By Harper Reeve, Senior Correspondent
The Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan is welcoming summer 2025 with a lively calendar of community events designed to bring residents and visitors together through music, nature, arts, and family fun.
Beginning June 9, the area will host a diverse mix of festivals, concerts, outdoor adventures, and educational programs that appeal to all ages. With activities spread across Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, and surrounding towns, this summer promises to be both entertaining and enriching.
Music in the Air
Downtown Midland will buzz every weekend with the Commons Live Music Series. Free performances by local bands, tribute acts, and regional favorites will take place each Friday and Saturday through September. Visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Meanwhile, the Wednesdays in the Park Concert Series continues its popular run at Wenonah Park in Bay City. These weekly shows offer everything from classical orchestras to contemporary cover bands, creating an inviting space for the community to enjoy summer evenings by the water.
Nature Activities for All
Nature lovers will find no shortage of outdoor adventures. The Chippewa Nature Center in Midland is hosting events such as birdwatching walks, kayaking trips, pollinator education sessions, and night-time firefly tours. These experiences aim to connect families with the region’s rich natural beauty while providing meaningful environmental education.
Local parks and nature preserves are also joining the seasonal celebration, offering guided hikes, kids’ discovery camps, and wildlife spotting activities throughout the summer months.
Pride Month Celebrations
June also marks Pride Month, and the Great Lakes Bay Region is embracing inclusivity and celebration. The community will come together for parades, family-friendly festivals, and cultural events that spotlight the LGBTQ+ community.
The highlight of these festivities is a large outdoor celebration in Saginaw that features vendor booths, entertainment stages, wellness activities, and youth zones. An after-party event will keep the celebration going into the night with live performances and DJ sets.
Other events include themed dance nights, art exhibits, and fundraising fitness sessions held across multiple cities in the region, providing something for everyone to enjoy while supporting diversity and equality.
Art, Culture, and Community
Art fairs and cultural festivals are in full swing this season. Bay City will host a riverside art festival showcasing dozens of artists, makers, and craftspeople. Attendees can explore handmade goods, paintings, sculpture, and interactive exhibits while enjoying food and entertainment.
Fashion takes center stage at a community tea and fashion show that raises funds for local scholarships. A youth-led fashion event will also highlight young talent in the region, giving budding designers and models a platform to shine.
Family and Educational Programs
Libraries across the region are launching summer reading initiatives aimed at keeping children engaged during the school break. Programs will include storytelling, science experiments, craft workshops, and visits from local artists and animals.
In Wheatland Township, a weekly youth program features writing sessions, games, and creativity-focused events. Many libraries have also partnered with local organizations to introduce food education, combining nutrition with reading through hands-on demonstrations and storytime.
Looking Ahead
Several major events are on the horizon:
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A large fireworks festival in early July will light up the sky with one of the biggest displays in Michigan.
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A community event supporting foster families will feature games, resources, and live music in late July.
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A wine tasting experience held in a corn maze will offer a unique twist on traditional harvest celebrations in early September.
With sunny days and warm nights ahead, the Great Lakes Bay Region offers a packed and inviting schedule of events that celebrate community, culture, and connection. Whether through music, learning, or outdoor fun, this summer is set to bring people together in meaningful and memorable ways.
