SMORE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

Looking for summer events, programs, and activities in Jackson? From downtown concerts and lunch specials to seasonal sports, community walks, and Juneteenth celebrations, there are plenty of ways to get involved, explore the city, and enjoy the season.

Use this page to find upcoming summer opportunities and links to learn more.

Juneteenth Celebration Weekend

The City of Jackson Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Jackson Juneteenth Committee host a multi-day Juneteenth Celebration Weekend featuring community conversations, employment opportunities, family activities, scholarships, live entertainment, vendors, and a downtown celebration.

Community and Political Panel Discussion

When: Thursday, June 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 1107 Adrian St.

This annual forum brings together local leaders, community voices, and candidates for a discussion centered on civic empowerment and community engagement.

Employment Fair

When: Thursday, June 18

The employment fair connects local residents with major Michigan employers and community resources.

Downtown Celebration and Resource Fair

When: Saturday, June 20, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Horace Blackman Park, Downtown Jackson

The downtown celebration includes family-friendly activities, local vendors, food, live music, dance performances, community resources, and scholarship recognition for Jackson-area students.

Activities may include:

Kids Zone with arts and crafts, petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses, and a performance by the Jackson School of the Arts
Scholarship presentations for local students
Live entertainment, food, vendors, and community resources

For the most up-to-date scheduling, volunteer opportunities, or vendor applications, visit the Jackson Annual Juneteenth Celebration page or the City of Jackson Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page.

Learn more:
Jackson Annual Juneteenth Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonJuneteenth/
City of Jackson DEI: https://www.cityofjackson.org/978/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion

Parks and Recreation Seasonal Sports and Programs

The City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department offers seasonal sports, camps, lessons, and recreation programs for youth, adults, and families. Registration is available online or in person at City Hall.

Youth sports and camps

Seasonal youth offerings may include:

Co-ed high school soccer, youth soccer camp, youth tennis lessons, Tercel Taylor Boys Basketball Camp, Nacoya Davis Girls Basketball Camp, cheerleading camp, youth football camp, Al Glick Baseball Camp with Coach Shanera Trice, track and field camp with Corey Pryor, pickleball camp, wrestling camp with Corey Slater and Jeff Drye, and other youth recreation opportunities.

Adult sports and leagues

Adult programs may include:

Adult co-ed soccer, adult golf lessons, water aerobics, women's doubles tennis league, pickleball, and open ping pong on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

Walk, Roll, Stroll Jackson

Walk, Roll, Stroll Jackson is a free, accessible, pet-friendly, noncompetitive 3-mile walk, roll, and stroll program for people of all ages and abilities. The program is offered in partnership with AARP.

When: Tuesdays
Cost: Free
Registration: 6 p.m.
Warm-up: 6:20 p.m.
Walk starts: 6:30 p.m.

Meeting locations:

May 5, June 2, and July 7: Ella Sharp Park Soccer Parking Lot
May 19, June 16, and July 21: Cascades Pavilion near the hill

Each session includes a prize drawing, with a grand prize awarded at the end of all six events.

For exact dates, fees, and registration information, visit the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Program Portal or view the full Spring and Summer Brochure.

Parks and Recreation contact information:

City Hall, 5th Floor
161 W. Michigan Ave.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 517-788-4040
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.cityofjackson.org

Register or learn more:
Program Portal: https://jacksonmi.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Spring and Summer Brochure: https://www.cityofjackson.org/DocumentCenter/View/14303/BROCHURE---Spring-Summer-2026

Downtown Jackson DDA Cruise-In & Concert

The Downtown Jackson Development Authority hosts a monthly Cruise-In & Concert series that brings classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, live music, food trucks, and summer fun to Downtown Jackson.

These free summer block parties turn downtown streets into a community "drive-in," with hundreds of vehicles on display and live entertainment at TRUE Community City Square.

Event details:

When: Fourth Friday of the month, May through September
Where: Downtown Jackson, centered around Horace Blackman Park and Michigan Avenue
Cost to attend: Free
Activities: Classic vehicles, live music, food trucks, and the Downtown Social District

Residents and visitors are welcome to come downtown, enjoy the vehicles, grab food, listen to live music, and explore local businesses.

Those interested in bringing a vehicle can register online for trophy consideration or check the Jackson Cruise-In Facebook page for the latest event updates.

Learn more:
Event Calendar: https://canva.link/qu5l4ri12kxt2ms
Jackson Cruise-In Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jackson-Cruise-In-100085260621407/
Car show poster: https://www.cityofjackson.org/DocumentCenter/View/14601/Cruise-In-poster-1125-x-1725-in-pdf

DDA Tuesday TEN$

Enjoy lunch downtown with the Tuesday TEN$ program from the Jackson Downtown Development Authority.

On the first Tuesday of each month, participating Downtown Jackson restaurants offer $10 lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is a great way to try local restaurants, support downtown businesses, and enjoy an affordable lunch break in the city.

Program details:

When: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Offer: $10 lunch specials at participating Downtown Jackson restaurants
Where: Participating downtown businesses

Menus and participating locations may change each month. Before heading out for lunch, check the Downtown Jackson Facebook page for the latest menu drop and business lineup.

Learn more:
Event Calendar: https://canva.link/qu5l4ri12kxt2ms
Downtown Jackson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownjacksonmi/