Events of July 31, August 1, 2, 2026

Friday July 31

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.

Relay for Life.  4 PM to 2 PM Saturday.  Join the world’s largest community fundraising event dedicated to fighting ALL cancers.  A public event open to everyone, the Relay brings the community together to celebrate, remember & fight back.  Join for an hour or stake a tent and stay for 22 hours. Friday night is a full gathering in the park with opening ceremonies and evening activities including: Survivor’s Walk & Caregiver’s Walk, Food Entertainment Games and Teams, Music Stage for all 22 Hours. The Moving Luminary Ceremony is at Dusk. No gift is too small. Event runs thru the night and til 2:00pm Saturday.  Visit Relay for Life Jackson MI on Facebook.  Cascades Falls Park.

Saturday, August 1

ORS Race Series:  Run Clark Lake. Welcome to the 51st running at beautiful Clark Lake.  WOW ! ! OVER a Half a century of Road Racing at beautiful Clark Lake. Please come celebrate with us. The first run was in 1976 and only one event was a 7 Mile around the Lake. In 1993 WE made the 7 miler a 12K and added a 5K Run, 5k Walk & 3/4K kids Run. This year we will again be putting an emphasis on the 12K with added prize money in this event.  Truly one of Michigan’s Premier summer events. You will enjoy the course that encompass the lake on gently rolling hills with breathtaking lake front views, Our post race party and award ceremony at the Beach Bar Patio on the shore of Clark Lake is  second to none. The proceeds from this event will be used for the continued progress and maintenance of The Thomas R. Collins Memorial Spirit Trail.  Registration and details here.

Pedal & Whine at Albion Malleable.  Join us for this ride on Saturday, August 1, 2026 and experience the small-town hospitality and the quiet roads around Albion, Michigan. Sponsored by the Cascades Cycling Club, this very popular, fully supported ride has grown significantly since our first ride in 2013. Paved road routes include distances of 17, 29, 39, 47 and 66 miles. We also have combination paved/gravel road routes of 42 to 59 miles that take riders back in time as you ride through picturesque Amish country with its beautiful farms and well-kept herds of livestock. All routes are SAG supported so participants can ride worry free. All routes feature SAG/rest stops where riders can stop and enjoy healthy snacks, drinks and take a restroom break before continuing their ride. Register before January 16th and take advantage of our special “early bird” pricing. This is a DALMAC Training Ride.  Registration here.

3rd Annual Kids Market. 9 AM to 2 PM.  Grow Jackson will be hosting our 3rd annual KIDS MARKET on Saturday, August 1 At the River & Rail farm stop, 137 W. North St., Jackson.  The Kids Market is a wonderful opportunity to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of young creators! This market runs in conjunction with our regular farmers market, has sold out every year, and has seen the Jackson community come out in overwhelming support by shopping with these young business people – if you’ve never been, it’s a beautiful day!  Want to read more about the Kids Market? Check it out here! https://kidsmarkets.com/about

Cascades Rotary Bandshell Summer Concert Series.  7 PM.  Spend your summer Saturdays with us at our FREE Concert Series, proudly sponsored by Alro Plastics! Every week brings a new vibe — from local legends and fresh new bands to solo artists and big groups, rocking everything from country and rock to soul and blues. When the concert ends, keep the night going- head over to the Cascade Falls and catch the Grand Light Show — the perfect way to wrap up a summer evening.  Tonight’s concert by Stephen Berkemeier.

Sunday, August 2

Swingin’ at the Shell Summer Concert Series.  6 PM.  The 2026 season kicks off with B!G L & Code Blu, *Funk, Soul & Original Music*.  For more than two decades, the Swingin’ at the Shell concert series has brought families, friends, and music lovers together at Albion’s historic Victory Park Bandshell. What began as a community initiative supported by Caster Concepts has grown into one of Southern Michigan’s longest-running free outdoor concert traditions.  All performances begin at **6:00 p.m.** at the historic **Victory Park Bandshell**, Veterans Way, Albion, Michigan.  Free!  Bring a lawn chair!

Concord Farmers Market. Sundays, 11am-2pm, June – October.  Gottschalk Park, 420 Homer Rd, Concord.  The Concord Farmers’ Market exists to cultivate community, support local growers and makers, and increase access to fresh food and meaningful goods.