Events of August 22, 23, and 24, 2025

Friday, August 22

Kelly Express Grand Re-Opening Event.  3 PM to 6 PM.  Cooper Street Pacific Pride has transitioned to a Kelly Express.  1939 Cooper Street (@ I-94 Exit).  No convenience Store, but 24/7 fueling available to the public:  Regular/midgrade/super fuel; Diesel, DEF.  Now accept Debit and credit cards; earn and redeem Mobil rewards points and more.  Fueling islands support Semi & Industrial Trucks.  Quick Access to I-94, in and out to Cooper Street.  Grand Re-Opening Event is Fri., Aug. 22, 3-6pm.  Food Trucks and Prize Wheel Giveaways!  We hope to see you there!

American 1 Credit Union Summer Sale. Wednesday thru Friday, 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park.  Over 300 vehicles to choose from.  Summer’s hot, your first month’s not!  Chance to win your first month payment.  Visit american1cu.org for full details.

Grand River Farmers Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Seasonal veggies & fruits, fresh flowers, meats, cheeses, breads, sweets, and all kinds of other wonderful things! Corner of Mechanic and Glick, Downtown Jackson.

Food Truck Friday. 11 am-2 pm & 5-8 pm.   Downtown Jackson is the place to be this summer. Come hungry for lunch or dinner! Enjoy street-lined Food Truck setup for both lunch and dinner times in downtown Jackson, hosted by the Jackson Downtown Development Authority. These events are paired with the Cruise-In and Concert Series in Downtown Jackson in the evenings.

Downtown Jackson Cruise Night.  5 PM to 8 PM.  Enjoy Downtown Jackson and the monthly Cruise Night!  Hundreds of classic and antique vehicles line the street.  Special exhibits, vendors, food and fun!  Michigan Avenue and Jackson Streets, downtown Jackson.

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops.  7 PM.  The Jackson Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce Patriotic Pops, a FREE concert to take place on Friday, August 22 at 7:00 PM, at Horace Blackman Park.  This summer we’ll pay tribute to America and its steadfast strength in the face of hardship with a mixture of marches, film scores, and iconic works. These pieces are all composed by American composers including music by Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa and John Williams. The concert is free but you can purchase VIP tickets for $30 which includes special seating and one drink ticket. Jacksonsymphony.org/concerts-and-events

Book Launch Event.  7 PM.  Join us for the official launch of The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery, a powerful new book published by The History Press.  Corner of Levant & Smalley Streets at the Daisy Saloon.  (1290 Levant St is the address of the home across the street).  This compelling historical account tells the story of Michigan’s first and only African American regiment during the Civil War—men who enlisted amid deep societal division and fought valiantly for liberty, equality, and the future of the Union. Though many were born in the South, these brave individuals returned there to fight for the freedom of others. In doing so, they defied prejudice and helped preserve the Union, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, the book brings to life the extraordinary journey of this courageous unit. Join us for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and community as we honor their enduring impact. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Civil War Exhibit at Ella Sharp Museum. The Jackson Civil War Muster, in partnership with the Ella Sharp Museum and the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, is proud to present Michigan in the Civil War, a powerful traveling exhibition from the Detroit Historical Society. While no battles were fought on Michigan soil, the state’s citizens played a vital role in one of the most defining moments in American history. From the first shots at Fort Sumter to the surrender at Appomattox, Michiganders served as soldiers, nurses, abolitionists, and leaders, including Governor Austin Blair, whose actions helped shape the war’s outcome and the nation’s future. Featuring over 60 artifacts and photographs, this exhibition illuminates the personal stories, sacrifices, and enduring legacies of those who answered the call to serve. Michigan in the Civil War is on display now at the Ella Sharp Museum through the end of September—don’t miss this chance to step into history and explore Michigan’s role in the fight that defined a nation.

Nostalgia Ink Anniversary Week. We’re celebrating our countdown to 40 years with a full week of events, deals and fun!  See event page with daily happenings and specials here. Nostalgia Ink, 139 S. Mechanic Street, Jackson.

American 1 Credit Union Summer Sale. Today 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park.  Over 300 vehicles to choose from.  Summer’s hot, your first month’s not!  Chance to win your first month payment.  Visit american1cu.org for full details.

Saturday, August 23

Jackson Civil War Muster. The Jackson Civil War Muster was established in 1986. We’ve grown into a full-scale Civil War reenactment event that draws audiences from all over the Midwest United States. We are a FREE family friendly event with food vendors, arts and crafts, and historically accurate interactive installations from the Civil War era. Cannon fire will shake the ground, musket smoke will fill the air, and cavalry will thunder across the fields as the Jackson Civil War Muster returns to Cascades Park on August 23 and 24, 2025. As the largest and longest-running Civil War living history event in the Midwest, the Muster transforms the park into a fully immersive 1860s experience. More than 500 living historians from across the country will fill the grounds, portraying soldiers, civilians, musicians, and tradespeople in highly detailed recreated encampments.  Complete schedule and details here: https://civilwarmuster.org

Grand River Farmers Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Seasonal veggies & fruits, fresh flowers, meats, cheeses, breads, sweets, and all kinds of other wonderful things! Corner of Mechanic and Glick, Downtown Jackson.

American 1 Credit Union Summer Sale.   Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park.  Over 300 vehicles to choose from.  Summer’s hot, your first month’s not!  Chance to win your first month payment.  Visit american1cu.org for full details.

Hanover Horton Area Rust & Dust Festival.   10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  HHAHS Event Center/Heritage Park, 121 Tefft St., Hanover.  The annual Rust n’ Dust Festival is a day of fun for visitors of all ages!  Antique tractor pulls, music, vendors, food, heritage demonstrations, crafters, flea market, kids activities, silent auction and classic cars.

Megga XP Event. Commonwealth Commerce Center, Downtown Jackson.  Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that after a 6 year hiatus, we are bringing the ORIGINAL convention, MeggaXP, back to the city of Jackson, Michigan on Saturday, August 23rd.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meggaxp-x-10th-anniversary-edition-tickets-1348051762109

Sunday, August 24

ORS Race Series:  Heart of a Lion.  Mark your calendars for the 11th Annual Special Olympics Michigan Area 19 (Jackson County) Heart of a Lion chip timed 5K Run/Walk at the beautiful Ella Sharp Park located at 2800 Fourth St. Jackson. The race will be held on Sunday, August 24th at 9 a.m. with a SOMI athlete/Kids Fun Run to follow. Pricing: $30. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics and will be used to provide year round sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds stay in Jackson County.  Details, registration and course map here.

Jackson Civil War Muster. The Jackson Civil War Muster was established in 1986. We’ve grown into a full-scale Civil War reenactment event that draws audiences from all over the Midwest United States. We are a FREE family friendly event with food vendors, arts and crafts, and historically accurate interactive installations from the Civil War era. Cannon fire will shake the ground, musket smoke will fill the air, and cavalry will thunder across the fields as the Jackson Civil War Muster returns to Cascades Park on August 23 and 24, 2025. As the largest and longest-running Civil War living history event in the Midwest, the Muster transforms the park into a fully immersive 1860s experience. More than 500 living historians from across the country will fill the grounds, portraying soldiers, civilians, musicians, and tradespeople in highly detailed recreated encampments.  Complete schedule and details here: https://civilwarmuster.org

Deb Day Adoption Event. 11 AM to 2 PM.  The National Association of Letter Carriers 232 is sponsoring all adoption fees in loving memory of Deb Marriott.  Free adoptions, food truck, outdoor activities, corn hole and more!  Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3370 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson.

CARS-N-Q 25.  10 AM.  CARS-N-Q returns to the Jackson Speedway for 2025! Gates open at 10 am.  $10/person, Kids 12 & Under Free. No additional registration fees. Car/Truck/Bike Show open to all years, makes and models! Burnout competition with a cash prize! Group Burnout at end of show! One off custom made awards! Multiple food trucks on site! With over 350 cars and trucks on the grounds, and well over 1000 people in attendance, 2024 brought in one of the biggest crowds Jackson Speedway has ever seen!  500 Speedway Drive (Page Avenue and 127), Jackson.