Central Michigan Events & Local Deals this Weekend: May 15 - May 17, 2026

Spring is finally showing off in Central Michigan, and this weekend is packed with affordable family fun, community events, and local treasures worth exploring! Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors, discover unique finds at local markets, meet authors, swap puzzles, or simply enjoy a free activity with the kids, there’s something happening across the region for everyone. Grab your calendar and start planning your May 15th through May 17th adventures!

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Go for a Bird Walk at the Chippewa Nature Center, 8 - 10 am or at Halls Lake Natural Area in Isabella County at 9 am - Enjoy the opportunity to walk out in nature, looking for birds migrating this time of year.

Yoders Amish Quilt Auction and Flea Market, 8 am - 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday too!) - This annual event is a must-attend if you've never been before! Entrance is free while parking is only $1. Come and check out beautiful Amish-made quilts and shop over 400 vendors! Ice cream available too.

Story in the Park, 5 pm at the Missaukee County Park in Lake City - Enjoy an evening of stories, a craft and park time!

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

McGuirk's FREE Family Sand Day! in Mt. Pleasant - Stop by and load up sand for your sandbox at no cost to you or your family. While there, stop by Outskirts Cafe for $1 hot dogs and $1 soft serve ice cream. Sand available while supplies last.

Save on Used Books at the Gladwin Library Spring Book Sale, 12 pm - 4:30 pm - Okay, technically this event kicks off on the 13th, but if you haven't stopped by for great deals on gently used books, you won't want to miss this final day of the sale.

Swap Your Gently Used Puzzle at LiveOak Coffee House in Midland, 2 pm - Ready to try out a new puzzle without spending any money? Bring your gently used puzzles and swap them for other peoples gently used puzzles! There will be giveaways too!

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Sleepy Dog Books Author Event, 1-3 pm - Stop by Sleepy Dog Books in Downtown Mt. Pleasant to meet author Dominic Thrasher, who will be debuting book number three of his The Adventures of CeCe and the Sherriff series.

Grow Your Own Microgreens, 2 pm - Join the Chippewa River District Library and learn how to grow your own microgreens at this family-friendly event! Registration is required for this event.

No matter your budget, weekends in Central Michigan are full of opportunities to make memories, support local communities, and discover something new close to home. From flea markets and book sales to family events and nature walks, this weekend proves you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot to have a great time. Be sure to check event details before heading out and enjoy all the fun our region has to offer this weekend!