Calendar of Events

Folk Music Sundays
Sundays May 4, June 2, July 7, and August 4 from 4-6 p.m.
Toe-tappin' music by musicians from the Folk Music Socitiety of Midland will fill the air as you stroll through the Dow Gardens.

Enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, local honey, home-made baked goods and so much more at the Midland Farmers Market Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through October.

The Farmers Market is located at the foot of Ashman Street near the Tridge in Downtown Midland and is open from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, May thru October.

Interested in being a Farmers Market vendor? Contact the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce at (989) 839-9901.

The majority of these photos of plants, wildlife and scenery were taken in the local area. For over 65 years, the Midland Camera Club has been helping local photographers in Midland, Michigan become better at capturing images. Club members' interests range from simple basic techniques, such as off-set subjects, to more difficult issues on lighting and composition, and strives to help every photographer focus on improving. The club meets September through May. For details go to midlandcameraclub.tripod.com.

Free Admission

Tuesday Evenings

May 7th through June 4th

5:30-6:30pm

Darlene Cyr, who has been "slinging” henna for 5 years, will introduce you to the ancient art of henna: its sources, its use through the ages, and design variations from different traditions. You will practice techniques, and then create beautiful intricate designs on yourself. Please pre-register 4 days before each class for supply requisition.

Mon. May 20 / Tues. June 25 / Thurs. July 25 / Mon. Aug. 19
With cash discount: $22/$20 members each class, plus $8 material fee

Join Dennis Pilaske for an evening walk of sharing the stories and songs of the people who used to live on this land over a hundred years ago. We'll hike along the River Trail and through the Homestead, all the while exploring some of the historic features at the Nature Center.

Free Admission

So You Want to Publish Your Book? With Betty Meyette and Mike Somers

Authors Betty Meyette (Love’s Destiny and Love’s Spirit) and Mike Somers (Starved) will discuss their journeys to publication and offer suggestions that have helped them along the way. Included in this presentation will be tips for writing a query letter and a synopsis, resources available to writers, finding an agent, and the pros and cons of self-publishing. They will also discuss what agents/editors look for in the first few pages of a book, how to maintain point of view, and steps to writing effective dialogue.

With cash discount: $28/$25 members

Here's your chance to purchase ferns, trees, shrubs, vines and wildflowers that are native to Michigan. Plants that are propagated from native genotypes are easier to establish in your home landscape than non-native plants. We will have some of the most sought after species that are not readily available from local retailers. Come early for the best selection!

DAHLIA HILL SOCIETY TUBER SALE

Come to the Dahlia Hill Society & buy outstanding dahlia tubers grown in the Dahlia Hill garden. Hundreds of varieties available at below retail cost - $2 each or 6 for $10. Easy to grow - treat them as annuals to make your life easier. Expert volunteers are on hand to answer your questions. Open from 8am to 4pm. The Dahlia Hill Society of Midland, 2809 Orchard Dr, Midland (989)631-0100 or www.dahliahill.org

Catch baseball at the Dow Diamond when the Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers) host the Dayton Dragons (Reds), admission:

Saturday, May 25: 7:05 pm, Fireworks Night,

Sunday, May 26: 3:05 pm,

Monday, May 27: 3:05 pm

Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the Homestead Farm. Staff and volunteers will be on hand at our log cabin and one-room schoolhouse to answer your questions, give tours of the farm and teach lessons from long ago. Kids of all ages can help with chores, play traditional games and visit the farm animals. The Homestead and Schoolhouse will be open Sundays, May 26-September 1.

Free Admission

Come to Downtown Midland to remember our heroes and enjoy the Memorial Day parade, beginning at 10 am. Start your day with a breakfast at a Downtown eatery and after the parade enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of our many restaurants. Shop, dine and play in Downtown Midland.

One of the most captivating American heroes of this century – the courageous pilot who in January 2009 emergency landed US Airways Flight 1549 safely in the Hudson River – explores what it takes to lead and inspire. In his latest book, Making a Difference, the bestselling author engages some of the most accomplished individuals around the world, inspiring conversations on true leadership. “Sully” discusses what makes it possible for individuals to find the strength, skills and direction to lead others through crises – inspiring audiences to not only survive a crisis, but to thrive in the face of challenges. TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 15

Chippewa Nature Center has over 15 miles of trails, and each one provides unique opportunities to traverse different ecosystems. Join Tom Lenon, Director of Land and Facilities, as he leads a series of hikes to some of the outer trails of the property that many people never even get to. 

During the first of three hikes in the series, at the Wetlands Area, aquatic life will be the focus. This area also has a large open field of warm season grasses and wetland forested areas. During each of these hikes, Tom will also point out how these areas are being managed and what makes the areas special.

Additional Exploring CNC Trails Series hikes: June 26 and July 31

Free Admission

They took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all time, and now they’re together again in a one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music that defined the 60s! Don’t miss the top-shelf choreography, incredible harmonies and legendary onstage chemistry of these 4 stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys! Backed by an equally explosive live band, the foursome’s jump-to-your-feet show features top hits from Motown, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons and more. TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 15

What animals will you see when the sun goes down? Bring your flashlight and join CNC Educator Michelle Fournier to find out. We’ll be using flashlights along our hike to look for the glittery eyes of our nocturnal creatures both big and small.

Festival of the Senses
Friday, May 31, 2013

Save the date --and get your tickets early! Michigan wineries and breweries from all over the state will be in the Dow Gardens -where you can enjoy sampling their products right in a beautiful garden setting.  Tickets will be available on-line and at the Visitor Center in the spring.

The Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers) host the Lansing Lugnuts (Blue Jays) for exciting baseball at the Dow Diamond, admission: 

Friday, May 31: 7:05 pm,

Saturday, June 1: 7:05 pm, Fireworks night,

Sunday: June 2: 3:05 pm,

Monday, June 3: 7:05 pm