Friday, April 10

Auditions:  Disaster! 6 PM to 9 PM.  Get ready to boogie, belt, and bring the laughs—Center Stage Jackson auditions are officially COMING SOON for Disaster! our upcoming 70s comedy musical! Auditions are April 9, 10 & 11 from 6pm-9pm.  Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 West Michigan Avenue..  PERFORMANCE DATE ARE JUNE 19. 20, 21 & 26, 27 28. Directed by Jennifer Wagler. We’re looking for singers, actors, and dancers of all experience levels to join this wildly fun and over-the-top production. If you’ve got strong comedic instincts (or just love a good laugh), this is the show for you!  Event page here.

Double Wide Ride at the Honky Tonk.  Double Wide Ride — Live This Friday at The Honky Tonk at Oak & Iron. Michigan’s rowdiest country band is rolling into The Honky Tonk at Oak & Iron this Friday night. Expect loud guitars, steel‑soaked twang, and the kind of boot‑stompin’ country that keeps the bar busy and the dance floor full.  Oak & Iron – The Honky Tonk, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Doors open at 7pm. $10 Cover.

Downriver Dan Live at Ironbark.  7 PM to 10 PM.  DownRiver Dan returns with his soulful blues and folk infused originals, with some excellent covers mixed in!  Ironbark Brewing Company, 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Saturday, April 11

Extreme Jeep Fest. 10 AM to 1 PM. Join us for Extreme Jeep Fest, a fun community event celebrating everything Jeep!  2300 Seymour Road Jackson, Michigan.  Bring your Jeep, hang out with other enthusiasts, and enjoy: FREE Extreme Jeep Ducks.  Best Jeep Contest – Bring your Jeep and compete for the “Best Jeep” award! Great food from Rollin’ Hoagies food truck.  Mopar Lift Kit, Tires & Accessories Showcased.  A fun morning with fellow Jeep fans!  Whether your Jeep is stock, lifted, muddy, or fully built, we want to see it!

First Annual Lumen Christi Senior Graduation Mattress Fundraiser.  11 AM to 4 PM.  Come get a better night’s sleep AND support the 1st Annual Lumen Christi Senior Graduation Mattress Fundraiser! We will be set up at Lumen Christi High School – 3483 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI 49203. We carry great name brands like Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, and Therapedic, as well as adjustable bases, memory foam pillows, and sheets. Delivery is free and we can also haul away your old mattress and box spring for a small fee! This is ONE DAY only, so we need your help to SPREAD THE WORD by inviting all of your friends through this Facebook event! Starting mattress prices: Twin: $249, Full: $299, Queen: $349, King: $499.  Mention this post and receive a free set of sheets with any mattress purchase over $399! www.cfsbeds.com

City of Jackson Youth Leadership Summit. 2 PM to 6 PM.  “Why not?  You!”  Vendors, dinner, giveaways and more.  All are welcome.  Jackson City Center.  Registration here.

Jackson Master Gardener Association Spring Show. Doors open at 9 am, Conference begins at 9:45 am. Jackson College, Bert Walker Hall, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson. There will be door prizes, silent auction and vendors. Speakers: John Metzler is a photographer of 60 years’ experience and will talk on “A Photographer’s take on Spring Ephemerals”. John will present commentary and pictures of various Spring “ephemerals”’ native, woodland wildflowers that bloom and fade before the trees are fully leaved. Jan Shaw is an RN, BSN with 50 years’ experience. Jan is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. She is also a trained Mohak Medicine woman, trained in traditional Mohak herbal therapy. She will talk on “Natural Herbal use with Teas”. Dr. David Karowe a professor of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University will talk on “Climate change on Naïve Plants”. Registration and more information here.

Pets on the Patio at the River & Rail. 9 AM to 2 PM.  It’s National Pet Day, so we’re celebrating with a special Pets on the Patio event at the River & Rail! The Grand River Arts Walk trail runs through our new farm stop and food hub – it’s popular with pets and their owners, so we want to introduce ourselves ahead of the busy market season – and meet your furred/feathered/shelled/scaled babies! Feel free to dress up for the occasion… Let’s see them costumed and decked out for this special day! Don’t have a pet, or looking to add another? You’re in luck – the Jackson County Animal Shelter will be hosting an on-site adoption event!  137 West North Street, Jackson. Event page here.

Looking for Jesus Hunt. 12 PM.  A Faith Journey of Hope, Creativity, and Light.  Step into a powerful, family-friendly experience through interactive stations filled with scripture, music, art, and prayer for all ages.  The Village Gardens,  1102 Maple Avenue, Jackson.  Presented by Young People of Purpose.

Vintage Michigan Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Show.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Jackson Eagles 612, 301 Detroit St, Jackson. Vintage Michigan Hunting Fishing Trapping sporting collectables show and sale featuring Michigan items as well as vintage sporting collectables from across the country. Decoys, Patches, Ammo Boxes etc. You never know what you may find!

Downtown Jackson Spring Art Walk.  12 PM to 3 PM. Art 634 is excited to be partnering with the Jackson DDA for this year’s Art Walks in Downtown Jackson! Seasonally, artists will takeover downtown in an engaging family-friendly event that highlights our growing art community, promotes local businesses, and enriches culture in Downtown Jackson. Spring’s event will feature a city-wide scavenger hunt. Head Downtown Jackson on April 11th to find out more! Free, Unlimited Parking is available in Downtown Jackson all weekend long!

JSO Music on Tap:  Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder. 8:00 PM (doors at 7). Weatherwax Hall, Downtown Jackson. Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder is a family-based ensemble from Toledo, Ohio, blending gospel with blues riffs and grooves in a way that is uniquely their own. The band’s sound is defined by Nikki D’s electrifying steel guitar, which is often described as wildly soulful.  In 2016, Guitar World magazine recognized Nikki as “The Jimi Hendrix of Sacred Steel” for her experimental, vocal-like riffs and otherworldly tones. Alongside her guitar prowess, Nikki’s raspy, sultry voice commands attention, harmonizing with the other band members’ voices adding depth and soul to every performance.  For fans of: Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Robert Randolf & the Family Band, and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.  Tickets: jacksonsymphony.org or call 517-782-3221.

Auditions:  Disaster! 6 PM to 9 PM.  Get ready to boogie, belt, and bring the laughs—Center Stage Jackson auditions are officially COMING SOON for Disaster! our upcoming 70s comedy musical! Auditions are April 9, 10 & 11 from 6pm-9pm.  Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 West Michigan Avenue..  PERFORMANCE DATE ARE JUNE 19. 20, 21 & 26, 27 28. Directed by Jennifer Wagler. We’re looking for singers, actors, and dancers of all experience levels to join this wildly fun and over-the-top production. If you’ve got strong comedic instincts (or just love a good laugh), this is the show for you!  Event page here.

Sunday, April 12

This & That Market. 10 AM to 4 PM. Get ready for a fun spring shopping day at 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 & 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 (formerly Finders Keepers). 𝟏𝟑𝟎 + 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 — mark your calendars and come meet some of the most amazing small businesses around! Shop handmade goods, home decor, boutique finds, curated shops, candles, wall art, and enjoy 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 and 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬! Indoor + outdoor event. $5 cash admission. American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park, Downtown Jackson.