Events
There's a reason to come up north every season – not to mention the seasons themselves. Traverse City has become nationally renowned for its festivals and beaches but there are so many events that highlight everything that is special about the Grand Traverse region - from wine tasting to racing the crystal clear waters - there is an event that is sure to excite you. Check out our calendar of events and find the event that fits you.
Festivals
The northern Michigan region is host to a number of festivals throughout the year.
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Race Events
The region's scenic varied landscape inspires residents and visitors alike to hike, paddle, run and swim for exercise and competition throughout the year...
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Beer & Wine Events
With an ideal climate for growing hops and grapes, the greater Traverse City region is host to a number of beer and wine festivals.
Learn More
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July 2020
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August 2020
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September 2020
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October 2020
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November 2020
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December 2020
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January 2021
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February 2021
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March 2021
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April 2021
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May 2021
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June 2021
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July 2021
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August 2021
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September 2021
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Annual Friends of Fishtown 5K - Virtual for 2020[{"StartDate":"7/18/2020","EndDate":"7/18/2020"}]FalseThe beautiful 5k course winds through Leland's neighborhoods and along the Leland River, starting and finishing in the heart of Fishtown.
Easy climbs and graceful descents make this an event for the serious runner or the whole family! Runners, walkers, strollers, and leashed dogs are all welcome.
Proceeds help preserve and maintain the historical integrity of Fishtown, and ensure that it remains publicly accessible. -
10th Annual Big Hole Golf Tournament[{"StartDate":"10/3/2020","EndDate":"10/3/2020"}]TrueFinish out the 2020 golf season with a boost of confidence at our 10th Annual Big Hole Golf Tournament featuring gigantic, impossible-to-miss (okay, almost impossible-to-miss) 10" cups!
The tournament takes place on Saturday, October 3 on our Spruce Run course and is open to the public, Resort Club Members and Resort Guests.
This is a three-person Scramble, with 10” cups on all 18 holes. The $180 entry fee includes golf and prizes. Optional Skins Game - $20 per team (cash only, day of event). 9am shotgun start.
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12th Annual Tuff Enuff Golf Tournament[{"StartDate":"10/18/2020","EndDate":"10/18/2020"}]TruePlay Michigan's toughest golf course, The Bear, at its absolute hardest placements
For one day only, we turn The Bear into 7,000+ yards of long-range tee boxes, aggressive greens,and challenging hole locations. This is a two-person “best ball” event. Come take the challenge!
START TIME:
10 am Shotgun start
ENTRY:
$120 Per Team + MyNorth Tickets fee
Optional Skins Game - $20 per team. Payable day of event. Cash only,
FORMAT:
Partners Best Ball • Scratch - flighted after round • Open to male, female and mixed teams
- Women play from the white tees
- Men 60+ play from the blue tees
- Men 59 and under play from the black tees
PURSE:
Payout ~ 30% of the field • $3,000 based on 50 teams
INCLUDES:
18 holes of golf with cart
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62nd Annual Mesick Mushroom Festival[{"StartDate":"5/7/2021","EndDate":"5/9/2021"}]FalseCome out to Mesick for three big days of fun -- all in celebration of Michigan's own morel mushroom!
From a flea market to ping pong ball drop to a softball tournament to the Grand Parade, there's something for everyone on tap at this mushroom celebration. And do a little mushroom hunting yourself while you're at it. The morel mushroom is prized by gourmands the world over!
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Cedar Polka Fest[{"StartDate":"9/17/2020","EndDate":"9/20/2020"}]FalseThis Polish-American Leelanau Peninsula community kicks up its heels September 17-20 with hearty food, drink and continuous polka music and dancing.
Call for admission prices for adults- 231-228-3378. Ages 12 and under are free when accompanied by parent. Flag raising ceremony is on Thursday, parade on Saturday at noon and Polish mass on Sunday morning at 11 am.
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Cherry Capital Comic Con[{"StartDate":"10/30/2020","EndDate":"11/1/2020"}]TrueC4 is Northern Michigan’s largest comic book and pop entertainment expo. C4 is Northern Michigan’s perfect gathering of comic book creators, exhibitors, and fans.
Connect with your favorite creators at a variety of panels. Meet up and coming talent in Artist’s Alley. Find great deals on comics and collectible merchandise at the gathering of exhibitors. Participate in the costume contest, with categories for both adults and children.
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Cherry Roubaix Grand Fondo[{"StartDate":"8/1/2020","EndDate":"8/1/2020"}]FalseYES, It's a Race, YES it's a Ride and YES it will be a Party... it's everything you have ever wanted rolled into one big day of cycling, celebrating and fun.
YES it’s Northern Michigan’s epic road cycling scene served up Cherry-Roubaix style.
90, 60, 40 and 20 mile courses featuring the best and most challenging roads of Leelanau County. Event starts downtown Traverse City and Finishes in Suttons Bay with after party at Herman Park.
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Derby Day Shootout[{"StartDate":"9/5/2020","EndDate":"9/5/2020"}]TrueJoin us Saturday, September 5 for our Derby Day Shootout!
Two person teams will compete in 6 holes of best ball, 6 holes of scramble, and 6 holes of alternate shot. The entry fee includes golf, cart, and prizes.
After your round, join us in the Clubhouse Grille for drink and dinner specials, and to watch the Kentucky Derby. Plus, we’ll have pari-mutual betting on the horses for your chance to win Grand Traverse Resort and Spa gift cards.
Saturday, May 2
1pm Shotgun
Spruce Run
$120 per Team+MyNorth Tickets fee
Optional skins game entry is available day of for $20.Call 231-534-6470 with questions.
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Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show[{"StartDate":"7/18/2020","EndDate":"7/18/2020"},{"StartDate":"9/5/2020","EndDate":"9/5/2020"}]FalseCome enjoy Elk Rapids 26th Annual Arts and Crafts Shows, located in the heart of the village on River Street.
Shows run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The shows feature more than 70 different artisans who display, sell, and demonstrate their work.
2020 Arts & Crafts Show dates are:
Saturday, May 23
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, September 5 -
Friday Night Live in Traverse City[{"StartDate":"8/7/2020","EndDate":"8/7/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/14/2020","EndDate":"8/14/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/21/2020","EndDate":"8/21/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/28/2020","EndDate":"8/28/2020"}]FalseMusic, art, food and fun will fill East Front Street when Downtown Traverse City kicks off its 2020 series of Friday Night Live!
Held the first four Fridays in August, Downtown’s popular community block party features a full slate of music, entertainment, food, demonstrations and family activities along the 100 and 200 blocks of East Front.
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Great Lakes Equestrian Festival[{"StartDate":"7/1/2020","EndDate":"8/9/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/26/2020","EndDate":"8/30/2020"},{"StartDate":"9/2/2020","EndDate":"9/13/2020"},{"StartDate":"9/2/2020","EndDate":"9/6/2020"}]FalseThe Great Lakes Equestrian Festival will take place from June 17 to September 6.
The Festival will feature six weeks of exciting equestrian competition located in a fantastic tourist destination that caters to equestrian athletes and equine enthusiasts alike. Competitors and spectators will be able to enjoy all the Traverse City has to offer while attending this elite equestrian competition. Each week will also feature family friendly events with concerts and activities for children of all ages.
Updated Schedule of Events
Traverse City Spring Horse Show: June 17 - 28
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival: July 1 - August 9
Traverse City Fall Horse Show: August 26 - 30
American Gold Cup: September 2 - 13
Silver Oak Jumper Tournament: September 2 - 6 -
Heroes Cup Golf Invitational[{"StartDate":"8/28/2020","EndDate":"8/29/2020"}]TrueA new annual charity golf tournament, the Heroes Cup presented by Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos, was designed to recognize and help raise funds for our everyday hometown heroes, including military veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concept for the Heroes Cup was born from the legacy of the Bob K Golf Classic, which ended in 2019 after celebrating 29 years of golf and charity. For his many years of service, Bob Kewaygoshkum (“Bob K”) was granted the 2019 Chairman's Leadership Award by the National Indian Gaming Association.
For the inaugural event, proceeds from the 2020 Heroes Cup will benefit the Munson Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides support for the emerging needs of Munson Healthcare hospitals throughout Northern Michigan.
The tournament will be played in the 2-person scramble format. We will have Open, Senior and Mixed/Women divisions. The Open division will be flighted based on the number of teams entered. There will also be a skins game within each division (included with entry fee).
8:00am registration begins
9:30am shotgun start on The Wolverine
11:00am boxed lunch on-course (approximate time)
3:00pm awards/prize presentation (approximate time)
*An optional skins game is available Friday, August 28 on the Spruce Run golf course.
To register for the 2020 Heroes Cup golf tournament, please contact Cara Goss via phone at 231-534-6168 or via email at [email protected] The entry fee of $125 per person will be collected in the clubhouse on 8/29/2020: 7:45am-8:45am. -
Labor Day Weekend Golf Special[{"StartDate":"9/4/2020","EndDate":"9/7/2020"}]True
We have great deals on all three courses this Labor Day weekend.
$89-The Bear
$79-The Wolverine
$69-Spruce RunTo book a golf tee time, visit our Pro Shop or call 231-534-6470.
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Leelanau UnCaged[{"StartDate":"9/25/2021","EndDate":"9/25/2021"}]FalseThe ninth annual Leelanau UnCaged will be Saturday, September 25th, 2021 in Northport, Michigan. It will be a full day of music, dance, food and art.
This event is inspired by John Cage, the famous American composer of music who once said of Spain that it was "the multiplicity of simultaneous visual and audible events all going together in one's experience and producing enjoyment." So be ready to have the senses stimulated with an Uncaged, John Cage day.
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M-22 Challenge[{"StartDate":"6/12/2021","EndDate":"6/12/2021"}]FalseRun, bike and paddle your way along this 22-mile course through the Leelanau Peninsula during this challenging multi-sport event.
Start with a 2.5 mile run that winds it's way to (and up!) the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb, then grab your bike for a 17-mile lap around Glen Lake, and finish with a 2.5 mile paddle out in Glen Lake.
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Mud Sweat & Beers[{"StartDate":"8/15/2020","EndDate":"8/15/2020"}]FalseMud Sweat & Beers Fat Tire Fest and Mountain Bike Race is a spring mountain bike race that brings together rockin' terrain, races for all rider levels plus a great post party.
Mud, Sweat and Beers is a local group of beer-lovin mountain bikers that began riding together several years ago. Join them as they ride to support a great local institution: the nonprofit Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreation Area.
Race distances are:
Stout - 22 miles
Pale Ale - 12 miles
Ginger Ale - 2 miles
Root Beer - 1/4 mile -
National Writers Series featuring Meet Pam Houston[{"StartDate":"12/2/2020","EndDate":"12/2/2020"}]FalseSaved by the land — and a home
When Pam Houston was 31, fresh off tour for Cowboys Are My Weakness, she realized she had no place to call “home.” On impulse, she spent her book royalties on a Colorado ranch. It was more than she could afford and more work than she expected, but it’s the land that defined the last quarter-century of her life.On impulse, she spent her book royalties on a Colorado ranch. It was more than she could afford and more work than she expected, but it’s the land that defined the last quarter-century of her life.
Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country is an ode to that ranch and what it means to call some place “home.” A survivor of parental abuse and neglect, Houston also discovers how nature heals her and helps her “to love the damaged world and do what I can to help it thrive.”
In Deep Creek, Houston writes of the stunning kindness of strangers, from the locals who come to her aid when she’s snowed in, to the woman who shelters her as a child from her volatile parents, the surgeon who performs an astonishing operation on her pulverized arm, a wise neighbor who tactfully keeps the ranch from being sold out from under her, and the firefighters who risk their lives to try and keep a massive wildfire from destroying her ranch. And through it all, she discovered she would be the cowboy of her own story.
Pam Houston is the author of Contents May Have Shifted, Cowboys Are My Weakness, Waltzing the Cat, the novel, Sight Hound, and a collection of essays, A Little More About Me. Her stories have been selected for volumes of Best American Short Stories, The O. Henry Awards, The 2013 Pushcart Prize, and Best American Short Stories of the Century.
ABOUT OUR GUEST HOST
Christal Frost is a Northern Michigan native, growing up in Benzie County, graduating from Benzie Central High School in 1998 and moving on to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. She has a background in non-profit management, and began her career locally at Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse, after completing a year of service with Americorps National Service. She started in radio in 2007, and feels as though she has finally found her broadcasting home with WTCM, first with NewsTalk 580 in 2012 as a producer, and then as the host of “The Christal Frost Show” in 2014. In 2018, she started getting up a little earlier and joined the Morning Show on Today’s Country Music WTCM. Christal is actively involved with many community groups, including the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, Parallel 45 Theatre and the National Cherry Festival, and is the co-founder of the CherryT Ball Drop New Year’s Eve events.
Event Details:
Doors open at 6 PM
Stage event begins 7PM
Live Music, Cash Bar, and Morsels Sweet Treats
Stage conversation and Q&A with author
Post-event book signing
Tickets:
Students
$5 plus ticket fees
General Admission
$16 plus ticket fees
Premium Reserved Seating
$26 plus ticket fees
National Writers Series has hosted more than 120 conversations with nationally recognized authors and guest hosts. Called one of America’s “premier literary events,” (Poets & Writers magazine), a “national treasure” by Harvard professor and philosopher Michael Sandel, and hailed by authors and publishers across the country as a must-see evening of conversation with today’s best storytellers, the National Writers Series has hosted events with Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award winners, winners of Oscars and Emmys and Tonys, living legends and, according to People Magazine, two of the “most influential people in the world.”
CLICK FOR DETAILS -
NMC Scholarship Open[{"StartDate":"8/6/2020","EndDate":"8/6/2020"}]TrueHeld every year in early August, the NMC Scholarship Open is the premier tournament in Northern Michigan, raising funds for Honors, Presidential and Academic Area Scholarships.
One of northern Michigan’s premier golf outings, the NMC Scholarship Open provides access to higher education through merit-based Honors, Presidential, Academic Area, and other scholarships. This tournament has raised more than $1.9 million since its inception in 1982.
Sponsors and golfers help to make the NMC Scholarship Open a top-ranking tournament in Northern Michigan each summer and ensure its financial success for the benefit of our scholarship students.
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Northwestern Michigan Fair[{"StartDate":"8/8/2021","EndDate":"8/14/2021"}]FalseAre you "Going to the fair, going to the fair, going to the Northwestern Michigan Fair?" This Northern Michigan staple event is held August 8-14, 2021.
The Northwestern Michigan Fair features carnival rides, bingo, horse pulls, lawn mower races, truck & tractor pulls, motor sports, a super kicker rodeo, and much more!
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Orvis Michigan Fly Fishing School at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa[{"StartDate":"7/18/2020","EndDate":"7/18/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/15/2020","EndDate":"8/16/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/21/2020","EndDate":"8/21/2020"},{"StartDate":"7/24/2020","EndDate":"7/24/2020"}]TrueJoin us for an Orvis Michigan Fly Fishing School at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Schools utilize private trout ponds and classrooms, as well as serene stretches of the Boardman River only a few minutes away. Orvis Michigan is designed to introduce the intricacies of fly fishing to an absolute novice, but even experienced fly anglers will find personal and advanced instruction tailored to their level of experience. From knots to entomology, casting to tackle, the instructors at Orvis Michigan will fully prepare you to step into the stream.
At Orvis Michigan you’ll learn:
– Casting techniques
– Proper fly selection
– Essential knots
– How to play, land and safely release fish
– How to choose your gear and tackle
– How to read the water
– Stream entomology, and more! -
Paddle For Pints[{"StartDate":"8/14/2020","EndDate":"8/14/2020"},{"StartDate":"7/24/2020","EndDate":"7/24/2020"},{"StartDate":"7/26/2020","EndDate":"7/26/2020"},{"StartDate":"7/31/2020","EndDate":"7/31/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/2/2020","EndDate":"8/2/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/7/2020","EndDate":"8/7/2020"},{"StartDate":"8/9/2020","EndDate":"8/9/2020"},{"StartDate":"7/17/2020","EndDate":"7/17/2020"}]FalsePaddle For Pints is a fun and memorable way to experience up to five local breweries, all accessible via the Boardman River.
Paddle for Pints will launch four waves of paddlers on all event dates; each wave is limited to the first 50 participants. All Paddle for Pints events begin with a check-in at The Filling Station Microbrewery, where we encourage participants to enjoy lunch and a beer, then proceed to launch from Hull Park, steps away.
After launching from Hull Park, just a short walk from The Filling Station Microbrewery on Boardman Lake, the group will paddle to Right Brain Brewery, Rare Bird Brewpub, end up at Clinch Park then walk to The Workshop Brewery and MiddleCoast Brewing (formally Monkey Fist Brewing Co.) -
Par 3 Shootout[{"StartDate":"10/11/2020","EndDate":"10/11/2020"}]TrueJoin us October 11 for our Par 3 Shootout!
This two person, 18 hole event is a condensed version of our fall Tuff Enuff Tournament. We are turning The Bear into 18 of the most grueling Par 3 holes it can possibly be, but in scramble format. The Par 3 Shootout is open to male, female, and mixed teams. Women and men will be playing from different sets of tees.
Entry: $120 Per Team + MyNorth Tickets fee • Optional Skins Game - $20 per team (cash only)
10 am Shotgun start
Course: The Bear
Format: 2 person scramble, Scratch - flighted after round -
Ride Around Torch[{"StartDate":"7/18/2021","EndDate":"7/18/2021"}]FalseThe Ride Around Torch is an annual one-day 26, 40, 63, or 100 mile bicycle tour primarily along the scenic shores of Torch Lake, Michigan's longest and one of its most beautiful inland lakes with unusually clear, bright turquoise hued waters.
Several villages and hamlets lie along the lake's shore including Alden, Eastport, Clam River and Torch River. You will enjoy a recreational, social tour that is neither a race nor a test of strength, although the very hilly 100 mile route can be a challenge.
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Short's Brewing Company's Anni Party 16![{"StartDate":"10/17/2020","EndDate":"10/17/2020"}]FalseIt’s a beautiful day in our neighborhood! Head to Bellaire for Short’s Brewing Company’s 16th Anniversary Party on Saturday, October 17.
Short's is celebrating 16 years of brewing fearlessly creative beers in northern Michigan by transforming downtown Bellaire into an entire block of local love and awesomeness with Short’s brews, Starcut Ciders, Beaches Hard Seltzers, live music, and scrumptious local foods. Check out our awesome neighbors too during the party because Bee Well, Corner Bistro, Hello Vino, and Mammoth Distilling will also have delicious themed drinks for you to enjoy.
To share the love, we will once again be donating revenue from the Anni Party 16 celebration to the Village of Bellaire Downtown Development Authority to assist with improvements and beautification within The Village of Bellaire. We look forward to having your help spreading the love of good beer (and cider!) made by people who care in Northern Michigan for many years to come. So don’t just sit there, start planning your visit to celebrate where we live and what we do! April 25th is just around the corner and our neighborhood is ready to celebrate with you.
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The National Cherry Festival[{"StartDate":"7/3/2021","EndDate":"7/10/2021"}]FalseRunning from July 3 to 10, the National Cherry Festival is the oldest, biggest and still the champion festival of the region.
It celebrates that heritage every year during the first full week of July with an eight-day party featuring over 150 family activities: air shows, fireworks, parades (including the nation's largest all-children parade) games, races, midway rides, demonstrations, nightly outdoor concerts and lots of chances to taste delicious cherry products.
Now in its 92nd year, the Cherry Festival is Traverse City's signature event, drawing as many as 500,000 attendees from around the country. Since almost all the events are free, it offers more than a week of affordable family fun.
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Traverse City Fall Horse Show[{"StartDate":"9/3/2020","EndDate":"9/13/2020"}]FalseThe latest addition to the schedule at Flintfields Horse Park is the Traverse City Fall Horse Show which is set to take place September 3rd-13th, 2020.
The first week will feature the $73,000 Silver Oak Jumping Tournament Grand Prix 2* & week two will conclude with the $225,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix 4*!
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Traverse City Film Festival[{"StartDate":"7/27/2021","EndDate":"8/1/2021"}]FalseFrom July 27 to August 1, movie buffs are lured away from the beaches and golf courses with an outstanding selection of independent, foreign, and documentary films, as well as premieres, parties, panel discussions and lectures about the world of film at the annual Traverse City Film Festival.
Most events are held near downtown at the vintage State Theatre, Bijou by the Bay, the City Opera House, and the Old Town Playhouse, but there are also many free festival opportunities including the family movies shown each night at an outdoor screen at Open Space Park on the shore of West Grand Traverse Bay.
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Traverse City Track Club Bayshore Marathon[{"StartDate":"5/29/2021","EndDate":"5/29/2021"}]FalseA marathon, half-marathon and 10K from Traverse City and along Old Mission Peninsula.
The Bayshore Marathon offers a truly unforgettable view from start to finish, regardless of the distance you are running.
Run each year on Memorial Day weekend, this race is a favorite of running legend Hal Higdon and is a perennial sell out event.
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Traverse City Triathalon[{"StartDate":"7/26/2020","EndDate":"7/26/2020"}]FalseThis is Northern Michigan's most memorable triathalon!
Dividing West and East Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula offers stunning scenery and a challenging landscape. The Olympic- and sprint-distance races start in the calm, clean waters of Bowers Harbor on West Grand Traverse Bay for a loop swim. The bike courses point athletes past picturesque orchards and vineyards and over a few tough climbs. Heading out on the run, racers follow Neahtawanta Road along the water before turning up a dirt road into the Pyatt Nature Preserve. Athletes then return to the pavement for the final stretch to the finish line at Bowers Harbor Park. The Traverse City Triathlon delivers a beautiful course, professional race management, and great racing; this is Northern Michigan’s most memorable triathlon. See you at the start line!
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Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship[{"StartDate":"8/31/2020","EndDate":"9/3/2020"}]TrueWe are excited to welcome the Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship—the state’s oldest and most prestigious annual tournament—back to The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Dates and Details for Spectators
- The tournament begins Monday, August 31, and ends Wednesday, September 3, 2020.
- The tournament is open for public viewing at no charge.
- Spectators should follow standard golf course etiquette and dress codes.
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Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Pro-Am[{"StartDate":"8/28/2020","EndDate":"8/29/2020"}]TrueBefore the pros take the stage at the Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship we are excited to welcome all amateur golfers to the August 28-29 Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Pro-Am. The Pro-Am teams will consist of four amateurs and one professional.
The Pro-Am teams will consist of four amateurs and one professional.
Cost:
$4,000 per foursome ($1,000 per person, based on double occupancy)
$650 commuter rate (per person)
Package Includes:
Two nights lodging at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (August 28-29)
Two 18-hole rounds of golf (The Wolverine & The Bear)
Lunch is included both days and breakfast included on August 29
Opening night cocktail reception on the lawn at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Awards reception and banquet at Turtle Creek Casino
Prizes to include airline tickets, golf packages, golf equipment, and more!
Each golfer will receive a gift package
Pro-Am Schedule of events:
Friday, August 28
11:00am - 1:00pm Amateur Registration
12:00pm Lunch
1:30pm Golf on The Wolverine
7:30-9:00pm Cocktail Reception at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Saturday, August 29
7:00 - 8:15am Grab & Go Breakfast
8:30am Golf on The Bear
10:30am Lunch delivered on the course
5:00pm Cocktail reception at Turtle Creek Casino
6:00pm Awards Banquet at Turtle Creek Casino
Upcoming Events
Barefoot Magazine
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Instant Gratification
HydraFacial delivers results on first treatment
By Cymbre FosterWhen Spa Grand Traverse cosmetologist Sandra Umstead received her first HydraFacial, the results were so amazing that she knew it was something she wanted her clients to experience as well.
HydraFacial is a patented technology that marries a deeply cleansing facial treatment with relaxation.
“After just one visit, this medical-grade procedure leaves the skin with improved clarity, texture, and tone,” Umstead says.
I admit I needed convincing that it could be that good when I arrived at the spa for my first HydraFacial. Truth be told, I’d rather spend my money on a new pair of shoes than skin care, and I didn’t think she would be able to do that much with my neglected, sun-damaged, slightly saggy, middle-aged skin.
Was I ever wrong.
Instant Results
A HydraFacial is a three-part treatment that begins with cleansing that removes dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin. Next, salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to break up any dirt and oil that's clogging pores. Then the HydraPeel Tip is used to painlessly suction out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.
“No more manual extractions that may leave the skin blotchy and inflamed,” Umstead says. “The powerful serums break it all down, allowing the vacuum to pull it all up.”
The best part is that after just one HydraFacial, you will see immediate results. I certainly did.
“This treatment satisfies our need for instant gratification, so clients can’t wait for the next treatment,” Umstead says.
Corrine Olson is one of those clients.
“My favorite facial at the spa is the HydraFacial,” she says. “It’s the first time I can say that I noticed results.”
Each treatment starts with before and after photos.
“We have the ability to compare them side by side after your treatment,” Umstead explains. “This allows us to better track your progress every time you come in.”
For many clients, seeing those results is motivation not just to come back, but also to continue better skin-care regimens at home.
Umstead pulled up my pictures, and, to my surprise, I had fewer lines on my face and my skin was truly hydrated — literally glowing, in fact.
Part of a Skin-Care Routine
Since Umstead has consistently treated herself to HydraFacials, she no longer needs to wear makeup. Her skin did look flawless.
For long-term benefits and correction purposes, Umstead recommends treatments every six weeks. For maintenance, she suggests having one each season.
“This treatment is fairly active, and I like to think of it as waking up the skin,” she says.
“It’s invigorating and satisfying in many ways, which keeps clients coming back for more.”
When a friend commented on how nice my skin looked the day after my HydraFacial, I had to agree.
“You will leave with your skin glowing, looking healthy, hydrated, and with overall better skin tone,” Olson says. “I plan on keeping this as part of my skin-care routine.” -
Still the Best: The Bear at 35
Iconic course remains top on golfers’ must-play lists
By Tom LangThe Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa comes out of hibernation each spring to test the best and entertain golfers of all skill levels.
2020 marks The Bear’s 35th awakening since Jack Nicklaus created his spectacular signature design in 1985.
Nationally ranked in the top 100 courses and consistently rated as one of Michigan’s toughest, The Bear has for decades drawn golfers who are looking for a chance to tame the challenge to northern Lower Michigan.
“The Bear has the reputation of being difficult, but it also has the reputation of being fair,” says Tom McGee, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa director of golf operations. “Golfers tell us they like the challenge. And they tell us each of the holes is so unique and memorable that no two holes are the same.
“It’s one of those golf courses where you have to think a lot, you need to look at the surroundings, and I think people appreciate that more and they concentrate more when playing it, as opposed to most other golf courses.”
An Unusual Course
That’s exactly what Nicklaus intended when he was commissioned to create his biggest golf-skills challenge of that era. The Bear plays to 7,078 yards from the championship tees. It has four lakes, 10 holes with water hazards and only one hole with no bunkers.
“That was kind of an unusual golf course (at the time),” Nicklaus said in a recent visit to Michigan. “The owner at that time wanted the longest course in Michigan, over 7,000 yards, par 72 and the highest course rating (for toughness). I did all three of those … and, of course, the golf course was really difficult.”
The Bear is a links-style course with mature trees surrounding the outer edges of the property. The course features undulating, multi-tiered greens, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers that guard the greens and thick grassy rough. The rough has been cut back away from the fairways over the years to somewhat soften Nicklaus’ original design. Tee boxes have been added to provide more variety and shorter yardages.
Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and orchards are home to a variety of wildlife and add more golf hazards to navigate. The course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.
The fairways give The Bear its unique look. Elevated from the rough on many holes, the fairways appear to be floating above the surrounding property. The design also punishes shots that roll off the fairway and get hung up in the second cut of grass, creating a more severe side-hill position. Nicklaus later incorporated that design element into his signature course near Palm Springs, California.
A Must-Play
“Growing up in southern Michigan, this is one of the top five courses you always hear about that need to be on your list to play,” said golfer John Barkalow of Schoolcraft, Michigan, after playing The Bear for the first time in late 2019. “It was challenging yet playable. I’m certainly not a fantastic golfer, but I was able to shoot my average score.”
His playing partner that day, Brian Kowalski of Bowling Green, Ohio, added, “My first impressions were intimidating, but I wanted to try it because it’s listed as one of the top golf courses in Michigan. I definitely want to come back here and also try The Wolverine and Spruce Run. Always great golf in Northern Michigan.”
While The Bear sees most of its play by the average golfer, throughout the years it has hosted the state’s premier state championship — the Michigan Open — more times than any other golf course. (See related story on page xx.) And not long after The Bear opened, it hosted the PGA Champions Tour Ameritech Senior Open in 1990, won by global fan favorite Chi Chi Rodriguez.
“The Bear was the hardest course, as Jack built it, when it opened in 1985, and it’s withstood the test of time,” McGee says. “It’s still very attractive, people still love to play it, and those who come to the Resort, if they’re going to play one golf course, they choose The Bear.”
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Simply the Best
Resort garners top convention center award
By Emily DoranBeing named “Best Convention Center” by Michigan Meetings + Events in 2019 is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication from the staff at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Boasting 86,500 square feet of meeting space, the Resort has established itself as a major hub for state, corporate, and private events. While the Resort has earned other accolades from Michigan Meeting + Events, including “Best Golf Venue” in 2019 and previous years, this is the first time the resort has snagged the “Best Convention Center” title (in the Non-University category). The award was determined in part through a readers’ poll, meaning clients and colleagues weighed in to push the results the Resort’s way.
“The award is, quite frankly, a reflection of our service, our food and beverage — the total meeting package,” says Ryan Buck, director of sales.
The honor also helps the Resort, which is booked by hundreds of groups a year, compete against larger venues like Detroit’s TCF Center (formerly the Cobo Center) and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Buck says.
“It puts us on a different level in a way, in a playing field commensurate with those other amazing venues that we have across the board, and it really shows the true capacities that we have,” he says. “These types of things help us establish legitimacy and credibility as an independent property.”
Certain features at the Resort help it stand out. For one thing, the convention space is wide open — no pillars.
“You don’t normally see that, especially with ballrooms like ours — 19,000 square feet,” says Buck, referencing the recently renovated Governors’ Hall. “Not having any pillars is a really distinct advantage.”
Other amenities, including a spacious loading dock, make the space particularly appealing to vendors.
“Another thing that we hear as feedback, and I see all the time, is it’s just easy to do business here,” Buck says.
Those and other features keep many clients, including the Michigan Credit Union League, coming back year after year. The League has been hosting events at the resort for more than two decades, booking all or most of the meeting areas and rooms to fit between 500 and 1,200 people, depending on the event.
For Janet Ormsby, senior director of events at the League, the Resort’s perks go beyond renovated spaces and beautiful grounds to include the staff.
“They’re just great people to work with,” she says.
