Almanac

Come join the discussion about Tim O’Brien’s celebrated short story collection "The Things They Carried". Published in 1990, the book explores the experiences of soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. The book was also the target of censorship challenges, and has been selected as the Banned Books edition of our Leelanau Reads community book discussion. Copies of the book are available at the library and local booksellers.

The Mills Community House & ZOOM
4 pm* *Please note start time change*

Prepare to view the world beneath your feet in a whole new light. We're about to embark on an epic journey back in time to the last Ice Age, an era of colossal forces that shaped the very ground of northwestern Michigan.

Using the stunning landscape of Benzie County as our guide, we will unravel the powerful story hidden in the land itself—from the towering dunes and sweeping lake basins to the rugged moraines and vast outwash plains.

But that's not all. We’ll also explore the human story that began here, tracing the arrival and adaptation of the earliest inhabitants and pondering the fascinating mystery of their archaeological footprint in this remarkable place.

Join us as we decipher the powerful blend of geology, climate, and human history that makes our region so unique. You won't want to miss it!

This presentation is part of the Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, held on the second Thursday of each month. Admission is by donation, with a recommended donation of $5.

To learn more about the October 9th lecture, visit the Benzie Area Historical Society’s website, benziemuseum.org, Instagram, or Facebook page; call the Museum at (231) 882-5539; or email info@benziemuseum.org.

A space for people to share and listen to stories from our lives based on a theme of the evening. Join Kingsley Branch Library & The Kingsley Folk School for a storytelling community circle. Inspired by NPR's The Moth storytelling hour, the Everyone Has a Story series welcomes you to share your personal stories with others to create connections in our community.

Presenters will be given 5 minutes to share stories from their lived experiences with an open-minded circle of fellow storytellers.

Every second Thursday of the month.

This event is FREE and open to the public of all ages.

Have an up-close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Join us at the Boardman River Nature Center to learn about Michigan raptors in the fall.

When: Thursday, October 9th from 6:00 - 7:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City MI 49685

Registration: Free for 2 and under, $10 for children under 12, $15 for ages 12+, $55 for a family of 5+. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Audience: Families

The Vasa Ski Club will host the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Traverse City Opera House on Thursday October 9th starting at 6:30 pm. The event will feature short films and documentaries about mountain culture, outdoor action sports and the environment. The films are guaranteed to amaze and inspire.

Tickets are available at Brick Wheels, Back Country North, Oryana and the City Opera House (in person and online)

This event sells out every year so get your tickets early.

Enjoy an evening of instrumental music courtesy of the Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony.

IPR listeners are eligible for (4) free tickets to select performances at Interlochen Arts Academy.

The Community Connection Concerts are presented by Interlochen Public Radio, Interlochen Presents and Interlochen Arts Academy. IPR listeners can claim up to four complimentary tickets for each eligible performance. Click here to see the list of Community Connection Concerts for Fall 2025.

To redeem:

• Select this event and click "Tickets" to visit the Interlochen box office
• Add the # of tickets (max. limit 4)
• Use promo code IPR25FREE at checkout (valid for fall of 2025 only)

Learn diverse dance styles and make new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced dancer, everyone is invited to join the fun.

Designed for dancers of all ages and skill levels, our Social Dance Classes offer an opportunity to learn new dance styles and enjoy the camaraderie of other dance enthusiasts. Each week, you’ll explore a different dance genre such as salsa, waltz, swing, or tango. Under the guidance of one of Interlochen’s skilled instructors, you’ll learn the steps and techniques—all while connecting with others and gaining confidence on the floor.

The classes emphasize the joy of moving to the music, sharing laughs, and creating memorable moments. Come dance with us and experience the delight of social dancing.

If lily pads make you want to pick up a paintbrush, this is the workshop for you! Through guided practice, this 2-day watercolor workshop is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to paint semi-abstract, elegant waterscapes. Working in a friendly and encouraging studio space, you’ll experiment with techniques to interpret lily pads, flowers, and reflections on water—all inspired by Northern Michigan.

Build knowledge and skills through a series of demonstrations and guided exercises. Day one we’ll discuss style by observing the works of accomplished watercolor artists, techniques for loosely drawn compositions, and laying down washes. You’ll learn about native Michigan lily pads and create postcard studies from photographs. You’ll practice techniques for abstracting backgrounds and painterly mark-making for developing style. On day two you’ll draw a larger composition and practice techniques to bring your own semi-abstract rendition of watercolor lily pads to life.
Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
Objective

Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome

Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Celebrate a decade of art and impact at Crooked Tree Arts Center–Traverse City! This special evening is not just a celebration—it’s a fundraiser to support the next ten years of creativity, community, and culture.

This inspiring night offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creativity happening every day at CTAC-TC. Tour our classrooms, meet teaching artists and students, and see firsthand the powerful impact your support makes—from youth art programs and accessible classes to exhibitions that bring national and local talent to our community. Enjoy wine, appetizers, and live music as you explore our galleries —and see how we’re building a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the joy and inspiration of art.

Your ticket is more than just admission—it’s a direct investment in the arts and in your community. The evening will offer additional tangible ways to help sustain and grow CTAC’s mission, ensuring that creativity, connection, and access to the arts continue to thrive in Northern Michigan.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering Crooked Tree, we invite you to celebrate, connect, and be part of what comes next.

Tickets for this fundraiser can be found online along with more information about Crooked Tree Arts Center of Traverse City and our dedication to the arts community.

Our Mission is to present professional dance companies from various corners of the country and making it accessible to the Northern Michigan community, fostering a shared passion for the art form through performances, community events, film showings, and workshops.

This festival will feature Grand Rapids Ballet, Miami City Ballet dancers, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet dancers, Falco Dance, Brooklyn tap artist Madison Hilligoss, plus collaborations with the Charlie Millard Band and local Anishinaabek Singers & Dancers.

Founded in 2012 by Brent Whitney and Jennifer McQuiston Lott, Traverse City Dance Project is expanding its role as a hub for professional dance and cultural innovation with this inaugural festival.

Program A: Friday, October 10th, 7:00-8:30pm

Program B and Installation/Reception: Saturday, October 11th, 7:30-9:30pm

Program B: Sunday, October 12th, 2:00-3:30pm