Traverse City Summer Saturdays: Cherry Fest, Arts, Outdoors, and Pride Celebrations

Good morning, this is your Traverse City Local Frequency for Saturday, June 28, 2025. We are kicking off this beautiful summer Saturday with a packed calendar of events, so whether you are a parent, art lover, festival goer, or just looking to enjoy northern Michigan outdoors, there is something here for you. The big story today continues to be the National Cherry Festival, bringing excitement to downtown Traverse City all week long. Today’s highlights include the popular Balance Bike Race, a Pickleball Tournament for all skill levels, and the Very Cherry Pie Eating Contest. If you want to get the kids outside, the Take a Kid Fishing event is happening at 8 am—perfect for families to cast a line together and maybe spark a lifelong love of fishing. Art lovers will have plenty to see across the region. The Glen Arbor Arts Center is hosting “Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile,” a free exhibition of spontaneous collage works, beginning in the lobby gallery this morning. Over at the Oliver Art Center, the Annual Summer Member's Exhibition is on display, showcasing a variety of local talent. If you’re interested in global perspectives, The Dennos Museum Center is featuring two major exhibitions: one on Canadian Woodland Artists and another highlighting contemporary Japanese ceramics. Both exhibits open at 11 am and offer incredible insight into international art communities. Don’t miss the “Paint Grand Traverse 2025” extended exhibit, continuing through August, with selections from this year’s plein air event. For those who appreciate ecological art, “Reclaimed: The Art of Ecology” runs at the same venue, highlighting thoughtful work on sustainability and creative reuse. Today also marks an important date for the LGBTQ community, as Up North Pride and the Firelight Coalition present the Pride of Stonewall and Dance Party at Traverse City Whiskey Company from 4 to 10 pm. This vibrant event celebrates the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with music, dancing, and community. Given the growing enthusiasm for Pride events in northern Michigan, you can expect a lively and welcoming crowd celebrating inclusiveness and equality. If you’re up for a drive, the Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show runs all day, featuring more than 60 artisans and crafters. Closer to home, the Great Lakes Pastel Society’s Members Small Works Exhibition continues, offering a look at beautiful, accessible pieces from regional artists. On the weather front, you can expect a classic northern Michigan summer day, with highs nearing 78 degrees and plenty of sun—great news for festival-goers and beach fans alike. But do note, three Traverse City beaches remain restricted today due to E. coli levels exceeding state safety standards, so check signs before heading into the water. Finally, there is a buzz of excitement in the sky, as Air Force fighter teams arrive for the National Cherry Festival Air Show. Keep your eyes peeled—and your ears open—for those thrilling flyovers that are s This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.