments Off on Miracle Mile Ugly Sweater Dash 2019
Miracle Mile Ugly Sweater Dash, December 21, 11 a.m.
Join Cherry Republic for its second annual Ugly Sweater Dash the Saturday before Christmas. Participants will take off in front of the Cherry Public House on Lake Street and then run, walk or stroller-ride one mile, ending up back at the Public House for a pint of beer or a mug of hot cocoa.
Start Time: 11 a.m.; Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. $20 Adults | $10 Kids (12 and under)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Finishers
One form must be submitted for each participant. Entry fees are paid during registration at Cherry Republic on day of the event. Required waivers will need to be signed during check in on the day of the event.
A family friendly shopping event in Glen Arbor, open all day during business hours where you can shop, celebrate the holidays, and treat the kids too! Children are invited to “find a sweet treat” at each participating business location, plus discover additional activities offered, like: cookie decorating, gingerbread houses, and special refreshments like hot cocoa stations, and more!
Friday, Dec. 13 @ 7:30pm to 9pm, Manitou Winds will be performing their annual “Winter Songs & Carols” at The Leelanau School, located at 1 Old Homestead Rd., in Glen Arbor, MI.
The event is FREE to attend; Goodwill donations to benefit art/music programs at The Leelanau School and Manitou Winds.
Performed in the festively-decorated dining hall, this special presentation is a chance to hear our one-of-a-kind program performed in an intimate setting welcoming our friends, neighbors, and also newcomers.
More than a concert filled with holiday-themed music, Winter Songs & Carols is an invitation to celebrate the entire season of winter. Our annual winter presentation brings together the entire ensemble performing on a wide variety of instruments in an eclectic program of traditional carols and original compositions.
Our 2019 program will feature some of your favorites from past seasons while boasting seven brand new works including familiar holiday tunes and a few surprises you definitely won’t hear anywhere else. The program also includes selected poetry and prose to get you in the holiday spirit: an inspiring mix of music and spoken word to create a contemplative start to the season. Join us and our special guest, soprano Emily Curtin Culler, as we welcome winter home to Northern Michigan.
The Glen Arbor Arts Center will host a “Glen Arbor Holiday Open House” on Thursday, December 5th from 4-6pm.
You’re invited to shop for a 100 works of local art for sale under $150. Enjoy holiday music with a hand bell choir, create family crafts, and savor food and drinks!
Comments Off on Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace 2019
Shop an amazing breadth of handcrafted, locally made goods from 30+ Artisans during the Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace.
Also featuring a variety of beautiful Holiday Greenery for sale!!!
Meet Santa from 11am-1:30pm. They will be at the Glen Arbor Holiday Market with some little toys and goodies! Bring the kids and your own camera for some great photo opportunities and fun.
Open to the public. No admission fee.
Photos by Rockwell Art & Design ® for the Glen Lake Chamber
> Don’t Miss the Holiday Marketplace Opening the day before, Friday Nov. 29th with Tree Lighting and Caroling from 6:15-8pm at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
In its third year, the quirky “Glen Arbor Bed Parade” brings another fun thing to Glen Arbor for Thanksgiving weekend. Join the new Black Friday tradition, sponsored by Becky Thatcher Designs. Open to anyone and everyone to cheer from the curb or roll down Western Avenue.
Want to participate?
Haul that creatively decorated bed on wheels to Sylvan Inn’s parking at 9:00 Friday and join the parade. Your support team to push would be good, too. Event begins at 9am and ends by 9:30am at Art’s Tavern.
Prior to the parade, some wake up early dressed festive and cozy to shop the deals of the year during the Glen Arbor PJ Party from 6:30-9am. Following the Bed Parade, many plan to dine at local eateries in and around Glen Arbor.
Questions? Contact Organizers/Sponsors: Becky and Cookie Thatcher. Email: [email protected] or 314-422-5252
Comments Off on Small Works: Art opening reception
The Glen Arbor Arts Center celebrates the holidays with Small Works, an exhibition of original art that opens Friday, November 15th. This holiday show features art work 12” x 12” and smaller, all priced at $150 or less. A 6 pm reception launches the show.
Small Works continues through December 18. The Glen Arbor Arts Center is located at 6031 S. Lake Street. For more information go to GlenArborArt.org
Comments Off on Holiday “Shop local” events in Glen Arbor
Visit Glen Arbor & Shop Local for the Holidays. Join us for a variety of anticipated holiday-themed shopping events in Glen Arbor, taking place Thanksgiving weekend & beyond. Open to everyone, no admission fee.
PJ Party Shopping: Friday, November 29th, 6:30-9am
Participating retailers in Glen Arbor offer “once-a-year worthy specials” during this annually “better than Black Friday” shopping experience. Come dressed festive and cozy to shop local and get the best deals at stops which include: Bay Wear, Cherry Republic, Coastal, Cottage Book Shop, Forest Gallery, Glen Arbor Wines, M22 Glen Arbor, Northwoods Home & Gift, Northwoods Hardware, and The Sportsman Shop. Stick around town to grab breakfast at iconic Art’s or coffee from Leelanau Coffee Roasters. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/393972234816845/
Bed Parade: 9am, Fri. Nov 29th
In its third year, the quirky “Glen Arbor Bed Parade” brings another fun thing to Glen Arbor for Thanksgiving weekend. Join the new Black Friday tradition, sponsored by Becky Thatcher Designs. Open to anyone and everyone to cheer from the curb or roll down Western Avenue. Want to participate? Haul that creatively decorated bed on wheels to Sylvan Inn’s parking at 9:00 Friday and join the parade. Your support team to push would be good, too. Event begins at 9am and ends by 9:30am at Art’s Tavern. Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/526301271273262/
Holiday Marketplace Opening: 6:15pm – 8pm, Fri, Nov 29th
Bring your Holiday spirit and join the local community outside the Glen Arbor Town Hall for Christmas Caroling and a ceremonial Tree lighting at 6:15pm. This year, Carols will be lead by members of the Glen Lake Church team.Warm up inside the Town Hall following the caroling & tree lighting. Be the first to shop the Holiday Marketplace from 6:30-8pm. The market features an amazing breadth of handcrafted, locally made goods by 30+ Artisans. Cider and Doughnuts provided by Art’s Tavern. Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/372771413611226/
Shop an amazing breadth of handcrafted, locally made goods from 30+ Artisans during the Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace. The event, located at the Glen Arbor Town Hall, offers a rich variety of beautiful Holiday gift items and Greenery for sale. Meet Santa from 11am-1:30pm. Bring the kids and your camera for festive photo opportunities. Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenarborholidaymarketplace/ Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/476389996290577/
‘Keep it Local’ Night: 4-7pm Thursday, December 12th
Come out for a fun shopping event in Glen Arbor and “keep it local” for the holidays with offerings at participating businesses which may include refreshments, special discounts and gift wrapping! Visit these participating* businesses: Cherry Republic, Coastal, Cottage Book Shop, Forest Gallery, Glen Arbor Wines, M22 Glen Arbor, Northwoods Home & Gift, and The Sportsman Shop. *participating but not limited to; Confirmed businesses open for this event listed. Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/777618715976870/
A family friendly shopping event in Glen Arbor to shop, celebrate the holidays, and treat the kids too! Children are invited to “find a sweet treat” at each participating business location, plus discover additional activities offered, like: cookie decorating, gingerbread houses, and special refreshments like hot cocoa stations, and more! Visit these participating businesses: Cherry Republic, Coastal, Cottage Book Shop, Forest Gallery, Glen Arbor Wines, Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co., M22 Glen Arbor, and The Sportsman Shop. Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/620968821768356/
Open to anyone. No admission fee. Individual events also posted on Facebook and details can be found at https://www.visitglenarbor.com/events/The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce is a 501c organization.
12 – 3pm | Activities & Games, Pie Eating Contest, Pumpkin Carving, Games & Crafts and a Cake Walk.
Musical entertainment will be performed by Chris Skellenger & Paul Koss.
12:30pm | Costume Parade ~ open to kids of all ages with prizes awarded for a variety of categories.
In addition, there will be Face Painting offered by The Painted Lady Face Art and carving demonstrations by Lord of the Gourd. Food for purchase provided by Art’s Tavern will include Cider, Donuts, Hot Dogs & Chili.
The event will wrap up by 3pm.
6pm | Pumpkins will be put on display and lit at 6pm, for all to enjoy.
Participants may return Saturday evening or early on Sunday to pickup your pumpkin(s).
EVENT POSTER (8.5×11″ PDF version – view, print & share!)
Event graphic design and Marketing Plan by Rockwell Art & Design for the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce.
More to do in the Fall
Celebrating one of our favorite season’s in the county, Expect peak colors for fall color tours, shopping & dining around Glen Arbor. Make sure to check out other local events happening by viewing our Event Calendar.
Pilot Bruce Jacobs will start the race from the air!
Join us to continue a tradition that began in 1995.
The Narrows Bridge Walk is a .3 mile walk – for one and for all!
This year is the second year that the Empire Area Community Center
is the walk-sponsor. Thanks to organizers: Yogi Beare (Empire),
Bill Thompson (Glen Arbor), and Tom Plasman of Empire.
Certificates will be given upon completion of the bridge walk.
T-shirts will be available and refreshments too!
Meet us at the Narrows, north side of the bridge — 8137 S. Glen Lake Road.
Friday 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor.
Made in Denmark, this hot new building toy is tons of fun, join us to build your own creation and take it home. We will begin this event after Story time. For children 2 and up.
from 10am-12pm, Join us for the last Spout session of the Summer!
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: Aug 7
Author Heather Shumaker will join us for Story time and Craft on Wednesday, Aug 7 from 11am-11:45am. Heather will read from her book The Griffins of Castle Cary, followed by book signing and a craft.
Siblings Meg, Will, and Ariel Griffin are off on an adventure! They can’t wait to spend a week visiting their eccentric aunt and her giant, tongue-drooling Newfoundland dog in England. But when they finally arrive, they’re faced with a few local secrets that stir up more than a little trouble.
Add in some very peculiar lights, strange new friends, a police chase and some stampeding sheep, and the Griffin kids are in over their heads—literally. Apparently this town has a ghost problem and the three children must race to solve the mystery before the ghosts take something that doesn’t belong to them.
(Ages 8 and up
Heather Shumaker grew up always wanting to be an author. She began writing books in elementary school and is now an award-winning author of several books for adults ( It’s OK Not to Share, It’s OK to Go Up the Slide and Saving Arcadia). Heather has tried many jobs including sailing on tall ships, leading llama treks, and recycling at the South Pole, Antarctica, but she likes writing best.
The Griffins of Castle Cary, by Heather Shumaker, Simon and Schuster $17.99
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Where’s Waldo Local Celebration | Wednesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m.
Join us for the culmination of the month long search for Waldo in Glen Arbor. We will have activities, snacks and prizes, we might even find Waldo! During the month of July the Cottage Book Shop will join over 250 booksellers around the county in a month long “Where’s Waldo” Program. Participants can pick up a “Find Waldo” passport at the Cottage Book Shop and search for Waldo in participating shops in Glen Arbor.
During the entire month of July, Waldo will be hiding at participating locations around Glen Arbor and Empire, be sure to pick up your passport at the Cottage Book Shop and join the fun.
When you spot Waldo at any one of the businesses listed on the reverse side, collect a store stamp (or signature).
When you’ve collected at least 10 different store stamps/signatures, bring them to Cottage Book Shop, your FIND WALDO LOCAL headquarters, to claim an “I Found Waldo” button and a “$1 Off” coupon (limited to first 125 Waldo spotters).
If you collect at least 12 of the possible 19 store stamps/signatures, bring your passport to Cottage Book Shop to get a button and a coupon PLUS be entered in a drawing for a set Waldo books and other great prizes.Plan to attend the Waldo grand celebration and prize drawing at 11:30 a.m. on July 31 at Cottage Book Shop (you don’t need to be present to win).
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: July 24
Author Tony Steeno will be at Story time on July 24 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Tony will read from his book Beyond the Lighthouse, Over the Mountains and offer book signing.
Three friends embark upon a hero’s journey, questing for a distant treasure. The way is arduous and fraught with peril, yet the trio boldly presses on. Much to their relief, help comes along when they least expect it-a guiding bright light, help from a thoughtful stranger, fellowship in a broken village. But is the kindness of strangers enough to help the three friends survive vicious storms, fend off fire breathing monsters, and conquer their own fears? (Ages 5 and up)
Beyond the Lighthouse, Over the Mountains, By Tony Steeno, Fireside Vernacular $18.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
The 13th Annual Glen Arbor Women’s Club RunningBear 5K Walk/Run and 1/2 Mile Kid’s Run is going to be on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. 9:00 am at Cherry Republic Glen Arbor. $18/$20 day of race $5 Kids. More info: www.runningbearrun.com
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: July 17
Author Sarah Ogan will join us for Story time, Book Signing and Craft on July 17 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Featuring her book, The Lake Mermaid. The historic tale of young Ottawa girl who discovers something amazing right here, in the forests around Sleeping Bear Dunes. Her whole-hearted spirit helps to release something into the waters of Lake Michigan for centuries to come.
The Lake Mermaid, By Sarah Ogan, $18.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Dune Climb Concert | Bumpus July 14
Bumpus and their powerful brand of soul music rocks the Sleeping Bear Dunes at the next Manitou Music series concert on Sunday, July 14, 7 pm.
This Chicago group channels the uplifting energy of Sly & the Family Stone, the energy of James Brown and the reflective cool of Marvin Gaye. Led by singers James Johnston, Ava Fain and Tina Howell, they bring together funky big beats, deep bass, lush horns and a heavy organ sound that results in a high-octane musical funk frenzy. Bumpus performs at The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb.
The Dune Climb Concert, a project of the Glen Arbor Arts Center, is free, but a National Park Service pass is required for parking. There is no rain location for this concert. For more information about this concert or the entire 2019 Manitou Music series, go to GlenArborArt.org
Comments Off on Looking Forward/Old Friends concert
Looking Forward will play at 6 pm and Old Friends 7:30-9:30 at Old Settlers’ Park on Glen Lake on July 13, 2019.
Open to the public community. The concert is free with the hat passed for freewill donations. Bring your own water/coolers for hydration and chairs/blankets to sit on.
The beneficiary of the concert will be Young Life, a youth ministry for middle school and high school students at Glen Lake School.
Presenting sponsors this year are Anderson’s Market and Cherry Republic, with support from Shannon Realty, Leelanau Coffee Roasting, Northwood Hardware, John and Pam Depuy, Jenifer Murray Consulting, Jerry and Shelly Pearson, Bob and Sue Johnson—and the list is growing.
Read the article telling the story behind this event in the Glen Arbor Sun.
Comments Off on Story time at Cottage Book Shop: July 10
Author Patty Brozo will be at Story time on July 10 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Patty will read from her book Miss Pinkeltink’s Purse, and offer book signing. A story about A warm-hearted homeless woman finds a home. From its humorous opening through its sad midpoint and uplifting end, Miss Pinkeltink’s story shines a light on humanity. This story with children as agents of positive change reminds us again that communities are best known by their treatment of the disadvantaged among them. (Ages 2 and up)
By Patty Brozo, Illustrated by Ana Ochoa, Tilbury House. $17.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
