On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Great Lakes Bay Region welcomed the height of summer with a dynamic array of community activities that blended environmental education, local culture, and volunteer engagement.
At the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, families and outdoor enthusiasts took part in a wide range of nature-focused programs. Among the most popular was bird banding, where visitors observed the gentle capture and tagging of birds for scientific tracking before releasing them back into the wild. Children and adults alike marveled at close encounters with hummingbirds and other local species. The center also hosted guided forest walks and forest therapy sessions, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Kayak and canoe outings along the Chippewa River gave participants a chance to learn about local habitats while watching for wildlife such as herons, turtles, hawks, and even bald eagles. These programs continue throughout August and into the fall, offering a mix of recreation and ecological learning.
Downtown Midland prepared to host the popular River Days Festival from July 31 to August 3. The event, organized by the Midland Area Community Foundation in partnership with Rivers are Life and other local groups, began with a community river cleanup. Volunteers gathered along the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers to remove trash both on foot and by canoe. Following this environmental effort, the festival featured an exciting lineup of hot air balloon launches, evening balloon glows, paddle trips, silent discos, a taco-eating contest, food trucks, and a variety of children’s activities. Live music performances by regional acts, including Atomic Annie and Tony Thompson & Friends, set the tone for evening celebrations. The event also featured a special podcast recording by Max Loves Midland, featuring a conversation with a Chippewa Nature Center representative.
The region’s music calendar has been especially vibrant this season. “Tunes by the Tridge” brought Thursday evening concerts to life near the iconic wooden bridge at the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers. Acts ranged from classic rock and Americana to zydeco and Motown tribute bands. Similar energy was found at the “Commons Live Music Series,” which offered weekend performances through September. Bay City added to the rhythm with its “Wednesdays in the Park” series, where crowds enjoyed tribute acts and family-friendly concerts in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Beyond festivals and concerts, the Great Lakes Bay Region hosted a variety of community-based events that emphasized togetherness and local pride. Fosterpalooza, held earlier in July, celebrated foster families with games, agency exhibits, and free food. Storytelling sessions, art workshops, car shows, and seasonal programs provided opportunities for residents of all ages to connect, learn, and contribute. Looking ahead, The Grape Escape, a wine-tasting event uniquely set in a corn maze, is scheduled for early September and is expected to draw a strong turnout.
Altogether, the summer lineup showcases the region’s commitment to accessible, family-oriented programming that enhances both quality of life and community engagement. Whether through exploring local rivers, enjoying live music under the stars, participating in educational workshops, or volunteering for environmental causes, residents are finding meaningful ways to celebrate the season together.