EVENTS
🤝Mobile Library
Benzie Pride’s Little Queer Library will be available at Bella’s (it’s there the last Saturday of every month). We have many books by queer authors or featuring queer characters (or both), fiction and non-fiction, available for you to take, including some new titles. You can also hang out, have coffee or tea, and meet new or old Benzie Pride friends! I just finished Christian Cooper’s Better Living Through Birding and loved it – it will be available at Bella’s on April 25.
🫶 Mashup's Queer Cabaret!
Join Mashup as we celebrate our birthday and enjoy all the weirdness you come to expect plus more. We'll have games, prizes, tons of queer musical numbers, and even a chance for YOU to sing LIVE KARAOKE with the Mashup band.
Doors open at 6:30
Show begins at 7:30
VIP Tickets get you a reserved seat front and center PLUS free drinks and snack box.
General Admission tickets also available and you'll still have an opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
What exactly can you expect? We'll present a variety of songs from imagined future Mashups - some of the weirdest ones we've thought of - and you can even have a chance to bid on picking which number we do next from our top secret list.
Can't make it to this one night only event? You can still help us out by donating to our fundraiser to meet our 25% match for our MACC and NEA grants.
🤝Open Skate at Howe Arena
Come roller skate with us! Bring your own skates or rent from us and get ready to have fun!
Two sessions: 12-2pm, 3-5pm
$5 Admission/ $5 skate rental
If you need rental skates, make sure to arrive early; popular sizes rent-out quickly. Helmets are recommended, but not required. Hangry’s concession will be available throughout the event.
NOH8 Photo Shoot
The NOH8 Campaign makes its way to Traverse City, MI on Saturday, May 2nd for an open photo shoot!
Single/Solo Photos: $40, Couple/Group Photos: $25 per person
Stop by Hotel Indigo between 2pm-4pm to pose for an official NOH8 photo by photographer Adam Bouska. No reservations needed!
Photos are first-come, first-served - and we move fast! Please arrive camera-ready with a plain white shirt to match the signature style of the NOH8 photos.
(NOH8 accepts cash and credit cards only. Fees paid to participate cover services and costs for one edited digital print only, made available via noh8campaign.com, and do not include physical prints.)
Fresh Coast Film Festival: "Mary Oliver -Saved by the Beauty of the World"
Saturday Night Gala - May 2, 2026 at 7pm
“Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World” / Special Screening and Q&A
Special Guests: Journalist Beth Milligan in conversation with Filmmaker Sasha Waters
$20 General Admission
All Fees Included
Bar Service and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Available
Ticket Code: COH02
6:00 pm Doors Open - Cash Bar Available
7:00 pm Program and Screening Begins
8:45 pm Q&A with Special Guests
9:15 pm Estimated End
“Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World” is the first documentary portrait of the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and explores how Oliver overcame a dysfunctional childhood by finding solace in nature and poetry, ultimately becoming a celebrated, private queer icon. The film runs 91 mins and was produced with support from PBS American Masters.
Passing away in 2019 at the age of 83, Oliver redefined American poetry by blending meticulous observation with profound spiritual accessibility. Her work invites readers to find wonder, stillness, and healing in the natural world, transforming simple moments into enduring, meditative wisdom. National Writers Series and Up North Pride will have outreach at the event, and The Folded Leaf bookstore will provide select book sales of Oliver’s works.
Please arrive early as General Admission seating is first-come, first-served with main floor and balcony seats available.
If you have any questions, or need any special assistance, email: traversecity+boxoffice@freshcoastfilm.com
🫶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
🌈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!
🌈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.
🤝TC Roller Derby Triple-Header!
On May 9th, Traverse City’s Civic Center will play host to Traverse City Roller Derby’s home opener 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 Downriver RD A
7pm - TCRD B vs TBD
🌈Art Meet Up at Artemis Books
Join us for an Art Meet Up at Artemis Books! Bring your own art project and enjoy an artful 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.
🌈Fundraising Gala
Up North Pride’s annual fundraiser for 2026 will be a Masquerade, held on May 14th from 6-9pm at Kirkbride Hall.
Buy tickets, find more info at the Gala Fundraiser page or learn more about Sponsoring this event. Check back soon for volunteer opportunities
🌈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 social hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
🤝Open Skate at Howe Arena
Come roller skate with us! Bring your own skates or rent from us and get ready to have fun!
Two sessions: 12-2pm, 3-5pm
$5 Admission/ $5 skate rental
If you need rental skates, make sure to arrive early; popular sizes rent-out quickly. Helmets are recommended, but not required. Hangry’s concession will be available throughout the event.
🌈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
🌈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.
🌈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.
This month’s game night will be held at the The Friendship Community Center in Suttons Bay.
🌈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.
🌈Boot - Scootin' Line Dance Night
***Please note that this month’s event will take place at Friendship Community Center in Suttons Bay
LGBTQ+ Health Fair
Learn about the resources and services available to the community at Up North Pride’s first LGBTQ+ Health Fair, presented by Traverse Bay Internal Medicine, with special thanks to our wellness partner Thomas Judd Care Center, and Traverse Area District Library.
The event will be held at TADL the McGuire Community Room Saturday, May 30th, 10:00am-2:00pm.
TC Pit Spitters Pride Game
Let’s Play Ball!
Celebrate Pride Night at the ballpark with the Up North Pride community!
Check back soon for ticket info!
🌈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!
🤝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!
Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine - Film Screening & Community Discussion
Free film screening of "Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine," open to the public, part of NMC's Global Cinema Series. After the film, there will be community discussion with a featured speaker.
🌈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.
Rainbow Run🌈🤝
We are thrilled to announce our third annual collaboration between Up North Pride and TART Trails for the Rainbow Run on June 20, 2026. This fun color run will take place around the Boardman Loop and promises to be a meaningful and impactful event that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the beautiful northern Michigan community.
This event is much more than just a run or walk. It is a celebration of love, acceptance, and belonging, and an opportunity for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their allies to come together and show their pride. It is a chance to raise awareness and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and to promote equality and inclusion in northern Michigan.
🌈Pride Ride
Join us at F&M Park in your bike gear and pride gear for a spirited ride through downtown led by Norte!
The ride will begin at 6 pm so please join us at the park before 6 to rally up! Free admission, all ages are welcome.
🤝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.
🫶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.
🫶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 Shorts 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
🤝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
🌈Youth Group
Welcome to the UNP 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.
**Please note location for this week’s Youth Group meeting has changed to the UUCGT.
🤝🌈NMC Earth Day Clothing Swap
Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a fun and eco-friendly clothing swap! This second annual event is a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe sustainably, connect with your community, and reduce waste. This year will also include a gear swap in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Conservation District.
Donation Drop Off:
Bring gently used clothing (teens - adults, no undergarments) to the museum to donate between April 17th - 21st during open hours .
Recreation and gear donations will be accepted at the Boardman River Nature Center from April 1st through April 21st, during their operating hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10am – 4pm). Accepted outdoor gear includes lightly used items such as raincoats, hiking pants, fleeces, base layers, daypacks, overnight backpacks, sun hats, and snow gear. We won't accept used helmets, life jackets, personal flotation devices, heavily worn hiking boots, or climbing harnesses.
All remaining items will be taken to NMC’s clothing closets for students or to other area nonprofits.
Swap Day:
On April 22, browse and take home clothing—no donation required to participate. The Dennos will not accept donations after 12:00 PM that day.
Bonus:
While you’re here, don’t miss a plant sale hosted by the NMC Green Team, featuring nearly 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers, and houseplants—perfect for welcoming spring and growing greener habits.
This event is held in partnership with NMC Student Services, NMC Pride, NMC Green Team, Slip Vintage, Grand Traverse Conservation District, and Up North Pride.
🤝Dagger Fighting Demo/Petting Zoo
Join Benzie Pride and the Grand Traverse Medieval Weapons Guild for a dagger fighting demonstration and petting zoo. This was originally planned for January and was snowed out. Our friends from the Weapons Guild will show us replica medieval weaponry and demonstrate how to use it. Think fencing with daggers. Weapons have safety features, no sharp points or edges. Come get a free lesson!
🫶LGBTQ Meet & Greet at MiddleCoast Brewing
Join us every Friday from 6-10pm for a casual meet up in a safe space for drinks and conversation!
🌈LGBTQ+ Senior Coffee Morning
Start the morning off with a cup of Higher Grounds coffee at the Community Center with our LGBTQ+ Seniors Coffee Morning!
🌈Youth Group
We are excited for our new Youth Group here at the Community Center — 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.
🌈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
🫶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 UNP Community Center, 314 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
🌈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.
🤝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!
🫶LGBTQ Meet & Greet at MiddleCoast Brewing
Join us every Friday from 6-10pm for a casual meet up in a safe space for drinks and conversation!
🌈Youth Group
We are excited for our new Youth Group here at the Community Center — 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.
🌈Art Meet Up at the UNP Community Center
Join us for an Art Meet Up at the Up North Pride Community Center! Bring your own art project and enjoy an artful evening with friends.
And if you don’t have an art project, just bring yourself and a smile!
🫶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 UNP Community Center, 314 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!
🫶LGBTQ Meet & Greet at MiddleCoast Brewing
Join us every Friday from 6-10pm for a casual meet up in a safe space for drinks and conversation!
🌈Youth Group
We are excited for our new Youth Group here at the Community Center — 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.
🌈Queer Jam Night at UNP
This is an open Jam night to bring together other musicians in our LGBTQ+ community and their allies in order to meet other musicians and make music and new friends. Bring an instrument or your voice to the UNP Community Center along with song suggestions for the group!
All ages, genres, and music levels 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 UNP Community Center, 314 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
Trans Day of Visibility Service
Too often, Trans lives are framed only through struggle. This Sunday, in honor of Trans Day of Visibility, we center Trans joy, brilliance, and becoming—honoring the sacred worth of every life.
🫶LGBTQ Meet & Greet at MiddleCoast Brewing
Join us every Friday from 6-10pm for a casual meet up in a safe space for drinks and conversation!
🌈Youth Group
We are excited for our new Youth Group here at the Community Center — 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.
🌈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 UNP Community Center, 314 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
🤝Open Skate at Howe Arena
Come roller skate with us! Bring your own skates or rent from us and get ready to have fun!
Two sessions: 12-2pm, 3-5pm
$5 Admission/ $5 skate rental
If you need rental skates, make sure to arrive early; popular sizes rent-out quickly. Helmets are recommended, but not required. Hangry’s concession will be available throughout the event.
🌈Game Night!
Join us for a game night at the UNP Community Center! Try out a new game, play a classic favorite, or bring a game of your own!
All ages welcome.