Community Calendar

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes back acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Experience art like never before through CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank. This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both our beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artwork of Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.

About Dale Chihuly: Chihuly is an American artist who transforms a space with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide.

Give your child a space to explore their imagination, build confidence, and discover the joy of performance.

At Youth Theatre Camp, young artists are encouraged to play, create, and express themselves through a variety of engaging theatre activities. Each day is filled with movement, storytelling, music, and games designed to spark creativity while building important skills like teamwork, focus, and self-expression.

Whether your child is brand new to theatre or already loves being in the spotlight, this camp offers a welcoming and high-energy environment where every voice matters.

Sponsored by the Gogebic Community College Foundation, in memory of Alex Marciniak.

From June 27 through August 22, visitors are invited to wander the 1.2-mile Aurora Loop and discover large-scale installations nestled among towering pines, winding trails, and the rugged beauty of the Northwoods. Created by artists from across the region, this year’s exhibition reflects Emberlight’s 2026 theme, New Ways to Dream — exploring imagination, transformation, memory, identity, and the power of collective creativity.

Alongside this year’s juried installations, Emberlight proudly unveils two major community-centered projects through Art For All. A new collaborative installation invites audiences themselves to become part of the artistic process, while a second large-scale work — created in partnership with students from five regional schools — draws inspiration from Ojibwe doodems, reflecting themes of kinship, ancestry, and connection to the natural world through the voices and creativity of the next generation. Supported through funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the project places young artists at the heart of the festival in a powerful new way.

https://emberlight.org/event/art-in-the-park-2026/

Free event

August 6-8th, 2026 at Scottville Riverside Park Old Engine and Tractor Show featuring Doodle Bugs, Horse Pull on Friday night, Scottville Clown Band on Saturday night. Tractor Parades, Tractor Pulls, Kids Day Saturday 10-3

Step into a powerful new exhibition celebrating the fearless women of the Greek Revolution.

#WeAreGreekWarriors brings the heroines of 1821 into today’s cultural conversation through bold contemporary art and modern storytelling. Fighters, strategists, and champions of freedom, these extraordinary women helped shape history, yet many of their names remain unknown.

Now, their stories come to life at the Hellenic Museum of Michigan in a groundbreaking exhibition featuring original campaign prints alongside stunning works by acclaimed contemporary artist Ramona Pintea. Reclaiming history through a fresh, fearless lens, the exhibit honors and highlights the women of the Greek Revolution while speaking directly to the women of today. Through dynamic programming, cultural events, and interactive experiences, it connects the strength of 1821 to the leadership, voices, and impact of women now.

Women of all backgrounds and generations are invited to experience this inspiring tribute and rediscover their own warrior spirit.

For more information, visit www.hellenicmi.org.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17th, 2026 5-8pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm

Friends: Furry & Fictional celebrates the many ways humans connect with animals—from the comfort of our pets to the wonder of wildlife. Long present in our stories, cultures, and daily lives, animals continue to inspire care, curiosity, and creative expression, reminding us of our shared place in the world.

This presentation features Stephen D. Tongue, author of Lanterns & Lifeboats – A History of Thunder Bay Island and takes a deeper look into the “cradle” of Alpena’s history. It is co-hosted with the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (TBILPS).

Beginning with the voyage of Le Griffin in 1679, Thunder Bay Island has provided shelter along Lake Huron’s rocky shore. Lanterns and Lifeboats connects the history “above the water line” with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s efforts to preserve and interpret the area’s fascinating underwater archaeology. Tongue will give an overview of the island’s fascinating connection to our rich Great Lakes maritime heritage.

Those who venture to remote Thunder Bay Island today will find remarkable features such as:

- The second oldest lighthouse still standing on Lake Huron
- Remains of a lifesaving station that assisted in the rescue of over 1000 lives
- A coast littered with the remains of numerous shipwrecks
- Limestone rock carvings dating back to the 1800s
- Evidence of a fishing colony that was home to the earliest settlers
- Rare flora and fauna which thrives in the island’s unique “alvar” ecosystem

Steve’s book is for sale in The Sanctuary Store inside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Also, TBILPS will be gifting special anniversary stickers to attendees.

“The Sanctuary Presents” is a monthly community outreach event hosted by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. They are free, educational, and a great way to get into your sanctuary.

The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night's theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…

SERENDIPITY. Prepare a five-minute story about the time an accident felt like fate. A wrong turn lands you at your new best friend's doorstep. The botched job interview that led you to your true calling. Losing your wallet -- only for it to be found by a long-lost cousin. Coffee spilled on the shirt of your future soulmate. Happy accidents. Meet-cutes. Windfalls. Fortuitous flukes. Is it magic? Is it kismet? No...it's pure serendipity.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. This Tony and Oscar winning score features songs like “I Need a Hero”, “Almost Paradise”, and “Footloose”!

This annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling. Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.

https://emberlight.org/event/emberlight-photographers-2026/

Free event