EVENTS
Queer Business Owner Roundtable
We’re bringing together a group of Queer business owners, founders, and a few values-aligned allies for a candid, relationship-focused conversation about what it’s like to build and lead a business in our region right now.
This meeting will be virtual. Click this link to join
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
🌈Partners of Trans Peer-to-Peer Meetup
Come for conversation and support at this relaxed peer-to-peer meetup for people dating, partnered with, or married to trans and gender-diverse individuals. Share, listen, and build community with others who get it.
This month’s meeting will be in the Crow’s Nest meeting room (3rd floor) at Commongrounds.
🫶The Venture Out Project: Lakeshore Sunset Hike
Do you want to make an unforgettable Summer memory? Do you want to discover your new favorite hidden gem hiking trail (and promise to only tell cool people)? Then join TVOP Volunteer Krista on a sunset hike that will take you through forests, meadows, and eventually to breathtaking sunset views of Lake Michigan that will leave you the envy of everyone you know.
7pm meet at trailhead, 7:15, welcome circle, 7:20-8:40 hike, 8:45 closing circle
Find more event details at ventureoutproject.com
🌈Tarot Workshop
Not a lecture nor review of meanings, but a collaborative exploration of tarot for self-care and inspiration. Decks and books by queer creators available to interact with. Bring pen and paper and your curiosity!
🫶Lambda AA Meeting
LAMBDA Alcoholics Anonymous is an “open” meeting designed to meet the needs of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face substance abuse challenges.
LAMBDA AA is the oldest, continuously running, queer-friendly AA meeting in northwest lower Michigan, with references going back to the 1980’s. Our members include “old-timers” with decades of clean and sober living, and newcomers clean and sober for their first day.
We offer a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Learn how a clean and sober lifestyle can change your entire outlook on life.
If you’re ready to explore a clean and sober lifestyle, please join us. We meet every:
Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 in a safe and caring environment at the Crow’s Nest Meeting Room in Commongrounds, 414 8th Street, Traverse City
Saturday morning, 11:00 am- 12:00pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St, Traverse City. This meeting is a hybrid meeting with Zoom capability. Zoom connect information is: Meeting ID 555 946 8823, PW 62
🌈🤝The Open Page: A Queer Writers Circle
The Open Page: A Queer Writers Circle is a monthly writing group hosted in collaboration with Up North Pride and The Folded Leaf. This circle is designed for LGBTQ+ writers, questioning creatives, and allies who are looking for a soft, supportive place to write, explore, and connect.
Each gathering begins with a short prompt inspired by queer literature, memory, identity, place, imagination, or joy. From there, participants will have quiet writing time followed by optional sharing. You do not need to be an experienced writer to attend, and you never have to read aloud. Poems, fiction, essays, memoir, journaling, letters, fragments, and unfinished thoughts are all welcome here.
🌈Art Meet Up
Join us for an Art Meet Up! Bring your own art project and enjoy a creative evening with friends.
And if you don’t have an art project, just bring yourself and a smile!
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
🤝Elev8 Climbing Meetup: Queer Night
A climbing meetup for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Details:
Friday 5pm-7pm
$15 in advance / $20 day of event
Rentals are included!
Free for members
The meetup kicks off with some light instruction and challenges/goals, and is followed by a couple hours of climbing, socializing and having fun while building relationships and expanding your comfort zone!
**Purchase our "Climb Together" shirt to wear at these meetups. Wear the shirt to Rare Bird after climbing to receive 15% off your tab!
🫶Lambda AA Meeting
LAMBDA Alcoholics Anonymous is an “open” meeting designed to meet the needs of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face substance abuse challenges.
LAMBDA AA is the oldest, continuously running, queer-friendly AA meeting in northwest lower Michigan, with references going back to the 1980’s. Our members include “old-timers” with decades of clean and sober living, and newcomers clean and sober for their first day.
We offer a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Learn how a clean and sober lifestyle can change your entire outlook on life.
If you’re ready to explore a clean and sober lifestyle, please join us. We meet every:
Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 in a safe and caring environment at the Crow’s Nest Meeting Room in Commongrounds, 414 8th Street, Traverse City
Saturday morning, 11:00 am- 12:00pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St, Traverse City. This meeting is a hybrid meeting with Zoom capability. Zoom connect information is: Meeting ID 555 946 8823, PW 62
🌈Parent Support Group
Open to parents of LGBTQ+ identifying children of any age as well as parents that identify as LGBTQ+ themselves. Connect with other families, share experiences, find out about available resources, and more!
Thanks to support from Rotary Charities, we are able to offer childcare during these group meetups so you are welcome to bring the kiddos along with you and not worry about a babysitter!
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
🌈LGBTQ+ Senior Coffee Morning
Start the morning off with a cup of Higher Grounds coffee with our monthly LGBTQ+ Seniors Coffee Morning!
This month’s coffee hour will be held at The Crows Nest Meeting Room, 3rd floor of Commongrounds (414 E Eighth Street)
🌈Game Night!
Join us for our monthly game night! Try out a new game, play a classic favorite, or bring a game of your own!
All ages welcome.
🫶Lambda AA Meeting
LAMBDA Alcoholics Anonymous is an “open” meeting designed to meet the needs of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face substance abuse challenges.
LAMBDA AA is the oldest, continuously running, queer-friendly AA meeting in northwest lower Michigan, with references going back to the 1980’s. Our members include “old-timers” with decades of clean and sober living, and newcomers clean and sober for their first day.
We offer a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Learn how a clean and sober lifestyle can change your entire outlook on life.
If you’re ready to explore a clean and sober lifestyle, please join us. We meet every:
Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 in a safe and caring environment at the Crow’s Nest Meeting Room in Commongrounds, 414 8th Street, Traverse City
Saturday morning, 11:00 am- 12:00pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St, Traverse City. This meeting is a hybrid meeting with Zoom capability. Zoom connect information is: Meeting ID 555 946 8823, PW 62
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
🫶The Venture Out Project: Lunar Eclipse & Stargazing
What's more queer than watching a lunar eclipse on a Thursday night? Doing it with (potentially new) friends!
Come hang out with TVOP Volunteer Krista as we watch the moon hit 96% totality and share our constellation knowledge along the way. Bring blankets and snacks, and we'll have a celestial picnic!
7pm meet at trailhead, 7:15, welcome circle, 7:20-8:40 hike, 8:45 closing circle
Find more event details at ventureoutproject.com
Pride Week: QUEERStory Storytelling
QUEERStory Storytelling
Queerstory is a live storytelling show where we can reconnect through the hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes horrifying stories that tell life’s many truths. This special edition, paired with Up North Pride, will feature storytellers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
House opens at 6:30pm. Event starts at 7pm.
Pride Week: Sign Making Party & Pride Happy Hour
Join Up North Pride at The Little Fleet for our annual Sign Making Party and Pride Happy Hour!
The Sign Making Party is your chance to make a statement and prepare for the Pride Visibility March on Saturday.
Pride Week: Comedy Night
Laugh the night away for our SIXTH annual Up North Pride’s Comedy Night!
What started as a small event has grown to be a fan favorite for many. This year’s event will be hosted by The State Theater and will feature Tilt Improv and other local and regional acts!
Check back soon for tickets and more details.
The Intimi Affair
Get ready for a night you won’t forget at the Intimi Affair, an unapologetically inclusive lingerie fashion show — where the only thing more scandalous than the outfits might be the faces you see on the runway!
Details and ticket information coming soon!
Pride Week: Visibility Rally & March, Resource Fair, Drag Show & Silent Disco!
Pride Week wraps up with the biggest Pride Celebration in Northern Michigan!
The excitement starts at the Visibility Rally before we take to the streets for the Pride March through downtown along Front Street to the Open Space Park.
Immediately following the Rally and March, the Resource Fair will take place at the Open Space Park, where local non-profits and area service providers will be on-hand to share info about the services and support they provide for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The fun continues with the Drag Show starting at 6pm featuring our favorite queens and kings from around the state!
Dance with us under the stars at the Silent Disco beginning at 10pm!
Trans Day of Remembrance Luminary Walk
Join us November 20th for our Trans Day of Remembrance Luminary Walk to honor the trans lives lost to violence this year.
Check back soon for additional details and location information.
🫶Lambda AA Meeting
LAMBDA Alcoholics Anonymous is an “open” meeting designed to meet the needs of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face substance abuse challenges.
LAMBDA AA is the oldest, continuously running, queer-friendly AA meeting in northwest lower Michigan, with references going back to the 1980’s. Our members include “old-timers” with decades of clean and sober living, and newcomers clean and sober for their first day.
We offer a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Learn how a clean and sober lifestyle can change your entire outlook on life.
If you’re ready to explore a clean and sober lifestyle, please join us. We meet every:
Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 in a safe and caring environment at the Crow’s Nest Meeting Room in Commongrounds, 414 8th Street, Traverse City
Saturday morning, 11:00 am- 12:00pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St, Traverse City. This meeting is a hybrid meeting with Zoom capability. Zoom connect information is: Meeting ID 555 946 8823, PW 62
🫶Queer Fiber Arts Club
A casual meet up to work on fiber arts projects in community. Fiber arts include things like embroidery, knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, and more!
This month’s Fiber Arts Club will be meeting at Artemis Books
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Petoskey
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts rooftop terrace as the sun sets and the music and dance come alive. Enjoy cocktails from the bar as live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations. Limited number of tickets available, so don't delay!
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Traverse City
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at the Traverse City Open Space for this FREE performance. Live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. Bring your own blankets and chairs, and arrive early to secure your spot. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
🤝TC Roller Derby Triple-Header!
On August 1st, Traverse City’s Civic Center will play host to Traverse City Roller Derby’s action-packed triple-header!
Tickets to this event will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door. We accept cash and card. Kids 12 and under get in FREE with an adult.
3pm - Juniors Mixed Scrimmage
5pm - TCRD A vs Windy City C
7pm - TCRD B vs Windy City D
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Charlevoix
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at the Odmark Performance Pavilion in Charlevoix, MI, for this FREE performance. Live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. A free kids’ dance class will take place on the lawn at 6:30. Bring your own blankets and chairs, and arrive early to secure your spot. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
This week meet up will be in the Crow’s Nest meeting room, 3rd floor of Commongrounds.
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Frankfort
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at The Garden Theater in Frankfort, MI, for this FREE performance. Live music begins at 7:00 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. First-come, first-served seating—no advance tickets required; arrive early! We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
🫶Lambda AA Meeting
LAMBDA Alcoholics Anonymous is an “open” meeting designed to meet the needs of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face substance abuse challenges.
LAMBDA AA is the oldest, continuously running, queer-friendly AA meeting in northwest lower Michigan, with references going back to the 1980’s. Our members include “old-timers” with decades of clean and sober living, and newcomers clean and sober for their first day.
We offer a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Learn how a clean and sober lifestyle can change your entire outlook on life.
If you’re ready to explore a clean and sober lifestyle, please join us. We meet every:
Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 in a safe and caring environment at the Crow’s Nest Meeting Room in Commongrounds, 414 8th Street, Traverse City
Saturday morning, 11:00 am- 12:00pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St, Traverse City. This meeting is a hybrid meeting with Zoom capability. Zoom connect information is: Meeting ID 555 946 8823, PW 62
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Bellaire
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at Short’s Brewing Company Beer Garden in Bellaire, MI, for this FREE event. Live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
Visit tcdanceproject.orgfor more
🫶🏻Queer Paddle boarding/Kayaking Meetup!
On Saturday July 25th, bring your paddle board or kayak for a summertime meetup at Clinch Park Boat Ramp. Plan to be in the water at 5pm.
Don’t have paddle board or kayak? Rentals are available on site until 7pm.
We strongly encourage all participants to wear a PFD and observe all water safety rules.
Hope to see you there!
🫶TCDP Summer Tour: Kalkaska
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us for this FREE performance, featuring a guest appearance by Fitch’s School of Dance and a free kids’ dance class at 3:00 PM before the show. Live music begins at 3:00 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 4:00 PM. Arrive early to secure a seat under the pavilion! We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
Visit tcdanceproject.org for more
*Rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, updates will be provided three hours prior to start of performance.
🤝TC Roller Derby Cherry Rumble Royale Day
Join us for our annual Cherry Rumble Royale day of Roller Derby Mixed Scrimmages!
Spectator tickets will be available day-of. We accept cash, card, and tap to pay.
$12 at the door, kids 12 and under get in FREE with an adult.
3pm - Juniors Mixed Scrimmage
5pm - All Gender Scrimmage
7pm - Rookie Scrimmage
Hangry’s concessions, Right Brain beer, and Amoritas cider available.
🌈Boot - Scootin' Line Dance Night
***Please note that this month’s event will take place at Friendship Community Center in Suttons Bay
🌈Parent Support Group
Open to parents of LGBTQ+ identifying children of any age as well as parents that identify as LGBTQ+ themselves. Connect with other families, share experiences, find out about available resources, and more!
Thanks to support from Rotary Charities, we are able to offer childcare during these group meetups so you are welcome to bring the kiddos along with you and not worry about a babysitter!
🌈Game Night!
Join us for our monthly game night! Try out a new game, play a classic favorite, or bring a game of your own!
All ages welcome.
🌈LGBTQ+ Senior Coffee Morning
Start the morning off with a cup of Higher Grounds coffee with our monthly LGBTQ+ Seniors Coffee Morning!
This month’s coffee hour will be held at The Crows Nest Meeting Room, 3rd floor of Commongrounds (414 E Eighth Street)
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
This week we will be meeting at the UUCGT.
🌈Transgender, NonBinary+ Support Group
Up North Pride and Head & Heart Therapeutic Solutions are proud to offer a monthly peer support group for Trans & Nonbinary+ adults. Group is the third Wednesday of the month.
T&NB+ Support Group is free, although space is limited, so please register through QR code below or at this link: https://forms.gle/xo3rw8fSJTGGBNys6
Queer Business Owner Roundtable
We’re bringing together a group of ~10–12 Queer business owners, founders, and a few values-aligned allies for a candid, relationship-focused conversation about what it’s like to build and lead a business in our region right now.
This meeting will be virtual. Click this link to join
🌈🤝The Open Page: A Queer Writers Circle
The Open Page: A Queer Writers Circle is a monthly writing group hosted in collaboration with Up North Pride and The Folded Leaf. This circle is designed for LGBTQ+ writers, questioning creatives, and allies who are looking for a soft, supportive place to write, explore, and connect.
Each gathering begins with a short prompt inspired by queer literature, memory, identity, place, imagination, or joy. From there, participants will have quiet writing time followed by optional sharing. You do not need to be an experienced writer to attend, and you never have to read aloud. Poems, fiction, essays, memoir, journaling, letters, fragments, and unfinished thoughts are all welcome here.
🌈Tarot Workshop
Not a lecture nor review of meanings, but a collaborative exploration of tarot for self-care and inspiration. Decks and books by queer creators available to interact with. Bring pen and paper and your curiosity!
🌈Partners of Trans Peer-to-Peer Meetup
Come for conversation and support at this relaxed peer-to-peer meetup for people dating, partnered with, or married to trans and gender-diverse individuals. Share, listen, and build community with others who get it.
This month’s meeting will be in the Crow’s Nest meeting room (3rd floor) at Commongrounds.
🤝Elev8 Climbing Meetup: Queer Night
A climbing meetup for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Details:
Friday 5pm-7pm
$15 in advance / $20 day of event
Rentals are included!
Free for members
The meetup kicks off with some light instruction and challenges/goals, and is followed by a couple hours of climbing, socializing and having fun while building relationships and expanding your comfort zone!
**Purchase our "Climb Together" shirt to wear at these meetups. Wear the shirt to Rare Bird after climbing to receive 15% off your tab!
🫶Queer Fiber Arts Club
A casual meet up to work on fiber arts projects in community. Fiber arts include things like embroidery, knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, and more!
This month’s Fiber Arts Club will be meeting at Commongrounds
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to Youth Group — a time and space just for teens!
Ages 13-17 are welcome - Thursdays 4:15-5:45
A special thanks to our friends at 3 Owls who will be facilitating the group, and be available to provide free, confidential support for any teens that may need it.
IPR Classical Happy Hour: OUT Ensemble
Summer Wednesdays just got a lot more harmonious! Join Interlochen Public Radio at The Little Fleet in downtown Traverse City on Wednesday July 1st for the first event of the IPR Classical Happy Hour, a spectacular series of free, live concerts.
July 1st will feature OUT Ensemble, a dynamic wind quintet from Ann Arbor committed to increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ composers and performers in classical music.
Grab a drink, pull up a patio chair, and experience world-class music in the ultimate relaxed, outdoor setting. Excellent tunes, great vibes, and zero admission fee—your mid-week summer soundtrack starts here!
Boardman Loop Ride with Pride
Join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration of Pride on the beautiful Boardman Loop.
Meet at Nocturnal Bloom at 6:00 PM for a drink and time to mingle before we ride together around the Boardman Loop Trail. We'll finish the evening at Traverse City Whiskey Co. Stillhouse for drinks, conversation, and community.
This casual community ride celebrates Pride and brings people together while supporting a great cause. Both Nocturnal Bloom and TCWC will feature a special Pride drink, with 50% of proceeds donated to Up North Pride.
Bring your bike, your friends, and your Pride spirit. All are welcome!