Good morning, Traverse City.

Cherry Capital Airport and Norte Youth Cycling are teaming up to distribute free bicycle helmets to up to 500 local children at the Free Lids for Cyclin’ Kids giveaway on April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.

William Mitchell State Park is opening for the season today even though floodwaters have submerged nearly half the campsites (officials are relocating reservations and updating closure maps).

Red Cross volunteers surveyed more than 70 homes across northern Michigan as of April 21 and found 14 flood-damaged homes.

Nearly 60 disaster workers distributed over 100 relief items and 900 meals while open shelters continue to serve impacted residents.

Ticket sales have begun for Forest to Fork: A Springtime Gathering from May 14-17.

The event, an extension of Traverse City Food and Wine, offers unique food and wine experiences with local partners including Bel Lago North Farm and Brys Estate Vineyard (among others) across Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is hosting its annual District-Wide Art Show from Thursday, Apr.

23 until May 7 at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, featuring local art displays by students and community artists.

North Central Michigan College is hosting its 66th commencement and nurse pinning ceremony on May 8 at Petoskey Plastics Arena, where nearly 300 graduates and 26 student-nurses will be honored with speeches from Frank Ettawageshik and Joseph Variot and an honorary degree for former trustee Phil Millard.

Peninsula Township began building a boardwalk at Pelizzari Natural Area (on the east side of Center Road on Old Mission Peninsula) to protect hemlocks from heavy foot traffic, causing trail disruptions and a one-day park closure for material delivery; construction will finish by early June.

Garfield Township may soon allow food trucks as accessory uses to established businesses, pending a public hearing set for May 13.

The ordinance requires fire department inspections (with no permanent utility connections) for safe operation.

Grand Traverse County officials are switching flood work from emergency response to recovery as water levels drop — the change will help residents assess damage and begin repairs.

Resource reallocation is planned to support local recovery efforts.

Traverse City commissioners presented a plan today to repurpose the old Carnegie building (proposing shared space for the Crooked Tree Arts Center and the district library) to boost local cultural and community services.

Residents in Antrim and Emmet counties can pick up free flood clean-up buckets (including cleaning supplies and safety gear) now at local health department locations, while supplies in Charlevoix will be available tomorrow, Apr.

23 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Traverse City West defeated Petoskey 3-1 on Tuesday in a Big North Conference girls soccer match to remain undefeated.

The Titans built a 2-0 lead in the first half and secured Petoskey's first loss this season.

Michigan beat UConn 69 to 63 in Indianapolis to claim the NCAA championship, shifting from high scoring wins to a tight defense-driven final that earned its first title since 1989.

Local basketball fans will enjoy the Lions Legends game scheduled in Traverse City later this season.

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.

Traverse City Repair Cafe

10 AM – 2 PM — Traverse Area District Library — Donation-based — Bring your household items to be repaired by skilled volunteers and help reduce waste.