The Bay Community Theatre in Suttons Bay kicks off its Fall 2025 live series on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 pm with a special solo evening with May Erlewine. One of the Midwest’s most prolific and passionate songwriters, Erlewine has a gift for writing songs of substance that feel both fresh and soulfully familiar. Her ability to emotionally engage with an audience has earned her a dedicated following far beyond her Michigan roots, touching people all over the world.
When Tom Kelly, John Elder and Peter Doren founded the Inland Seas Education Association in 1989, they were no doubt pleased it served over 1,100 students on the chartered schooner Malabar that first year. In the three decades since, the organization’s popularity has soared. According to the history timeline on its website, the ISEA has impacted 150,000 individuals since its founding. “It’s the story of our growth, the result of 36 years of doing the work,” says ISEA Executive Director Fred Sitkins. Today, the demand for its programs has outpaced its capacity. Rather than scaling back its mission, the ISEA is pushing forward with the Campaign for the Future of Great Lakes Education, an $11 million initiative to expand its campus, capacity and capabilities to meet the needs of tens of thousands of underserved urban and rural youths around the Great Lakes states.
The Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce invites the public to sip, shop, and stroll during the much-anticipated Artisan & Wine Walk: A Toast to Suttons Bay, happening Friday, June 20, from 5-8 pm in beautiful downtown Suttons Bay.
Made in Michigan, a popular film series hosted by The Bay Community Theatre in Suttons Bay highlighting great films made in the state of Michigan, concludes on Sunday, April 13, at 4 pm with a special screening of filmmaker Keith Famie’s Detroit: The City of Chefs, an inspiring documentary that celebrates the rich heritage of Detroit’s culinary scene. The Made in Michigan 2025 series is proudly presented by French Valley Vineyard and Hendryx House.
It’s a movie house. It’s a venue for concerts. It’s a gathering place for members of the community. It’s a working non-profit. The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay is all of those. “This building has so much history,” says Graham Powers, executive director of the Bay Community Theatre Organization. Built in 1920, it originally served as a livery stable and fire station. It wasn’t until 1946 that it was transformed into a movie theatre. “There’s a great need for keeping these spaces alive,” says Powers. Alive and live, as in the theatre’s “Live at the Bay” series. On March 16, the Bay welcomes Kennedy’s Kitchen for its annual St. Patrick’s Day show. “It’s the fifth year for Kennedy’s Kitchen. It’s become one of our annual favorites. It’s a fun show,” Powers says.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Suttons Bay Public Schools celebrated the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities through a special Spirit Week. This meaningful event, held from Nov. 18-22, featured themed dress-up days and activities aimed at fostering pride, awareness, and unity among students and staff. Students embraced their creativity and cultural appreciation by participating in themed days such as “Rock Your Mocs or Crocs” and “Rock Your Ribbon Skirt or Shirt”. The week provided an opportunity to spotlight and honor the diverse Native American traditions represented within our student body.
For almost 50 years, one of the few locations where patrons could visit a history museum of Suttons Bay was Eddie’s Village Inn restaurant. Owned and managed by two generations of the Rothgarber Family from 1956 until 2004, this beloved eatery served as the central hub for local news, gossip, family and friend gatherings, and tourists looking for a delicious, home-cooked meal while enjoying Suttons Bay history laid out on the walls throughout the restaurant and behind the bar.
Join the annual fall Suttons Bay Artisan and Wine Walk on Friday, Oct. 18, from 5-8 pm. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to explore the charm of downtown Suttons Bay while indulging in a delightful array of local wines, artisan creations and live music. Stroll through the picturesque streets as over 20 downtown merchants open their doors to showcase the talents of local artists and offer tastings of refreshing local beverages. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a fun evening out, there’s something for everyone at this celebration.
Waffles on a stick? A social club without alcohol? All based around a small-town coffee shop? Welcome to Hive, the Suttons Bay coffee shop that’s long on service, special events and community. And coffee, of course. After all, that’s what enticed Landon McDaid to open the Suttons Bay business at the location previously occupied by Mundos Roasters. It still serves Mundos coffee, with specialties including blueberry lemon latte, flavored espresso tonic and other specialty drinks.
If it’s July, then it must be time for art projects for Glen Lake middle schoolers. Same for August. And September, October—you get the idea. Thanks to a partnership between the Glen Arbor Arts Center and Leelanau Investing For Teens—the Suttons Bay-based center for after-school activities commonly known by its acronym LIFT—each month the art center offers a class for students from Glen Lake Middle School. The partnership started in April 2024 and programs will continue through April 2025, or until all 12 classes are fulfilled, though both GAAC and LIFT are hopeful additional funding will allow it to continue.