Today in the J

Friday, October 2 Grand River Farmers Market at the Downtown Pavilion. 9 AM to 2 PM.  On Fridays, you can visit the Grand River Farmer's Market at the downtown pavilion, located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery. The Friday market is open from 9 am until 2 pm.  With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers.  Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all. Jackson Antique & Collectible Show.  10 AM to 5 PM.  Thousands of treasures, one amazing weekend!  Admission $5 per person, 12 and under free.  Keeley Park, 200 West Ganson Street, Jackson.  Saturday only:  Cruising for the Cause Car Show (11 AM to 4:30 PM to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospital. The Wizard of Oz.  7 PM.  Presented by Center Stage Jackson.  There’s no place like home... and there's no place like Center Stage Jackson! Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all your favorite characters in this beloved family classic. Filled with unforgettable songs, colorful costumes, and…

Halloween Nite Lites.  Halloween 2026 Nite Lites Drive Thru & Train Rides Thru Show (approx. 2 miles). Located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12 Brooklyn.  October 1-31 (EXCEPT OCT. 24) Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:00 - 10:00 PM. ADMISSION:  For the drive thru, admission is charged per car load, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person who needs a seat. Halloween Drive Thru Entrance is O ff M-50.  $30 per car.  Event page here. The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES:  Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson. National Jiffy Mix Day.  Event by JIFFY Mix, 201 W North St, Chelsea.  Celebrate National “JIFFY” Mix Day with us! Join us on Thursday, October 1…

The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES: Wednesday, 9/30 at 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Live Music at Atlas.  The Riverjack Ramblers live at Atlas Restaurant.  Join us for live bluegrass music from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main Street, Downtown Brooklyn. Astronomical Observatory Viewing Night.  9 PM to 11 PM.  Students, employees, and community members are invited to enjoy an evening of stargazing through our campus telescope! Please visit the Astronomical Observatory web page before attending to confirm the event is still taking place, as it may be canceled due to weather conditions.  Jackson College Central Campus. Hillsdale County Fair.  Exhibits open at 10 AM.  For over 170 years, the Hillsdale County Fair has been a beloved tradition bringing…

Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rally.  11 AM to 2 PM.  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 each week to see which food trucks will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you at Trackside Tuesdays! Hillsdale County Fair.  Exhibits open at 10 AM.  For over 170 years, the Hillsdale County Fair has been a beloved tradition bringing together families, farmers, and communities.   Running through Saturday, enjoy carnival rides, midway games, attractions, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, delicious fair food, local vendors, entertainment and events.  Schedule and details here.  115 S. Broad Street, Hillsdale. Internet and Cell Phone Safety for Families.  6 PM to 7 PM. The internet is an incredible resource—but it also comes with risks. Join Officer Freeman from the Napoleon Township Police Department for an informative and engaging program designed to help parents and students stay safe online. Learn about today's…

The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES: Monday, 9/28 at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, 9/30 at 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson Hillsdale County Fair.  Exhibits open at 10 AM.  For over 170 years, the Hillsdale County Fair has been a beloved tradition bringing together families, farmers, and communities.   Running through Saturday, enjoy carnival rides, midway games, attractions, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, delicious fair food, local vendors, entertainment and events.  Schedule and details here.  115 S. Broad Street, Hillsdale. Celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month at the Summit Branch.  Visit the Summit Branch in September and sign up for a library card for a chance to win a Visa gift card. Patrons checking out items from the branch can enter to win prizes any library-lover will…

Friday, September 25 Grand River Farmers Market at the Downtown Pavilion. 9 AM to 2 PM.  On Fridays, you can visit the Grand River Farmers Market at the downtown pavilion, located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery. The Friday market is open from 9 am until 2 pm.  With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers. As we look ahead, Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all. Downtown Jackson Cruise In and Concert.  5 PM to 9 PM.  Cruise-In starts at 5:00 PM, concert at 6:00 PM.  Downtown Jackson (W. Michigan Ave & S. Jackson St).  Hundreds of the region’s coolest rides, live music, food and drinks.  Grab your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and let’s make the season finale the best one yet! Learn more at https://jacksondda.org. The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s…

Jackson College launches Reading Series with author Joel Walkowski. 1 PM. Jackson College’s Liberal Arts department will kick off its JC Reading Series with author Joel Walkowski at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Bert Walker Hall, Center for Innovation (Sandbox). Walkowski will read from and discuss his recently published memoir, “Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man.” The book combines Detroit Lions history with memoir, literary nonfiction and self-help as Walkowski explores themes of men’s mental health, addiction, resilience, identity, failure and personal growth. The reading and discussion will offer attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Walkowski about his writing and the personal experiences behind the book. The event is free and open to students, employees, and community members. Refreshments and snacks will be available. Art in the Park.  5 PM to 9 PM.  The final Art in the Park of the season is tonight at Weatherwax Park in Downtown Brooklyn!  Join us for music, art, food trucks, market and vendors.  Activities for kids and fun for the whole family.  Don’t miss the season finale! College Connection Fair.  Jackson County students and families — mark your calendars! Northwest High School is hosting a FREE College…

Paint Jackson Plein Air Art Event. All day.  Artists from around the area and beyond will be in Jackson as they create art outside in the Paint Jackson Plein Air Art Event.  Hosted by the Jackson Art Association, with event headquarters at Ella Sharp Museum.  Artists, beginners, and professionals paint the beauty in the Jackson area. Prizes will total $3,200+.  Reception, judging and sales will be Saturday from 4 PM to 8 PM at Ella Sharp Museum.  Event page here. Meijer Cinema Club - Classic Movie Screenings. 5 PM to 7:30 PM.  The Meijer Cinema Club commences its fall series, held in the Community Room every Wednesday night from 5 to 7:30 PM!  Sep 23 - Cabaret (1972).  We encourage bringing blankets/cushions for comfort and some snacks to enjoy during the screening. We hope to see you there!  Meijer Branch, Jackson District Library. Astronomical Observatory Viewing Night. 9 PM to 11 PM.  Students, employees, and community members are invited to enjoy an evening of stargazing through our campus telescope! Please visit the Astronomical Observatory web page before attending to confirm the event is still taking place, as it may be canceled due to weather conditions.  Jackson College Central Campus. Library Card Sign-Up Month at the…

Audio Amblers.  1 PM to 2 PM.  Have an audiobook and like to walk? Meet up on Tuesdays in September and in October with staff from the Spring Arbor Branch to walk while listening to your own audiobook. The walk will take place at the Lime Lake County Park Trailhead and Restroom, 5129 Teft Rd., Spring Arbor. The park has a parking lot and an accessible, rustic bathroom. Amblers will head east on the paved trail for about 25 minutes, then turn around. There are several benches along the path. Please register so staff will know how many amblers to expect.  Spring Arbor Branch, Jackson District Library. Upcoming:  Thursday, September 24 Jackson College launches Reading Series with author Joel Walkowski. 1 PM. Jackson College’s Liberal Arts department will kick off its JC Reading Series with author Joel Walkowski at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Bert Walker Hall, Center for Innovation (Sandbox). Walkowski will read from and discuss his recently published memoir, “Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man.” The book combines Detroit Lions history with memoir, literary nonfiction and self-help as Walkowski explores themes of men’s mental health, addiction, resilience, identity, failure and personal growth. The…

Library Card Sign-Up Month at the Summit Branch. Visit the Summit Branch in September and sign up for a library card for a chance to win a Visa gift card. Patrons checking out items from the branch can enter to win prizes any library-lover will enjoy! One entry allowed per day. Jackson District Library Staff Art Show. See beyond our desks to appreciate the art of our Jackson District Libraries staff members. We have collected pieces from all of our staff around the district to put on display here at the Eastern Branch for the entire month of September. Come in, have a look, and leave inspired!  Collection open to view during all open hours. Pathways of Patriotism: Exploring Jackson County’s Revolutionary Roots Exhibit.  The Pathways of Patriotism exhibit is displayed at the historic Jackson Amtrak Station, located at 501 E. Michigan Avenue, where thousands of visitors and travelers can engage with Jackson County’s role in America’s evolving democratic story. The installation will remain on view through November 15, offering residents, students, and visitors an opportunity to explore how our community has shaped—and continues to shape—the nation’s ongoing pursuit of liberty, justice, and a more perfect union. Learn more about the Jackson County…