Almanac

The popular Bayside Concert Series returns this summer to the Petoskey waterfront! This free, family-friendly series of outdoor concerts will take place Sunday evenings from 5–7 PM, July 6 through August 31, on the Promenade near the waterfront clock tower.

The series, co-sponsored by Big Water Creative Arts and the City of Petoskey, features an exciting lineup of local musicians performing a variety of styles — all with a stunning view of Little Traverse Bay.

2025 lineup:
July 6 – Two Track Mind
July 13 – Eric Dane Jaqua
July 20 – Steel & Wood
July 27 – The Real Ingredients
August 3 – Michelle Chenard
August 10 – Kevin Johnson
August 17 – Lara Fulford
August 24 – Laura Crowe
August 31 – Continuous Imposition

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of great music on the bay. No tickets or registration required.

For more information, visit: www.bigwatercreativearts.org or petoskey.recdesk.com.

The Ageless Grace Brain Health Program is based on consciously choosing to change the brain through physical movements similar to playful childhood activities that fired neurons and developed neural pathways from birth to mid-teens.

All 21 Simple Tools for Lifelong Comfort and Ease can be practiced by almost anyone of any age or ability. The exercises are designed to be practiced seated, in order to stimulate the five primary functions of the brain (strategic planning, memory and recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination and kinesthetic learning) by doing unfamiliar movements, or creating new ways to do an activity that is already familiar.

The movements are spontaneous and organic, with no need to learn any special choreography. Each of the brain-changing tools also focus on a primary physical skill necessary for lifelong optimal function (i.e. joint mobility, balance, spinal flexibility, upper body strength, coordination) - and all promote the “Three R’s” of Ageless Grace, the ability to respond, react and recover.

Date: M/T/F July 28 and 29; August 1, 2025
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese pottery technique carved from a single clay block. The word means “carving out.” A solid block of clay is minimally shaped and then carved to create the interior and exterior spaces. Spontaneous and showing the marks of the making process, Kurinuki pots tend to be more alive and sculptural than other hand-building methods. An excellent clay experience for beginners, Kurinuki can also be satisfying for experienced clay artists. Some forms made using Kurinuki include yunomi (teacups), boxes, vases, and sippers. In addition, Kurinuki vessels often capture the essence of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the beauty within imperfection. Students will be guided in creating a set of yunomi (small drinking vessels with tray) and a small, lidded box.

Get ready for a wild and action-packed summer where superheroes meet their animal alter egos! In this exciting camp, kids will explore the incredible powers of their favorite heroes and discover the amazing real-life animals that inspire them. Through games, crafts, and hands-on activities, campers will unleash their creativity and learn about nature's true superpowers.

Camp runs from Monday July 28th-Friday August 1st

Cost is $199 for non-members and members are $189/per session. Please see our website to sign up, and to see all of the other exciting camps we offer this summer!

Learn and practice wedging, centering, throwing, and trimming basic forms. Enjoy one-on-one interaction as you learn the skills needed to become comfortable working on the potter’s wheel. In addition, the class will include the basics of decorating, glazing, and firing finished work. Open Studio and one 25# bag of clay included for all three sessions.

Join Jill, a certified Laughter Yoga leader, from Peaceful Vibrations for a fun filled hour of laughter and fun.

The Club will meet at the Mills Community House in Benzonia and the Beulah Village Park on alternating weeks. Mondays at 7pm.

Laughter yoga involves various movement and breathing exercises to promote intentional laughter.

Breathing exercises are used to connect to the diaphragm and to prepare the lungs for laughter. What follows are a series of ‘laughter exercises’ that combine gentle improvisational movements and playful visualization techniques. Laughter exercises are interspersed with breathing exercises.

Anyone can participate in laughter yoga. It helps to have an open mind and sense of curiosity. No special equipment is needed.

This is free event, all are welcome! Donations will be accepted to support the venues.

Questions? Email Jill at peacefulvibrationsupnorth@gmail.com

Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (part 4 of 4 Tuesdays in this series)
Time: 9 am–12 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Location: TBD

Imagine if history’s greatest landscape painters had the opportunity to paint in Sleeping Bear country, “The Most Beautiful Place In America.” This is a class to not only learn the techniques of plein air painting but also to learn about the methods of history’s great landscape painters. Each class will start off with a brief illustrated presentation, beginning with The History Of Landscape Painting and covering artists such as Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Hockney, and Diebenkorn. Following the presentations, students will seek to incorporate ideas learned into their own paintings. The instructor will give frequent demonstrations and provide close personal attention to each student.

Come to Alden District Library to see a photo display of late 19th century Resorts and Inns from the Alden and South Torch Lake area. The display is presented by Helena Township Historical Society, www.aldendepot.com The display runs through the month of July and can be viewed during normal library hours. Mon, Wed, Th, F 9:30a-5p, Tu 9:30a-6p, Sat 9:30a-2p. 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318. Free Event. At a later date, a video of the display can be viewed on the library's website, aldenlib.info and look for "On Display" link at left. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems on our protected lands in Benzie and Manistee counties by aiding in invasive plant removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on these healthy habitats are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants.

GTRLC supplies all tools necessary for the work being done. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary - just come ready to learn something new! This activity is moderately strenuous, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to pull, cut or pile plants. Oftentimes we will be hiking for one to two miles to get to a worksite. Porta johns are available at some trailheads in this area, but not all. There is no drinking water available on site. A link to our meeting location is on our website.

Creating art and contributing to the community for over 40 years.

For more info, email taartisansguild@gmail.com

Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.