This page lists current events on the Community Calendar.
October 2 & 3
A suspenseful psychological thriller and courtroom drama. Claudia is a high-priced call girl incarcerated on a charge for killing a violent "john". The court appointed psychiatrist and an aggressive prosecutor say she is unfit to stand trial. Testimony from experts, physicians and her parents dissects her psyche and childhood. Will the judge determine she's "nuts" or legally sane?
Location: Old Town Playhouse
Contact: OldTownPlayhouse.com/tickets
10/3/26 11am
What makes a work of art ICONIC? Very few works become renowned the world over. Art historian Andi Gerring, retired instructor at NCMC, NMC and Kendall College of Art & Design leads a discussion on specific examples to examine the reasons for their enduring fame.
Location: Peninsula Community Library
Contact: Peninsula Community Library
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Shady Lane Cellars estate winery will host Sunset Soiree, for PoWeR! Book Bags in an effort to support children's literacy and development initiatives. Attendees will enjoy live music by Rock Hat, wine, charcuterie, dessert and more - all while surrounding by breathtaking vineyard views. Tickets: https://www.powerbookbags.org/event-details/sunset-soiree-2
Location: Shady Lane Cellars
Contact: Kara Gregory
10/3/2026 2pm-3:30pm
Join Skegemog Raptor Center in partnership with TADL for an engaging program exploring how hunters and outdoor stewards can help keep Michigan's eagles healthy for the future. As a special highlight our bald eagle education ambassador will make a live appearance, offering an up-close look at the beauty and resilience of these remarkable birds.
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
Oct 5, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
The League of Women Voters - Grand Traverse Area will be hosting a candidate forum for the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) board candidates. This free event is presented to candidates an opportunity to explain their qualifications for this public office, and how they would deal with the issues facing Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Location: Traverse Main Library
Contact: 231-714-9763
10/7/2026 6:30pm-7:30pm
Like gothic horror, or interested in learning more? Author Jeff Vande Zande will be here to talk about the history and elements of this popular genre and read from his most recent novel, Coven of the Worm Moon. This program will also be live-streamed on the library's YouTube channel: TADLnotjustbooks.
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
October 8, 2026, 5:30-7:00 pm
Join The Kingsley Folk School for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle, Everyone Has a Story. Come and share real moments from your life, told to connect, laugh, reflect. Held the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Kingsley Branch Library. Event is free and open to all. Call the Library at 231-263-5484 with questions.
Location: Kingsley Branch Library
Contact: Kingsley Branch Library
10/8/2026 7pm-8:30pm
Join TADL and Michigan Humanities as they kick off the Great Michigan Gathering with an event featuring Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. This is the first event in a series. This launch party event will be livestreamed in the McGuire Room from its location in Lansing.
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
October 10th, 2026 at 9am
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Location: Open Space Park Traverse City
Contact: Kristen Weber 231.714.6736
10/10/26 10am-3pm
Shop the Friends of PCL Art Sale where local artisans offer their work for you and gifting!
Location: Peninsula Community Library
Contact: Peninsula Community Library
October 9 to 11, 2026
Wash your cares away with this musical play full of country favorites from Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood and more as two laundresses of life join forces to turn their good ol' laundromat into a bootscootin' honky-tonk and exact a touch of revenge against those that done em wrong. Presented by Old Town Playhouse at Milliken Auditorium.
Location: Milliken Auditorium
Contact: OldTownPlayhouse.com/tickets
10/12/2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
Can you escape?
Adult Escape Room adventure, prior experience not required, but highly encouraged as this is a tough adventure. Be prepared for a puzzling time!
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
10/12/26 3:30-5:30pm
Just in time for your cozy reading ahead, make a special bookmark. Workshop for adults. All materials provided. RSVP.
Location: Peninsula Community Library
Contact: Peninsula Community Library
10/13/26 10am-12pm
Join Kellie Chase to transform fabrics into patchwork quilts for kids facing serious trauma. RSVP.
Location: Peninsula Community Library
Contact: Peninsula Community Library
10/13/2026 6:30pm-7:30pm
Learn how use an Instant Pot with TADL's own Scott Morey to make a variety of delicious tailgate dishes to enjoy at the next big game. Program will include cooking demonstrations and free samples!
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
10/14/2026 6pm-7:30pm
We invite you to join us in person or virtually using this link to register for Zoom. The program will be recorded for anyone unable to attend and accessible through the Traverse Area District Library's YouTube channel approximately 2-3 business days after the event.
Location: Traverse Area District Library
Contact: ask@tadl.org
August 27 - October 15, 2026
Created by artist Mary E. Burns, this free exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.
Location: Petoskey District Library
Contact: Petoskey District Library 231-758-3100
October 17, 2026 11 am to 2 pm
Meet available pets on Saturday, October 17 from 11 am to 2 pm at Serra Subaru in Traverse City. Bring a donation on the 17th for the shelter pets of dog food, treats, cleaning supplies or cash and receive a pumpkin. If you can't be there on the 17th, items can be delivered to Serra any day in October.
Location: Serra Subaru 1747 Garfield TC
Contact: Linda Gottwald
October 17, 2026 7:00pm
Frank Ettawageshik, an Indigenous leader experienced in tribal leadership and Great Lakes environmental stewardship, will present Being at Peace in Our Environment. The 21st annual lecture is free and open to the public.
Location: Trinity Church, Northport
Contact: Joe Thatcher; trinucc2@yahoo.com
10/19/26 6:30-7:30pm
Come share your ideas and suggestions for your community library. We want to hear what you have to say! Dessert included!
Location: Peninsula Community Library
Contact: Peninsula Community Library
October 23 to 31
When her sister falls ill with a mysterious disease, Lucy and her fianc© Jonathan enlist the help of a famed female vampire hunter to find the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula. This lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, gender-bending romp is what would happen if the legendary vampire tale was put into a blender with Mel Brooks and Monty Python!
Location: Old Town Playhouse
Contact: OldTownPlayhouse.com/tickets