Good morning, Traverse City.

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market opens for the 2026 season on Saturday at the corner of Cass Street and Grandview Parkway downtown, and it will run Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon starting June 3.

Farm2Neighbor invites community members to support access to healthy food at the annual Empty Bowls event on May 3 in Traverse City — a tradition that connects neighbors through local outreach.

A memorial event honoring Lawrence H.

Boyd IV (who died on Nov. 15) was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hardy Parking Structure downtown.

On May 4 at noon, the Botanic Garden and the Rec Authority will host a ribbon cutting at Historic Barns Park to unveil $5 million renovations that transformed Barn 206 into the Debra J.

Edson Family Education Center and added features to Cathedral Barn + a connector.

The new Fresh Coast Film Festival will debut soon in Traverse City with 50+ films and a variety of events at local venues; details on schedules and locations are expected shortly.

Cherry Capital Airport is set to convert its fire trucks to fluoride-free foam by early summer— the Northwest Regional Airport Authority board approved a $78,592 contract with Dinges Fire Co. to supply three dozen barrels.

Mary Free Bed and Munson Healthcare are joining forces to help northern Michigan patients avoid overuse injuries as spring activity increases, offering evaluation services at Munson urgent care and orthopedic offices—especially for runners preparing for the Bayshore Marathon in May.

State lawmakers recommended a Northern Michigan Mental Health Campus that would nearly double inpatient and residential care for adults and youth.

Local providers are forming a nonprofit, but state funds do not cover the project in this year's budget so construction may be years away.

Kent Wood, founder of Borealis Strategic + Policy Advisor for Housing North, said that recent housing data show progress in narrowing the housing gap in northern Michigan, but current supply remains insufficient to meet growing local demand.

Professional fighter Troy Lamson will make his 21st appearance on May 23 at Hell’s Kitchen Hall in New York as he returns from a break and strives to honor his family after setbacks—local sponsors including Buffalo Wild Wings in Traverse City back his comeback.

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.

Astrophysics with Radioactive Isotopes 2026

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Hagerty Center — Registration fees apply — Explore the role of radioactive nuclei in astrophysics at this comprehensive conference.

GTAGS Monthly Genealogy Program

1-3 p.m. — Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Room — Free entry — Explore your ancestry at this engaging genealogy program open to everyone.

Butterflies & Brews Fundraiser

3-7 p.m. — Right Brain Brewery — $40 ($20 for under 17) — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring a butterfly release, silent auction, and kids' crafts supporting butterfly conservation.