Today in the J

Friday, October 23 Dahlem Goblin Walks. Two Magical Nights! > October 23, Friday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm > October 24, Saturday 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Every 15 minutes a group of twenty five people is lead by a trail leader down the pumpkin-lit trail to enjoy an evening autumn color tour, a short 1/2 mile trail walk meeting larger than life critters performing entertaining educational skits. The program is about one hour in length and great fun for the whole family!! Photo opportunities, refreshments (cider & donuts!), and visit the gift shop. Feel free to dress in costume and be ready for the weather! The event operates rain or shine. This event does not handout candy. REGISTRATION REQUIRED for Dahlem members and non-members, so don’t wait – choice slots fill fast. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour walk to allow time to check-in at the Registration Table. Event Fee per Person: $9 per Dahlem Member; $12 per Non-Member Free for infants. Free Parking.  Event page here. Sudden Death - A Halloween Horror Themed Game Show.  Please, join us in the Bone Island Events Center for a special, and especially-fun, Halloween Event.  Monster Box Theatre’s SUDDEN DEATH, an…

Ooky Spooky Light Show. 1 PM.  A Halloween-themed planetarium light show featuring laser lights, musical performances, dancing lights, and graphics across the dome. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Hurst Planetarium, Ella Sharp Museum. Cosmic Conversation from JC to the Universe. 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Jackson College is excited to welcome Dr. Teresa Paneque-Carreño, Assistant Professor of Astronomy at the University of Michigan, as a 2026 Shapley Visiting Lecturer during the week of Oct. 19-22. An astronomer, science communicator, author, and UNICEF Chile ambassador, Dr. Paneque-Carreño will participate in several community and campus events.  Today, STEM Banquet “How to Be a Scientist When You Are NOT a Genius”. Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. Robert Snyder Dining Commons, Potter Center.  Designed for invited high school and college students interested in STEM careers.  Jackson College Central Campus. 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 is charged per carload, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person…

Cosmic Conversation from JC to the Universe. Jackson College is excited to welcome Dr. Teresa Paneque-Carreño, Assistant Professor of Astronomy at the University of Michigan, as a 2026 Shapley Visiting Lecturer during the week of Oct. 19-22. An astronomer, science communicator, author, and UNICEF Chile ambassador, Dr. Paneque-Carreño will participate in several community and campus events.  Today:    “How to Form a Planet: Gas, Dust and a Bit of Luck” 2026 Shapley Visiting Lecture, Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 6:30 p.m. Bert Walker Hall Community Rooms (BW 144-145).  Free and open to the public.  Jackson College Central Campus. Medicare 101 & Medication Safety.  5:45 PM to 7 PM.  Join Medicare expert Hunter Klaasen and Jackson County Health Department Opioid Health Educator Emma Lough for information and answers to all your questions on Medicare and medication safety.  If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, or are interested in learning more, join us for this educational program.  Eastern Branch, Jackson District Library.  Register here. Free Screening of “Seeds”.  7 PM.  Hosted by Albion’s Big Read.  Join us for a lyrical documentary about Black farmers and Black farming, about the fight against injustice, and about reverence for the land and for…

Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rally.  11 AM to 2 PM.  Join us for Trackside Tuesday Food Truck Rally.  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! Tech Help Tuesdays. 1 PM to 3 PM.  Join us every Tuesday from 1–3 PM at the Summit Branch and the Brooklyn Branch for Tech Help Tuesday! Bring your device and your questions—our staff is here to assist with troubleshooting, setup, and basic tech support. No appointment needed! Jackson District Library. Jackson Art Association Member Meeting.  All meetings take place in the community room of Ella Sharp Museum. Meetings start at 6:00pm (for social time). Presentations are 6:30 – 8:00pm. Members are invited to share a piece ready to hang as their entry for “Artist of the Month”…

Discovering the Universe Family Astronomy Program.  5 PM.  Jackson District Library Carnegie Branch, Auditorium.  Free and open to the public.  Families are invited to explore the wonders of space during Discovering the Universe, an engaging, family-friendly presentation designed to spark curiosity about the cosmos. Featuring University of Michigan astronomer Dr. Teresa Paneque-Carreño, participants will learn about the formation of our solar system, what aliens might look like and the fate of the universe. Attendees can color pages from Paneque-Carreño’s Astronomical ABC, bringing astronomy to life through creativity. https://www.jccmi.edu/cosmic-conversation-from-jackson.../ “The King and I” Film Screening.  7 PM.  Doors 30 Minutes Before the Showing.  The King and I (1956) comes to the big screen at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson on Monday, October 19. Set in 1860s Siam, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follows English schoolteacher Anna Leonowens as she arrives to teach the children of King Mongkut. Their clashing personalities develop into a complicated relationship as tradition and change collide. Michigan Theatre members receive a FREE medium concessions combo for this Monday screening. The musicals continue Monday, October 26 with The Sound of Music at 7 PM.  General Admission: $5 at the door.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Friday, October 16 Storyfest Presents Silver Tales with Jeff Doyle.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Join storyteller Jeff Doyle to enjoy tales for the young at heart! Jeff’s gift for keeping it real highlights the truths of human nature. His storytelling began around the campfire with Jeff’s favorite tale, The Blue Ape, and he soon became renowned for his scary storytelling genius. As a father, a dreamer, and an average guy, Jeff sometimes sees things through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. He finds humor in everyday life and crafts stories that evoke everything from laughter to tears, captivating listeners of all ages. This event will take place at the Crouch Center. 1715 Lansing Avenue, Jackson. Barker Weber Ribbon Cutting.  12 PM.  Barker Weber Insurance Agency is celebrating its new location in Brooklyn! Join us for a Ribbon Cutting, tour the building, meet staff, and enjoy some snacks! 111 N. Main Street, Downtown Brooklyn. Fall Rummage Sale.  Calvary United Methodist Church.  Friday, October 16th, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, October 17th, (Bag Day) fill a bag for $3 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. From 11a.m.- noon FREE.   925 Backus Street, Jackson. Baked Goods Available.  Enter off…

Healthwise Event:  Leaves of Wellness.  10 AM to 1 PM.  Leaves of Wellness: A FREE Community Health & Wellness Event.  Turn over a new leaf for health this fall! Join us for HealthWise, a one-stop event offering valuable health screenings, wellness resources, and fun activities for all.  FREE Screening & Services:  Vascular screening – carotid arteries, ABI, abdominal aorta measurement*, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Glucose screening, Vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, Diabetic foot screening, Lung health assessment, and Free dental exams*.  PLUS: Indoor & Outdoor Campus Walk, Health & Wellness Expo – connect with local resources, Healthy Aging & Caregiver Resource – sponsored by the Jackson College Alumni Office, Blood Drive*, Raffles & giveaways.  And more!  Services marked * require a reserved time slot. Please call 517.990.1374 to secure your spot.  Don’t miss this chance to get valuable health insights — all at no cost!  Justin Whiting Hall, Jackson College Central Campus. JAXPO.  Join the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for the return of the 2026 JAXPO Business Showcase on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the American 1 Event Center in downtown Jackson!  Connect with local businesses, discover new opportunities, build partnerships, and showcase what makes your organization unique.  1:00–3:00…

Dementia Caregiver Support and Resources. 6 PM to 7 PM.  Caregiving is A LOT.  Luckily, you don't have to face it alone.  Bring your questions about how we can help you care for your person with dementia to the Eastern Branch. Jennifer Guthrie from the Jackson County Department on Aging will discuss the programs available and finish with a roundtable discussion to address your specific concerns.   Eastern Branch, Jackson District Library. First Responders Skate Night. 6 PM to 8 PM.  In celebration of National Roller Skating Month, Allskate Fun Center is honoring our amazing first responders every Wednesday in October!  October 7, 14, 21 and 28.  FREE admission for first responders and their family—up to five people!Show your service ID, everyone must enter at the same time.  Skate Rental: $5, Laser Tag: $6.  Door prizes!  Bring the family and enjoy a fun night of skating as we celebrate the dedicated firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers and other first responders who serve our community.  Allskate Fun Center, 1313 W. North St., Jackson. 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…

Tech Help Tuesdays. 1 PM to 3 PM.  Join us every Tuesday from 1–3 PM at the Summit Branch and the Brooklyn Branch for Tech Help Tuesday! Bring your device and your questions—our staff is here to assist with troubleshooting, setup, and basic tech support. No appointment needed! Jackson District Library. Salvation Army Fundraiser.  3 PM to 9 PM.  Texas Roadhouse, Jackson Crossing.  10% Donation Night.  Support the Salvation Army by presenting this ad to the Jackson location and Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your total food purchases to the Salvation Army.

“The Notebook”. 7 PM.  The Michigan Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts and JTV present: The Notebook”.  Spend Monday night with one of the most beloved romances of the 2000s.  The Notebook is coming to the big screen at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson on Monday, October 12, presented in partnership with JTV and Wharton Center for Performing Arts.  $5 admission at the door.  Doors: 6:30 PM. Film: 7:00 PM. Michigan Theatre members receive a FREE medium concessions combo.  Drawings for several winners to receive tickets to the Wharton Center’s Broadway Production of The Notebook, posters and more.  michigantheatre.org  whartoncenter.com  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Blues at the Bohm.  7 PM.  Prepare for an electrifying night of soul-stirring blues as multi-award-winning saxophonist and vocalist Vanessa Collier takes the stage at Blues at the Bohm on October 12, 2026. A master of the alto saxophone and a powerhouse singer, Collier seamlessly blends blues, soul, and funk into a high-energy performance that has earned her multiple Blues Music Awards. From fiery instrumental solos to gritty, heartfelt vocals, she delivers a captivating show that proves why she’s one of the most vital voices in the modern blues scene. Admission $30.  Bohm Theatre, 201 S…