Events of September 8, 9, and 10, 2023

Friday, September 8

Jackson County Animal Shelter Ribbon Cutting.  12 PM.  3370 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson.   Join us for the ribbon cutting, open house, light refreshments, snacks and cake. We will also have a special delivery of adorable adoptable small dogs and puppies just for the occasion and a slide show highlighting the construction project and many of the events carried out by JCAS over the last year.

Jackson Festival for the Arts. This five day celebration of performing and visual arts will take place throughout Jackson, both inside and outside of downtown. You can find a schedule of events and more information at jacksonartsfest.com. Collaborative creativity comes alive this September – join us for the fun!

Grand River Farmers Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  A community-driven market prioritizing fresh local produce and Michigan-only homemade & artisan goods.  Open Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-2pm throughout the summer into early fall. The Grand River Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery at the intersection of Louis Glick Highway and Mechanic Street. NEW: Rotating food trucks and music on select days. Vendors, artisans, and performers.  117 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson.

Burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  Anyone interested in supporting the burial of the unclaimed remains of five veterans should meet at the parking lot at Meijer on Airport Rd. in Jackson at 8 AM.. The motorcade will be leaving at 8:30 am for Fort Custer National Cemetary in Augusta, Michigan Everyone is invited to be part of this tribute for a Marine vet and four Army veterans who were unclaimed and will be buried at Ft Custer upon our arrival. Please join us in welcoming these soldiers to their final resting place, and honoring them for their service.

River Jazz at Grand River Brewery.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Join us at Grand River Brewery on Friday, where we’ll be playing jazz for you from 6-9. Dan Palmer on guitar and Jim Stuart on trumpet and vocals.  Great food and drink, great atmosphere, and some classic jazz behind your evening out!  Grand River Brewery, Downtown Jackson.

Art in Concert Live Painting Accompanied by a Quartet.  7 PM.  Join us for a mesmerizing fusion of artistic expressions at Art in Concert!  Immerse yourself in the harmony of art as live painters and a talented quartet from the Jackson Symphony Orchestra come together to craft an unforgettable evening, creating a unique masterpiece right before your eyes and ears.  The harmony of expression comes together as part of the Jackson Festival for the Arts. Tickets are available now for a $5 donation suggestion at jacksonartsfest.com. This is a limited-seating event, so get your tickets while they’re available.  Weatherwax Hall, Downtown Jackson.

2023 JFTA Film Festival and JSA Rooftop Sketch.  4 PM to 7 PM.  Join us for the inaugural Jackson Festival for the Arts Film Festival – All short films are 20 minutes and under. Selected films include both local and global submissions and have been chosen by the Festival Board.  The films will be shown on the third floor in the Jackson School of the Arts’ Theater. While the films are being shown, the Jackson School of the Arts will open their beautiful rooftop to offer inspiring views of downtown Jackson. Sketching supplies will be provided by the JSA and all are welcome to come and take in the beauty of downtown Jackson during sunset. More information can be found on our website, jacksonartsfest.com. 

Cocktails and Curtain Calls.  8 PM.  We invite you to join us on the third floor of Veritas for cocktails and original theatre. Experience the magic of live theatre as we proudly present a captivating lineup of one-act plays and short plays, all penned by talented Michigan playwrights.  More information can be found at jacksonartsfest.com  Event at Veritas, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

JLG at Ironbark Brewing Company.  7 PM to 10 PM.  John Louis Good Band Show at Ironbark Brewing Company in Jackson, MI 7 pm-10 pm.  2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Concert at 308 Brass Rail.  7 PM.  Concert from 7 pm – 11 pm. $5 Cover.  Hillkiller & Landlord, LVRS, and theillalogicalspoon.  308 West Prospect Street, Jackson.

Saturday, September 9

Military Aviation Display and Historic Aircraft Rides.  10 AM to 3 PM.  Book an Air Adventure on one of our five historic aircraft and take a ride into history. Yankee Air Museum’s historic plane rides feature the B-17 Yankee Lady and B-25 Rosie’s Reply bombers, the C-47 Hairless Joe Skytrain, the UH-1 Huey, and the magnificent Ford Tri-Motor.  Adventure awaits Jackson-area residents desiring a visceral experience on historic aircraft this weekend at the Military Aviation Display located at the Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field. Festivities run from 10 am until 3 pm on Saturday, September 9th. You can fly in a Huey helicopter with the doors wide open and the wind rushing over your face. Or encounter the power, nimbleness and iconic sound of radial engines of the World War II battle-tested B-25, Rosie’s Reply. Those curious but not ready to fly are welcome to come out and see all the action; Hairless Joe, the World War II troop carrier, will also be on static display and available for tours along with a T-6 Texan. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience history in flight. Come and see how this Vietnam War Huey operates and then decide if a ride is for you! For only $125.00, you can take a thrilling 10-minute flight with a new perspective from the air. Book your ride/time in advance or take a chance and walk up that day. Rides occur from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm; to order tickets in advance go to https://yankeeairmuseum.org/fly/#huey or just walk up at the Jackson County Airport located at 3606 Wildwood Avenue to see what’s available. Take a ride into yesteryear on the B-25 Rosie’s Reply. Our B-25D is the only flying model of that aircraft today and is one of very few aircraft that experienced combat during WWII. Public rides on the B-25 are available at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. The ride is a 20-minute experience and costs $475.00 per person for one of four rear-compartment seats, which also gives access to the turret and tail section. Two flight deck and nose seats are also available for $575. To reserve your seat, go to https://yankeeairmuseum.org/fly/#b25.

Grand River Farmers Market.  9 AM to 2 PM.  A community-driven market prioritizing fresh local produce and Michigan-only homemade & artisan goods.  Open Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-2pm throughout the summer into early fall. The Grand River Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery at the intersection of Louis Glick Highway and Mechanic Street. NEW: Rotating food trucks and music on select days. Vendors, artisans, and performers.  117 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson.

Sandhill Crane Vineyards 20th Anniversary Party.  12 PM to 10 PM.  To all those who have been with us over the years to new friends of the vineyard, Sandhill Crane Vineyards want to formally invite you to our 20th Anniversary Party! We’re celebrating 20 years of making wine, longtime friendships, and wonderful memories. We couldn’t have done it without you!  Live Music All Day, Food Trucks, and henna tattoos! 4724 Walz Road, Jackson.

Ruck March to Remember Veterans Suicides.  On Saturday, September 9th from 9a-1p at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, the Jackson County Military Coalition will host a First of its kind in Jackson Ruck March to remember all the veterans’ lives lost to Suicide every 83 minutes. This is a FREE Event to participate and all members of the Jackson and surrounding communities are welcome. There will be food Trucks, Resource Vendors and on site Crisis Team members to assist during the walk. We encourage any and all to participate in this Ruck to Remember Veteran Suicides and know there is HOPE and HELP Always!  A car show will be held on the grounds of Keeley Park hosted by Grass Lake Veterans organizations.

Grass Lake Heritage Day.  9 AM to 4 PM.  Celebrate Grass Lake’s history with a variety of events throughout town.  Tractor show, old-time fair exhibit, local history presentations, food trucks, petting zoo, square dancing, vendors, kids activities.  Events at The Coe House, Grass Lake Pavilion, Lost Railway Museum, The Depot, Whistlestop Park and downtown businesses.  Event page here.

Crimson Oak Wood Company Fall Open House.  10 AM to 3 PM.  Please join us at our Fall Open House at our Jackson showroom, Crimson Oak Wood Co.  Shop our furniture, home decor, seasonal items, and more. 1901 Horton Rd Open 10-3 p.m.   With a Featured Debut From Blue Fig Artisan featuring their new custom cabinetry and range hood lines.

Kart Track Throwdown.  10 AM to 12 Midnight.  MMDC is thrilled to bring another day of drifting at one of the most exciting tracks in the Midwest! Join us on Saturday 9/9 for a heavy-hitting evening of action and excitement. In addition to drifting under the lights, Por Que Queso BBQ will be serving up killer food, music will be bumping and we’ll have some cool giveaways!  Jackson Speedway, Page Avenue, Jackson.  Event page here.

Jackson Festival for the Arts. This five day celebration of performing and visual arts will take place throughout Jackson, both inside and outside of downtown. You can find a schedule of events and more information at jacksonartsfest.com. Collaborative creativity comes alive this September – join us for the fun!

Radio Plays at the Jackson Coffee Company.  3 PM to 5 PM.  Join Jackson Coffee Company on the top floor as the Jackson Festival for the Arts presents two radio plays by Michigan playwright, Will Anderson. His plays and radio plays have been performed throughout the tri-state area and in Florida.  Please visit jacksonartsfest.com for more information. This event has limited seating.  Jackson Coffee Company, 201 S. Mechanic St., Jackson.

Jackson Festival for the Arts Performance.  3:30 PM to 5 PM.  Oddkin will be performing a one-hour set of electronic rock (originals and covers) as part of the Jackson Festival of Arts 2023. The show will start promptly at 4 PM on Saturday, Sept. 9th. This will also be the debut release of Oddkin’s fourth album, “Squatters’ Rights for Ghosts.” Come on out and support local music and artists of all kinds!   Horace Blackman Park, Downtown Jackson.

Vineyard Jams at Cherry Creek:  Annual Grape Stomp.  6-9 pm.  Music by Act III.  Featured Food Truck:  Double T Foods.  Table Reservations are available.  11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn.

Walker Tavern Historic Site Evening Prairie Stroll.  5 PM to 7 PM.  Walker Tavern Historic Site, 13220 M-50, Brooklyn.  An evening prairie stroll- candlelight and music at the tavern.   Candlelight Stroll/Barn Dance.  Walker Tavern Root Beer is served over the bar.  Music by the Next Paige Band.  Cambridge Junction State Historic Park, open May through October, is home to Walker Tavern, Hewitt House and a reconstructed 1840s barn, an open-air farmers market, vintage baseball games, concerts and more.

Sunday, September 10

Blue Mass.  10 AM.  Honoring all law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders for their service in our community.  St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 120 E. Wesley Street, Downtown Jackson.  Hosted by the Jackson Area Knights of Columbus.  Free brunch provided to all first responders and their families following the mass.

7th Annual Putt Putt Fundraiser.  1 PM to 4 PM  Jurassic Golf, 3600 Wayland Drive.  Presented by Love INC of Jackson.  Tickets include free bottled water, door prizes, hole in one prizes and free popcorn.  Get tickets at the gate or visit the event page here.  Tickets also available by calling 517-782-9766, ext. 4.

Swingin’ at the Shell.  6 PM.  Albion – FREE Music Concert.  Swingin’ at the Shell is an annual series of FREE music concerts, held each Sunday during the summer at 6 p.m. in Beautiful Albion, Michigan. Season finale tonight!  SIMPLY QUEEN (QUEEN TRIBUTE BAND) Classic Rock.  Simply Queen is back! This live tribute performs all the iconic songs that have made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands ever. It’s a musical and visual experience that captures the amazing live Queen experience that has filled stadiums worldwide. Based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Simply Queen comprises veteran musicians who have performed in festivals, theaters, and arenas across North America and beyond! Count on an exciting show; you better believe they will rock you!  The Victory Park Band Shell has plenty of room for you and your friends to have a great time!  BRING your lawn chair or blanket!

Stomp Out Suicide.  5  – 9 PM.  Commonwealth Commerce Center, 209 E Washington Ave, Jackson.  Join us at Stomp Out Suicide, an uplifting event to raise awareness and raise funds for suicide prevention in Jackson County! Each year we come together to honor lives lost, celebrate the strength of survivors, and support their friends and families!  LIVE MUSIC:  Kay Harper – Headliner, Steven Trosin – Opening Act.  LUMINARY WALK:  Our beloved luminary walk gives participants the opportunity to show support, honor a loved one, or spread positivity. Decorated luminary bags will line our walking path at dusk as we walk through downtown Jackson remembering and honoring lives lost to suicide.  FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, GO TO: www.preventsuicidejackson.org/stomp