Good morning, Traverse City.

The Grand Traverse Ski Club is asking for $61,500 from marijuana revenue funds to upgrade Hickory Hills Ski Area with new snowmaking equipment, on-hill radios and a race timing system—steps meant to boost youth mental health and safe winter recreation.

The proposal will be reviewed at the Hickory Hills Advisory Commission meeting on October 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Hickory Hills Lodge—local officials will decide on the funding request.

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation distributed $334,700 in grants to 14 local organizations to support housing, youth, and mental health services across several counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Foundation officials noted that the awards help fill funding gaps and address critical regional needs — demonstrating strong local support amidst federal funding cuts.

Thirty local businesses are hosting the Haunts & Harvest Window Walk—an event where the community votes on spooky storefront displays via QR codes—and set a one-directional route for trick-or-treaters on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. along the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of East Front and State Streets, with voting open until Oct. 31.

Pets Naturally and The DOG Bakery saw a change in leadership as founder Kathy Hyland handed ownership to her daughter, Jessica Follett, in Traverse City.

Jessica plans to carry on the legacy and build on the business’s commitment to natural pet care — a move supported by over a decade of community trust.

Traverse City will host the Fresh Coast Film Festival next spring from April 30 through May 3, featuring films, panels and outdoor experiences that celebrate the Great Lakes and local lifestyle.

The festival opens with a free community gala screening at 7:00 p.m. on April 30 at ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness — with additional events at local venues around the North Boardman Lake District and downtown.

Traverse City’s Carter’s Compost diverted over 60,000 pounds of food scraps in 2025 after upgrading with an in-vessel unit partly funded by a ($250,000 USDA grant).

It will accept pumpkin donations from November 1 through November 8 and host its Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza on November 8 to boost local composting.

Senators passed a defense bill that gave Camp Grayling $4.4 million for a new training complex—supporting the Northern Strike exercise—and $31.9 million for a munitions facility that will create up to 100 jobs in northern Michigan.

Mitch Albom Book Signing and Discussion

7 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket includes a copy of Twice — Engage with Mitch Albom as he explores love and second chances in his latest novel.

Traverse City Zombie Run

9 AM – 12 PM — Right Brain Brewery — $30 Adults, $25 Students — A spooky 5K run/walk filled with zombies and fun festivities awaits.

NMC's Chamber Singers & Grand Traverse Chorale Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $15 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students — Experience a captivating night of choral music featuring Randall Thompson's 'Frostiana' and empowering compositions.

Young Chefs Dinner

8:00-10:30 p.m. — The Cooks’ House — Ticketed event — Celebrate the culinary talents of young chefs from Traverse City with an evening of fine dining.

Toast The Season - Weekend 1

11 AM – 5 PM — Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail — $75/person — Celebrate the holiday season with curated wine pairing and festive gifts at Northern Michigan's beloved event.

Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge

8:45 a.m. — Kalkaska Airport to Timber Ridge — Registration required — Conquer the rugged 30-mile race through the scenic landscapes of Michigan.

Joe Hill: King Sorrow Book Talk

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket with book purchase — Engage in a chilling conversation about Joe Hill's latest novel, King Sorrow, followed by a Q&A and signing.

Nathan Graham and Noah Guthrie Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of soulful Americana music with two rising stars in the genre.