Events of January 16, 17, and 18, 2026

Friday, January 16

MLK Diversity Breakfast. 7:30 AM to 9 AM.  This year’s community celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. will feature guest speaker Dr. George Grant, President of Saginaw Valley State University.  $80 per person.  Open to members of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park.

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening. 11 AM.  Nite Lite, located at 145 W. Pearl Street, is now under new management, and you are invited to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  This event marks an exciting new chapter for a longtime downtown business, and we hope you can join us in welcoming its new ownership.

Three Dog Night.  7 PM.  This legendary band captivates audiences with their numerous Top 40 hits, including “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One.” Their energetic live shows appeal to fans of all generations. The band’s music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike. Tickets start at $45.  Potter Center, Jackson College. Event page and tickets here.

Slim Nichols at Mancino’s. Come on down to hear Mike Slim Crupi and Kevin Nichols this Friday at Mancino’s at 6:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M. It will be a rocking good time for everyone!.  3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson.

Bickel Brothers Live at Ironbark.  7 PM.  Sing along to a stellar slew of classic hits as the Bickel Brothers Piano Bar Experience returns to Ironbark!  2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Neon Crows at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron. 8 PM.   We had such a great time in Jackson at The HonkyTonk at Oak + Iron that we are coming back for round two. 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Saturday, January 17

Jackson’s 59th Annual Auto Swap Meet Show.  8 AM to 1 PM.  Michigan Sports Facility, 3055 Shirley Drive, Jackson.  This show is for auto related items including Vintage, Dragster, Cycles, & Auto Racing.  Giveaways four times per hour.  $5 per person, kids under 12 are free.  More details at www.midmichigansupershows.com.

Aware Event – Breaking the Stigma.  Join us for a community conversation focused on substance use disorder awareness, support, and hope. Breaking the Stigma is an Aware Event hosted by Westwinds Church, created to foster understanding, and reduce stigma in a compassionate, judgment-free space. Whether this topic impacts you personally, someone you love, or you simply want to learn how to support others, you are welcome. What to expect: Community education and resources.  A supportive, hopeful environment.  9:00–11:00 AM.  Location: Westwinds Church, 1000 Robinson Rd., Jackson.  This event is open to the community. Come as you are

Jackson County NAACP Branch MLK Day Dinner. 5 PM.  Jackson City Center, 145 W Cortland Street, Downtown Jackson.  Admission includes catered dinner and program, $30 at the door.  Keynote speaker:  Rev. James Hines, Lily Mission Center.  Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Student presentations, entertainment and more.  Proceeds benefit the NAACP Youth Council.

Jackson College MLK Dinner Celebration. 5 PM.  Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as we come together for Jackson College’s annual MLK Celebration. This inspiring event honors Dr. King’s vision of service, justice, and community. Tickets General Admission: $50 Students (with current school ID): $30 Tickets can be purchased through the Potter Center Box Office by calling 517.796.8600 during open hours or by visiting the office on the first floor of the Potter Center at 2111 Emmons Road. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monster Box Improv in Pretty/Funny – A Night of Original Comedy. Doors at 6:30 PM, Show at 7:30 PM.  Monster Box Improv returns to the Michigan Theatre to kick off their 2026 Midwest comedy tour with Pretty/Funny, a brand-new, bigger and more elaborate comedy show. Known for their creativity, quick wit, and inventive mix of styles, they deliver a performance that feels crafted, fresh, and unpredictable. Expect sharp improvisation, theatrical flair, and plenty of laughter.  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.  Tickets and more information here.

The Dirty Laundry Band at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  Join us at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron for live music from The Dirty Laundry Band on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The doors open at 8 p.m. with live music starting at 9 p.m.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown 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 call 517.990.1400 or 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.

Sunday, January 18

Softball Catcher & Pitcher Camp.  4:30 PM. Batting Cages, Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse, Jackson College.  Cost: $40 REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Open To: High school and college-age softball players.  Join us for a specialized camp designed for catchers and pitchers to develop their skills through focused drill work and instruction. Catchers: Improve your receiving, transfers, and handling multiple pitchers through targeted drills. Pitchers: Enhance your pitch spin and speed with tailored exercises. All Athletes: Participate in hitting sessions and learn valuable mental skills to sharpen your game. Payment: Please bring $40 in cash or a check made out to Jackson College Softball on the day of the camp. Contact: For questions, contact Kelly Gahn at gahnkellyl@jccmi.edu.