Downtown TC Art Walk Series, May 29
Downtown TC Art Walk Series, May 29
5/29/2026 05:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Days of the week: Fridays
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
- 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
- Featured Artist: Linda Gardiner
- Late hours for Art Walk
- Fustini's Oils and Vinegars: 141 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Jennifer Tobias
- Indulge in crafted mocktails, appetizers, and a special promotion of BUY 4 GET 1 FREE for Art Walk participants. Late hours till 8pm.
- Hello Friends Boutique: 330 E Front St.
- Featured Artist: Patti Miller
- Horizon Books: 243 Front St
- Check out our curated list of music-related books on display to accompany the live music from the DTCA on our patio.
- Kilwins Traverse City: 129 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Michael Novak
- 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.
- Mammoth Distilling: 332 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Mervyn Jones
- Serendipity: 204 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Lisa Marie Yontz
- Enter to win a gift card giveaway, plus enjoy tasty refreshments.
- Surfaces: 309 W Front St
- Featured Artist: Cathy Fairbanks, certified Bob Ross instructor.
- Inspired by Bob Ross and his PBS series The Joy of Painting, Cathy Fairbanks picked up a brush as retirement approached to see if Bob was right: “You can do this.” With no formal training or oil painting experience, Cathy took a chance, bought a few Bob Ross supplies, and started painting. What began as curiosity grew into a joyful passion and eventually led her to become a Certified Bob Ross Instructor. Today, Cathy enjoys helping others discover that they can paint too and is proud to continue Bob’s mission of sharing the joy of painting with everyone.
- From 5-7pm, wander over to the free family station where families can take a moment to create a small piece of art to take home.
- Featured Artist: Cathy Fairbanks, certified Bob Ross instructor.
- The Little Fleet: 448 E Front St
- Featured Artist: Johnny Camacho
- Order up a special crafted cocktail that celebrates the art of mixology and complements the evening’s creative energy – a thoughtfully built drink experience designed to pair with the art and atmosphere of the Art Walk.
- The Workshop Brewing Co: 221 Garland St
- Featured Artist: Tim Pierce
- Head out to the patio party for a special Art Walk celebration with featured artist!
- Traverse City Tourism: 101 W Grandview Parkway
- Late hours for the Art Walk with reception
For Artists & Downtown Businesses
Local artists will be paired with participating downtown businesses to create engaging in-store experiences that connect creativity with commerce.
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.