Community Calendar

The Northport Arts Association (NAA) is pleased to present its annual Plein Air event, continuing a cherished tradition begun in 2013 by the late Gene Rantz. Originally known as the “Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale,” the event has grown from a small gathering into a signature regional celebration, now welcoming up to 50 artists who spend the week painting on location throughout the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. With the generous permission of Gene’s family, the event proudly bears his name in honor of his lasting vision and impact.

The public is invited to attend the culminating Wet Paint Sale and reception on July 18 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Northport Arts Association, 301 N. Mill Street, Northport. Guests will enjoy a robust selection of appetizers and a cash bar while viewing and purchasing freshly created works.

Each year, the NAA welcomes a dynamic mix of returning and first-time artists whose work reflects a wide range of perspectives, styles, and media. Painting en plein air across Northport and the surrounding peninsula, artists capture the village, beaches, marina, orchards, vineyards, and iconic landscapes that define the area. The resulting collection offers exceptional variety in subject matter, scale, and technique—featuring entirely original works, some still wet from the easel.

This beloved event offers art lovers a rare opportunity to experience the creative process up close and to take home a piece inspired by the distinctive beauty and spirit of our peninsula.

Tickets are only required for this gala event the evening of Saturday, July 18th. The exhibit itself, running through August 8th, is free and open to the public.

The 2^nd annual Long Lake Farmers Market will kick off on June 4^th and run every Thursday through October 1^st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Stop by the market located at Haywood Park, due east of the Long Lake Township Hall at 8870 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685, near the bocce ball courts.

We are excited to create a community-based farmers market that celebrates the historic agricultural traditions of Long Lake Township, while providing opportunities for Long Lake residents and the surrounding community members to buy and sell locally grown and produced products.

The nursery specializes in wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs propagated from Michigan genotypes. We will tour the green houses and have an opportunity to shop.

Owners Garrett Noyes and Blythe Webster will be your guide.

Torch Area Artisans Guild is having their Quilt & Art Show and Market on Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25th from 10am-4pm, during Alden Festival. Free Admission. All quilts and art on display, and for sale in the Artisans Market, were crafted by Guild members.

Also available are tickets for the “Kaleidoscope” Raffle Quilt. The raffle is held November 21 during the Guild’s Art & Craft Show.

Both events are held at the Helena Twp. Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 231-331-4318. Follow them at www.facebook.com/TorchAreaArtisansGuild.

Torch Area Artisans Guild is having their Quilt & Art Show and Market on Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25th from 10am-4pm, during Alden Festival. Free Admission. All quilts and art on display, and for sale in the Artisans Market, were crafted by Guild members.

Also available are tickets for the “Kaleidoscope” Raffle Quilt. The raffle is held November 21 during the Guild’s Art & Craft Show.

Both events are held at the Helena Twp. Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 231-331-4318. Follow them at www.facebook.com/TorchAreaArtisansGuild.

The 2^nd annual Long Lake Farmers Market will kick off on June 4^th and run every Thursday through October 1^st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Stop by the market located at Haywood Park, due east of the Long Lake Township Hall at 8870 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685, near the bocce ball courts.

We are excited to create a community-based farmers market that celebrates the historic agricultural traditions of Long Lake Township, while providing opportunities for Long Lake residents and the surrounding community members to buy and sell locally grown and produced products.

Retailers are marking down end-of-the-season items for shoppers this weekend! Don’t miss your chance to find some great deals.

Join us on Crooked Tree Art Center’s Bidwell Plaza for an evening of original art, live music, and a cash bar during Petoskey’s annual Sidewalk Sales weekend festivities. Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale features original artwork created by regional plein-air artists during the last week of July. Visitors can meet the artists, enjoy live music, and purchase paintings inspired by the landscapes, waterfronts, and charm of the Little Traverse Bay region.

Wet Paint Sale: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Artists must pick up unsold artwork by 8:45 PM

Live Music by Lee Fayssoux & the Whiskey Wranglers: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Lee Fayssoux and the Whiskey Wranglers deliver a high-energy country music experience rooted in Southern storytelling and modern country grit. Based in Northern Michigan, the group blends classic influences with a fresh edge, built for both intimate venues and full-scale live shows. Fayssoux has built a reputation over nearly a decade in the regional music scene and has released five singles to date, earning a 2025 Josie Music Awards nomination for Male Country Song of the Year.

Retailers are marking down end-of-the-season items for shoppers this weekend! Don’t miss your chance to find some great deals.

Retailers are marking down end-of-the-season items for shoppers this weekend! Don’t miss your chance to find some great deals.