Community Calendar

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.

The Elk Rapids Cinema, in partnership with Northwest Education Services (North Ed) and the Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay will host a free public screening of the acclaimed documentary No Small Matter on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

No Small Matter is the first feature-length documentary to explore the critical importance of early childhood education and care in America. Through powerful stories and compelling research, the film examines how children’s earliest experiences—from birth to age five—shape their lifelong health, learning, and opportunity. Drawing on neuroscience, education research, and real family stories, the film reveals both the remarkable capacity of young children’s developing brains and the growing crisis in affordable, high-quality childcare.

Doors will open at 5:30 PM, followed by a brief 15-minute live introduction by Full Tilt Comedy. The film will begin at 6:15 PM, followed by a short discussion.

The Elk Rapids Cinema, owned and operated by the Chalfonte Foundation, continues its mission of serving as a cultural and educational gathering space for northern Michigan through films, performances, and community engagement events.
Community members, parents, educators, policymakers, and advocates are warmly invited to attend.

🎟 Admission: Free and open to the public

Cost: FREE
Audience: All ages, abilities, and interests

🎨🦉🔬 Discover, Explore, Create

Join us every second Saturday for a FREE afternoon of hands-on discovery! Families are invited to enjoy interactive experiences in science, history, and art while exploring the museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits—including live animals and nature displays.

What to Expect:

🧪 Engaging science, history & art activities
🐍 Animal encounters & museum exploration
🌳 Outdoor exhibits to spark curiosity
🧩 Opportunities for problem-solving & creative thinking
🧠 A space to build critical thinking skills and lifelong learning

Please note: Free Second Saturdays are designed for quality family time. We kindly ask that no large groups attend.

Please Pre-register by "purchasing" a free ticket. This helps us prepare for number of people attending, THANK YOU!

The Dueling Pianos concept can be summed up in a single word: FUN! Combine two sharp-witted, incredibly talented musicians with two pianos on stage, and add a roomful of people: The result is an evening of fast, funny, unforgettable interactive entertainment. The musical repertoire ranges from classic rock to country, hard rock to R&B, oldies and show tunes to the newest Top 40 hits. Best of all, the audience is the star of the show - sending up requests, singing along to favorites, bantering with performers, and having the time of their lives. Everyone leaves with a smile!

Doors open one hour before showtime. Cash bar service will be available.

Take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity. Second Sunday Art Projects are included with museum admission. Please pay admission when you arrive.

Second Sundays are made possible with support from the Linda O'Meara Fund for Arts Education.

Laughter is alive at Full Tilt Comedy's Comedy Lab! Come see what our students are working on at this experimental monthly show. Improv, stand up, new teams, new formats... anything goes!

Free, peer-led mental health support groups:

*NAMI Family Support (Mondays at 6pm. Online and in-person at HBA, 3040 Sunset Ln. See website for zoom link.)

*NAMI Connection Group (Mondays at 6pm. Online, see website for zoom link)

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: All Skill Levels

Create and design vibrant, personalized postcards in this hands-on printmaking class! Explore the exciting blend of monotype backgrounds, linocut carving, and various printmaking techniques. You’ll begin by learning how to carve and print linocut designs, experimenting with textures, transfer drawing methods, and stencils. Then, the fun continues as you cut, layer, and arrange your prints into bold, striking compositions on 5×7 papers. Whether you enjoy working abstractly, realistically, or with a mix of styles, you’ll receive guidance to create strong compositions and polished craftsmanship. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with three unique 5×7 postcard-sized creations!

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Improved Technique, Inspiration and Creativity

Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support and NAMI Connection Group.

Both held Wednesdays, 12pm at Christ Church, 430 Fair St. (See website for zoom link)

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.