Community Calendar

Join The Kingsley Folk School at Kingsley Branch Library for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle. Inspired by NPR’s The Moth, the Everyone Has a Story series invites you to simply show up and share—no scripts, no pressure. Just real moments from your life, told in the moment.

Together, we’ll listen, laugh, reflect, and connect with neighbors through the power of spontaneous storytelling.

Participants are welcome to speak for up to 5 minutes, or simply come to enjoy the stories and the sense of community.

This gathering happens on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Kingsley Branch Library.

Event is free and open to all, with no registration required.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please call the Library at 231-263-5484 or follow us on Facebook.

Great Michigan Gathering Kick Off & Watch Party

Priya Parker, author of 'The Art of Gathering' will be discussing how to fight the loneliness epidemic live from Dearborn.

Benzie County humanities organizations are coming together to celebrate the Great Michigan Gathering. Join the Institute for the Humanities as we tune in to The Great Michigan Gathering Watch Party, a statewide event hosted by the Michigan Humanities Council from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn.

This event is part of the Great Michigan Gathering program presented by Michigan Humanities.

Watch Parties will be held around the county at:

The Garden Theater
301 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635

Benzonia Public Library
891 Michigan Ave, Benzonia, MI 49616

Elberta Labor Heritage Center
704 Frankfort Ave, Elberta, MI 49628

Join TADL and Michigan Humanities as they kick off the Great Michigan Gathering with an event featuring Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.

​Through a conversation between Parker and Michigan Humanities' President and CEO, Jennifer Rupp, you'll be inspired to gather in community with your peers, learn why gathering is essential to the humanities, and be introduced to Michigan Humanities' new statewide initiative that helps bring intentional gatherings to communities near you.

This is the first event in a series. This launch party event will be livestreamed in the McGuire Room from its location in Lansing.

Registration for this event is encouraged!

Refreshments will be served.

Photographer and Michigan native, Steve Loveless, has been capturing the stunning atmospheres of northern Michigan for decades. From starry skies to local icons and panoramic wonders, this exhibit will explore the captivating images that define his work.

The opening reception on September 26 at 4:00 PM is free and open to the public.

Exhibit open during normal business hours:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday – Noon to 4:00 pm

In honor of Health Literacy Month, join us to hear from a wellness expert Friday mornings in October! Each program will feature a presentation and time for a Q&A. No pre-registration needed.

All programs are at 10:30am in the library’s lower level Community Room.

Join Dr. Elizabeth Huntoon, MD, MS, for a presentation and discussion on ‘Healing in a Pinch: How Spices Enhance Flavor & Boost Health’. Learn about the healing health benefits of spices that may already in your kitchen cabinet. Dr. Huntoon will share how everyday spices like turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and ginger can enhance both the taste of your meals and your overall health.

Dr. Elizabeth Huntoon, MD, MS, is a former Mayo Clinic physician. She was a fellow in Medical Acupuncture and Pain Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester, among other accomplishments. She is now co-owner of Gilchrist Winery in Suttons Bay.

HEART OF A TREE, SOUL OF A STORM
OPENING RECEPTION: September 25 from 5-7pm

Creative works rooted in a fallen tree and shaped by the 2025 ice storm that changed the landscape.

​​​In the early morning hours of March 29–30, 2025, a beloved 150+year-old, 70-foot-tall Basswood tree fell during a devastating ice storm. Located at Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio, just south of Charlevoix in Norwood Township, the tree was a natural landmark—towering, graceful, and deeply rooted in the community.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts invited artists to honor this fallen icon and the ice storm that changed the landscape through works of art. This juried show will feature artwork created directly from the Basswood tree itself, as well as works inspired by the March 2025 ice storm.

​Recognition will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place works as part of the exhibit.

Exhibit will be open during regular business hours:
Monday - Friday 11am to 4pm
Saturdays 11am to 3pm

Wash your cares away with this musical play full of country favorites from Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood and more as two laundresses of life join forces to turn their good ol’ laundromat into a bootscootin’ honky-tonk and exact a touch of revenge against those that done ‘em wrong. Presented by Old Town Playhouse at Milliken Auditorium.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Your health and safety are our top priorities. We will continue to closely monitor CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to the latest recommendations.

While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

Port City Run - Run, walk, bike, bring your stroller or your four-legged friend — the Port City Run is for everyone!

Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 AM
Open Space Park, Downtown Frankfort
Registration is $29 – You can sign up at runsignup.com/Race/MI/Frankfort/PortCityRun.

Frankfort Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Open Space Park, Downtown Frankfort

Once the runners cross the finish line, Open Space Park becomes one giant fall party! The Craft Fair and the Frankfort Farmers Market fill the park with local makers and growers. The Parade and Mutt March bring out the town's best-dressed pups, along with everyone's favorite, the Scottville Clown Band!

Get the full event schedule, sign-up links, and more at frankfortdowntown.com/fall-fest

Head to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and shop local on our historic front lawn! Browse 100+ Michigan vendors offering art, jewelry, crafts, food and more.

This is a free event and great for all ages.