Bart Hawley

Summer Safety Series. 12 PM to 1:30 PM.   The City of Jackson Police and Fire Departments are teaming up again for the annual Summer Safety Series, bringing free family fun, safety information, and community connection to parks across Jackson. These events are a great way for residents to meet local police officers and firefighters in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Kids can enjoy games, free food, safety activities, and the chance to get an up-close look at police cars and fire trucks.  Each Summer Safety Series event will include: Free food, games, activities, safety information for families.  See police cars, fire trucks and more.  Meet Jackson police officers and firefighters.  Prize raffles for children and teens.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, 1107 Adrian Street, Jackson.  The Summer Safety Series is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend one event or join us for all three. Come enjoy lunch, meet your local police and fire departments, and learn how we can all work together to keep Jackson safe this summer. Smarter Material Movement:  A Lunch and Learn for Jackson Manufacturers. 12 PM to 1:30 PM. Thinking about automation but not sure where to start? Join Lean Rocket Lab,…

$1 Summer Kids Movie Series:  “Abominable”. Join us at the Michigan Theatre for Abominable as part of our Summer Kids Movie Series, sponsored by Kiwanis & Southern Michigan Bank and Trust. When a teenage girl discovers a young yeti hiding on her rooftop, she and her friends set off on an unforgettable journey to help him find his way home. Along the way, they face danger, discover courage and learn the power of friendship. A heartwarming, family-friendly movie about adventure, kindness and finding your way home. Admission is just $1. Showtimes: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11 AM & 2 PM.  Doors open 30 minutes before each showing.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Leatherworking for Kids. This program, presented by Kids N Stuff Children's Museum, teaches kids the basics of leatherworking! From cutting to stamping to riveting, students learn how leather…works! Eastern Branch: July 7, 4 PM. Meijer Branch: July 8, 5:30 PM. Grass Lake Branch: July 10, 12 PM. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/mst3uxzr.  Students will have a choice between real or faux leather in a variety of colors and will make a customized leather keychain to take home.  Intended for ages 6+. This event is part of Jackson District Library’s Summer Discover. Learn more…

First Comedy Monday at Ironbark Brewing Company. 7 PM.  Presented by Monster Box Theatre.  Award-winning original comedy is created live from your suggestions.  Fast-moving, quick-witted fun that is never the same show twice.  Ironbark Brewing Company, 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson. Jackson County Parks Challenge 2026.  Looking for something to do this summer? Join Jackson County Parks and Experience Jackson for the first ever Jackson County Parks Challenge!  Explore your Jackson County Parks and win prizes! This challenge is an initiative to highlight some of our hidden gems throughout the park system, as well as recent additions and improvements. The contest runs through September 7, 2026.How do I participate?  Download the Experience Jackson app.  Click on “Challenges”.  Select “Jackson County Parks Challenge 2026”.  Win prizes and discover Jackson County Parks! Upcoming: July 7 $1 Summer Kids Movie Series:  “Abominable”.  Join us at the Michigan Theatre for Abominable as part of our Summer Kids Movie Series, sponsored by Kiwanis & Southern Michigan Bank and Trust. When a teenage girl discovers a young yeti hiding on her rooftop, she and her friends set off on an unforgettable journey to help him find his way home. Along the way, they face danger, discover courage and learn the power…

Friday, July 3 Fireworks at the Cascades.  Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with us at the Cascades Fourth of July Celebration! Enjoy an evening filled with great food, community spirit, and live music.  Entertainment by Lucid Vibe, a high-energy, West Michigan-based modern rock cover band.  They play everything from classic rock to 80s/90s Seattle Sound and modern hits. Gates open at 6 PM. Live music begins at 6:30 PM.   Fourth of July and America 250 Fireworks Show and Grand Light Show at dusk.  Amphitheater admission:  $6 for children ages 4 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older, and $8 for 13 and older. Hanover-Horton 4th of July Celebration.  Tonight, Street Dance and Engines.  The weekend kicks off with high-octane energy! The Zero Turn Lawnmower Race brings professional and amateur divisions to the VFW field from 7:00–9:00 PM. Join the STREET DANCE on Main Street from 8:00–11:00 PM featuring live music by Root Station. Sand Volleyball: 5:00 PM @ Perrine Park. Cornhole: 6:00 PM @ Spink St. (Double Elimination, ACO Rules). Apple Pie Baking Contest. Judging at 7 pm. Youth Baseball: Check H-H Youth League Facebook for brackets. Food Trucks on Site all weekend! Mallery Lynn Music at the Honky Tonk.  Kick off Fourth of July weekend at The…

  Emo Night Returns to Ogma.  6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.  Emo Night returns to the Ogma Beer Garden!  Join us as The Van Buren Boys return to soundtrack all of your favorite sad songs, sing-alongs and nostalgia-fueled poor decisions. This year, we’re also stoked to welcome Bike Tuff, who’ll be kicking things off with an extended set of original songs! Kick off your Fourth of July weekend with all the saddest songs. Free event, all ages. 129 East Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. $1 Summer Kids Movie Series:  “Over the Hedge”.  Join us at the Michigan Theatre for Over the Hedge as part of our Summer Kids Movie Series, sponsored by Kiwanis & Southern Michigan Bank and Trust.  When a group of woodland animals wakes up from hibernation, they find a new suburban neighborhood has appeared right in their backyard. With the help of a fast-talking raccoon, they set out to explore the world beyond the hedge and discover a whole new kind of adventure. A funny, family-friendly movie about friendship, teamwork and finding your way in a changing world.  Admission is just $1.  Showtimes 11 AM and 2 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.   Doors open 30 minutes before each showing.  Michigan Theatre,…

$1 Summer Kids Movie Series:  “Over the Hedge”.  oin us at the Michigan Theatre for Over the Hedge as part of our Summer Kids Movie Series, sponsored by Kiwanis & Southern Michigan Bank and Trust.  When a group of woodland animals wakes up from hibernation, they find a new suburban neighborhood has appeared right in their backyard. With the help of a fast-talking raccoon, they set out to explore the world beyond the hedge and discover a whole new kind of adventure. A funny, family-friendly movie about friendship, teamwork and finding your way in a changing world.  Admission is just $1.  Showtimes 11 AM and 2 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.   Doors open 30 minutes before each showing.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Cascades Family Night.  6 PM.  Disney Night featuring Karen Kidder and the Alibi Band.  Make your Wednesdays the highlight of the week with our Family Nights! Bring the whole crew out for a night of fun — and take advantage of our special $15 rate for groups of up to 8. Enjoy extended Splash Pad hours, live music, character appearances, and plenty of activities to keep everyone smiling. Each week brings a brand‑new theme, so there’s always something fresh to…

$1 Summer Kids Movie Series:  “Over the Hedge”.  Join us at the Michigan Theatre for Over the Hedge as part of our Summer Kids Movie Series, sponsored by Kiwanis & Southern Michigan Bank and Trust.  When a group of woodland animals wakes up from hibernation, they find a new suburban neighborhood has appeared right in their backyard. With the help of a fast-talking raccoon, they set out to explore the world beyond the hedge and discover a whole new kind of adventure. A funny, family-friendly movie about friendship, teamwork and finding your way in a changing world.  Admission is just $1.  Showtimes 11 AM and 2 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.   Doors open 30 minutes before each showing.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rally. Join us for Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rallies this summer! On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month through October, enjoy a rotating lineup of local food trucks serving lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the River & Rail Food Hub within the walls of the historic state prison. Grab a bite, connect with friends and coworkers, and discover new local eats. Follow the Grand River Farmers Market Facebook page…

Plein Air Painters of Jackson County Paint Out.  9:00 am - 12:00 pm.  Downtown Jackson.  Carmegie Library, 244 W. Michigan, Jackson. Jackson County Parks Challenge 2026.  Looking for something to do this summer? Join Jackson County Parks and Experience Jackson for the first ever Jackson County Parks Challenge!  Explore your Jackson County Parks and win prizes! This challenge is an initiative to highlight some of our hidden gems throughout the park system, as well as recent additions and improvements. The contest runs between June 23, 2026-September 7, 2026.How do I participate?  Download the Experience Jackson app.  Click on “Challenges”.  Select “Jackson County Parks Challenge 2026”.  Win prizes and discover Jackson County Parks!

Friday, June 26 Concord Classic Weekend Friday Fun Night.  Festival opens with food trucks, vendors, bounce houses; women’s sand volleyball, corn hole, youth baseball and LIVE Music.  Downtown Concord. Grand River Farmers Market Downtown Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Grow Jackson invites you the Grand River Farmers Market at the downtown pavilion.  Come on down and reconnect… We’ve got dozens of your favorite vendors ready to go with seasonal fruits & veggies, flowers, beef, chicken, eggs, pork, cheeses, honey, syrup, pasta, dairy, artisan breads, mushrooms, granola, microgreens, tea, jams, pestos, sweets, coffee, soups, ready-to-eat hot foods, sandwiches, snacks, natural home, plants, health and beauty products, even pet treats - plus a few true artisans for a little retail therapy! The Jackson District Library returns - they’ll be with us each Friday, so bring your library card, and if you don’t have one - they can get you one! Downtown Jackson Cruise In and Concert. Cruise-In starts at 5:00 PM, Concerts at 8:00 PM.  Location: Downtown Jackson (W. Michigan Ave & S. Jackson St).  Classic Car Show: Hundreds of the region's coolest rides.  Live Music: Free concerts at Horace Blackman Park and TRUE Community City Square.  Food & Drinks: Enjoy…