Economic Development

“The people in Sanford, I think, are deservingly anxious to rebuild and frankly, have a little bit of fun in their lives.”

Village of Sanford to host hometown music festival, Pop Up Palooza

After community reaction to an annual event moving to Midland, Sanford residents and community members worked to bring a version of Parkapalooza, its hometown music festival, back to the area. It’ll take place Aug.1 at Porte Park.

Latest in Economic Development
For decades, Central Park has been a welcoming place for the entire community.
Catalyst Community: The architecture of Central Park

When we think of architecture, we usually think of buildings that we live and work in. But in this week’s Catalyst, we’ll explore the architecture in a park — a place where we play.

The annual festival surrounds Midland's Tridge, August 4-7.
River Days Festival returns with free family fun

A family-favorite festival, River Days marks its proud return to Midland from Aug. 5-7. The free event features live music, hot air balloons, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, children's entertainment, art and makers fair, fireworks and more. 

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics. Chairs are also provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tiptoe through the tulips with Dow Gardens concert series

The Dow Gardens Pines Concert Series will host regional Michigan musicians on the porch of the historic Pines Home this July and August. The live music events require tickets, which are included in the price of admission to Dow Gardens.

All 501(c)(3) nonprofits are welcome to apply to the #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region charitable program.
Great Lakes Bay Invitational set to tee off in July

The Great Lakes Bay Invitational returns to Midland Country Club for an in-person weeklong event. The world’s best women golfers will be playing to support 36 local community organizations.

The project is expected to be complete by the first week of October 2021, in time for the Northwood University International Auto Show.
Northwood University plans to bring the Midland community together on campus

Northwood University is reimagining its central pathway through campus, known as the Mall Walk, and adding flood mitigation security measures underground. The University hopes to use the location to host events and welcome the community once construction is complete.

Summer is here. Last weekend, Midland was full of color as artists and fans celebrated local art festivities.
Midland soon to hear the sounds of summer

The City of Midland’s Assistant Director of Public Services is excited for the summer events. Plymouth Park Pool will reopen to the public along with popular events. Fun for the whole family, the events include crowd-pleasing Tunes by the Tridge and the July 4th entertainment and fireworks display at Dow Diamond.

Ike's main hub is the Chippewa River. Isenhart, the owner, meets up with customers where they'll end up and transports them to a launch point.
The Great Lakes Bay Region is a great playground for a day on the water

Kayaks, canoes, or just a tube to float in are great ways to enjoy a day on the water. We’ll take you to three different venues in the Great Lakes Bay Region that will connect you with nature, exercise, and most of all — fun.

Midland's signature landmark is the Tridge, spanning the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers.
Be a tourist in your own town

From jumping in grown-up bounce houses to watching professional sports to pedaling a trolley through a historic downtown, here’s an insider’s guide to some of the best ways to enjoy a weekend in Midland,  Bay City,  and Mt. Pleasant.

Pedestrian plazas opening this June in downtown Midland

The pedestrian plaza will be opening in downtown Midland on June 10, with street closures beginning June 4. Midlanders and tourists alike can enjoy outdoor seating, added greenery, twinkling lights, live music, and fun events all summer.

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