Events of July 17, 18, and 19, 2026

Friday, July 17

43rd Annual Hot Air Jubilee. The morning launch, Wake Up Jackson Flight at 7 AM. Festival grounds open at Ella Sharp Park at 3 PM. Today’s events include Family Fun Zone, helicopter rides, food vendors, vendor village, education tent, HAJ merchandise tent, Jeeps at the Jubilee, evening launch and night glow. Complete event schedule and details here and here.

Grand River Farmers Market at the Downtown Pavilion. 9 AM to 2 PM. On Fridays, you can visit the Grand River Farmer’s Market at the downtown pavilion, located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery. The Friday market is open from 9 am until 2 pm. With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers. As we look ahead, Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all.

Alice in Wonderland. The Sauk, Hillsdale County’s community theatre, presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND outdoors in Jonesville’s Wright Street Park for eight performances, July 17-19. Told with only two actors, this adaptation of the classic story is perfect for the whole family. For ticket information, visit www.thesauk.org or call 517-849-9100.

Sun and Sand Festival. Join us July 17 & 18 for the Sun & Sand Festival in Downtown Tecumseh! Watch 5 giant sand sculptures come to life, enjoy the Friday Night Street Party with live music and food trucks, shop the Saturday Farmers Market, take on the Sand Scavenger Hunt, and don’t miss the American Legion Chicken Broil with live music Saturday afternoon and evening. Bring your family, invite your friends, and spend the weekend making summer memories in Downtown Tecumseh!

Auditions: The Wizard of Oz. Center Stage Jackson. Performance Dates: October 2-4 & October 9-11, 2026. Audition Dates: July 16, 17, & 18, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM and July 22 & 23, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Audition Location: First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. Event page here.

Saturday, July 18

43rd Annual Hot Air Jubilee. The morning launch, Wake Up Jackson Flight at 7 AM. Festival grounds open at Ella Sharp Park at 3 PM. Today’s events include Family Fun Zone, helicopter rides, food vendors, vendor village, education tent, HAJ merchandise tent, car show, evening launch and night glow. Complete event schedule and details here and here.

Grand River Farmers Market at River & Rail. 9 AM to 2 PM. The Grand River Farmer’s Market is now open on Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm at the NEW River & Rail Farm Stop, at 137 W. North St., Jackson, MI 49202 (located inside the walls of the Historic State Prison near Art 634). Plenty of parking! Entertainment and multiple vendors. With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers. As we look ahead, Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all.

Melling Car Show. This is our 3rd Annual Car Show held at Melling Engine Parts, 2620 Saradan Dr. Jackson. All makes and models welcome. Show Cars, trucks or motorcycles. Family Friendly Event. Food trucks and music.