SAGINAW, MI – Summer is drawing to a close, but central Michigan events calendars are still full of fun things, including free family-friendly events.
From county and farmer’s markets to backpack giveaways and open air concerts, here are a few things to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Midland County Fair
The Midland County Fair runs and lasts until Saturday, August 21, at the Midland County Fairgrounds, 6905 Eastman Ave.
General admission is free and parking is $ 8 per vehicle per visit or $ 20 for a weekly parking pass.
More information is available at www.midlandfair.com.
Back to School health and wellness fair with backpack competition
Ascension St. Mary’s Health Center in Chesaning is giving away backpacks full of school supplies during a Back to School Health and Wellness Fair. The event will take place on Friday, August 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ascension St. Mary’s Health Center at 1600 Brady Street in Chesaning.
Backpacks will be distributed while stocks last. Health and wellness information, community resources and snacks will also be available, and health care providers and employees at the Chesaning site will meet with the public.
For more information, call 989-845-1800.
On May 25, 2018, visitors flock to the Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market opening day at SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw.
Farmers market in downtown Saginaw
The farmers’ market in downtown Saginaw lasts until Saturday October 30th.
In the 2021 season, the market will be open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is also open on Mondays through August 30th.
The Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market is located outside the SVRC Marketplace at 203 S. Washington Ave.
Visit www.saginawfarmersmarket.org to learn more.
Animal-free vintage circus in the Frankenmuth River Place Shops
A vintage-style animal-free circus is in town.
Circus Kirkus, “a jubilant and bizarre vintage circus”, will run eight shows a week in the Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St.
“This wonderful show was created by former Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus artist Kirk Marsh and a host of friends from around the world. With the beautiful voice of Kristen Michelle Wilson, the first female ringmaster at RBBB Circus, Circus Kirkus is a classic European one-ring show with death-defying acts presented in a big top imported from France, ”said a press release.
“It’s a show full of great intimacy and total audience engagement! This fascinating show features aerial acrobats, magic, acrobats and comedy. It’s an incredible comedy-driven theater circus experience for all ages. “
Read more here.
Hundreds of people gather to hear live music from Horizon during the final Friday Night Live of 2018 in downtown Saginaw.Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com
2021 Friday evening live
The final Friday Night Live event of the year, Motown Music Fest starring Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensation and the Detroit Social Club, takes place on Friday, August 20th.
The free concerts take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors should bring their own chairs or blankets.
Find out more details here.
Sculpture garden party
The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum at Saginaw Valley State University is hosting a sculpture garden party on Saturday, August 21.
The event, described as “not your average garden party,” takes place from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are $ 30.
“The sculpture garden and the museum are brought to life with a DJ who plays melodies, dances, hors d’oeuvres and a bar at the cash register,” says the Facebook event description. “You and your friends can also print your own t-shirt or shopping bag from the manhole cover of Marshall Frederick’s ‘Spirit of Detroit’ at the museum! Each $ 30 ticket includes a drinks menu and a manhole printing activity. T-shirts and bags are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own! “
Click here to learn more and buy tickets.
A view of the Morley Building on Morley Plaza in downtown Saginaw on Friday, July 23, 2021. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com
Support Saginaw’s Small Business Expo with guest speaker and author Latrice Goodwine
Saginaw Economic Development Corporation is hosting a Small Business Expo 2021 at Morley Plaza in downtown Saginaw this month.
The expo features music, food trucks, family fun, and a growing list of vendors selling clothing, accessories, crafts, beauty, business services, entertainment, home decor, and more. Financial coach Latrice Goodwine from Girl, What’s in your purse? is a guest speaker.
This free event will take place on Thursday, August 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Morley Plaza, the park between the Temple Theater and Huntington Bank on Washington Avenue. In addition, a VIP vendor and sponsor networking event will take place the day before from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Vendors who have already signed up to participate include Trinity Essence LLC, Trinity Creations Photography, Lux Legacy LLC, MH&D Catering, R&R SNY Enterprises, Upstairs Resale Shop and more.
Read more here.
Food truck confrontation
The Food Truck Faceoff event series presented by Jolt Credit Union will continue on Thursday, August 26th and Thursday, September 16, in downtown Saginaw.
These free events take place from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Huntington Event Park, 300 Johnson St. Vendors’ food prices vary.
Enjoy dining from a variety of championship food trucks, live music, yard games, and more.
Find Food Truck Faceoff on Facebook for more details.
6th annual Tapped Craft Beer Festival in downtown Midland
The 6th Annual Tapped Craft Beer Festival, presented by Midland Sports Rehab, returns to downtown Midland on Saturday, August 28th.
This year’s event features two craft beer, seltzer, wine and cider tastings from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Main Street between Cronkright and Ellsworth Streets near the East End. The new event location will also include live music, food trucks and the newly renovated Main Street Plaza under the Poseyville Bridge.
When the tasting tents close, there will be an afterparty at the Commons Pedestrian Plaza with live music from two other bands: Andy Dalton from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 23 North from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The afterparty is free and open to the public.
“After a year off, we’re excited to welcome Tapping back to downtown Midland, one of our downtown marquee events each summer,” said Selina Tisdale, Midland City Community Affairs, in a statement. “There will be so much to do in downtown Midland on Saturday, August 28th. You can start your day at the Midland Area Farmers Market, have a bite to eat at the Commons Pedestrian Plaza, enjoy being tapped and end your day at The Commons for live music. “
Pre-ordered tickets are $ 25 and include six tasting samples and a souvenir tasting cup. Additional trial tickets can be purchased at the event. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $ 30, if available.
Buy tickets in advance online at tappedbeerfest.com or in person at these downtown stores:
- Ace hardware
- Grape Beginnings Winery
- molasses
- Proper taco
- Whatcraft taproom
Participants must be at least 21 years old to attend the event. Learn more at TappedBeerFest.com.
Kona Ice employees wear masks on Wednesday June 17, 2020 as they serve customers at Saginaw Children’s Zoo in Saginaw. They are open to the public again after closing due to the coronavirus outbreak. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com
Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
The last Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival of the season takes place on Thursday, September 9th, with 20 food trucks offering something for everyone.
The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St., where the animal-free Circus Kirkus takes place in vintage style.
Each Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown event features food trucks from across Michigan, live music, a tap takeover, soft drinks, shaded seating, and family activities. Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Entry and parking are free.
Market in Uptown Bay City
This free event will take place in Uptown Bay City on Saturday, September 11th from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday, September 12th, from 10am to 4pm.
“Please join us in Uptown Bay City for our fifth year to explore unique handicrafts and handicrafts,” read the Facebook event description. “The Great Lakes Market celebrates the thrill of hunting and discovering new treasures while you enjoy the fresh breeze from the river and the last bits of summer and watch the seasons change.”
Find Market at Uptown Bay City on Facebook to learn more.
Leaman’s Country Craft Show
Leaman’s Green Applebarn in Freeland is hosting its annual Country Craft Show on Saturday and Sunday September 11th and 12th.
The event will be attended by about 50 vendors selling jewelry, photography, wood art, metal crafts, candles, hair accessories, purses, clothing and other handcrafted items, as well as Leaman’s baked goods, donuts, cakes and cider.
Parking and entry are free.
Leaman’s is located at 7475 N. River Road. Visit www.greenapplebarn.com to learn more.
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