Hello, spring! From floral workshops to wine dinners and an Upper Peninsula festival under the stars, here are 20 local events you won’t want to miss this month. Plus, visit MyNorthTickets.com for more spring events Up North!
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April 5 | Comedy with Harris Stanton | Traverse City
Harris Stanton, an American comedian based in Brooklyn, will perform at the Traverse City Comedy Club this month.
April 5 | Balance + Gerald Cleaver | Traverse City
The Alluvion Jazz Series will bring Detroit duo Balance to the stage, featuring Marcus Elliot on the saxophone and Michael Malis on the piano. Balance has been recognized among the most compelling Detroit jazz musicians of their generation. For the show, the duo will be joined by Detroit drummer Gerald Cleaver.
April 6 | Organist Andrew Rogers + Silent Film “The Artist” | Williamsburg
Organist Andrew Rogers will accompany the 2011 Oscar-winning silent film The Artist at this Music House Museum event. The Artist is a French comedy-drama filmed in the style of a 1920s to 1930s-era silent film. Rogers is currently an organist at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor.
April 6 | Trillium Groove Concert | Traverse City
Join Trillium Groove for an exclusive evening concert to celebrate the release of their first single, “Mindfuzz.” Food and drinks will be provided. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6 p.m. Seating is limited.
April 8 | Total Eclipse Events | East Jordan, Traverse City
The next total solar eclipse won’t be visible in Michigan until 20 years from now, so you’d better lock in your plans! Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan is hosting a viewing party, featuring indoor and outdoor activities; solar glasses will be included with the admission cost. You can also catch the eclipse at the Traverse Area District Library, where attendees can watch from their garden.
Photo by Chris Guibert
April 11-13 | Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival | Copper Harbor
Celebrate the dark, starry skies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the second annual Dark Sky Festival, held at the International Dark Sky Park at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Stargazers, photographers and astronomy enthusiasts alike will enjoy a full slate of workshops, walks and hikes over the course of three days.
April 13 | The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Traverse City
Tom Petty fans rejoice! The Insiders, a premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience, are finally returning to Traverse City.
April 19 | Traditional Raclette Dinner | Suttons Bay
Cheese lovers will enjoy this dinner at Black Star Farms hosted by Leelanau Cheese Company, honoring the delicious tradition of Raclette. Learn how it’s made and enjoy a delightful wine-paired dining experience.
April 19 | Comedy Night at Ethanology Distillation | Elk Rapids
Don’t miss Comedy Night at Ethanology Distillation, featuring headliner Cam Rowe and special guest Carl Sobel. Sip on the cocktail of your choice (available for purchase) and enjoy a night of laughs and good company.
April 20 | Candle Making with Detroit Rose | Traverse City
Farm Club is teaming up with Elaine Stojcevski of Detroit Rose for a fun spring workshop where you will learn how to make your own scented soy wax candles.
April 20 | Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at The Village | Traverse City
Get together your favorite puzzle-loving people and join this upcoming Jigsaw Puzzle competition at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Each team of 2-4 players will be given a 550-piece puzzle to complete, and the grand prize will be awarded to whoever finishes first. The runner-up will also get a prize. Plus, you’ll even take home the puzzle.
Photo by MAWBY
April 20 | Sparkling Wine Cocktail Class | Traverse City
If you’re a fan of bubbly, then this workshop is for you! Join The Bartending Co. at The Cooks’ House for a cocktail-making course using local wines and ingredients. Each cocktail will be crafted with wines from Mari and Mawby vineyards.
April 20 | Miriam Pico and David Chown | Williamsburg
Get ready for another show at The Music House with popular local duo Miriam Pico and David Chown.
April 20 | Jim Alfredson & The Family Business | Traverse City
The 2024 Alluvion Jazz Series keeps rolling with the mighty Jim Alfredson, who DownBeat notes as “a remarkable organist who seamlessly synthesizes several generations of keyboard influences.” Jim will play with his current all-star band: The Family Business.
April 24-28 | Kalkaska National Trout Festival | Kalkaska
The National Trout Festival is packed with a variety of events, activities and parades, all taking place over five days at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds and downtown at Railroad Square.
April 26 | Global Cheddar & Wine Tasting Workshop | Suttons Bay
Explore the wonderful world of cheddar! From England to Vermont, this popular cheese has many different styles and this is your chance to enjoy them in a whole new way.
April 26 | Rachael Davis, R.O. Shapiro & Zak Bunce | Traverse City
Three Alluvion all-stars return in trio form debuting an incredible new collaborative project.
April 26 | Good On Paper Improv | Traverse City
Imagine if Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is It Anyway? were combined into one show. Well, you don’t have to imagine it because Good on Paper Improv brings that energy to the stage every time they perform.
April 27 | Botanical Printing with Pressed Flowers | Traverse City
Try your hand at botanical printing with this Farm Club workshop using pressed flowers, leaves and natural dyes. You’ll create a lovely silk scarf, just in time for spring.
April 27 | Breaking Brass | Traverse City
If you’re searching for a laid-back concert, don’t miss Breaking Brass at The Alluvion. This group is comprised of four talented musicians from the Interlochen Center for the Arts staff.