Your guide to Midland Neighboring Week events and celebrations

Midland neighbors are invited to come together, meet each other, and celebrate their community during Neighboring Week, running Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. Led by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, the week features a variety of activities designed to bring residents of all ages together, from scavenger hunts in city parks to family-friendly festivals and art drops.

Neighbor Chase Scavenger Hunt
The Neighbor Chase parks scavenger hunt runs from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5. Participants can visit the hunt online and enter code DCLB on a mobile device to complete photo, video, quiz, and GPS challenges across Midland’s parks. Prizes include coupons, gift cards, and items from local businesses such as Live Oak Coffeehouse, Subway, Pizza Sam’s, St. Laurent Brothers Candy & Nut House, and Eastman Party Store.

Floats with Goats at Emerson Park
On Thursday, Sept. 25, the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library will host Floats with Goats at Emerson Park, 1300 W. Main St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Families can enjoy Faygo floats served by celebrity scoopers, a petting zoo, and food from local trucks. Animal feed will be sold for $1, and carrots for $3 (cash only).

Sanford Ice Cream Social
Salt Spring Ice Cream, located at 319 West Saginaw Road, Sanford, will host a Neighboring Week Ice Cream Social from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Activities include sidewalk chalk, a plant giveaway, $1 off soft-serve treats, cornhole, and music on the patio.

Nature Play at Chippewa Nature Center
On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Chippewa Nature Center at 400 South Badour Road will host Nature Play! from 2 to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy outdoor activities such as mud kitchen pies, fort building, river construction, hammocks, and nature art. Caregivers must remain with children, and volunteers will facilitate the program in The Woods Nature Play Area near Arbury Trail. The event is free and open to all ages.

Kickoff Cookout at Midland Area Community Foundation
On Monday, Sept. 29, the Midland Area Community Foundation at 76 Ashman Circle will host a Neighboring Week Kickoff Cookout from 3 to 5 p.m., offering burgers, hot dogs, and yard games.

Humane Society Play Yard Celebration
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Humane Society of Midland County,  at 4371 East Ashman, will host a Play Yard Celebration and Open House from noon to 6 p.m., showcasing its new outdoor play yard for dogs. The project was made possible by Giving Tuesday donors and volunteers from Trinseo. Adoption fees will be reduced throughout the day, and free ice cream will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m.

Midland Public Schools Neighboring Week event
Also on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Midland Public Schools will host a Neighboring Week event at its administration center, 600 East Carpenter. Attendees are invited to enjoy coffee, treats, and conversation with school administrators. 

Neighboring Week Art Drop
From Sunday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 4, the week features a Neighboring Week Art Drop organized by Public Arts Midland. Artists and neighbors are invited to hide small pieces of art around Midland for others to find. Participants can create, hide, and share clues about their artwork online, fostering creativity and community connection.

Want to participate but unsure what to make? Grab a free mystery bag while supplies last at Creative 360 or Midland Area Community Foundation.

WalkTober and Welcome2Midland
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Midland will celebrate WalkTober and Welcome2Midland from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Tridge.

WalkTober is an initiative organized by the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, aimed at inspiring 500 community members to engage in walking activities. Welcome2Midland helps new residents get acquainted with the city by providing welcome kits and connecting newcomers with local realtors and ambassadors.

Fall Into Fun
Also on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m., Fall Into Fun will be held at the Miracle Field in Central Park, 225 East Collins, Midtown. The event will feature hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, cider, music, games, face painting, and more.

Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership screening
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Midland Center for the Arts will host a free screening of the documentary film My Sister Liv, followed by a panel discussion. Registration is required.

The screening is presented by the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership and seeks to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and encourage conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

Autumn Fest – Front Porch Palooza
Autumn Fest – Front Porch Palooza will take place on Wednesday, October 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This free event will feature live music, games, a pumpkin pillow patch, a “spooky little library,” and a Humans vs. Zombies activity, all designed to bring neighbors together on the church’s front lawn. The church is located at 915 East Sugnet Road.

Faces of Midland Neighboring Week Reception
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Cultural Awareness Coalition, Captured Studios, and Live Oak Coffeehouse will host the Faces of Midland Neighboring Week Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse, 711 Ashman St.

The exhibit honors the diversity, resilience, and stories of Midland residents. Guests can enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and community conversation. The display will remain at Live Oak throughout October.

Neighboring Week includes so many events that it’s hard to list them all here. For a full schedule and details, visit the Max Loves Midland community calendar.