Community Calendar

A shy hobbit discovers his true potential in this play presented by OTP youth performers. Bilbo Baggins unexpectedly joins a group of dwarves on an epic quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their travels take them through dangerous lands, facing trolls, goblins and giant spiders. Along the way, Bilbo finds he is brave, a good friend, and ultimately plays a pivotal role in the battle for the treasure.

A shy hobbit discovers his true potential in this play presented by OTP youth performers. Bilbo Baggins unexpectedly joins a group of dwarves on an epic quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their travels take them through dangerous lands, facing trolls, goblins and giant spiders. Along the way, Bilbo finds he is brave, a good friend, and ultimately plays a pivotal role in the battle for the treasure.

The Music House Museum is happy to welcome back Trillium Groove in concert on January 24, 2026, at 7:00PM

“Trillium Groove is an all-girl trio from Northern Michigan made up of Ruby Bardenhagen (piano), Keagan Kalbfleisch (percussion), and SkyeLea Martin (guitar, ukulele). The three met studying Audio Engineering through NMC’s Audio Technology program. Not only do they all sing lead, but they each are songwriters in their own right. Known for their clever selection of covers, and diverse original repertoire Trillium Groove delivers crowd pleasing performances in three-part harmony. The band recently released their first single and music video called “Mindfuzz” and also have merch available for purchase in their EPK at www.sandboxalliance.com”

We hope to see you there. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets, by going to musichouse.org or by calling 231-938-9300

A shy hobbit discovers his true potential in this play presented by OTP youth performers. Bilbo Baggins unexpectedly joins a group of dwarves on an epic quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their travels take them through dangerous lands, facing trolls, goblins and giant spiders. Along the way, Bilbo finds he is brave, a good friend, and ultimately plays a pivotal role in the battle for the treasure.

Join GTCD for a self-guided snowshoe hike, and take in all of the winter beauty that the Natural Education Reserve has to offer! Bring your own mug, and GTCD naturalists will greet you with hot cocoa and help ensure your snowshoes fit properly. A limited amount of adult snowshoes will be available to borrow.

When: Friday, January 30th from 10:00 - 11:00am

Where: Natural Education Reserve. Meet at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $5/person. Registration is required. Please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events.

Audience: Adults & families.

Join Crooked Tree Arts Center of Traverse City for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with selected artists from the upcoming Between Us exhibition. Each artist will share the personal lens through which they interpreted the theme—connection, distance, and the many spaces (emotional, physical, or imagined) that exist between people, places, and moments.

Hear directly from the artists about the inspiration behind their work, the stories woven into their pieces, and the creative processes that brought their ideas to life. From concept sketches to final touches, this talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how meaning is built layer by layer.

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this conversation—just bring your curiosity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain deeper insight into the exhibition, connect with the makers, and experience the artwork in a new light.

Enjoy a bit of Michigan’s finest winter magic at the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest, returning to our quaint lakeshore town on January 31.

This is a sure cure for the winter blues: Put on your warmest long underwear, wrangle your friends and hustle to Legacy Plaza for an afternoon of sipping! Here, you will find a heated tent, a rockin’ stage, and crafters from 20 Michigan breweries. Sample beer, cider, wine and mead from 1-6 p.m. Proceeds from this event benefit Friends of the Ludington State Park, a non-profit volunteer group that cares for the local park. The Friends group adds programs, activities and volunteer support where needed for items not traditionally funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

What is Soup and Bread? It’s simple. Local restaurants donate soup. You come, eat, and pay what you want. All money raised goes to a local non-profit.

November: Planned Parenthood
December: North Sky Raptor Sanctuary
January: FLOW For Water
February: Jubilee House
March: Women's Resource Center

Participating Restaurants include: Bubbies Bagels, Cooks House, S2S, Umbo, Modern Bird, Black Star Farms, Common Good Bakery, Identity Brewing, and Farm Club

Sparking Creativity with instructor Carol Hohle

Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Location: GAAC Classroom
Skill: All Skill Levels
Cost: $130 member/ $145 nonmember

Launch the new year with a new view of creativity. Using “best hits” from the book The Artist’s Way–A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron, participants will engage in journal writing and creative play to express ideas and intentions and come away with a deeper, creative approach to life.

Back again for 2026! Launch the new year with a new view of creativity. Using “best hits” from the book The Artist’s Way–A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron, participants will engage in journal writing and creative play to express ideas and intentions and come away with a deeper, creative approach to life.

Painting with Water and Light—Watercolor
Cheryl Boc-Chidester
Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6, 2026
10 am–2 pm
GAAC Classroom
Beginner to Intermediate
$150 member / $165 nonmember

In this class, Cheryl Ann Boc-Chidester will guide students through the beauty and versatility of watercolor with hands-on experimentation. Participants will explore color theory and mixing, and practice fundamental techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry-on-dry. They will also experiment with different papers and texture-making methods to expand their creative possibilities. Most projects are based on enlarged photographs, though students may bring their own references or select from images provided by the instructor. For those less confident in drawing, there is an option to trace or transfer images onto watercolor paper, with guidance on drawing and composition. Geared toward beginning and intermediate students, the class welcomes all who wish to paint, create, and enjoy the artistic process.