Events of October 16, 17, and 18, 2026

Friday, October 16

Storyfest Presents Silver Tales with Jeff Doyle.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Join storyteller Jeff Doyle to enjoy tales for the young at heart! Jeff’s gift for keeping it real highlights the truths of human nature. His storytelling began around the campfire with Jeff’s favorite tale, The Blue Ape, and he soon became renowned for his scary storytelling genius. As a father, a dreamer, and an average guy, Jeff sometimes sees things through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. He finds humor in everyday life and crafts stories that evoke everything from laughter to tears, captivating listeners of all ages. This event will take place at the Crouch Center. 1715 Lansing Avenue, Jackson.

Barker Weber Ribbon Cutting.  12 PM.  Barker Weber Insurance Agency is celebrating its new location in Brooklyn! Join us for a Ribbon Cutting, tour the building, meet staff, and enjoy some snacks! 111 N. Main Street, Downtown Brooklyn.

Fall Rummage Sale.  Calvary United Methodist Church.  Friday, October 16th, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, October 17th, (Bag Day) fill a bag for $3 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. From 11a.m.- noon FREE.   925 Backus Street, Jackson. Baked Goods Available.  Enter off Lansing Avenue.

The Sauk Presents “Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical”.  October 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8 p.m.  October 10, 11, 17, 18 at 3 p.m..  Sauk Theatre, Jonesville, Michigan/  Adults – $15, Seniors (55 and up) – $12, Students (with i.d.) – $12, Children (12 and under) – $10.  Tickets available by clicking here or by calling 517-849-9100.

Halloween Nite Lites.  Halloween 2026 Nite Lites Drive Thru & Train Rides Thru Show (approx. 2 miles). Located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12 Brooklyn.  October 1-31 (EXCEPT OCT. 24) Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:00 – 10:00 PM.ADMISSION:  For the drive thru, admission is charged per car load, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person who needs a seat. Halloween Drive Thru Entrance is Off M-50.  $30 per car.  Event page here.

Saturday, October 17

Grand River Farmers Market at River & Rail. 9 AM to 2 PM.  The Grand River Farmer’s Market is 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. 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.

Storyfest Presents Family History Harvest.  12 PM to 3:30 PM. Learn how to preserve your family’s stories in this hands-on Storyfest workshop led by JDL History Librarian Nathaniel Arndts. Discover techniques for conducting oral history interviews, organizing memories, and using library technology to capture and preserve personal and family narratives. From 12 to 1 PM, Nathaniel will give a workshop, and afterward there will be five 30-minute slots for attendees to record a family member’s story (you do not need to reserve a time slot to attend the workshop). To reserve one of the recording time slots or get on the waitlist, please call the Meijer Branch at 517-788-4480.  Meijer Branch, Jackson District Library.

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Gershwin’s Greatest. 7:30 PM.  Enjoy an evening of powerful and expressive music. Bennett’s Four Freedoms opens the program with music inspired by Norman Rockwell’s paintings. Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: Symphonic Picture follows, drawing from the iconic opera’s most memorable themes.  And…Enjoy a pre-concert Kickoff Tailgate ahead of the concert. Enjoy supper and live TV football coverage at Snyder Dining Room in George Potter Center at 5:30pm before attending the JSO Concert at 7:30pm. (The pre-concert lecture begins at 6:30.) Cost is $40 per individual or $75 per couple. The meal will include brisket sliders, gourmet mac and cheese, sides and desserts. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Meal service begins at 5:30 and will finish by 7:15.  Tickets: jacksonsymphony.org. 517-782-3221.

The Sauk Presents “Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical”.  October 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8 p.m.  October 10, 11, 17, 18 at 3 p.m..  Sauk Theatre, Jonesville, Michigan/  Adults – $15, Seniors (55 and up) – $12, Students (with i.d.) – $12, Children (12 and under) – $10.  Tickets available by clicking here or by calling 517-849-9100.

Trunk or Treat.  5 PM to 8 PM.  You’re invited to Trunk or Treat at Leave It To Beaver’s Auto Detailing.  Enjoy a car show, candy, costumes and food!  Free and open to all.  1021 Airport Road, Jackson.

Immigration:  The Changing Landscape – A Community Forum.  6 PM to 8 PM.  Panelists from multiple sectors will discuss recent changes in immigration and the impact those changes have had on the local immigrant community. As well, these experts will share how attendees can get involved and support immigrant friends and family. Community Members will have an opportunity to ask questions during a Q & A. Doors open at 5:30. There will be an intermission with light refreshments.  City Center, 145 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Presented by Jackson County Immigrant Coalition.

Halloween Nite Lites.  Halloween 2026 Nite Lites Drive Thru & Train Rides Thru Show (approx. 2 miles). Located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12 Brooklyn.  October 1-31 (EXCEPT OCT. 24). Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:00 – 10:00 PM.ADMISSION:   For the drive thru, admission is charged per car load, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person who needs a seat. Halloween Drive Thru Entrance is Off M-50.  $30 per car.  Event page here.

Sunday October 18

Pancake Breakfast.  8 AM to 12 PM.  Help raise money for the Victims of Violent Crimes Monument.  All proceeds go directly to maintaining the monument for future years to come. Kids $5, Adults $10, Families $40.  Cash only.  Location:  Queens Church/Vincentian Hall, 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson.

Big Miles for Little Smiles.  9 AM.  We are excited for our 4th annual Big Miles for Little Smiles 5k Run/Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County. Our mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Miles for Little Smiles will be held at Ella Sharp Park on Sunday, October 18th, 2026. The proceeds from this event will support the organization’s mission to create one-to-one relationships between the Bigs and Littles within the community.  Information and registration here.

6th Annual High School Invitational Choral Festival.  5 PM.   Join Jackson College Vocal Point and three area high school choirs for the 6th Annual Jackson College High School Invitational Choral Festival, happening Sunday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. in the Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center.  Enjoy performances by  Jackson High School, Jon Yuhasz, director, Hanover-Horton High School, Brian Akers, director, Napoleon High School, Trevor Trudeau, director, and Jackson College Vocal Point, Bethany Bickel, director.  Each choir will perform, followed by Vocal Point. The evening will culminate in a combined performance featuring all five choirs singing “The Awakening” by Joseph M. Martin.  Come celebrate the talent of area student singers and the joy of choral music!

Scholarship Fundraiser Concert. 3 PM.  Sponsored by Jackson Tuesday Musicale celebrating 100 years of existence!  Featuring Kevin Krieger, saxophonist.  We are asking for a free will donation to help us sponsor musical scholarships.  First Presbyterian Church, 729 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson.

Concord Farmers Market. 11 AM to 2 PM.  The Concord Farmers’ Market exists to cultivate community, support local growers and makers, and increase access to fresh food and meaningful goods.  Gottschalk Park, Concord.

The Sauk Presents “Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical”.  October 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8 p.m.  October 10, 11, 17, 18 at 3 p.m..  Sauk Theatre, Jonesville, Michigan/  Adults – $15, Seniors (55 and up) – $12, Students (with i.d.) – $12, Children (12 and under) – $10.  Tickets available by clicking here or by calling 517-849-9100.

Octoberfest at IronBark Brewing.  Come enjoy Polish fare from Kibby Cobb Deli or Mexican food from a Taco Food Truck as well as Gerardski(Polish lager), Neukon Oktoberfest (Octoberfest brew), a specially brewed Rotary Club of Jackson Mexican lager, or German Kolsch and Polka Music from the Misty Blue Party Band and Mariachi Music.  Tickets are $25 presale or $30 the day of. Each ticket gives you a choice of 1 meal, 1 beverage, and access to the music.  More beer is available for sale and extra food  can be purchased if available. $10 of each ticket benefit the literacy, disability, and public place programs of the Rotary Club of Jackson. Indoor and outdoor seating available.  Parking available on site and extra parking available at the Cascades Manor House with a shuttle to and from IronBark.  Tickets can be purchased by calling IronBark Brewery at 517 748 7988 or stop in at the brewery.  2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Halloween Nite Lites.  Halloween 2026 Nite Lites Drive Thru & Train Rides Thru Show (approx. 2 miles). Located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12 Brooklyn.  October 1-31 (EXCEPT OCT. 24). Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:00 – 10:00 PM.ADMISSION:  For the drive thru, admission is charged per car load, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person who needs a seat. Halloween Drive Thru Entrance is Off M-50.  $30 per car.  Event page here.