The first weekend of May is full of spring fun and traditions. From dining out in Petoskey to Kentucky Derby fun… you’ll find a number of ways to make the weekend one to remember.
Petoskey Restaurant Week starts Friday and continues through next weekend. It’s a chance to go out to dinner, try something new or experience one of your favorite chef’s special offerings. Great deals for lunch or dinner. Want to check out the menus and offerings? Click here
If you’re ready to get into the summer mood… check out The Beach Party Boys, a tribute to the Beach Boys, Fri May 2, 7:30 at the Cheboygan Opera House. The Beach Party Boys bring the authentic look, musical instrumentation, & detailed harmony of the Beach Boys. Sing along to their favorite songs like “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA,” & “Good Vibrations.” Tickets at TheOperaHouse.org
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday and there are so many fun parties to help make it a festive day.
Iron Fish Distillery goes all out with a Derby Party that includes great food, some fun games and music. Get tickets at ironfishdistillery.com
Old Mission Distillery starts the day off with a brunch, then it’s kids games, Mint Juleps and racing all day. Live music kicks off at 7pm, right after the big race. Formal attire and big hats are encouraged.
And Black Star Farms is celebrating with Rose’. Prepare for the race and wear your fanciest hat and most colorful bowtie for the inaugural Run for the Rosé—a Derby Day Celebration at the Inn at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. Join this festive afternoon affair as they honor our equestrian roots and celebrate this 153-year-old American tradition. Tickets at BlackStarFarms.com
If you’re ready for a wilderness hike, join the Walloon Conservancy and CAKE CISMA for a peaceful hike at one of their favorite spots to look for spring wildflowers (aka spring ephemerals). Spring ephemeral flowers are short-lived, blooming after the snow melts but before trees and shrubs leaf out. Guided by CAKE CISMA Coordinator Katie Gray, learn about their fascinating adaptations, ecological significance, and the role they play in the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems. This hike is suitable for all ages but includes uneven, hilly terrain and may include muddy sections of the trail. The hike is Saturday May 3, 10am at Fields Preserve 4175 Resort Pike Rd, Petoskey. Get more info here.
And if you’re looking for an evening of song, The Northern Michigan Chorale (NMC) presents “Musical Mosaic” on Saturday, May 3rd at 7 PM and Sunday, May 4th at 3 PM at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor. This spring concert features a unique collection of popular songs that may not traditionally go together but perfectly align through their theme, sound, and production. The performance is led by director Hannah Hoffman and accompanied by Cynda Coleman. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for students and seniors, and free for children 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased from chorale members, at the NMC welcome table in the lobby before the show, or online at www.greatlakescfa.org.
