Today in the J

Friday, April 17 The Early Childhood Play & Grow Fun Fair.  2 sessions:  9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 3:00 PM–6:00 PM. Families can choose to attend whichever session is most convenient for their family.  At this event families can: Sign up for 3 and 4 year old preschool programs! Turn in paperwork for Head Start, PreK-for-All (GSRP), & Strong Beginnings! Learn about preschool options in Jackson County! Visit child-friendly vendors to learn about resources throughout the county. Enjoy many games and activities!  We hope to see you and your family at this FUN event.  Presented by the JCISD.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park. Benjamin Moore Grand Opening Weekend and 70th Anniversary Celebration. Hammond Hardware is officially unveiling our completely renovated Paint Department — and welcoming Benjamin Moore to the family. This isn’t just a new brand on the shelf.  This is a full department transformation. And it’s the official kickoff of our 70th Anniversary Summer Celebration. Hammond Hardware. 1800 S MLK Dr, Jackson.  Friday 7 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM.  What to expect:   Official unveiling of our redesigned Benjamin Moore Paint Center,  Vendor Representatives on site,  Best paint deals of the season,  Doorbusters (details coming soon), Event-only raffle giveaways,…

Ribbon Cutting and Open House.  2 PM to 4 PM.  Advanced Manufacturing Training Center with JAMA and the Shop Rat Foundation.  3517 Scheele Drive, Jackson.  The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate alongside another great business in our community! Join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Shop Rat Foundation and JAMA from 2 - 4 PM. The ribbon will be cut at 2:30 pm. Jackson Young Professionals April Large Group Meeting.  6:00 PM.   Where: T-Shirt Monsterz- 977 Airport Rd Ave, Jackson.  Join us for an education evening at the T-Shirt Monsterz! JYP Members will hear about their services and what goes into screen printing clothing. We hope to see you there!  Event page here. “The Accountant” (2016) Film Screening. 7 PM.  Join us for a big-screen screening of The Accountant, an action thriller that follows Christian Wolff, a brilliant mathematician on the autism spectrum who works as a forensic accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous organizations. As his carefully structured life begins to unravel, the film reveals both the challenges and strengths that shape how he navigates the world.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Totally 80s Night at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron…

Meijer Cinema Club - Classic Movie Screenings.  Experience the communal joy of classic cinema with the Meijer Cinema Club - screening critically acclaimed, culturally significant films every Wednesday evening here in the Community Room from 5 to 7:30 PM!  Today’s film:  “Paper Moon” (1973).  We encourage bringing blankets/cushions for comfort and some snacks to enjoy during the screening. We hope to see you there! Discover 4-H, including an Intro to Animal Care. Join us Wednesday, April 15 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.  Intended for ages 5-19.  Adults interested in getting involved with 4H are also invited!  Join Hayley, Jackson County 4-H Program Coordinator, Michigan State University Extension for a one-hour introduction to Jackson County 4-H and the basics to animal care. Participants will explore what 4-H offers in Jackson County, gain a beginner overview of animal care fundamentals, and learn how youth 5-19 and adults interested in volunteering can get involved in the local 4-H community.  Napoleon Branch, Jackson District Library. East Jackson Schools Student Art Show.  Join the Eastern Branch in celebrating the creativity and skills of the East Jackson Elementary school students. The students will have an exhibit of their art created throughout the year in the Community Room…

100 Women Who Care.  Join us for our first giving circle of the year — where generosity meets good food, shared stories, and real impact.   Arrive by 5:30 PM at Cascades Manor.  Dinner will be available (after meeting), and a cash bar will be open. Three members will give presentations on behalf of local nonprofits.  You’ll cast your vote.  We’ll combine our $100 donations into one major gift for our community.  One room. One hour. Over $10,000 in impact for Jackson County. Whether you're a founding member or just finding your way to us — bring your checkbook or cash, bring a friend, and take your place in something powerful.  RSVP now and help shape what 2026 looks like — one voice, one vote, one evening at a time.  Event page here. Tech Help Tuesdays.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Need help with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other tech device? Join us every Tuesday from 1–3 PM at the Jackson District Library’s Brooklyn Branch conference room for Tech Help Tuesdays! Bring your device and your questions—our staff is here to assist with troubleshooting, setup, and basic tech support. No appointment needed!  Brooklyn Branch, Jackson District Library. Teen Camp…

Come Paint with Us. 9 AM to 12 PM.  Come join us, or just watch!  The Plein Air Painters of Jackson County paint at various outdoor locations.  Today, our location is the Cascades.  Bring all your own supplies, snacks, water, sunscreen…anything you might need! Presented by Jackson Art Association.  Event is weather dependent.  Dates and more information at  jacksonartists.org. East Jackson Schools Student Art Show.  Join the Eastern Branch in celebrating the creativity and skills of the East Jackson Elementary school students. The students will have an exhibit of their art created throughout the year in the Community Room at the Eastern Branch, Jackson District Library. Addison Open Interviews. 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  Join Dean Transportation for open interviews in Addison on Monday, April 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more about openings for school bus driver positions for routes supporting Addison Community Schools. School bus drivers start up to $21.50 per hour. Unable to attend? Apply online today at https://careers.deandifference.com/search/jobs/in/addison “Radio Flyer” (1992) Film Screening.  7 PM.  Join us for a big-screen screening of Radio Flyer, a moving coming-of-age story about two brothers navigating childhood, imagination, and the realities of life at home. Told through the lens…

Friday, April 10 Auditions:  Disaster! 6 PM to 9 PM.  Get ready to boogie, belt, and bring the laughs—Center Stage Jackson auditions are officially COMING SOON for Disaster! our upcoming 70s comedy musical! Auditions are April 9, 10 & 11 from 6pm-9pm.  Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 West Michigan Avenue..  PERFORMANCE DATE ARE JUNE 19. 20, 21 & 26, 27 28. Directed by Jennifer Wagler. We’re looking for singers, actors, and dancers of all experience levels to join this wildly fun and over-the-top production. If you’ve got strong comedic instincts (or just love a good laugh), this is the show for you!  Event page here. Double Wide Ride at the Honky Tonk.  Double Wide Ride — Live This Friday at The Honky Tonk at Oak & Iron. Michigan’s rowdiest country band is rolling into The Honky Tonk at Oak & Iron this Friday night. Expect loud guitars, steel‑soaked twang, and the kind of boot‑stompin’ country that keeps the bar busy and the dance floor full.  Oak & Iron – The Honky Tonk, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Doors open at 7pm. $10 Cover. Downriver Dan Live at Ironbark.  7 PM to 10 PM.  DownRiver Dan returns with his soulful blues…

Wake Up Jackson. 7:30 AM to 9 AM.  Presented by the Jackson Chamber. Start your morning building meaningful connections with fellow business leaders, gaining fresh networking insights, and celebrating the momentum happening across Jackson’s business community. This Month’s Featured Speaker: Olivia Steele, Vice President, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA).   Forty Nine South, 2527 Helena Ave., Jackson.  Cost: $15 (Members) | $25 (Non-Members). Annual Pass: $125 for access to all 10 events. Register today and be part of the conversations shaping Jackson’s future.  Event page here. Y2K Pop After Dark. Your favorite 90s & 2000s pop bangers on the BIG SCREEN, loud enough to unlock forgotten lyrics you swear you don’t remember knowing. Britney. Backstreet. Usher. Destiny’s Child. TRL energy. Flip phone nostalgia. Bad decisions encouraged.  Every 2nd Thursday of the month. Starts at 8pm (and goes until we feel like stopping). No cover. The Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. True Crime of Victorian Michigan. 6 PM to 7:15 PM.  Travel back over a century to uncover the dark crimes that once shocked Michigan! Join us in the Carnegie Library auditorium for a presentation by Battle Creek author Michael Delaware on his book, Victorian Southwest Michigan True…

Discover Morel Foraging.  5:30 PM to 7 PM.  Join five-time National Morel Picking Champion Anthony Williams at the Jackson District Library Brooklyn Branch as he explains how, where, when, and why to find morels. This presentation also includes morel-picking stories and folklore! No registration required. About the Presenter: The Williams family has been picking morels in Northern Michigan since the 1890s, and Anthony's pickin' advice has been proven to be enlightening for everyone from novice to seasoned pro. After winning the National Morel Hunting Championship five years in a row, Anthony retired undefeated from competitive picking to become the "Expert in Residence" for the National Morel Festival.  Brooklyn Branch, Jackson District Library. Safety Care for Families.  4 PM.  Free Training presented by LifeWays.  Safety Care for Families: Essential Skills Training This 4-hour total course provides a specially adapted version of the Safety Care curriculum, tailored to equip parents, family members, and caregivers with practical skills to improve behavior and manage potentially dangerous situations.  Tuesday 4 PM to 6 PM and Wednesday 4 PM to 6 PM. Registration and more information here. Seed Library.  Swing by the Grass Lake Branch to peruse our Seed Library! It offers a variety of seeds…

Jackson Open Interviews.  9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  Join Dean Transportation for open interviews in Jackson on Tuesday, April 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more about openings for school bus driver and school bus monitor positions for routes supporting Northwest Community Schools. School bus drivers start up to $21.50 per hour and school bus monitors up to $16.50. Unable to attend? Apply online today at https://careers.deandifference.com/search/jobs/in/jackson 4000 Van Horn Road, Jackson. Tuesday TEN$.  Join us downtown for Tuesday TEN$ featuring $10 lunch specials at 18 participating Downtown Jackson restaurants. Tuesday TEN$ happens on the first Tuesday of every month, 11:00am - 2:00pm. Whether you’re on a lunch break, meeting friends, or just looking for a great mid-day meal, Tuesday TEN$ is an easy (and affordable) way to support local businesses.  Participating restaurants and featured menu items will be shared ahead of each event. Grab your friends and join us for lunch on April 7!  Safety Care for Families.  4 PM.  Free Training presented by LifeWays.  Safety Care for Families: Essential Skills Training This 4-hour total course provides a specially adapted version of the Safety Care curriculum, tailored to equip parents, family members, and caregivers with practical skills to improve…

Breakthrough T1D Annual Skate Event.  6 PM. This event is open to anyone living with or supporting loved ones with T1D. Join us for this FREE event, which includes skate rental. Since space is limited, RSVP now. Visit the ticket link to RSVP for this free event. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with T1D families and learn more about Breakthrough T1D and the Jackson Walk!   Allskate Fun Center, 1313 W. North Street, Jackson. Monster Box Improv at Ironbark. THE LAUGHS ARE BACK! Ironbark Brewing Company Presents FIRST-MONDAY COMEDY NIGHT (Free Show) Starring MONSTER BOX IMPROV. Monday April 6th. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. (enough time to still catch the Michigan game tipoff).  Ironbark Brewing Company, 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) Film Screening. 7 PM.  Join us for a big-screen screening of When Harry Met Sally, the beloved romantic comedy that asks: can men and women ever truly be just friends? Spanning years of chance encounters, evolving friendships, and honest conversations, the film follows Harry and Sally as they navigate love, connection, and the complexities of relationships over time. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Blues at the Bohm. 7 PM.  Blues at the Bohm is pleased to…