Events of October 17, 18, and 19, 2025

Friday, October 17

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. 3 PM.  Join us as we officially open the doors to Oak + Iron, downtown Jackson’s newest destination for globally inspired, locally crafted food and drinks. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 3 p.m.  Doors Officially Open: 4 p.m.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Haunted Tours:  The Sparks Edition.  This October, the Jackson Downtown Development Authority invites you to explore one of Jackson’s most intriguing landmarks—the Commercial Exchange Building, now known as The Sparks. Together with the Central Michigan Paranormal Investigators (CMPI), we’re hosting a haunted fundraiser that blends history, architecture, and the unexplained into one unforgettable night.  A decade ago, CMPI investigated this very building and encountered chilling activity: a heavy door that opened on its own, echoes of machinery and voices from long-gone workers, and contact—through their devices—with the spirit of a 17-year-old once trapped inside. This October, they return with cutting-edge equipment like K2 meters, REM pods, and laser grids for a live paranormal investigation that puts you in the middle of the action. Duration: 2–2.5 hours.  Format: Walking tour through The Sparks (Commercial Exchange Building).  Cost: $10 per ticket.  https://www.eventbrite.com/…/jacksons-haunted-tours-the…

Nite Lites Halloween Drive-Thru. The New Nite Lites Halloween light show is a drive-thru attraction roughly 2 miles for all ages to experience with no scary actors from the comfort of your own car. Train rides will be available. Halloween Drive through Light show is open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Oct. 31, 2025, located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12, Brooklyn, MI 49230. Enter at Gate 8 Only.  Kid Friendly and No Scary Actors!  Tickets and event page here.

Saturday, October 18

Irish Hills Gravel Bike Race. Irish Hills Gravel was born from a simple idea: that the quiet roads, rolling farmland, and small-town charm of South-Central Michigan deserve to be experienced…not just by the people who live here, but by anyone looking to ride somewhere a little different. This isn’t a corporate race or a polished tour. It’s a gathering. A chance to ride hard or easy, solo or side-by-side, and to start the day with good coffee and food and finish it with a cold beverage of your choice, a well-earned meal, and a sense of having done something worth doing. The Irish Hills region stretches across a patchwork of townships — each with its own unique flavor, history, and beauty. And this event is about connecting them: on bikes, on backroads, and through the kind of shared effort that brings people together. REGISTER ONLINE HERE.

2025 Jackson Storyfest. The  largest storytelling festival in Michigan returns to Jackson County for the 38th straight year with more opportunities to celebrate storytelling than ever. Today, Join Monster Box Theatre in a teen improv workshop at the Carnegie Library! You’ll learn how to take inspiration from a prompt and other improv actors to tell a creative and collaborative story on the fly. 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Learn more about Storyfest events for all ages here.

Harmony Hoedown/Fall Festival. 10 AM to 1 PM.  Celebrate the season with us at our Fall Festival!  This free community event has something for everyone:  Fall games and activities. Live music from The Harmony Gardeners. Seasonal fun for all ages. Permanent Jewelry with Fancy Finds by Courtney (Not Free). Come enjoy fall activities, fun music, and warm community spirit. Invite your neighbors and let’s make it a day to remember! Jackson First United Methodist Church, 275 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Fall Foliage Festival. Celebrate the vibrant hues of autumn during the annual Fall Foliage Festival at Hidden Lake Gardens, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities! Highlights of the Event: Crafts & nature-themed science experiments with author Polly Cheney, Delicious food to savor, and Live performances by the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. For a comprehensive schedule of programs, please visit https://ipf.msu.edu/hidden-lake-gardens/fall

CANCELED. Halloween on Farm Lane.  Ghosts, Treats, & Tales!  Farmlane at Ella Sharp Museum is having a spooky takeover after hours on Saturday, October 18^th from 4-7 PM with free admission.  Step inside our historic buildings and listen to live ghost stories from Jackson’s past! Explore the museum grounds and you might find a few sweet surprises. Costumes encouraged for all ages!  Cider, donuts, and hot dogs will be available for purchase during the event. Ellasharp.org

Jackson Symphony Orchestra “Star Wars and the Planets”.   7:30pm. JC Potter Center.  Embark on a celestial journey as the JSO explores music inspired by the stars and beyond. Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst opens the program with its radiant energy, followed by Fernande Decruck’s evocative Hymne à Apollon, a nod to ancient mythology.  The concert continues with selections from John Williams’ iconic Star Wars Suite, transporting you to galaxies far, far away. After intermission, Gustav Holst’s The Planets takes center stage, offering a breathtaking symphonic portrayal of the cosmos , enhanced by stunning visual projections from designer Camilla Tassi. For tickets: 517-782-3221 or visit: jacksonsymphony.org

American Misfits Comedy Show.  Prepare for an evening of unparalleled laughter with the American Misfits Comedy Show. Featuring the comedic talents of Michael Loftus, Dave Landau, and Derek Richards, this show delivers a night of bold, unfiltered stand-up. With credits spanning Comedy Central, Gutfeld, Normal World on BlazeTV, and numerous films and TV appearances, these powerhouse comedians are bringing their one-of-a-kind humor to Jackson. Full bar and concessions available for purchase. Do not miss this unforgettable night of comedy at The Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Get your tickets now. Tickets: https://michigantheatre.thundertix.com/…/saleable_seats…

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 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.

40 Years in the Hood:  Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Exhibition.   Witness an extraordinary exhibition curated by renowned Detroit-based artist Tyree Guyton, whose work has transformed the art world and inspired communities for over 40 years. Tyree Guyton is best known for his iconic Heidelberg Project, which has turned discarded objects into powerful symbols of community, resilience, and hope.“Armed with a paintbrush, a broom, and neighborhood children, Guyton and Grandpa began by cleaning up vacant lots on Heidelberg Street”. ESM admission rates are waived to October 26th!  Ella Sharp Museum.

Sunday, October 19

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Oak + Iron.  Enjoy made-to-order omelets, fresh waffles, carved roast beef and more, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

4th Annual Family Fun Day. 1 PM to 4:30 PM.  Presented by Quest South East Jackson Lions Club.  Free refreshments, prizes and lots of fun!  Martin L. King Recreation Center, 1107 Adrian Street, Jackson.

Fall Concert: Our Favorite Songs.  4 PM.  The 70th Anniversary season kicks off in October! Join the Chorale, the Jackson Children’s Choir and the Kidder Middle School Honors Choir for a wonderful evening of music. Including Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana” a collection of Robert Frost poems and other favorite selections of Chorale members.  Jackson First United Methodist Church, 275 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson.  Tickets here.

Beer and B-Sides:  Record Swap at Ironbark Brewing Company.  1 PM to 5 PM.  Flip through crates. Sip fresh beer. Swap your sound. Join us at Ironbark Brewing Co. for Beer & B-Sides, a laid-back afternoon of vinyl swapping, browsing, and music-loving community vibes. Bring a few records to trade—or just come dig through the stacks and hang out. All genres welcome. All conditions considered. 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.