Events of September 18, 19, and 20, 2026

Friday, September 18

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.

Grass Lake Relay for Life.  Join us before and during the football game at Grass Lake High School as the community gathers to honor cancer survivors and raise money to fight cancer.  A spaghetti dinner and siren auction begins the event from 4 to 7 pm.  Tickets are $10 per person or $30 for a family of 4.  The Relay follows at the track and football field.

Cece Live. 7 PM.  CECE Live brings a country music show to the Michigan Theatre stage on Friday, September 18. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, CeCe brings a bold, genre-blending sound that pulls from country, pop, rock, hip hop and Americana. Her music reflects small-town roots with a modern edge, creating a style that is emotional, energetic and unmistakably her own. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Chris Canas Band Live at Sandhill.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Chris Canas Band perform LIVE at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson. 4724 Walz Road, Jackson.

Saturday, September 19

Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Horace Blackman Park, Downtown Jackson.  Schedule of Events: Registration at 10 a.m.  Opening Ceremony 11 a.m.  Walk right after the opening ceremony.  Route Length: 1.5 miles.  Registration and more details here: act.alz.org/jacksonMI

Storyfest presents Preserving Your Family’s Legacy Through Stories- Workshop with Jen Strauss.  10 AM to 11:30 AM.  Everyone has stories worth preserving, and this Storyfest workshop led by storyteller Jen Strauss will help you turn family memories into a lasting legacy. Learn practical techniques for interviewing relatives, organizing recollections, and capturing meaningful details that bring stories to life. You’ll leave with the tools and inspiration to start putting those stories on paper.  Spring Arbor Branch, Jackson District Library.

21st Annual Tompkins Historical Freedom Festival and Steam Show. Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 9:00am – 3:00pm. Both days held on the Stewart Property: 10138 Tompkins Road. Rives Junction, MI 49277 (in Tompkins Center). This is a wonderful FREE family event with something for everyone.  Bring your family and friends and spend the weekend with us.    Lots of fun for everyone!  Camping: **must pre-register before the Festival. There is limited space. Camping Form Here. Please contact Robin Ellis (contact below).  For more information, contact Robin Ellis (517) 937-5161

Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE. 8 PM.  Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE returns to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson after last year’s sold-out show. Known as one of the world’s most celebrated tributes to Prince, The Purple xPeRIeNCE delivers a 100% live, not tracked performance packed with the music, energy and unmistakable sound of Prince. Officially licensed by the Prince Estate in 2019, the band has toured for more than 15 years and performed for over 1 million fans. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

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.

Oktoberfest. A day filled with music, Oktoberfest beer and German food. The legendary Flyte hosts our Oktoberfest and takes the stage at 7PM. Oktoberfest food specials beers will be served all day. Roadhouse Grill and Bar, 4112 Lansing Ave, Jackson.

Sunday, September 20

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.

21st Annual Tompkins Historical Freedom Festival and Steam Show. Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 9:00am – 3:00pm. Both days held on the Stewart Property: 10138 Tompkins Road. Rives Junction, MI 49277 (in Tompkins Center). This is a wonderful FREE family event with something for everyone.  Bring your family and friends and spend the weekend with us.    Lots of fun for everyone!  Camping: **must pre-register before the Festival. There is limited space. Camping Form Here. Please contact Robin Ellis (contact below).  For more information, contact Robin Ellis (517) 937-5161