Good morning, Traverse City.

The 17th annual Up North Lake and Cottage Show is underway at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center with displays of kitchens, saunas and hot tubs for sale.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6 to 15; the event runs through Sunday, April 12.

A new mini market featuring homemade clothing, jewelry, and art will take place at Clean Crumbles (a popular downtown spot) Sunday.

Neighbors can shop unique items and support local makers at this community event.

Ron Jolly ended his 41-year career at WTCM NewsTalk 580 on Friday morning when he signed off his long-running show with co-host Colleen Wares.

The duo, who brought local voices and interviews to Traverse City since 1994, marked a significant milestone in northern Michigan radio history.

Bestselling author Karen Dionne will headline the fifth annual Walloon Lake Writers’ Retreat—April 16-19—at Hotel Walloon in northern Michigan; the event will feature writing sessions, a VIP film viewing of The Marsh King’s Daughter, and discussions about her work.

The Traverse City Comedy Fest kicks off next week at eight local venues.

For the first time, it will donate funds to the Women’s Resource Center — a move that will give survivors 35 safe nights of shelter.

Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Paddling Film Festival World Tour on April 22 at Howe Arena.

The two-hour screening of adventure films features an expo that helps fund an accessible launch at Medalie Park — advance tickets cost $12 and $15 at the door.

TC Phil presents Backstage Pass today at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. with Maestro Kevin Rhodes and the full orchestra sharing music, behind-the-scenes stories, and straight talk — tickets cost $10 and are available at TCPhil.org.

At the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism held from Apr.

7 to Apr. 9, three Northern Michigan groups were honored for boosting the state's $50 billion travel industry. The awards recognized a KISS50 anniversary celebration and a dedicated river cleanup to protect local waterways.

Tim Boring, head of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, led a roundtable in Wexford County discussing rising costs and challenges for farmers while planning a program to link them with funding, education, and land.

Farmers stressed the need for long-term support — vital for our community.

This past Thursday, tourism officials at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa celebrated 20 years of the Pure Michigan campaign during the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism — announcing plans to update its messaging with new platforms and tweaks.

On Thursday, over 150 nurses and community members gathered outside Munson Medical Center to support staff and call for a new three-year contract that offers wage increases, safer staffing levels and updated technology.

Union talks have been ongoing since November.

Gardening experts say it is too early to plant outdoors and advise locals to prepare beds and plan for a Memorial Day planting schedule.

They recommend hardening off plants during warm days and keeping tender ones protected at night.

Mari Vineyards Wine Run 5k

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Mari Vineyards — Register early — Enjoy a scenic 5k run or walk with delicious wines at a beautiful vineyard.

2026 Cherry Bombspiel

2 PM – 3 PM — Traverse City Curling Club — $500 — Compete in a fun curling event with 36 teams and a four-game guarantee.

NMC Jazz Bands & High School All-Star Big Band Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience an evening of vibrant jazz performances featuring local high school talent and special guest Robbie M Smith.

Earth Day Clothing Swap

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably while enjoying a community clothing and gear swap this Earth Day.

NMC Concert Band Spring Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a night filled with vibrant music from talented musicians showcasing their versatility.

The Golden Age of Broadway Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a musical journey through the beloved songs of Broadway's Golden Age with the NMC Grand Traverse Chorale.

5th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration

5-8 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free event — Celebrate culture and community with food, film, and poetry featuring local talents and diverse culinary offerings.

Great Lakes Child Safety Conference

The inaugural Great Lakes Child Safety Conference will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Traverse City Central High School, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The free conference is presented in collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), Northwest Education Services, Rotary, and Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Spring Art Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Engage with over 25 artists showcasing diverse media from painting to ceramics.