We’re celebrating spring in Northern Michigan with Easter brunches, comedy shows, Earth Day activities and stargazing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From Traverse City to the Keweenaw Peninsula, check out these 21 events taking place this month.
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April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Cocktail Classes | Traverse City
Put your cocktail creation skills to the test with Artisan Traverse City’s hands-on, interactive cocktail classes happening every Saturday in April. In this series, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of a different spirit each week and learn the essentials of making cocktails including history and composition. Each class includes one craft cocktail prepared by the bartender, a classic cocktail prepared by each guest, and light snack offerings.
April 1-2 | Ralph Votapek | Traverse City
Traverse Symphony Orchestra welcomes Ralph Votapek for a solo concert at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park. Seating is limited and there will be a cash bar, courtesy of Tonic & Lime. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. on April 1 and 3 p.m. on April 2.
April 1 | Comedy with Robert Jenkins | Traverse City
Comedian Robert Jenkins will hit the stage at Traverse City Comedy Club this April Fools Day. A Detroit native and resident of Lansing, Robert Robert has previously performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Laughfest.
April 7 | Comedy with Bob Zany | Traverse City
Dubbed America’s most sarcastic comedian, Bob Zany is a comedian you won’t want to miss at Traverse City Comedy Club this month. He has appeared on over a thousand national TV shows from The Tonight Show to a 17-year stint on The Jerry Lewis Telethon, as well as all 50 states, D.C. and nine countries.
Photo by Gabe Pierce
April 8 | Easter Egg Hunts | Cedar, Frankfort, Charlevoix
Celebrate Easter at one of the many egg hunts across the North; head to Frankfort’s Mineral Springs Park at 10 a.m. sharp to hunt for more than 3,000 hidden eggs; check out Cedar’s first annual Easter Eggstravaganza downtown at 11 a.m.; or go to the annual Easter Egg Hunt in downtown Charlevoix at East Park starting at 2 p.m.
April 8 | Made in Michigan FUNdraiser | Cadillac
This party has been touted as “The best Gopherwood event ever,” and it’s back again for 2023. The Made in Michigan FUNdraiser will boast a full day of music, a silent auction and much more at the Cadillac Elks Lodge.
April 9 | Easter Brunch at The Riverside Inn | Leland
Have a delicious Easter brunch at The Riverside Inn with dishes ranging from smoked salmon, benedict, malt waffles and more, all prepared by the inn’s culinary team. Be sure to reserve your table; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 9 | Easter Brunch | Suttons Bay
Enjoy Easter brunch in the heart of wine country at Black Star Farms. Gather your friends and family for a memorable strolling brunch and egg hunt for the kids.
April 14 | Comedy with Michael Palascak | Traverse City
Comedian Michael Palascak will put on a show at Traverse City Comedy Club that you’re sure to remember. Michael was a Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability.” He’s performed on numerous late-night shows, and recently released a new album and stand-up special on the Dry Bar app.
April 15 | Dance of the Cosmos: Evening of Art | Suttons Bay
Support the Leelanau Montessori Forever Foundation through this showcase, which features artwork by the students of Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy. The evening will feature food, music and drink at VI Grill in Suttons Bay.
April 15 | The Festival of the Angry Bear | Marquette
The Festival of the Angry Bear presented by Ore Dock Brewing Co. returns, showcasing a slew of barrel-aged beers, delish eats and live music in downtown Marquette.
April 21-22 | Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival | Copper Harbor
Celebrate the dark, starry skies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the first annual Dark Sky Festival, held at the new 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 two days during International Dark Sky Week.
April 22 | Cloche Terrarium Workshop | Traverse City
Get in touch with nature at this Farm Club workshop, where you will create your own terrarium with Derek Woodruff of Underground Floral. Customize your design with decorative materials and earn the proper terrarium-building skills you need for long-term plant success.
Photo by Taylor Brown
April 22 | Spring Work Bee | Traverse City
If you’re searching for Earth Day opportunities, then you’ve got to check out this Spring Work Bee on the TART Trails from 10 a.m. to noon. This is the perfect chance to get out and enjoy springtime on the trails while making sure they’re ready for the busy tourist season. Join solo or with friends for a feel-good morning on the trails. Sign-up is required; there will be various locations.
April 27 – May 6 | The Drowsy Chaperone | Leland
Leland Performing Arts Center presents its upcoming show, following a middle-aged, asocial musical theater fan who, while feeling “blue,” decides to play an LP of his favorite musical–a fictional 1928 show, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As the show evolves, characters find themselves in hilarious situations.
April 28 | Cherry Knoll Adult’s Night Out | Traverse City
Get ready for an adult’s night out and silent auction with over 100 gifts for purchase, as well as snacks and a cash bar. Doors and bidding open at 7 p.m.; silent auction ends at 9 p.m. sharp.
April 28-29 | East Jordan Rotary’s Annual Variety Show | Charlevoix
You’ll be laughing and smiling all night at East Jordan Rotary’s Annual Variety Show, which will feature the East Jordan Rotary Chorus and a variety of entertaining acts. Grab your tickets in advance–after April 7 you must purchase general admission tickets at the Charlevoix State Bank’s East Jordan Branch.
April 28 | Contemporary Dance Concert | Traverse City
Enjoy a spectacular evening of student-choreographed contemporary dance and original music by students at Interlochen Arts Academy. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. at City Opera House.
April 28 | Comedy with Bryan McCree | Traverse City
Comedian Bryan McCree–seen on Mad TV, Comedy Central and, most recently, Comic’s Unleashed with Byron Allen–is coming to Traverse City Comedy Club this month. Grab a drink and enjoy the show with your friends.
April 29-30 | Guided Wildflower Hikes | Empire
Spring is in the air! Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours will kick off its annual guided wildflower hikes at the end of the month, taking hikers on a journey through the forest and dunes to spot early bloomers, wildlife and stunning wildflower habitats. Dress for the weather and bring your cameras.
Photo by Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours
April 29-30 | Spring Open Farm Weekend | Thompsonville
Bring your little ones to Cotton Creek Farms for the opening of its 2023 season–and you’ll even get to meet the alpacas. They’re welcoming guests to their stunning 27-acre farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and not only will there be alpaca babies and products for sale, but also food from Howard’s Great Lakes Grill.
April 30 | An Evening at the Museum “The Art of Transformation” | Traverse City
Karasi Fitness and Healing Arts present “The Art of Transformation.” During this sound-charged exhibit by Artist Ahavani Mullen, the Dennos Museum Center will be transformed into an open, candle-lit sacred space. Witness art in motion with music by local artists, restorative movement and sacred sound-healing meditation.