Community Calendar

From June through August, Norte hosts Balance Bike Club meetups for first-time riders in Traverse City and Elk Rapids. These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone—no need to bring your bike, as we have plenty to lend out.

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.

Students will learn to explore imagery expressionistically (with emotion) using acrylic paint on heavy watercolor paper. The group will gather at the Thoreson Farm and utilize its surroundings for inspiration with varied study methods mixed into the exploration. Painting outside, weather permitting, will be one focus of this workshop.

Brenda will instruct vivid, rich color methods of underpainting and layering of paint from washes to thick, buttery paint strokes (impasto). Drawing with paint to create a composition and composing with energy will also be taught, along with paint application, color mixing, and proper paper preparation.

Sessions will explore techniques and individual approaches. Create one to two completed paintings per day. Although this class is intended for intermediate students, all skill levels are welcome.

Join Up North Pride at F&M Park in your bike gear and pride gear for a spirited ride through downtown led by Norte!

The ride will begin at 6 pm so please join us at the park before 6 to rally up! Free admission, all ages are welcome.

Known for beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets, the Sunset Beach Bonfire Series is a way to celebrate it all.

On the last Thursday of June, July and August, you are invited to bring your beach chairs and blankets to Stearns Park Beach to enjoy a true Up North evening that includes a bonfire, music and a beautiful sunset. Mark your calendar for June 25, July 30, and August 27, 2026.

Celebrate summer with golden sands, cool water, warm fire and beautiful sky. Sunset Bonfires are open to the public and free to attend, from 8-10 PM

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 6 pm–9 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: All Skill Levels
Note: Cost is per person

Enjoy a creative date night at picturesque Thoreson Farm. Bring a picnic to share before or after class, then dive into learning basic wheel-throwing techniques as a couple. During this hands-on experience, you and your partner will be guided in creating a set of bowls or cups on the pottery wheel. Through step-by-step instructions, you’ll have the option to personalize your pieces with underglaze designs or let Ana finish them with a glaze of your choice. This class is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to spend a unique, romantic, and creative evening with a loved one. All supplies provided.

After kiln firing, your completed pieces will be available for pick-up at a later date, ready to remind you of your special night!

NOTE: Finished pieces are normally ready for pick up within 2–4 weeks.

Try a 204-mile trek from Au Gres on Lake Huron to Ludington on Lake Michigan or… a 100-mile loop that begins and ends at Stearns Park.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2025
Time: 11 am–3 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

This portrait drawing class provides a foundational approach to capturing the human face, covering essential skills to bring portraits to life. Students will explore facial proportions, learn how to start a portrait using pencil and charcoal, and gain techniques to create realistic depth and expression. Through detailed demonstrations, participants will discover how to use different pencils and experiment with drawing faces from multiple perspectives. With hands-on practice and guided instruction, this class offers the tools to develop confidence and skill in portrait drawing.

The Comedy Mixtape is Full Tilt Comedy's monthly comedy variety show. In addition to our speciality (improv) enjoy sketch, stand up, storytelling, parody songs, and more!

Honor cover, ages 16+.