American Tree is an exhibit that explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago—and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. This exhibition opens Friday, June 5, in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Main Gallery. It features the work of 28 artists and continues through Aug. 13. An opening reception is June 5, from 5-7 pm.
Empire’s quirky, fun, day-long Asparagus Festival returns to Leelanau County on Saturday, June 6. The day of peace, music and food offers something for everyone in the family. Events include the Kick-Yer Ass-paragus 5K Fun Run/Walk at Empire’s public beach at 10 am; a pop-up book sale at the Glen Lake Community Library from 11 am-3 pm; a recipe contest in the Township Hall at noon (click on the story for a link to enter); open hours at the Empire Area Museum from 1-4 pm; the Ode to Asparagus Poetry Contest at the Library at 2 pm (click on the story for a link to enter); an appearance by the Asparagus Queen on Stilts from 2-4 pm, and the Magic Lady Family Magic Show from 3-4 pm.
On Thursday June 4, from 4-8 pm Dune Bird Winery, set along Michigan’s scenic M-22 in the heart of Leelanau County, celebrates the launch of a new varietal red wine, Woolsey Red, a partnership with the Save Woolsey Airport Terminal project, a group of dedicated community volunteers and partners working with Leelanau Township to Save Woolsey Airport Terminal, an 1870s-era, hand-laid stone building that once served as a farm creamery.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will host a Company K Memorial Highway Dedication on Wednesday, May 27, at 1 pm at the Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom in Peshawbestown. The event will bring together community members, Tribal leaders, veterans, elected officials, and regional partners to honor the Anishinaabe soldiers of Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters for their service and sacrifice during the Civil War.
Brooklyn, New York artist Angelique De Castro’s Glen Arbor Arts Center residency combines ceramics and textiles/needlework into one sculptural form that builds on the world of Philippine mythology. De Castro will show examples of her work and talk about her residency on Thursday, May 28, at 10 am at the GAAC. The presentation is open to the public.
The Northport Arts Association is proud to present the 2026 Northport Photo Exhibit, launching Memorial Day weekend with a FREE Opening Reception on Saturday, May 23 from 5–7pm at the Northport Arts Association, 301 N. Mill St., Northport, MI. This popular annual exhibit, now in its nineth year, continues to grow in both artistic reach and visual diversity. The Opening Reception is FREE and open to the public, featuring complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. The exhibit will run from May 24 through June 14, with gallery hours Tuesday through Sunday, 12–4 PM.
Join local artists in beautiful Burdickville, east of the Glen Lakes, for an open studio art tour on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, from 10 am until 4 pm. Multiple artists at six locations will welcome you into their studios. Talk with the artists, see wonderful art and crafts, hear music and enjoy the neighborhood. Pick up a map at any of the studios and follow the signs around the neighborhood.
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The Lively neighborhood, that is, as the compound on M-72 readies to host Lively NeighborFest 2026 on May 24. Jim Lively says the event is an opportunity for neighbors to gather together around local food and music, while supporting two local non-profits, the Empire Area Community Center (EACC) and LIFT (Leelanau Investing For Teens). “The beautiful thing is it’s the second annual NeighborFest. It’s just like last year, except better,” he says with a laugh. Part campground, part farm market and camp store, part restaurant and part concert venue, the site also is home to the Lively Farm. Add it all up, and you’ve got the perfect site for a day-long party.
The Glen Arbor Players open their 2026 season on Friday, May 22, at 7 pm at The Leelanau School auditorium with the play “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. This Pulitzer Prize-nominated play tracks, through letters, the lifelong friendship between characters Andy Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner. The play, directed by GAP veteran Teddy House, celebrates the joys, trials, triumphs and heartbreaks of their lives.
The Old Art Building is thrilled to announce the return of its signature spring event, Leland Air, on Saturday, May 23. This 14th annual plein air tradition invites artists from across the region to capture the awakening Northern Michigan landscape in a high-energy, single-day celebration of art and community.