Events of July 14, 15 and 16, 2017

The 35th Hot Air Jubilee begins today and continues through Sunday at Ella Sharp Park.  Hot air balloons will launch (weather permitting) from Ella Sharp Park on Friday Evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning.  Throughout the event, come out the park and enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, Ella Sharp Museum, craft booths, the Kids Kingdom, a pilot meet & greet, and a car show. Be sure to stick around Friday and Saturday Evening for the Night Glow. For a full list of activities see our website:  hotairjubilee.com. 

The Jackson Downtown Development Authority presents the Grand River Farmers Market, today and tomorrow from 8am to 2pm.  The market, featuring seasonal farmers and other vendors is at Grand River Marketplace, corner of Glick Highway and Mechanic Street in Downtown Jackson.

“Jammin’ in Jackson”, tonight at Horace Blackman Park, downtown Jackson.  This is a free, family friendly, summer evening concert series. The series takes place in the heart of Downtown Jackson located at the new CP Federal City Square Stage.  Thank you to our event sponsors CP Federal Credit Union, Downtown Jackson and Michigan Theatre of Jackson for supporting this event year after year! This year the music begins at 6 pm and plays until 8 pm.  Tonight features Act III.  Thank you to Tripp’s Auto Shop, American 1 Credit Union, Integro LLC, Downtown Jackson, and Michigan Theatre of Jackson for making this event possible and worthwhile! 

The Friday Film Festival continues tonight, presenting a family-friendly classic at CP Federal City Square space in Jackson’s Horace Blackman Park. This event is free and open to the public.  Tonight’s movie is “Hook”.  Films will begin at dark (9:30/9:45 pm). The Theatre will be selling concessions such as popcorn, wine, and beer, including Grand River Brewery’s award winning Monkey Mouth (bring your ID if you plan to partake).  Thank you to Tripp’s Auto Shop, American 1 Credit Union, Integro LLC, Downtown Jackson, and Michigan Theatre of Jackson for making this event possible. Those under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival  continues tonight, Saturday and Sunday at Baughman Theatre , Potter Center on the Jackson College Central Campus.  Friday, The Taming of the Shrew at 7:30pm, Saturday’s shows are Julius Caesar at 2pm and The Taming of the Shrew at 7:30pm.  Sunday, Julius Caesar at 3pm.  Complete details, schedule and tickets available online at michiganshakespearefestival.com or at Jackson College box office.

Open Mic Night at the Beer Garden.  Come down to The Grand River Brewery on Friday from 7PM-10PM for Open Mic Night in the Beer Garden.  Our goal is to create a space in Jackson that performers of all kinds can use as a creative outlet! If the turnout is successful, we would love to make it a weekly event! Don’t be shy, come on down!!

Allskate Fun Center presents Skate and Laser Tag, Friday from 1 to 4pm.  Admission is only $6 and skate rental is $4 (skates or blades).  Laser Tag:  1 play $5, Double play $8.  Family & Group Rates Available.  Hot dog & Pop only $2.  Allskate Fun Center,1313 W. North St., Jackson.

Saturday

The 3rd Annual Rockin’ the Hills Craft Beer Festival, 4pm to 9pm.   at Devils Lake in the Irish Hills featuring over 30 Michigan breweries (with a couple of wines and ciders too!)  Our unique selection of the best of the craft beers, great live music with an amazing location makes this a festival you don’t want to miss!  Music by Kung Fu Diesel.  Admission is $30.  Manitou Beach Village on Devils Lake in the Irish Hills, 110 Devils Lake Hwy. Manitou Beach, MI.

The Jackson YMCA 8-Hour Race for Health will be the most fun you’ll ever have! It is a team endurance race that combines the strategy of 8 full hours, with the challenge of wheel-to-wheel racing in identically prepared, high performance go karts, so everyone has a chance to win.  Immediately after the race there will be a band and a spectacular fireworks show presented by Sparky’s Fireworks Outlet!  20 teams will drive about 250 miles on the road course at Jackson Speedway.  Contact Jackson Speedway for more information.

Downtown Brooklyn Open Air Farmers’ Market, Saturday’s from 9am – 3pm; June – September.  Enjoy a fresh selection of locally grown Vegetables, Fruits, Eggs and more.  Located off the downtown “square” in The Breakfast Club Café’s parking

The Carnegie Branch of the Jackson District Library presents “Concert on the Grass”. Come on down to the Saturday from 2-3 p.m. to enjoy the alternative rock of local band LVRS. All ages welcome. Held on the front lawn of the library.

The American Cancer Society will hold the annual Ducky Derby fundraiser for the Relay for Life at The Cascades.  Gates open at 5pm, ducks race at 6:30pm.  Purchase a duck for $5.  Entertainment and free Falls admission all evening.  

Sunday

Walker Tavern Farmers Market is one of the largest open air markets in Southeast Michigan. There are over 50 vendors that can be found on most Sundays. There are local seasonal produce and handmade crafts at this farmers market, there are even some special Sunday events. A Recreation passport is required for State Park entry. Market opens at 10am.

Sandhill Crane Vineyards presents their annual Jazz & Mead Festival!  We’ve got live jazz on the front porch all afternoon and the release of two new mead vintages!  Veranda, and Blue Skies.  Trent Harris Trio will play 12:30-2:30 & Tavern House Jazz Band will play 3-5:30 Free admission.

Today in the J is sponsored by Experience Jackson.