Featured Events in Traverse City

From Traverse Ticker’s Event Calendar:

"Meet the Artist" Lecture Series: Local Landscapes — Monday, September 22, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm Join a local landscape painter at the Traverse City Art Center for an insightful talk about their creative process, inspiration drawn from the Grand Traverse region, and a Q&A session.

Brewery Tour & Tasting at The Filling Station — Tuesday, September 23, 5:00 pm–6:30 pm Take a guided tour of The Filling Station Microbrewery, housed in a historic railroad depot. Learn about their brewing process, enjoy samples of their craft beers, and stay for their famous flatbread pizzas.

Wine & Canvas Night: "Autumn Lake Sunset" — Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm Unleash your inner artist at this popular event held at various local venues (check specific location when booking). All skill levels are welcome to paint a seasonal landscape while enjoying local wines. Supplies and instruction included.

Dennos Museum Center - Free Admission Evening — Thursday, September 25, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Explore the impressive art collections, including the renowned Inuit art gallery, at the Dennos Museum Center with free admission during these evening hours. A great opportunity to experience culture without cost.

Live Music: Local Folk Duo 'The Lake Effect' — Friday, September 26, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm Enjoy an evening of charming acoustic folk music at Workshop Brewing Company. Pair their excellent craft beers with farm-to-table food in a lively, community-focused atmosphere.

Harvest Fest at Rennie Orchards — Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28, 9:00 am–5:00 pm Just a short drive from Traverse City, this family-friendly event offers U-pick apples and pumpkins, fresh-pressed cider, homemade donuts, wagon rides, and a corn maze.

Downtown Traverse City Art Walk — Saturday, September 27, 11:00 am–4:00 pm Stroll through downtown Traverse City and visit participating galleries and businesses showcasing local and regional artists. Many locations will have artists on hand, demonstrations, and special offers.

Traverse City Autumn Classic Car Show — Sunday, September 28, 10:00 am–3:00 pm Head to the Open Space for a display of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and vote for your favorite in various categories.

Ongoing Events

"Great Lakes, Great Artists: A Regional Showcase" — Running through October 19 This art exhibition at the Dennos Museum Center continues to feature a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works from artists across the Great Lakes region. The exhibit explores themes of water, industry, and natural beauty.

Traverse City Ghost Lantern Tours — Friday & Saturday evenings, 8:00 pm (check for availability) Embark on a guided walking tour through historic downtown Traverse City, learning about its haunted past, local legends, and spooky stories. Tours typically start near the Old Town Playhouse.

Quick Glance Summary

🍂 Crispy Delicata & Pomegranate Salad with Ginger-Tahini Drizzle

Why It Works:

This vibrant fall salad pairs roasted delicata squash—known for its edible skin and sweet, nutty flavor—with fresh pomegranate arils, peppery arugula, and crunchy roasted chickpeas. A light ginger-tahini drizzle ties everything together with creamy brightness, no heaviness needed.

 Ingredients:

• 1 medium delicata squash (sliced into half-moons)
  
  

• 1 cup arugula or baby kale
  
  

• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  
  

• 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas (or toasted pepitas)
  
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste

Ginger-Tahini Dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini
  
  

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  
  

• 1 tsp grated ginger
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Water to thin

How to Make:

1. Roast delicata squash at 400°F with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20–25 minutes until golden.
   
   

2. In a bowl, toss arugula, pomegranate seeds, and roasted chickpeas.
   
   

3. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
   
   

Add warm squash to the greens and drizzle with dressing.

NASA’s breakthrough Mars discovery has ignited excitement in Traverse City, resonating with the community’s deep appreciation for science and the arts.

Local schools quickly wove the news into classrooms, inspiring students to dream of a future tied to space discovery.

Families are gathering along the bay at night, drawn together under the stars as the community marvels at the vastness beyond the lake’s calm surface.

Residents reflect that this moment reminds everyone of the unending power of curiosity.

The city’s creative spirit is thriving, with writers and artists channeling the energy of space exploration into new works.

Wellness leaders even see the Mars story as inspiration for personal growth, urging locals to look skyward and embrace new possibilities.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Dark Sky Week highlights Michigan’s dedication to stargazing, with celebrated dark sky parks offering unmatched cosmic views.

For Traverse City, Mars is more than a planet—it’s a shining emblem of exploration, creativity, and the enduring bond with nature.

Quote Of The Day

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman

Traverse City is embracing mental health by weaving wellness practices into everyday routines.

Residents gather for paddleboard yoga on Grand Traverse Bay at sunrise, combining exercise and meditation.

Downtown cafés buzz with journaling circles and mindfulness groups, while families and schools help students balance stress with self-care.

This “wellness in rhythm with nature” movement energizes creative professionals and encourages community growth.

Access to mental health support has expanded rapidly since the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center opened in January 2025, offering 24/7 services—regardless of income—including crisis management and residential care.

Momentum grows for the city’s first Wellness Week, set for September 19-26, 2025, with classes, panels, and a wellness expo at the City Opera House.

Through accessible resources and year-round events, Traverse City continues building a resilient, balanced community grounded in mental wellbeing.

Interesting Facts

• Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World and hosts an annual National Cherry Festival. - The town is home to the Dennos Museum Center, which features a renowned collection of Inuit art.
• Traverse City is located in the picturesque Grand Traverse Bay area, known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Traverse City is embracing a vibrant shift toward wellness, driven by bold new initiatives and community investment in health.

The city will host its first Wellness Week Traverse City from September 19–26, 2025, uniting residents with local health businesses and encouraging lasting healthy routines.

The week launches at the City Opera House with movement classes, a nutritious dinner, and insight from area wellness leaders.

Recent upgrades at the expanded Senior Center and Park highlight sustainable features like green roofs and geothermal energy, plus new courts and modern amenities—helping people of all ages stay active.

Local partnerships add momentum, as ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness collaborates with the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center to offer yoga classes benefitting community causes.

Meanwhile, the Benzie Wellness & Aquatic Center project, fueled by broad business support, promises a year-round wellness hub for residents and visitors.

These efforts position Traverse City as a leader in health-conscious living across Michigan.

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Traverse City, best known for its cherry orchards, is welcoming a fresh culinary favorite in 2025: pistachio.

This nut, chosen as the "Flavor of the Year," is being celebrated in downtown cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, breathing new life into the local food scene.

Pistachio lattes have become a cozy staple at neighborhood coffee shops, offering a sweet contrast to bold espresso.

Bakeries are unveiling pistachio-infused treats like croissants and biscotti, expanding options beyond classic cherry pastries.

In kitchens across the city, chefs are serving up inventive dishes such as pistachio-crusted whitefish and handmade pastas with pistachio pesto.

The excitement peaked during August's inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine festival, where pistachio-featured tastings drew crowds.

Traverse City’s embrace of pistachio reflects a nationwide trend toward innovative, bold flavors — showing there’s always room for new tastes alongside cherished local traditions.

Tip of The Day

Explore lesser-known local businesses in your area and feature them in your newsletter to support and promote small businesses.

This can help you build strong relationships within your community while also providing your readers with unique and interesting content.

Traverse City, famous for its cherry orchards and stunning lake views, is undergoing a stylish transformation in 2025 as the concept of quiet luxury takes hold.

This trend is shaping the city’s look, focusing on minimalist design and timeless elegance across fashion, interiors, and daily life.

Downtown boutiques now favor neutral hues, expertly tailored pieces, and understated accessories that effortlessly fit the local landscape.

Residents praise how this sophisticated style aligns with Traverse City’s easy pace, offering beauty without ostentation.

Home interiors echo these ideals, showcasing warm wood tones, natural fabric, and clear, open layouts that reflect the surrounding serenity.

Demand for handcrafted décor is rising, balancing function and artistry in every room.

Even cafés and wineries welcome guests with simple touches and soft lighting, reinforcing a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

For locals, quiet luxury feels natural—rooted in tradition, but gently evolving with the city.