Dare I say… it is the last weekend of winter? Well, it is as it pertains to the actual position of the sun, but does that mean the snow will just suddenly disappear? Probably not, but I can say that Michigan’s transition into spring is happening even this weekend.
This weekend, it will certainly start to feel like spring, indoors at least, at the 18th Annual Traverse City Boat Show. Show dates are Friday 12PM-8PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM, and Sunday 10AM-4PM, at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, Howe Arena. This is the number one boat show in Northern Michigan featuring the state’s top rated boat dealers. You’ll see the hottest, latest, most innovative watercraft including pontoons, tri-toons, tow boats, bow riders, center console, fishing boats, personal watercraft, docks, boat lifts, water toys, boating accessories, and much more. Go to TraverseCityBoatShow.com for complete details.
The transition into spring could mean thinking about home improvements, so it make sense that The 2026 Northern Michigan Regional Home and Outdoor Living Show is this weekend, Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Community Resource Center at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. There will be over 70 booths with exhibitors specializing in construction, home improvement materials, kitchen and bath design and materials, landscaping and excavating, home systems, finance, real estate, patios and decks, and more. This is a family-friendly event. Home Depot will have a free kids’ building project on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food will be available for purchase at the Iron Horse Cafe on the NCMC campus. The cafe will have expanded hours during the show. Go to HBAnorthernmichigan.com/home-show-2026 for complete details.
As the ski season Up North starts winding down, this annual tradition is always a great way to have fun… The Spring Carnival at Crystal Mountain Resort, Saturday starting at 9:30AM. Celebrate heading into spring the “up north” way with fun on the slopes for the whole family. Compete in the Cardboard Classic. Build your sled out of cardboard, glue, and tape. Then, register between 9:30 and 10:30 for the creative sled contest and Cardboard Classic Race that start and 10:45 and 11am. From 11am – 2pm, warm up with the Lodge Deck BBQ. Complete details at CrystalMountain.com!
Boyne Mountain will also have a great event this weekend… The Air & Après: Biggest Ski & Snowboarding Show in the Midwest, Friday & Saturday. Olympic, X Games, & pro athletes launch massive jumps & aerial tricks while the slope transforms into a jumbo screen bursting with motion graphics. Stick around for the athlete meet & greet. Friday’s schedule: 7:30pm: Film Premier | Pressure Drop by TGR | Vienna Ballroom. 8pm – Air & Après Practice Demo | Base of Mclouth featuring Pressure Drop projected on the jump slope. Saturday’s schedule: Noon – Air & Après Practice Demo. 7:45pm – Air & Après Main Event. Go to BoyneMountain.com for complete details.
Another sign that spring is on the way is St. Patrick’s Day. No, it is not this weekend, but you can certainly celebrate early on Saturday in Traverse City with Traverse City’s Saint Patrick’s Parade, Saturday starting at 1:30PM, Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bun Brady Division. Parade HQ: Middlecoast Brewing Co. Starting on Boardman to Front, Union, State streets. Parade marchers, bagpipes, Irish dancing, and Irish wolfhounds and setters.
Have a great weekend!
John Kelly
