Summer in the County is full of activities and events, but don’t let May and June get away from you, either. Here’s a preview of what’s to come in the next two months.

May 13 Farmers Market, Suttons Bay
The best way to share the bounty from area farmers, with everything from greens and vegetables to eggs, meat, mushrooms, flowers and more. The season kicks off in Suttons Bay starting a week from tomorrow, then every Saturday, at St. Joseph Street on the north end of the village. Next up is Glen Arbor (behind the Glen Arbor Township Hall at 6394 W. Western Ave.), starting Tuesday, June 6 and subsequent Tuesdays. Then Leland on Thursdays starting June 8 in the Bluebird parking lot in downtown Leland. That’s followed by Northport on Bay Street across from the marina on Fridays starting June 9, and Empire on Saturdays on Front Street next to the post office, kicking off June 10.

May 15 Kora master Sean Gaskell, Glen Lake Library
When Sean Gaskell first heard the kora, a 21-string harp from West Africa, he was smitten. “I heard a live performance 17 years ago and fell in love with the sound,” he says. So much so that he spent three months in Gambia learning how to play it, absorbing the style and the stories passed along by the kora masters, or “griots.” On May 15 he returns to the Glen Lake Library in Empire to showcase the songs and stories he learned on that and subsequent trips.

May 18-21 Leelanau BirdFest
This festival features several different field trips to sites across the county, where birders can see nesting Piping Plovers, Magnolia Warblers, flycatchers, vireos, sandpipers and many other birds, as well as native plants. The event includes two buffet dinners and a keynote presentation from Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr., author of Solid Air, Invisible Killer: Saving Billions of Birds from Windows. Click here for more.

May 19-21 Experience Leelanau, Leelanau Wine Trail
Eleven wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail will showcase a mix of activities and experiences, from local cuisine and wine pairings to cooking demonstrations, live music and vineyard tours. Tickets here. 

May 24 Leelanau Children’s Center annual golf outing
Hit the links and contribute to the Leelanau Children’s Center at its 26th Annual LCC Golf Scramble at the Leland Country Club. Registration and lunch at noon, shotgun start at 1, with an after Par-Tee at Bogey’s. Tickets here.

May 27 Leland Air 2023, Old Art Building
The 11th annual Leland Air Plein Air Exhibition And Sale kicks off on Saturday, May 27, when artists will paint and draw scenes around Leelanau County “en plein air.” The finished “fresh off the easel” pieces will return to the OAB for the Leland Air Exhibit with an opening reception that night at 6:30pm. The exhibit will feature some 40 artists from across the county and the state. All artwork is available for sale. Tickets for the opening reception are $30. The exhibit runs through June 1 and is otherwise free and open to the public.

May 27 Star Party, Sleeping Bear Dunes
Join rangers and volunteers to experience the starry night sky. National parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and provide an excellent opportunity to experience this endangered resource. A drop-in telescope and information stations are available; bring a flashlight and binoculars, as well as insect repellent, beach chairs, and blankets for a more comfortable experience. Free with a park entrance pass. 

June 10 Leland Wine and Food Festival
The Leland Lodge will again host the event featuring wines from 13 local wineries, food from some of the county’s favorite eateries and live music. The VIP Experience includes an exclusive Reserve Tasting in The Leland Lodge Wine Cellar, with reserve wines from each participating winery paired with an artisanal cheese experience from the Cheese Lady. “Come & Go” re-entry wristbands allow patrons to explore Leland’s beaches, shops, galleries, and Fishtown, and then return for more fun. Go here for tickets.

June 10 Rock The Light 5K & 10K — Traverse City Track Club
The races start and finish at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Gift Shop inside Leelanau State Park in Northport. Runners, walkers, strollers and dogs are welcome at the 5K. The 10K is chip-timed by Epic Race Timing, Inc. Ten-year age group awards for the top three finishers in each age group will be available under the tent after the race. Register here.

June 12-25 PULSE musicians in residence, Glen Arbor
The PULSE saxophone quartet is again serving as the musicians in residence for the Glen Arbor Art Center’s Manitou Music. The group will be popping up across the area for impromptu shows, as well as scheduled performances June 16 at 7pm at the Glen Arbor Arts Center front porch and at the Leelanau School Beach at 7 pm on June 22. The shows are free of charge; more info here.

June 16 Summer Artisan Art & Wine Walk, Suttons Bay
It’s billed as the kickoff to summer, and who are we to argue? It’s another way to sample Leelanau wines as you visit participating shops throughout Suttons Bay and meet local artists. Stroll through town from 5-9pm, watching live art demonstrations and hearing live music. Get your walking guide stamped at each store for a chance to win one of two $160 gift certificates. More here.

June 20 Senior Expo, Suttons Bay High School
More than 100 vendors will be showcasing the latest resources for seniors from 10am to 2pm. Learn about volunteer and employment opportunities throughout the county, hear information from Veterans Affairs, get your blood pressure checked, or enjoy a Taste of Leelanau (samples from local restaurants). Members of various county departments will also be on hand. Learn more here.

June 24 Schooner Alliance Arrival Celebration
Join the Inland Seas Education Association at 10 Dame Street from 11am-3pm in welcoming the schooner Alliance to Suttons Bay. This free celebration will include food, music, activities, and deck tours of the schooner. Join in as Alliance sails into her new home port alongside the flagship vessel Inland Seas.