Spring is in the air, and the flowers and leaves are starting to show. It may not be sunny and 70 this weekend, but sunny and 50 is fine for now. It is still warm enough to be outdoors and have fun. Spring is also time to get serious about wedding plans if you are considering tying the knot by the end of the month or even June. Here are a few events I think you’ll enjoy this weekend for my Fun 5…
This weekend will start the Spring 2026 Petoskey Restaurant Week, this Friday through Mother’s Day. Various Petoskey Area Restaurants will have special menus at very reasonable prices. Enjoy an old favorite or try somewhere new. It will be a great opportunity to see an old friend or two for lunch, have a date night, or take Mom out to a special dinner. Head to PetoskeyChamber.com/petoskey-restaurant-week for a list of participating restaurants, menus, and pricing.
If you have plans on dinner in the Petoskey area, how about a night of comedy afterwards? Comedian Chris Turner will be performing at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor Friday night at 7pm. From America’s Got Talent to late-night television, Chris Turner brings a fresh twist to live comedy with a performance that blends stand-up and freestyle rap, created in real time from audience suggestions. Tickets start at $32. You can get complete details and tickets at GLCFA.org.
As we move into Saturday, you have the opportunity to help the arts programs and do a run or walk with the Interlochen Run for the Arts 5K, starting at 9AM on the Interlochen Center for the Arts’ Main Campus. Experience live music & art as you run or walk a course through the gorgeous grounds of Interlochen Center for the Arts. The course includes paved & unpaved trails along the shores of Green Lake & Duck Lake. Packet pickup is from 7:30 a.m. till 9 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m. The awards will be presented at 10 a.m. The cost is $35 pre-race and $40 the day of the race. For more details and to register, go to interlochen.org/events/interlochen-run-for-arts-5k-2026-05-02.
You hear us on the radio, asking you to shop locally or… “Shop a store with door.” One of my favorite places to go is the Commons in Traverse City. They will be having their Indoor Sidewalk Sales at The Mercato. It is a weekend event going on Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Great local deals! There will be $5 Tunnel Walks (12+ only) on Saturday 2-4pm and Sunday 11-1pm. Also, scan the posted QR codes along the Mercato for giveaways and stop by the B50 Store and enjoy a $5 mimosa kit or a bloody mary while you stroll the sales. Browse the used book sale, too!
Now, I mentioned at the start of my Fun 5 that spring is a time for weddings. If you are struggling with planning, The Elite Wedding Expo on Sunday from noon till 3:30 PM at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center will be the place to be. You can plan your dream wedding in a single day at a showcase filled with breathtaking gowns, elegant décor, and a curated lineup of trusted wedding professionals. Explore services from florists and décor designers, photographers and videographers, cake artists and caterers, live entertainment and DJs, and reception venues and planners. Throughout the event, take advantage of exclusive show specials, vendor giveaways, and live demonstrations. Attendees can also enter for a chance to win a $10,000 wedding package. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, with advance purchase available online until midnight the night, Saturday night. Head to EliteWeddingExpo.com for details and to buy tickets ahead of time.
Have a great first weekend in May,
John Kelly
