Good morning, Traverse City.

Storehouse of Community Resources is inviting Northern Michigan schools to request free backpacks with school supplies for students in need ahead of the new school year.

The nonprofit's 2026 Big Backpack Build is scheduled from Aug. 10-12 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids and welcomes donations to cover backpack costs.

On July 2, the Dennos Museum celebrated its 35th anniversary by unveiling a refreshed brand that redefines its role as an educational hub and community anchor after years of growing engagement.

Northwestern Michigan College will host Explore History Day on Sunday + free activities, concerts and exhibits will mark its 75th anniversary celebration on campus.

Lunch options will be available for purchase.

Local chef Cameron Rolka is featured in Grand Traverse Scene magazine’s Summer II issue, where his culinary journey and passion for local flavors are highlighted & celebrated.

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification announced a $3.5M funding boost for the maritime industry during ReShore 2026 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Hagerty Center this morning.

The investment is expected to strengthen the region’s BlueTech sector.

Four beaches under E. coli advisories have been cleared for full-body contact after resampling on Thursday (Traverse City State Park, Senior Center Beach, Sunset Park, West End Beach) as results showed safe levels, according to Health Director Brent Wheat.

Federal health officials announced that a cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico has affected Michigan and eight other states; local health officials are interviewing patients while investigating a second outbreak that has sickened 72 people with nearly 1,947 cases linked to Taco Bell restaurants nationwide.

Blueberry growers at Bulldog Berries started U-pick season last week northwest of town after a cold spring affected early blooms; hardy varieties like Bluecrop performed well and locals and tourists now enjoy picking (owner Nick Billings noted lower bee activity as a challenge).

Don Watkins, 77, flew in a wingsuit on Thursday, July 23 and unofficially set a new record for the oldest wingsuit flight — he will submit GPS data and video for Guinness World Records while raising money for the Prytula Foundation USA.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-10 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Enjoy $2 hot dogs and $3 beers — Join the fun at a local baseball game with exciting food and drink specials.

Catie Newell Artist Talk

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore light, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects with architect Catie Newell.

FEI North American Youth Championships

1 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — Ticket options vary — Witness top young equestrian athletes compete in an international championship event set in Traverse City.

Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Dennos — Admission required — Explore unique floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries.

ABBA The Concert - ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Starting at $32 — Experience the electric performance of ABBA's greatest hits with joy and nostalgia.

Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Sold Out — Experience an electrifying night of blues rock with two legendary acts taking the stage.