IN BLOOM

by ALLISON JARRELL

May events popping up across the North.

SAT 5/6

Guided wildflower hikes with Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours let you explore different floral habitats and learn about early bloomers, woods and wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes and bring walking poles, a camera, binoculars and water. Tickets are $15, and tours take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout May. MyNorthTickets.com

SAT 5/6

Gopherwood Concerts welcomes Michigan singer/songwriter Ben Traverse for a house show in Cadillac. Traverse is a passionate traditional folk artist, using his music as a vehicle for community, education and activism. MyNorthTickets.com

SAT 5/13

Join Wildscape Floral Co. at Traverse City’s Farm Club for a Mother’s Day bouquet-making class. You’ll arrange beautiful spring blossoms of all shapes and sizes, and go home with a wrapped bouquet (for yourself or Mom!). Tickets are $65. MyNorthTickets.com

SAT 5/13

The Mackinac Island Fort2Fort 5 Mile Challenge starts with a blast of rifles at Fort Mackinac, then takes a winding route up to Fort Holmes (the highest point on the island). All proceeds help support Mackinac State Historic Parks. mackinacisland.org

THUR 5/18

Boyne City’s National Morel Mushroom Festival returns this year with morel-inspired recipes, live entertainment, a carnival, craft show and more. May 18–21. bcmorelfestival.com

THUR 5/27

The 16th annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain pairs live music with an array of Michigan microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor and gourmet brats. crystalmountain.com

THUR 5/27

The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K has become a Memorial Day Weekend tradition for running enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of the Grand Traverse region and Old Mission Peninsula. bayshoremarathon.org