A Day in May
Visiting Traverse City in May means arriving just as the season begins to bloom. Even if you’re here a little early, there’s no need to wait to start exploring — we’ve already discovered some of the town’s most unique and delightful experiences this month.
Traverse City Un-Corked
Did you know that 60% of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown in the Traverse City region? This calls for a celebration -- and it’s happening in May, 2026. From the 1st to the 10th, vino lovers are invited to participate in Traverse City Uncorked. Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers and opportunities to win prizes!
Visit our Market or Blush for our full selection of local wines while staying at the Alexandra Inn or choose a package to add on to your stay and have a bottle waiting for you!
Fresh Coast Film Festival
Now in its ninth year, the Marquette-based Fresh Coast Film Festival has announced it is collaborating to extend a local version of its multi-day festival – which celebrates the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment, and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest – to Traverse City.
May Day Meltdown
Come throw down at the fourth annual May Day Meltdown bouldering competition! Alongside the climbing competition, we'll have local vendors, food from The Daily Grind, beverages, and games. Come watch the most enthusiastic and family-friendly competition around!.
16th Annual Mud, Sweat & Beers
Like most of these things, Mud, Sweat and Beers started small. The simple idea was to hold a spring time event to benefit a worthy cause. Why not a bike race in early spring when we still might have some snow in the woods and mud on the trails? The cause would be Mt. Holiday which has the perfect facility to host such an event. A few phone calls and Mud Sweat and Beers 2010 was launched. To date, more than $500,000 has been raised to support Mt. Holiday, a not-for-profit organization, and the local groups that help put on the race. Mt Holiday’s focus is on providing affordable winter and summer recreational opportunities for the youth. mt-holiday.com and mudsweatandbeers.com.
Shorts Shortest Marathon
Think you've got what it takes to conquer a marathon?
Don’t worry—this isn't that. Welcome our take on a race—a grueling, sweat-inducing, totally ridiculous 262-foot dash designed for champions of chug, in-and-around the Short’s Brewing Company production campus and ending with cheers at the Pull Barn. Join us for the first ever Short's Shortest Marathon. The walk back to the Pull Barn may be longer than the actual race but trust us: 262 feet is just long enough to justify wearing athletic gear so you can claim eternal bragging rights and a sweet race cup, all while raising funds for TART Trails' Nakwema Trailway Project.
Cherry Capital Comic Con
Cherry Capital Comic Con(C4) is Northern Michigan’s largest comic book and pop entertainment expo. Located at the scenic Grand Traverse Resort, C4 is Northern Michigan’s perfect gathering of comic book creators, exhibitors, and fans. Click here for the full schedule of events.
Michigan Beer and Brat Festival
The Bayshore Marathon
Founded in 1983 by local running enthusiasts who wanted to share the beauty of the Grand Traverse Region and the Old Mission Peninsula, the Bayshore Marathon has become a “must run” for runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. Many runners return year-after-year to enjoy the scenic courses, which run along the shores of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Bayshore events feature a kids’ run, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. To ensure a more enjoyable experience, the number of runners in all three races is limited. Bayshore races are held on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Register Here!
May in Traverse City is buzzing in the best way—packed with one-of-a-kind events that celebrate local flavor, creativity, and the return of warmer days. It’s the perfect time to jump in, explore something new, and soak up the town before the peak summer rush. Stay at the Alexandra Inn and make it all effortless, with East Bay views, walkable adventures, and a cozy place to recharge after a full day of fun. From morning events to sunset on the beach, this is May done right.