Downtown TC Art Walk Series
Friday, May 29 & Friday, June 5, 5-7pm
Where the Sidewalk Ends and Art Begins
Get inspired on the go! Experience art, shopping, dining, and creativity during the Downtown TC Art Walk Series, a free community event celebrating local artists and downtown businesses in the heart of Downtown Traverse City.
Originally launched in 2005, Art Walk returns (for two days) in a format designed to bring visitors downtown during the spring season while supporting local creatives and small businesses. On May 29 & June 5, participating businesses will stay open late while hosting featured artists, pop-up exhibits, and interactive arts and crafts activities throughout the district.
Visitors are invited to explore downtown at their own pace: meet artists, discover distinctive shops, delight in culinary arts at choice restaurants, and enjoy a walkable arts experience filled with creativity and community connection.
What to Expect at Art Walk
- Local artists featured inside downtown businesses
- Visual art displays and live creative demonstrations
- Hands-on arts and crafts activities
- Outdoor live music
- Extended evening shopping hours
- A free, self-guided downtown art experience (map to come)
Each event date will feature different participating locations, encouraging visitors to return and explore new artists and businesses each week.
A digital map of participating businesses and artists will be available prior to each event.
Friday, May 29: Business & Artist Pairings
Keeps tabs on this list as participating businesses sign on – we’ll provide a map, too!
- Art on Union: 525 S Union St
- Featured Artist: Adam VanHouten: Join us during Art Walk for a live oil painting demonstration and meet & greet with the featured artist. Working in oil as his primary medium, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process. Enjoy light refreshments while you browse and connect. Open late from 5–7:30 PM for this special event only.
- Espresso Bay: 202 E Front St
- Late hours for Art Walk
- Kilwins Traverse City: 129 E Front St
- Lakes And Grapes: 326 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Savvy Pots
- Will be pouring wine and beer as you browse the art and shop the store. Plus: 15% off for Art Walk attendees.
- Serendipity: 204 E Front St
- Enter to win a gift card giveaway, plus enjoy tasty refreshments.
- Traverse City Tourism: 101 W Grandview Parkway
- Late hours for the Art Walk with reception
Friday, June 5: Business & Artist Pairings
Keeps tabs on this list as participating businesses sign on – we’ll provide a map, too!
- Art on Union: 213 Sixth Street
- Featured Artist: Ruth Kitchen
- Meet Ruth during Art Walk and explore her work in oil and gouache, with a special selection of limited-time pieces available just for the event (maybe even a mini!). Enjoy a relaxed meet & greet with the artist, plus appetizers and sips. Open late for Art Walk only.
- Featured Artist: Ruth Kitchen
- Dharamsala TC: 319 E. Front Street
- Espresso Bay: 202 East Front Street
- Late hours for Art Walk
- Nifty Things: 143 E Front Street
- Featured Artist: Kathy Trilla with Studio K
- Discover the art of paint pouring with a featured display showcasing this fluid, colorful medium. While there won’t be a live demo, you’ll get an up-close look at the process and finished pieces in a dedicated front-of-store space. Sip and sample along the way with cocktail sugar cube demos and complimentary cosmopolitan tastings during Art Walk.
- Featured Artist: Kathy Trilla with Studio K
Special Thanks to Our Partners:
Plan Your Spring Visit to Downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City offers nationally lauded restaurants, locally owned shops, galleries, and waterfront access – all within a walkable downtown district. Make an evening of Art Walk by shopping local, dining downtown, and exploring the creative community.
Follow @downtown_tc on Facebook and Instagram for participating locations, event updates, and activity announcements.
