Good morning, Traverse City.

On July 5, Traverse City Central High School hosted the Meijer Festival of Races where packet pickup began at 5:30 a.m. for the Priority Health 5K, Michigan Planners 10K, and Michigan Planners McKinley Challenge 15K and half marathon — later that morning, the Sara Hardy Farmers Market opened at the Old Town Parking Deck offering local produce, flowers, and baked goods.

Police in Traverse City are seeking evidence in connection with the 12-year hit-and-run death of Kelly Boyce Hurlbert (struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle) and the driver remains unidentified (investigators urge anyone with information to come forward).

Ainslee Hewitt, a Traverse City native, was crowned the 2025/2026 National Cherry Festival Queen at the City Opera House on July 4 + she will spend the next year promoting local agricultural heritage and engaging in community events.

Principal Joe Esper announced he will retire in December after more than 11 years at Traverse City West Senior High.

Traverse City Area Public Schools posted the open position on their website & will begin the search for a new lead principal in the new calendar year.

Sullivan Seymour, Glen Lake High School senior class president and three-sport athlete, completed his commencement on June 1 and now plans to attend college in Ann Arbor.

He earned recognition as a Laker Scholar and mentor during his time at school.

PACE North settled a long-running legal dispute with Grand Traverse County and the public board that governs the Pavilions senior care center in Traverse City — ending the court case that affected local senior care services.

A Traverse City couple caters at Cherry Fest and serves famous guests & has earned praise for their quality food.

They plan more events this summer to grow their business and celebrate local traditions.

Black Star Farms Estate & Wine Tour

11 AM – 1 PM — Black Star Farms Winery and Inn — Ticketed event — Explore the scenic vineyard and learn about the history of wine-making in beautiful northern Michigan.

Grand Traverse Bay Wine Tasting Cruise

Sailing at sunset — 2 hours — Schooner Manitou — Prices vary — Experience local wines while enjoying stunning views and wildlife on Grand Traverse Bay.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Fun night of retro tunes and baseball with special guests — Big hair, neon vibes, and the Cherryland Ghostbusters bring the nostalgia.

Max Lockwood Trio Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Elk Rapids Day Park — Free entry — Experience heartfelt lyricism and classic rock vibes under the stars with Max Lockwood Trio.

Wine & Chocolate Tasting Workshop

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Black Star Farms Old Mission — Ticket required — Experience the delightful pairing of wine and chocolate in a unique tasting workshop.

The Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon Concert

7-9 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience an evening of innovative bluegrass and jamgrass music from acclaimed artists.

Summer Solar Workshop Series: Create a Solar Exploration Kit

2-4 p.m. — Traverse Area District Library — Free entry — Engage in a creative solar exploration workshop making art with sunlight and science.

The Daylites Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Little Fleet — Free entry — High energy original music and rockin’ cover band from Traverse City, Michigan.

Bachman Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Sold out — Relive the ‘70s with classics from rock legends Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band.

Nations Cup Show Jumping Event

1-7 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — General admission proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience thrilling equestrian competition and enjoy tasty food and boutique shopping.