Celebrate September in Midland with food, arts, and outdoor fun

As fall settles into Midland County, September is starting a full calendar of events with art, food, history, and outdoor celebrations.

National Library Card Sign-Up Month
The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month with special incentives throughout September.

New cardholders will be entered into prize drawings for items such as library swag and local gift cards. Existing cardholders can enter a mystery prize drawing each time they use their cards at the library or check out materials through Libby.

Throughout the month, current cardholders may also upgrade to a new library card design for free. More information is available online.

Creative 360 Fiber Arts Exhibit
Creative 360 will host an opening reception for “How We Felt” on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. The exhibit features work from the Midland Fiber Arts Guild, a regional group founded in 1969 that promotes and creates fiber arts.

The guild has more than 70 members who specialize in spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, and other mediums. The group shares its craft through exhibitions, local fairs, and community events.

The reception is free and open to the public, with many works available for purchase. The exhibit runs through Oct. 12 and can be viewed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend hours are available by calling 989-837-1885.

Taste of Downtown Midland
The popular tasting tour returns on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests with a $40 ticket will receive a passport granting access to tastings from 15 downtown restaurants, exclusive retailer coupons, and a reusable swag bag.

The 21+ event will also feature extended shopping hours at select retailers, including Joyful Tantrum, Serendipity Road, and Little Forks Outfitters. The event runs rain or shine, with proceeds benefiting future Downtown Development Authority programming.

Coleman Open-Air Market
The second annual Coleman MI Open-Air Market will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event, hosted by Radiant Beauty Studio and My Closet, will be held in the parking lot of 5444 N. Coleman Rd. Guests can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Free parking is available.

Michigan Tree Climbing Competition
The 2025 Michigan Tree Climbing Competition will be held Sept. 19-21 at Emerson Park, 1300 W. Main St. Admission is free.

The event features professional arborists competing in climbing challenges, plus family activities such as a Kids’ Climb, an Arbor Fair, food trucks, and a Saturday blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More details are available online at ISAMichigan.

Fall Walk at Whiting Forest
Celebrate the season during Fall Walk at Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens on Friday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy a self-paced evening walk through the forest’s fall color, with line dancing and seasonal refreshments available for purchase at the Café.

Registration is required, and admission is included with a ticket or annual pass. Visitors will enter and exit via the orange event bridge next to the Grace A. Dow Library. Food will also be available from Tacos El Rey.

Guests with accessibility needs who wish to park at the Education Center should call 989-631-2677 at least 48 hours in advance.