The countdown to spring is on! Whether you want to dance an Irish jig, explore your favorite trail, or simply breathe some fresh air, Sleeping Bear Dunes is about to start stirring after a long winter slumber.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore makes opting outside easy with nearly 100 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. The springtime fun kicks off with St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness followed by Spring Break, Easter, and Mother’s Day.
Don your green and join the craic! C’mon up for shamrocks and shenanigans over the next couple of weekends. Who knows… Maybe you’ll spot a rainbow and find a pot of gold.
Green beer and Irish cheer
The surrounding communities of Glen Arbor, Frankfort, Suttons Bay, Northport, and Traverse City have lively local pubs serving up Irish cuisine, drink specials, and festive music. Hit your favorite local winery or watering hole for green beer and basketball on the big screen.
Join fellow St. Patrick’s Day revelers at the 2026 Traverse City Saint Patrick’s Parade, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Bun Brady Division), at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in downtown Traverse City.
MiddleCoast Brewing opens at 9 a.m. for festivities, with the parade lineup beginning at 1 p.m. The event features Irish dancers, community groups, and festive floats in a celebration of “up north” Irish culture that dates back to 1978.
The city also hosts the Leapin' Leprechaun 5K on March 14, and spectators are welcome to cheer on the racers in downtown Traverse City.
The Little Traverse Inn in Maple City is one of the best bets in the region to hold up a Guinness and shout “sláinte” among friends (or strangers). This hidden gem is known for hosting traditional Irish music sessions and other shenanigans, with special events leading up to St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
The Wild Sullys will perform 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Described as “The best and only way to kick off your St Patrick’s celebration,” visit the Inn for wonderful Irish Morph music, bagpipes and all, plus a special St. Patrick’s menu.
On Tuesday, March 17, come out and celebrate Ireland’s patron Saint in style with live Irish music and a full Irish menu. Bring your dancing shoes, raise a glass of Guinness or Jameson, and recite your favorite Irish blessing!
During the month of March, Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate will offer a seasonal dish—The Dublin Bowl—featuring Louie’s corned beef and other local ingredients. The fifth-generation farm is highlighting its heritage and family history. The Gallagher family were early pioneers of NoMI cherry farming. Rove will feature a new signature white blend—fíona rúnda—which is Gaelic for “wine secret.”
Movies for rainy days
March means we’ve made it—brighter days are ahead. And while the official start of spring is March 20, northern Michigan is known for its moody weather.
There are plenty of ways to rally the kids or friends for an indoor outing if the weather is iffy. Both Suttons Bay and Frankfort have downtown movie theaters and libraries.
The Garden Theater’s Dark & Stormcloudy Film & Beer Series continues this weekend with a matinee of “Last Stop in Yuma County.” Every month, The Garden shows a free classic film as part of its Garden Classic Movies series and “The Quiet Man” is up next at 6 p.m. March 17.
Elvis fans can unite at The Bay Theatre and The Garden Theater for “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” at various times next week. This documentary, directed by Baz Luhrman, follows Elvis Presley and features never-before-seen footage and recordings.
Experience EPiC on the big screen March 15-19 at The Bay Theatre and March 20-22 at The Garden Theater. View the complete list of upcoming movies and events at gardentheater.org and thebaytheatre.org.
Art, libraries and live entertainment
Frankfort’s Oliver Art Center opens its newest exhibit “CONSTRUCTED” on Saturday, March 14 in the Beck and Borwell Galleries, followed by “BLOOM!” on April 3 in the Fisher Room Gallery.
“CONSTRUCTED” features more than a dozen artists and celebrates themes of “construction” through the unique mediums of furniture, paper, and fiber. The opening reception runs 5-7 p.m. March 14 with refreshments and free admission. Artists’ Talk will be held at 2 p.m. April 18. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org
In Leland, a special exhibit honoring the work of Leelanau County local and master artist Charles Passarelli is on display at the Old Art Building. Passarelli creates work in the mediums of watercolor, oil, pastel, acrylic, mixed media, and wood carving.
The exhibit, “Charles Passarelli: A Legacy of Artistic Exploration,” is open weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through March 25 with free admission. oldartbuilding.com
Catch the first glimpse of Glen Arbor Arts Center’s annual “Members Create” exhibit at the opening reception 5-7 p.m. March 20. This popular exhibit showcases GAAC members, whose work often reflects the region’s natural beauty, and runs March 20-May 28 in the center’s Main Gallery. Peruse an array of 2D + 3D media including: clay, collage, fiber, mixed media, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and more. glenarborart.org
Looking ahead to spring break, community libraries in Empire, Leland, Suttons Bay and Frankfort have free programs for children and adults. The Benzie Shores District Library will present Frankfort Back in the Day: A Look at the Carferries 11 a.m.-noon on March 26.
If you want to unplug your children (or yourself) from electronics, head out for a hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The park has roughly 100 miles of hiking trails, featuring diverse terrain from sandy dunes to forested, high-bluff overlooks.
And turn them onto the arts while enjoying affordable and family-friendly entertainment at Interlochen Center for the Arts. The arts academy offers student-led performances in music, theatre, and dance and professional productions throughout the year. View upcoming performances at interlochen.org.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area.