Traverse City Area Hosts Variety of Events This Weekend

From art exhibits to culinary experiences, northern Michigan has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

The Traverse City area is bustling with a wide range of events and activities this weekend, catering to diverse interests. Art enthusiasts can explore INteriors Exhibition at the Glen Arbor Arts Center, At Home at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, and Out of The Box - Elevated Cigar Boxes at the Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City. Food lovers can indulge in 2026 Harbor Springs Restaurant Week, the Chain-O-Lakes Culinary Experience in Elk Rapids, and Traverse City Restaurant Week. Nature and science fans can visit the Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College to see Trilobite Treasures and Twelve-By-Twelve exhibits.

Why it matters

This diverse lineup of events highlights the vibrant cultural and culinary scene in northern Michigan, offering something for everyone and showcasing the region's thriving arts, food, and tourism industries. These events not only provide entertainment and enrichment for locals and visitors but also contribute to the local economy and community.

The details

The INteriors Exhibition at the Glen Arbor Arts Center features artwork exploring the concept of interior spaces, while the At Home and On Ice exhibits at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey focus on themes of home and winter, respectively. The Out of The Box - Elevated Cigar Boxes exhibit at the Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City showcases unique artworks made from cigar boxes. The 2026 Harbor Springs Restaurant Week and Traverse City Restaurant Week offer diners the opportunity to explore the diverse culinary offerings in those areas, while the Chain-O-Lakes Culinary Experience in Elk Rapids highlights the region's culinary delights. The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College is hosting two exhibits: Trilobite Treasures, which explores the ancient marine creatures, and Twelve-By-Twelve, an exhibition featuring artwork created on 12-inch-by-12-inch canvases.

  • The events are taking place this weekend, February 25-27, 2026.
  • The INteriors Exhibition at the Glen Arbor Arts Center runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The At Home and On Ice exhibits at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The Out of The Box - Elevated Cigar Boxes exhibit at the Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • The 2026 Harbor Springs Restaurant Week, Chain-O-Lakes Culinary Experience, and Traverse City Restaurant Week all run from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The players

Glen Arbor Arts Center

A nonprofit arts organization that hosts various exhibitions and events in the Glen Arbor area.

Crooked Tree Arts Center

A multi-disciplinary arts center with locations in Petoskey and other northern Michigan communities, offering exhibitions, classes, and performances.

Higher Art Gallery

A contemporary art gallery in Traverse City that showcases the work of local and regional artists.

Dennos Museum Center

An art museum located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, featuring a variety of exhibitions and collections.

Northwestern Michigan College

A community college in Traverse City that houses the Dennos Museum Center and offers various educational and cultural programs.

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The takeaway

This weekend's diverse lineup of events in the Traverse City area highlights the region's thriving arts, food, and tourism industries, providing something for everyone to enjoy and explore. From art exhibits to culinary experiences, these events showcase the vibrant culture and community that northern Michigan has to offer.