tourism

Starting Nov. 20,  people are welcome to drive by Porte Park in Sanford to see the lights.

‘Sanford Shines’ bright for another Christmas season

Sanford Shines returns for its second year. Starting Nov. 20, lit Christmas trees and exhibits will line Porte Park. On Dec. 3, games, food, live music, and a nighttime parade with lights will take over downtown Sanford.

Latest in tourism
Firearm deer hunting season begins on Nov. 15.
Q&A with Ashley Autenrieth, Michigan DNR

In 2020, an estimated 540,000 hunters in Michigan harvested 411,000 deer during the deer hunting season. In our Q&A, we’ll talk about the issues and changes in regulations for the upcoming season with the deer program biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.    

The Dow Tennis Classic is held at the Greater Midland Tennis Center.
Dow Tennis Classic bounces back into Midland

The 33rd Dow Tennis Classic returns to the Greater Midland Tennis Center. The event runs from Nov. 1-7 and hosts some of the sport’s top players for matches, free community outreach programs, and more.

It's pumpkin season.
“Fall” in love with Midland County: A guide to living this fall to the fullest

Yes, we have a pumpkin patch and orchards, and they’re wonderful! But we have so much more. See our roundup of fall activities and events. You name it, we’ve got it: nature walks, trick-or-treating, treasure hunts; painting, poetry, shopping, and more.

The Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) will be held in-person on campus Friday, Oct. 1 from 1-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Northwood University’s Auto Show revs up this October

Only students are planning, leading and hosting the 58th annual Northwood University Auto Show on Oct. 1-2. The NU students will learn a range of skills, from public speaking and business to catering and marketing.

Little Forks Conservancy is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 21 for the George and Sue Lane Preserve in Sage Township, northwest of Gladwin.
Little Forks Conservancy celebrates new preserve with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Little Forks Conservancy is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 21 to celebrate the opening of the George and Sue Lane Preserve in Gladwin County. The community is invited to attend the event.

The Midland County Fair lights up the night.
Midland County Fair returns with a week of entertainment, rides, and education

The 83rd annual Midland County Fair returns to the community, offering exhibitors and spectators the chance to enjoy entertainment, education and more during the weeklong event Aug. 15-21.

“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.

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. 

With a mix of figurative and abstract elements, the mural pops with bright colors.
Mural splashes Pere Marquette Rail Trail with color

Walkers and bikers on the Pere Marquette Rail Trail can now enjoy a colorful mural painted by Joey Salamon and Cam DeCaussin celebrating what is great about Midland. The public art project is part of the Midland Area Community Foundation’s continuing work toward community enrichment.

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