Community Calendar

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

Join Miss Anne for a fun hour of stories, friendship, and crafts! Each week will have a different theme with several stories, a craft and time to play with friends both new and old. Free Event

There's one unsolved mystery that haunts Detective Mac Marlowe...and you're going to help him close the case for good! Return with Mac to relive the dinner party where renowned archeologist Cosmo St. Charles was murdered, then audience participation helps solve the crime at this hilarious Readers Theatre.

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!

There's one unsolved mystery that haunts Detective Mac Marlowe...and you're going to help him close the case for good! Return with Mac to relive the dinner party where renowned archeologist Cosmo St. Charles was murdered, then audience participation helps solve the crime at this hilarious Readers Theatre.

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.

Amy Lipson is once again hosting a Mother’s Day wildflower walk—the perfect way to spend a Sunday with LTC.

For more information about upcoming Little Traverse Conservancy events, click here.

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!

Come have fun with us at French Valley! Enjoy live music, locally crafted drinks, kid-friendly options, and tasty snacks for the whole family.