Events of September 11, 12, and 13, 2026

Friday, September 11

Reading of the Names. 3 PM.  A 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.  On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2021, we come together to honor the 2,977 innocent lives lost during the terrorist attacks.  Every name will be read.  Every life will be remembered.  Never forget.  Live performance by Kevin Wolff at 7 PM.  Patriotic Tribute any 8:30 PM.  Free to the public.  Cascade Falls Park, Jackson.  Presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, Spence Insurance Group – Krista Jarvis Agency in conjunction with Tunnel 2 Towers.

Spirit of America Blood Drive.  Give Blood. Remember. Serve. This September 11, join Versiti Blood Center of Michigan and our partner, American 1 Credit Union Event Center, as we honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through an act of service that can help save lives. In the days and weeks following September 11, 2001, Americans came together with an extraordinary spirit of courage, compassion and a desire to help one another. Twenty-five years later, we invite our communities to carry that spirit forward by giving blood for Michigan patients in need. As part of this commemorative blood drive, all donors will receive a special 25th anniversary T-shirt, and be entered for a chance to win Detroit Tigers tickets. Make an appointment 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.

“The Guys” presented by Center Stage Jackson. 7 PM. Center Stage Jackson is honored to present The Guys, a powerful and moving production commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Join us for this meaningful production as we remember, reflect, and honor the heroes who answered the call in our communities and across our nation. Remaining Performance Dates: September 11, 12, & 13.  East Jackson High School, 1566 N. Sutton Rd. Jackson. Every ticket purchased makes a difference. All proceeds from The Guys will directly benefit our local first responders, supporting the men and women who continue to serve and protect our community every day. This is more than a play—it’s a tribute, a remembrance, and an opportunity to give back to those who are always there when we need them most. Tickets on sale now at www.centerstagejackson.org

American Legion Rose City Post 324 Car Show & BBQ.  Great cars, good food, and a great cause! Come out to American Legion Rose City Post 324 on Friday, September 11th from 4–8 PM to support our veterans. Enjoy a summer BBQ, local art vendors, and an incredible lineup of cars and bikes! 1190 Falahee Rd, Jackson, MI Friday, 9/11 | 4:00–8:00 PM

Saturday, September 12

Jackson County Airport Open House.  10 AM to 2 PM. Come join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026 for our 2nd Airport Open House from 10 am until 2 pm. Free parking and entry. Kids activities, live music, food trucks, static aircraft displays and airplane rides (for a fee – schedule here).  The 2026 Jackson County Airport Open House will feature its first ever CANDY DROP and performances by the Misty Blues All Women Skydiving Team.  Free and fun for the whole family!

Jackson Hispanic Heritage Festival. 12 PM to 10 PM.  Jackson Hispanic Heritage Festival returns on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Highlighting and celebrating authentic Hispanic/Latino cuisine, businesses, and culture in Jackson, MI at our annual celebration! Hosted by Nuestra Comunidad, the festival is officially around the corner. Get ready for a day full of culture, community, and straight-up good vibes!  Horace Blackman Park, 212 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson.   Música en vivo | Comida | Mercado | Kids Zone.  With gratitude, we thank our Presenting Sponsor, TRUE Community Credit Union, for partnering with us to present $20,000 in scholarships to students in our community!  The scholarship presentation will be at 3:30PM.

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.

Stomp Out Suicide.  2 PM to 5 PM.  This yearly event helps people understand how suicide has affected Jackson County. It also shows how we can come together to bring hope, healing, and support as we work to Stomp Out Suicide!  Cascades-Sparks Park, Urban Fishery-My Five Pavilion.   This year’s event will feature activities to honor and remember those who struggle or who have been lost to suicide, sharing of stories, door prizes, a booth walk, and there will be an AWARENESS WALK through the park to honor lives lost to suicide.  Registration and event page here.

September Grand River Cleanup. 12 PM to 4 PM.  We will meet at R.A. GREENE PARK at 2995 Lansing Ave, a half mile south of Parnall Road. Follow signs through the park, where we will be set up along the Grand River. Some volunteers will be paddling the river in our canoes and other volunteers will be walking the shore in accessible areas along the river, gathering trash in and along the river. Dress to be in or near the river. Canoes, tools, pizza and snacks provided.  Hosted by Grand River Environmental Action Team.

“The Guys” presented by Center Stage Jackson. 7 PM. Center Stage Jackson is honored to present The Guys, a powerful and moving production commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Join us for this meaningful production as we remember, reflect, and honor the heroes who answered the call in our communities and across our nation. Remaining Performance Dates: September 12 (7 PM) & 13 (3 PM).  East Jackson High School, 1566 N. Sutton Rd. Jackson. Every ticket purchased makes a difference. All proceeds from The Guys will directly benefit our local first responders, supporting the men and women who continue to serve and protect our community every day. This is more than a play—it’s a tribute, a remembrance, and an opportunity to give back to those who are always there when we need them most. Tickets on sale now at www.centerstagejackson.org

Tamrox Automotive Car Show.  10 AM to 1 PM.  Kids activities, give-a-ways, fun for the whole family!  Spectator parking at Tractor Supply.  Presented by Tamrox Automotive, Tractor Supply Co., Kelly Express Mart, and Performance Automotive.  2850 Airport Road, Jackson.

Coe House Museum Heritage Day.  10 AM to 2 PM.  Music on the front lawn, hands-on demonstrations in the house, collections, exhibits and lessons around the yard.  Check out the vast collection at the barn. 371 West Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake.

Let Freedom Ring Car Show. 10 AM to 2 PM.  Held on the second Saturday in September each year (this year September 12th), 2026, this marks the 7-year anniversary of the Let Freedom Ring Car Show. This Veterans Car Show is hosted by your American Legion Post 252 and VFW Post 10194.  130 West Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake.

Summerween.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Join us for the second annual Summerween at The Cascades! Saturday, September 12 | 6–9 PM Kick off the fall season, and celebrate the end of summer with costumes, candy, and community fun! Enjoy a photo booth, games and activities, and plenty of sweet treats $15 for groups up to 8! Businesses can sign up for a trick-or-treating booth here –https://forms.gle/sLMFW2t4zqogcCNo6

Sunday, September 13

42nd Annual Henry Ford Jackson Race to Health.  Beautiful Cascade Park in Jackson. Join us for the classic 5K run/walk that guides you through a picturesque park, across a wooden plank bridge through a beautiful marshland. Here’s the run down:  Classic 5K Run: 8:00 a.m. Classic 5K Walk: 8:05 a.m. Kids Fun Run (ages 3 – 12): 9 a.m.  Kids get a FREE “Run Wild” tie dye T-shirt!  2K Team Relay: 9:15 a.m. (each member runs half a mile).  Plus! T-shirts for everyone who registers before August 24th. Prize money for top overall and master winners. Medals for all participants. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the relay‑only costume contest.  Complete details and registration here.

“The Guys” presented by Center Stage Jackson. 3 PM. Center Stage Jackson is honored to present The Guys, a powerful and moving production commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Join us for this meaningful production as we remember, reflect, and honor the heroes who answered the call in our communities and across our nation. Final show!  East Jackson High School, 1566 N. Sutton Rd. Jackson. Every ticket purchased makes a difference. All proceeds from The Guys will directly benefit our local first responders, supporting the men and women who continue to serve and protect our community every day. This is more than a play—it’s a tribute, a remembrance, and an opportunity to give back to those who are always there when we need them most. Tickets on sale now at www.centerstagejackson.org

Ella Sharp Park Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance and Workday.  8:00 AM to ? Where – Meet at the Museum Parking Lot on South Oakwood Drive inside Ella Sharp Park, 2800 4th St, Jackson. Who – YOU! The more the merrier and the more people who show up, the faster we get the work done and can go for a ride.  Bring string trimmers, shears, pruners – basically what you would use to cut back bushes and weeds and long grass in your yard.

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.

Swingin’ at the Shell Summer Concert Series.  6 PM.  Season Finale! 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. Tonight, Yacht Rock City, *Favorite Hits from the 70s, 80s & 90s*.  All performances begin at 6:00 p.m. at the historic Victory Park Bandshell, Veterans Way, Albion, Michigan.  Free!  Bring a lawn chair!