May in Mt. Pleasant, Isabella County, and Gratiot County brings a full calendar of events that highlight springtime energy and community spirit. From family-friendly festivals and outdoor fundraisers to local shopping events and Mother’s Day celebrations, there are plenty of ways to connect, explore, and support small businesses across the region. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking to give back, these events offer something for all ages throughout the month of May.
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Art Reach Murder Mystery Fundraiser: An Evening of Intrigue, Glamour, and Suspense
Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. in Mid Michigan College’s Community Room
Art Reach will host “A Dance With Death: A 1950s Sock Hop Gone Sour” at Mid Michigan College. Participants will twist, jive, and uncover the truth at this retro-themed evening of fun and fundraising. Seasoned sleuths and first-time participants alike can be part of the intrigue while supporting creativity in the community. Guests can immerse themselves in an interactive mystery, enjoy a themed atmosphere with costumes and décor, participate in silent auctions and raffles, and indulge in a cocktail hour, a cash bar, and a buffet-style dinner. The evening is designed to be as entertaining as it is mysterious. Tickets can be purchased at
artreachcenter.org.
Mini Mystery: A Kids’ Whodunnit
While the adults are solving crimes at the Art Reach Murder Mystery Fundraiser, kids can enjoy their own night of mystery and fun just down the hall. Guests can expect an evening of arts and crafts projects, sleuthing activities, singing along to jukebox tunes on karaoke, board games, and a pizza dinner. Children may be dropped off any time after 5 p.m. Pizza and breadsticks will be served at 6 p.m. Children will need to be picked up immediately following the Murder Mystery. Get tickets at
artreachcenter.org.
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Give Local Isabella Annual Fundraiser
All day Tuesday, May 6
Give Local Isabella is a 24-hour community-wide fundraising event hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Held once a year on the first Tuesday in May, Give Local Isabella engages hundreds of community members in supporting the long-term financial sustainability of their favorite local charitable organizations. Throughout the day, participating nonprofits have chances to compete for matching funds and prizes. To view prizes, visit
givelocalisabella.org/prizes. To view a list of organizations to donate to, visit
givelocalisabella.org.
The Wizard of Oz
Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11 and Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18 at Broadway Theatre
Come follow Dorothy and her new friends on an adventure to meet a wizard and find a way back home! For tickets, visit
friendsofthebroadway.org.
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3rd Annual Drive Out Hunger Golf Outing
Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at PohlCat Golf Course
Join Isabella Community Soup Kitchen for 18 holes of golf, lunch, a 50/50 drawing, an awards dinner, a silent auction, and various door prizes. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with golf commencing at 10 a.m. and an awards dinner immediately following. For tickets, visit
icsk.org.
Mother’s Day Brunch Menus for Sunday, May 11
Buck’s Run
Camille’s Prime
Soaring Eagle
Wood Shop Social
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk
Sunday, May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sylvan Solace Preserve
Grab your mom and join the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy for an afternoon of exploring Sylvan Solace Preserve in search of spring wildflowers. Much of this walk will be off trail to explore some of the hidden corners of the preserve. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera. Find directions to the preserve at
https://bit.ly/SylvanSolacePreserve.
Rocks and Fossils of Michigan Beaches with the Chippewa Valley Audubon Club
Wednesday, May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Library
Randy Kursinsky will present on how to identify common rocks and fossils, as well as some man-made objects that can be found on Michigan beaches. Time permitting, he will also suggest ways to organize, store, and display these kinds of items—many of which will be on display. For more events, visit the Chippewa Valley Audubon Facebook page at
facebook.com/Chippewavalleyaudubonclub.
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The Care Games 2025
Thursday, May 15 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at PohlCat Golf Course
Inspired by classic 90s game shows, The Care Games will pit teams of contestants against each other to test their knowledge of items found at The Care Store. After two rounds of fast-paced competition, one team will be crowned the Care Games Champion and win the coveted Gold Shopping Cart Trophy. Tickets include heavy appetizers and a show, with additional game tickets available at the event. To purchase, visit
thecarestore.org.
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World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 17 at Forest Hill Nature Area in Alma from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Celebrate the wonders of bird migration at Forest Hill Nature Area. Participants will learn about the incredible journey of migratory birds, engage in birdwatching activities, and learn how to protect bird habitats as ornithologist Mike Bishop demonstrates how scientists band birds to track migration. Perfect for all ages, this free event will feature guided walks, interactive educational stations, and crafts. Bring binoculars (there are a few available to borrow) and a love for nature.
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United for Moms Collection Drive
Wednesday, May 28 at Wilcox Non-Profit Center in Alma and Thursday, May 29 at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market at Island Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In honor of Mother’s Day, United Way of Greater Central Michigan is hosting a community-wide collection drive during the month of May. They will be collecting personal care items, cleaning products, and baby items that will be given to local women in need. Visit
https://unitedwaygcm.org/unitedformoms for more information.
Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games
Thursday, May 29 to Saturday, May 31
Volunteers are needed for the 2025 Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games, as more than 2,000 athletes from across the state travel to Mt. Pleasant to showcase their talent. Sign up to volunteer at
somich.vsysweb.com. For more info, visit
somi.org/summergames.
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Arts Market and Paint the Pavement with Art Reach
Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Art Reach will host their annual Arts Market with artists age 12 and up invited to participate. This event will occur simultaneously with our annual Paint the Pavement event. Guests are invited to a fun and inspiring day celebrating youth-based talent and creativity while supporting a great cause. Paint the Pavement is one of Art Reach’s most impactful community outreach programs, bringing volunteers together to transform downtown Mt. Pleasant into a colorful and creative space. Each year, volunteers dedicate their time and talent to painting key intersections in downtown Mt. Pleasant, creating stunning visual displays that reflect the community’s creativity and spirit. To purchase booth space, visit:
https://www.artreachcenter.org/adult-classes/p/arts-market. To learn more about Paint the Pavement, follow the event page at
https://www.facebook.com/events/1198520627858537/.
Coming next month…
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Music in the Park 2025 with MMI
Weekly from June 5 to July 31 at Island Park
Mark your calendars for Mid Michigan Industries (MMI) annual "Music in the Park" event. This summer concert series will offer free music at Island Park's amphitheatre on Thursdays in June and July from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/973628421552887/.