Good morning, Traverse City.

Traverse City's East Side Placemaking Project is open through October as its first full summer season begins, offering a new community space near Eighth and Garfield with improvements like benches with umbrellas (Social District) and plans to add decorative planters when the weather warms. City officials and local business owners say the district will serve as a walkable neighborhood hub and host events such as a piano recital this summer.

Local animal shelters in Lake City, Manistee and Traverse City are offering adoptable pets such as Sherlock Bones and Tigger while profiles of several animals seeking new homes are featured—Doggie Day at the Movies is happening today at 11 a.m. with two upcoming fundraisers on June 21 to support animal welfare.

A 35-year-old Emmet County man, John Denny, pleaded not guilty to eight murder-related charges after prosecutors said he fatally shot his neighbor during a fight in his bedroom on Thursday — his next court dates are set for June 4 and June 18.

The bells of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish rang across Lake Leelanau to celebrate the naming of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—as the first American pope.

New owners Mindi Jarman and her husband John spent last year learning to run the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre in Honor and will open its first season on May 16th at 7:30 p.m.—the drive-in will show The Minecraft movie and The Goonies.

On Thursday, May 8, Pellston Regional Airport welcomed its first United Airlines passenger flight from Chicago (operated by SkyWest).

Airport Director Ryan Bachelor said local workers spent 200 hours each training and that the schedule will soon change from one daily flight until May 22 to two daily flights through September (a move expected to boost service).

The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist orders to 13 offshore casinos in January 2025 to protect residents from fraud and secure tax revenue—operators must halt illegal practices within 14 days.

This action aims to maintain a safe gaming environment—ensuring that only licensed sites serve Michigan players.

Grand Traverse County Civic Center will receive over $990,000 in renovations from an award by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation under the RAP program.

Maxwell Cameron and John Chase co-wrote the grant request with help from Jill Sill — the county will use American Rescue Plan Act funds to boost the center.

The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation received a $30,000 grant from the Biederman Foundation to boost its trauma-informed arts programs for youth in Northern Michigan—helping local schools, juvenile courts, and community groups.

The three-year investment will pay for new training, digital upgrades, and expansion to meet rising demand.

An Evening with Taro Yamasaki

5-8 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore powerful stories through the lens of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Taro Yamasaki.

AI in the Prehistoric Great Lakes

7-9 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore ancient Great Lakes hunting sites and meet the scientists using AI to bring the past to life.

Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Old Town Parking Structure — Free entry — Discover a variety of used bikes and support local families in need through the Recycle-a-Bicycle program.

Traverse City Counter Day

11 a.m. — Young Supply Company — Free cheesesteak lunch — Enjoy mouth-watering cheesesteaks during this local community event.

Cherry Capital Comic Con 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Ticket prices vary — Northern Michigan's premier comic book and pop culture festival featuring panels, artists, and collectible vendors.

Bayshore Marathon VIP Experience

5:30-8 a.m. — Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center & Library — Complimentary access — Upgrade your race day with exclusive amenities and snacks to fuel your run.

Music Mondays at Blush Rooftop Terrace

4-6 p.m. — Alexandra Inn — Free entry — Unwind with live acoustic performances and craft cocktails while enjoying stunning rooftop views in Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Art and Culture Summit

12 PM – 9 PM — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene at this community-centric summit across multiple venues.

The Big Run Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Hull Park — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 4-mile run followed by a community party with food and drinks.

Romantic Dances with Four Hands

7-8:15 p.m. — Music House Museum — Ticket prices not listed — Experience an evening of enchanting romantic music performed by acclaimed pianists Hyemin Kim and Michael Coonrod.