Events of June 12, 13, and 14, 2026

Friday, June 12

Grand River Farmers Market Downtown Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Grow Jackson invites you the Grand River Farmers Market at the downtown pavilion.  Come on down and reconnect… We’ve got dozens of your favorite vendors ready to go with seasonal fruits & veggies, flowers, beef, chicken, eggs, pork, cheeses, honey, syrup, pasta, dairy, artisan breads, mushrooms, granola, microgreens, tea, jams, pestos, sweets, coffee, soups, ready-to-eat hot foods, sandwiches, snacks, natural home, plants, health and beauty products, even pet treats – plus a few true artisans for a little retail therapy! The Jackson District Library returns – they’ll be with us each Friday, so bring your library card, and if you don’t have one – they can get you one!

25th Annual Jackson Blues Fest.  St. John’s Elementary School Grounds, 405 E. North Street, Jackson.  Tonight’s lineup:  6 PM The Reverend Jesse Ray, 7:30 PM Chris Beard, 9:05 PM Tosha Owens & The Stable Dudes, 10:40 PM Deuce ’n a Quarter.  $10 at the gate, kids 12 & under FREE!

Saturday, June 13

Jackson Rose Run.  This race is part of the 2026 ORS Race Series, Powered by ORS, JTV and Distracted Driver Awareness. ORS is proud to be the title sponsor of the ORS Race Series with 13 races of all distances and challenge levels throughout the year.  The Jackson Rose Run is Celebrating 56 years!  Events include 10K run, 10 mile run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Kids Fun Run.  10 Mile @  7:30 a.m. / Other Events @  8:00am / Kids Fun Run  @  9:30am 0r Sooner.  Hosting Venue:  Jets Hangar on the Jackson College Campus, 2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson.   Embrace the thrill of running and walking amidst the gently rolling hills of the Jackson College campus and its surroundings!  Sign up, details and event page here.  Proceeds benefit JC Women’s Soccer Program.

Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly JDRF One Walk).  9 AM.  JJDRF is now Breakthrough T1D.  We are the world leader in type 1 diabetes research, advocacy, and community support. Join the movement to change life with type 1 diabetes at the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Walk – Jackson. Together, we’ll raise money and awareness that will lead to breakthroughs and better lives as we drive toward cures.  Register today for the Breakthrough T1D Walk at walk.breakthrought1d.org/jackson and celebrate with us on Saturday, June 13th at 9 am at Ella Sharp Park.  Event page here.

GRFM Saturdays at the River and Rail.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Directly from the farmers, ranchers, and producers, right here in Jackson! We’ve got the best fresh and local goods inside this historic venue, neighboring our vibrant art community, and just a short walk from murals, music, and theater! With live music every market day, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, pasta, cheese, coffee, tea, jams, jelly, fresh milled flour, pesto, baked goods, native plants, houseplants, and a rotating variety of food trucks every week.  Let us be your new Saturday morning destination, we’ve got the perfect market vibe you’ve been looking for!   137 W. North Street, Jackson.

Carousel Community Day at the Crossing. 12 PM.  Join us on June 13th at Noon by the vintage carousel to celebrate Community Day at Jackson Crossing Mall!  Enjoy live music, fun drinks, community resources, and so much more. Bring your friends and family and spend the day connecting, celebrating, and making memories together. We can’t wait to see you by the carousel—where community gathers!

Henrietta Branch Grand Reopening.  Join us to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly remodeled Henrietta Branch on Saturday, June 13, from 10 AM to 2 PM!  Whether you’re a long-time Henrietta Branch patron or you’ve never visited before, all are invited to celebrate our beautifully refurbished branch as JDL continues our mission of providing quality community spaces. You’ll have a chance to tour the building, meet the staff, and enjoy refreshments and entertainment. We look forward to seeing you there!

2nd Annual A Father’s Legacy. 12 PM. Strong families build strong communities. A Father’s Legacy is a premier, action-oriented gathering designed to equip fathers, father figures, and family leaders with the concrete tools, resources, and networks necessary to drive generational success. Moving past abstract conversations, this summit delivers data-backed strategies and real-world insights to help men navigate the complexities of modern leadership, mentorship, and co-parenting. Attendees will engage with community experts, connect with vital local resources, and build actionable blueprints for personal and familial advancement.  C Store Deli, 1202 Martin L. King, Jr. Drive, Jackson.

25th Annual Jackson Blues Fest.  St. John’s Elementary School Grounds, 405 E. North Street, Jackson.  Tonight’s lineup:  6 PM Laura Rain & The Caesars, 7:20 PM Harmonica Hounds, 7:35 PM Dan Devins & The Blues Delegation, 9:05 PM Nicky T & The Snake Charmers, 10:30 PM Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames.  $10 at the gate, kids 12 & under FREE!

Free Fishing Weekend.  Michigan Department of Natural Resources hosts the summer Free Fishing Weekend statewide, June 13-14, 2026. This event is always the Saturday and Sunday following the first full week of June./ Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for FREE! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. A Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends.

Grand River Paddle. Hosted by Grand River Environmental Action Team.  Put In: Vandercook Lake Park (436 Parkway St) Registration begins at 9:00 AM Shuttle departs at 9:30 AM from Put In Location Paddle starts about 10:00 AM Take Out: Ella Sharp Park (near Maplewood Dr and Probert Rd, 800ft north on Maplewood) Trip Details: Length: 4.6 miles, 2 to 3 hours All paddle events are free and open to the public. Reserve a free kayak or canoe! Call 517-513-7504 by 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Registering online will not secure you a boat. Weather Policy: Trips canceled due to weather will not be rescheduled. Safety: Waivers must be signed at the Put In. A PFD must be worn at all times.  Event page here.

Smokey’s Firewise Exhibit & Gift Shop Opening. 11 AM to 4 PM.  Come out to the Dahlem Center and talk to one of our naturalists about FIRE! You can learn about how we here at the conservancy are working to prevent wildfires and restore native flora. The strategy may not be what you’re expecting. Check out June’s exhibit, Wildfires. Play in the monthly-rotating touch table, cozy up in the wisteria-covered book nook, or see what fire-inspired crafts we have. Also, don’t miss your chance to visit the gift shop on a Saturday! Free to attend. Great for all ages.  Dahlem Environmental Education Center, 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson.

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:  Reeds & Steel Acoustic Due.

Sunday, June 14

Annual Strawberry Festival. The South Jackson Community Church Annual Strawberry Festival is a community outreach of deliciousness. You get a fluffy 4×4 size shortcake, plenty of fresh strawberries, and 2 large scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream. Each item is in it’s own packaging container to prevent things from getting mixed and soggy before you are ready to enjoy it. The Event is Sunday June 14, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00pm and is DRIVE-THRU ONLY. The Address is 1024 W. Kimmel Rd. Jackson, MI 49201. The Cost is $8.00 per serving and CASH ONLY. All profits go back to local community ministries. Those ministries are Together We Can Make a Difference, Jackson Interfaith Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, AWARE Shelter, and Relay for Life. Come join us!

Playing in the Park – Jackson Coffeehouse Board Games. 2 PM to 7 PM.  Jackson Coffeehouse Board Games. Join the board game group at Cascades park pavilion. We will be playing, grilling food and maybe even raffling off games! This will be a potluck style event, bring a dish, a lawn chair, a picnic blanket and some games if you would like to join! Please consider that a small donation helps keep the board game group running all year.