Take a free nature hike with a naturalist at the Grass River Natural Area.  Our destination is the open field on the Glacial Plain trail where we'll check out the bluebird houses that are part of a national monitoring project.  On the way we'll look at the flora and fauna along these less traveled trails.  Please call the GRNA office at (231) 533-8314 with any questions.

Family friendly poetry, storytelling and music are featured at this unique outdoor amphitheater every Saturday.  Poet bard Terry Wooten will host the gatherings beginning at 9 PM around the fire.  Sit under the canopy of stars perched on a boulder, or bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the ever-changing variety of entertainment that is woven throughout the evening.  Stone Circle is located 10 miles north of Elk Rapids off US 31.  Turn east off US 31 on to Stone Circle Drive then follow the signs. There is a $4 donation for adults, $2 for kids 12 and under.

Each Thursday, Alden hosts "Thursday Night Evening Stroll" featuring different street entertainers each week.  Relax and stroll each week, shops and restaurants stay open late for visitor's enjoyment.  Call Jeanne Peeples at (231) 331-4200 for more information.

Crescent Woods is announcing the second season of family friendly entertainment on 6 Friday nights.  These Friday nights by fire light will present a wide range of singing, storytelling, drumming, dancing, poetry reading, and some of the best talent in the Grand Traverse Area to present these entertainments.  Crescent Woods is the outdoor amphitheater behind Unity Church of Traverse City.  It is housed in the woods surrounding the area and next to the labyrinth called Sacred Steps.  The amphitheater has an outdoor ambience with lanterns, slabs to sit on with cushions, star light and two fire pits.  People may want to bring a chair.

Mary Anne Rivers will headline the opening night July 9.  The Happy Our, a barbershop quartet, will also perform.

David Ginsberg will speak on July 16.  Singer Kelly Curtis will be accompanied by her son Liam on his guitar.  Kelly Hall a jazz and blues singer will perform and other poets will top off that night.

July 23 will be planned and executed by and with young people.  There will be representatives of the Traverse City Children's Theatre as well as children of the area performing.  Louis Rodriquez, Sage Ringsmuth and Angela Christie will be arranging for several of the area children and young people to perform.  There will also be a sing a long and audience participation.

July 30 will feature Libby Robold and Crystal Yarlott.  The Sweet Adeline's quartet Esprit de Four will perform that evening along with several poets and readers.

The Cherry Blossom Ramblers, a family group, will be entertaining on August 6, along with a series of numbers by a drumming group and some Middle Eastern Dancers.  There will also be poetry readings and sing a longs.

August 13 - Finishing off the season will be a performance by Mark Twain.  He will be sponsored and assisted by attorney Dean Robb.  Sashay, a Sweet Adeline's quartet will join other musicians and poets to round out the season.

A suggested donation of $5 for adults and $10 for families will be collected.

Enjoy music in downtown Bellaire.

Jazz, art, food and fun will fill East Front Street when Downtown Traverse City kicks off its 2009 series of Friday Night Live on July 23.  Held each Friday, from 5:30 - 9:00 PM, through August 27.  Downtown's popular community block party features a full slate of music, entertainment, food, demonstrations and family activities along the 100 and 200 blocks of East Front Street.  For more information call (231) 922-2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.

KidzArt will be offering their inspiring program in a series of mini-camps Wednesday, July 28th through Saturday, July 31st of this year's film festival. Sessions are offered in 3-hour blocks that coincide with the festival film schedule.  KidzArt students will gain valuable skills, have fun, and feel uplifted as their confidence soars through a drawing-based art education program. Students (ages 6 & Up) will produce original works of art, complimented with artistic projects and exposure to many mediums while enhancing creative expression in all areas. The sessions are non-repeating so families can sign up throughout the festival, and the cost is $15 per session. You must be pre-registered.  Space is limited so sign up today at www.kidzartMI.com or call Sue Olson 231.421.1222. No experience is necessary and we provide all the supplies.