Events of September 25, 26, and 27, 2026

Friday, September 25

Grand River Farmers Market at the Downtown Pavilion. 9 AM to 2 PM.  On Fridays, you can visit the Grand River Farmers 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.

Downtown Jackson Cruise In and Concert.  5 PM to 9 PM.  Cruise-In starts at 5:00 PM, concert at 6:00 PM.  Downtown Jackson (W. Michigan Ave & S. Jackson St).  Hundreds of the region’s coolest rides, live music, food and drinks.  Grab your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and let’s make the season finale the best one yet! Learn more at https://jacksondda.org.

The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES: Friday, 9/25 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, 9/26 at 1:00 PM, Sunday, 9/27 at 4:00 PM, Monday, 9/28 at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, 9/30 at 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM.  COSTUME CONTEST, Friday, 9/25.  Doors open at 5:15 PM. Costume contest begins at 5:30 PM.  Prizes will be awarded.  Film begins at 7:00 PM.  General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before all other showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson.

Saturday, September 26

K105.3 Fall Fest & Chili Classic.  12 PM to 5 PM.  Presented by County National Bank, Michelob Ultra and The Brokerage House.  Chili Classic – competition with public tasting and voting. Live entertainment on 2 stages. Vendor booths. Downtown shopping. VIP Experience by The Brokerage House. Social District.  FREE Kids’ Kingdom provided by The Jackson DDA and Jackson First United Methodist Church.  Four Acts. Two Stages. Five Hours of Free Music. Noon–1 p.m. Cash O’Riley,  1–2 p.m.  Marcus & Tiffany,  2–3 p.m. Kevin Wolff, 3–5 p.m. Electric Jukebox.  Michigan Avenue, 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.

Plants & Pints.  9 AM to 3 PM.  Join us for Plants & Pints September 26 at the River & Rail Food Hub!  There’s something about fall in Michigan that makes you want to slow down, get outside, and enjoy everything the season has to offer. And this year, there’s a new way to do just that in Jackson. Join us for Plants & Pints, Jackson’s first-ever festival celebrating native plants, conservation, local food, and all things fall. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a native plant enthusiast, or just curious about what you can grow in your own yard, there will be plenty to explore. 137 W. North Street, Jackson.

MLK-CIA Clean Up Day.  8 AM to 12 PM.  2026 Community Clean Up – Round Two!  Bring over any unwanted items in and around your home and property.  Located on the corner of MLK Dr. & High Street.  Volunteer opportunities available for this event at https://qrco.de/mlkcia.

City Center Venue Showcase.  City of Jackson is inviting residents, businesses, organizations, and event planners to explore the City Center during a Venue Showcase on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 145 W. Cortland St. in downtown Jackson, the City Center offers flexible spaces for meetings, trainings, holiday parties, weddings, milestone celebrations, and other special events. The showcase will give guests an opportunity to tour the venue, explore different event spaces and layouts, meet preferred vendors, and see how the City Center can be customized for a variety of gatherings. Complimentary food and drink tastings will be available throughout the showcase. Guests will also have access to exclusive venue booking incentives and door prize drawings every 30 minutes.  Admission to the City Center Venue Showcase is complimentary with an RSVP by calling (517) 768-6401 or email kkerstetter@cityofjackson.org.

Jackson County Genealogical Society Cemetery Tour.  2 PM to 5 PM.  Preserve the past, honor the future.  Honoring the brave men and women who served our country.  The Cemetery Tour is a guided walking event that brings to life, the voices of our brave military soldiers who served our country in 8 wars and conflicts during our nation’s 250 years.  Tickets at the gate:  $15 for adults, $5 for students, free for 12 and under.  Spring Arbor Cemetery, Spring Arbor (next to Arbor Church on Main Street).

The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES:  Saturday, 9/26 at 1:00 PM, Sunday, 9/27 at 4:00 PM, Monday, 9/28 at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, 9/30 at 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson

JSO Music on Tap:  Salsa Night with Orquestra Ritmo.  8 PM.  Weatherwax Hall, Downtown Jackson. Back by popular demand, Orquesta Ritmo returns to bring the heat with their signature blend of high-energy salsa and vibrant Latin rhythms. Founded by Michael Eyia and rooted in Cuban musical traditions, this ten-piece ensemble fills the room with bold horns, driving percussion, and infectious grooves that get people dancing. For fans of: Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Buena Vista Social Club. 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. Tickets:  517-782-3221 or www.jacksonsymphony.org

Salsa Night Pre-Party.  Join us for an exclusive FREE Pre-Party at 6 PM with appetizers, drinks, and a chance to learn the basics of salsa dancing with instruction from Lesly Sauceda. Location: St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 309 S Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201

2nd Annual Jeep Ambush.  11 AM to 1 PM.  Texas Roadhouse, Jackson.  Trophys for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.  Come and meet up with friends and show off your Jeep!

Paint Jackson Plein Air Art Event. All day.  Artists from around the area and beyond will be in Jackson as they create art outside in the Paint Jackson Plein Air Art Event.  Hosted by the Jackson Art Association, with event headquarters at Ella Sharp Museum.  Artists, beginners, and professionals paint the beauty in the Jackson area. Prizes will total $3,200+.  Reception, judging and sales will be Saturday from 4 PM to 8 PM at Ella Sharp Museum.  Event page here.

Sunday, September 27

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.

The Odyssey:  An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES:  Sunday, 9/27 at 4:00 PM, Monday, 9/28 at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, 9/30 at 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10/1 at 3:00 PM, Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings.  Michigan Theatre of Jackson