Events of April 12, 13, and 14, 2024

Friday, April 12

Jackson County Restaurant Week.  Final day! Spend a week exploring the restaurants of Jackson County during Jackson County Restaurant Week, April 8-12, 2024.  Participating restaurants in Jackson County, Michigan will provide a selection of $15 menu options throughout the week – with a variety of locations to experience breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Experience five days of the county’s culinary finest by visiting multiple restaurants… increasing your chances of winning prizes at the end!  Check with each participating restaurant for hours and unique menus for Jackson County Restaurant Week.  Participating restaurants: • 308 Brass Rail, • Andy’s Pizza, • Baby Bear Burger, • Bella Notte Ristorante, • The Blue Julep, • Booher’s Fresh Market & Diner, • Burnt Honey, • The Crazy Cowboy, • The Dirty Bird, • Doll N’ Burgers, • Eagles Nest Bar & Grill Clarklake, • FFF Truck, • The Five Forks, • Flavorz, • The Hunt Club, • Grand River Brewery – Jackson, • Lucero’s Mexican Bar & Grill, • Mama’s Mercantile and Eatery, • Murphy’s Bistro, • Nite Lite, • Ogma Brewing Co., • PB&J’s BBQ, • RJs Metropolitan Ice Cream Co., • Veritas, • West Texas BBQ.  For information on the contest and more details, click here.

The Bold, Brave & Beautiful Cabaret.  Center Stage Jackson presents ’The Bold, Brave and Beautiful Cabaret’, all about the female singers/songwriters who inspire us.  Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd., Jackson.  Fri., April 12, 7:30 PM, Sat., April 13, 7:30 PM, and Sun., April 14, 5:30 PM.  Also running April 19-21. seating a half hour before show time. For ticket info visit Center Stage Jackson FB page or centerstagejackson.org

Jackson College Summer Registration.  Summer session begins May 20! Completing a college credential can mean increased earnings and job opportunities for life. Build a brighter future for yourself and your family. Jackson offers affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, excellent instruction, in-demand programs and personalized support. No matter the circumstances, students can fit college courses into their schedules; Jackson offers a variety of class lengths and sessions.  Details here.

Winter Market. The First Ever “Second Season” Winter Market!With over 20 of our original vendors.  Fridays 10:00AM – 3:00PM.  November Through April at Found Church, 141 E. Michigan Avenue, Jackson – Next to RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream.

Pet Calendar Fundraiser for Cascades Humane Society.  Lights, camera, ACTION! Showcase your pet’s unique paw-sonality in our official 2025 CHS calendar! Register your furry friend(s) for a professional photoshoot by Freeland Photography this spring for our Pet Calendar Fundraiser. Let’s capture their good side, quirks, tricks, AND adorable bloopers while supporting Cascades Humane Society!  Photo dates:  April 12th, 13th, & 14th, 2024 at Cascades Humane Society.  Registration is OPEN! Sign up for a photo session and learn more information at www.chspets.com/2024-pet-calendar-fundraiser.  Schedule a photo session for a $10 per pet donation to Cascades Humane Society.  Choose your favorite photo to enter the calendar contest.

Saturday, April 13

Jackson YMCA Spring Sports.  Game Time at the Jackson YMCA as spring youth sports get underway.  Programs include (for ages 3-6) soccer, tee-ball, tumbling,  and (for ages 5-12) volleyball, rock climbing and Aikido.  Register at jacksonymca.or or call 517-782-0537.

Jackson District Library Eastern Branch Grand Reopening.  11 AM to 3 PM.   Visit the newly renovated Eastern Branch and join us for a Grand Reopening celebration on Saturday, April 13 from 11 AM to 3 PM!  A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM, followed by refreshments throughout the day and a performance by the Jacktown Ukes from 12:15-1 PM. A display on the history of the Eastern Branch will also be on exhibit to browse during the open house.  This event is open to the public and all are welcome.

CrossFit 517 Special Olympics Fundraiser.  CrossFit 517 – Working out for a cause!  CrossFit 517 is raising money for the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics.  CrossFit 517 will hold a workout for all, selling t-shirts, 50/50, and raffle baskets. You may purchase t-shirts, 50/50, and raffle tickets at the event. (You do not have to be present to win.).  9:00am -10:00am CrossFit 517 Community Class workout.  At 10:00 am the Special Olympians are welcome to participate in a short workout. All drawings will happen at the end of the Special Olympian’s workout. 12pm-1pm.  CrossFit 517: 323 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201 HOW MUCH? Workout – $20 cash or -**Checks payable to: Special Olympics Area 19**.  T-shirts – $25 Each (Pre-order available).  50/50 and Basket Raffles– 1 for $1, 6 for $5, 15 for $10 (cash only).

Southside Festival Series 5th Annual Local Authors Expo & Book Fair.  12 PM to 6 PM.  Free!  Come meet local authors, shop a selection of books and other items during the Book Fair.  Free food and refreshments, and free admission.  Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Noon-6 pm.  C-Store Deli, 1202 MLK Jr. Dr., Jackson. 

Murder Mystery Dinner “Last Dance in the Tower Ballroom” Featuring Monster Box Theatre.  6 PM.  Join us for a fabulous evening of Dinner, Drinks, Mystery, and Laughter at the opulent Tower Ballroom. Get ready to step back into the Roaring 1920’s and a Murder Mystery Experience like no other. This original, world premiere event promises to be a night to remember. Location: Tower Ballroom, 120 W Michigan Ave, Jackson.  Imagine being swept back a full century to an exciting and dangerous time. You and your fellow guests will put your detective skills to the test as you interact with each other and a cast of hilariously intriguing characters, maneuvering through twists, misdirection, and laughter to ultimately catch a killer. There are even a few prizes to be won for being clever, attire, and more.  It is the 1920’s. Period attire is encouraged but not required. It is the 1920’s. Having a fantastic, humdinger of a time is required. If you are a first-timer or even a seasoned sleuth, you will be part of the investigation. But don’t worry, you will be working together, and your level of participation is up to you. This is a Monster Box Theatre/’Killed by Murder’© event. Therefore, it is completely original, one-of-a-kind performance. It is interactive and immersive which means you are part of the story. We love you to participate, but you are able to choose your own level. We encourage you to move about and wander. You may find things to help you solve the crime, and will come across things that will not, but they all will be entertaining. It is also a comedy after all. And remember that even though we are killing at least one of you, it is strictly for the entertainment of the rest of you who are still alive.  We are there to make sure you have a great time. (or get murdered) If you have questions, call or text (248) 787-5365.  Event page here.

Sunday, April 14

Talking ‘Bout My Generation Concert.  3 PM.  The Jackson Community Concert Band, comprised of college students and community members, presents a spring concert! Joining them will be the Jazzy Jets, Vocal Point and the Drumline. They present a selection of favorites through the ages, “Talkin’ ‘Bout my Generation.”  Admission is free and all are welcome!  Potter Center Music Hall, Jackson College.  Details here.

Wedding Mock-Up Open House at Ella Sharp Museum.  12 PM to 3 PM. Interested in hosting an event at Ella Sharp Museum but want to see what it looks like all set up??? Here is your chance! We will have the Community room set up for a wedding reception, the Granary set up for a Shower, our Bridal suite set up, and a micro wedding set up in Ella’s Farm House. Not only will you be able to envision your event you can also enjoy catering samples from Jackson area caterers along with a wine tasting from one of our local wineries. This is a free event. Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 4th Street,  Jackson.