Jackson's business community is buzzing for the return of its premier networking event, the JAXPO Business Showcase.

Hosted by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the one-day expo is set for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the American 1 Event Center in Downtown Jackson.

The event kicks off with an Economic Summit luncheon, offering key insights into our region's financial future.

Following the summit, Chamber members will have exclusive access for dedicated member-to-member networking from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

After 3:00 PM, the doors open to the public with free admission.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Jackson residents to discover local companies and connect directly with the entrepreneurs shaping our community.

JAXPO is the definitive gathering for forging new partnerships and celebrating local innovation right here in Jackson County.

Autumn has arrived early across Jackson County, painting the local landscape in brilliant colors.

Now is the perfect time to get outside and explore the vibrant scenery.

For an active adventure, the Falling Waters Trail offers a 10.5-mile path perfect for cyclists and hikers wanting to travel under a canopy of fiery leaves.

A more relaxed but equally stunning option is a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills region.

Beyond the foliage, a truly unique spectacle awaits at the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, where thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather.

Watching them descend at dusk is an awe-inspiring sight unique to our community.

Local spots like Ella Sharp Park also provide beautiful trails for a quiet autumn walk.

Don’t miss this fleeting window of natural beauty happening right in our own backyard.

Downtown Jackson, Michigan is buzzing with the arrival of a new dual-concept dining and entertainment venue.

Oak & Iron, a restaurant featuring a "global-inspired" menu, is set to open on October 17, 2025.

Owner Roberta Dalenberg is launching the new eatery at the historic 151 West Michigan Avenue, a landmark location that formerly housed Veritas.

Adding to the excitement, co-owner Nick Dyc revealed that a separate honky tonk-style bar will open on the building's third floor on October 31.

This unique venture combines fine dining with lively country entertainment under one roof.

The dual opening represents a significant investment in the city's ongoing revitalization and a bold new chapter for the beloved downtown building.

A walk through Westwood Mall today is a quiet experience, a stark contrast to its bustling past as Jackson, Michigan's first enclosed shopping center.

For many residents, the mall holds decades of memories, but the growing number of shuttered storefronts tells a story of decline.

Once boasting over 70 tenants, the mall now struggles with more than 20 vacancies.

Opened in 1972, it was a community hub, but the loss of key anchors like Younkers in 2018 has left a significant void.

While J.C. Penney and an attached Walmart still draw customers, the interior wings are increasingly empty, facing stiff competition from the thriving Jackson Crossing complex nearby.

The future for this piece of Jackson's history remains uncertain as it navigates a challenging modern retail landscape.

Jackson is gearing up for its beloved annual celebration, the K105.3 Fall Fest & Chili Classic.

This cherished downtown event, organized by the McKibbin Media Group, promises a full day of community fun and entertainment.

The main attraction is the vibrant Chili Cook Off, where attendees can purchase tasting wristbands to sample unlimited chili and salsa recipes, casting their vote for the best in town.

This year, the festival is bigger than ever, partnering with Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists for their popular Oktoberfest 10K/5K run.

Families will find plenty of free activities at the Kids’ Kingdom in Horace Blackman Park, thanks to support from the Jackson DDA.

Live music from local talent will fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere for all.

Supported by community partners like County National Bank and Monster Motors, this event is a true celebration of Jackson spirit.

The streets of downtown Jackson rumbled to life on Friday night for the beloved monthly cruise-in car show.

Organized by the Jackson DDA, the event transforms key areas like Michigan Avenue into a rolling museum, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors.

For local owners like Shain Kahn, it’s a chance to share tangible pieces of history, like his 1948 Plymouth, and connect with the community over a shared passion.

The gathering is far more than just a car show; it's a full-blown community festival.

The atmosphere is filled with food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment, including performances from groups like the Great Lakes Cloggers.

This blend of nostalgia and vibrant local culture has become a cherished summer tradition.

Don't miss the final Cruise-In & Concert of the year, which is scheduled for September, marking the last chance this season to experience the unique event.

The Grand River Farmers Market has become a cherished Friday staple for the Jackson community.

Every week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the summer, the Grand River Brewery parking lot transforms into a bustling open-air marketplace.

Visitors can explore a wide variety of locally sourced goods, from farm-fresh produce, cheeses, and baked breads to sweet maple syrup and even specialty dog treats.

The market is more than just a place to shop; it's a true community gathering often filled with the sound of live music.

Supporting the event means directly investing in local farmers and small business owners.

It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of Michigan's agricultural bounty right here in downtown Jackson.

Jackson County is set to shine on PBS once again.

The popular Emmy-winning show Under the Radar Michigan is featuring our area for a third time, and Experience Jackson is hosting a special free premiere to celebrate the new episode.

Join the community on September 17, 2025, at the beautifully restored Michigan Theatre of Jackson to see the segment before it airs statewide.

The event also honors a major local milestone: the theatre’s 95th anniversary.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will commemorate its recent renovation.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m. for an evening that includes a book signing with co-host Jim Edelman and treats from locally featured businesses.

This is a true celebration of local pride and statewide recognition.

A beloved Jackson eatery, Doll N’ Burgers, is being forced to find a new home due to the extensive road construction on Cooper Street.

The restaurant’s team announced the difficult decision after a severe drop in business.

Sales have plummeted by more than 50% since the project began, creating an unsustainable situation.

On top of the financial losses, the business has endured construction-related utility disruptions, including broken water lines that forced temporary closures.

While the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) expects traffic to be passable by mid-November, the restaurant cannot wait any longer.

The move this fall to a new, higher-traffic location in Jackson is essential to keep staff employed and ensure the restaurant's survival.

They remain optimistic about serving their loyal customers from a new spot on the other side of town.

Outdoor fun in Jackson, Michigan, is better than ever, highlighted by a major new addition at Ella Sharp Park.

A new one-mile paved trail now provides a safe, modern route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

This path is a significant investment in community wellness, powerfully linking south side neighborhoods directly to the park.

More importantly, it creates a crucial connection to the larger MLK Equality Trail, opening up a vast network for longer excursions and tying the city's green spaces together.

Of course, Ella Sharp Park still offers 562 acres of gardens and golf.

For another classic Jackson experience, head to Sparks Foundation County Park to see the iconic illuminated waterfall at The Cascades, a true local spectacle.

When summer arrives, Jackson County transforms into a freshwater paradise, boasting more than 125 lakes that offer endless opportunities for aquatic fun.

There’s a perfect spot for every type of boater, from the lively, expansive waters of Clark Lake to the calm, pristine shores of Vandercook Lake.

Getting on the water is simple, even without your own boat.

Local outfitters like Quiet World Sports at Vandercook Lake provide kayak rentals, while the Beach Bar Gear Garage offers paddleboards right on Clark Lake.

The vibrant community spirit is on full display during events like the annual Raft-O-Rama on Clark Lake, a creative boat parade that brings residents together.

Anglers can also get in on the action with tournaments hosted by the Jackson Area Bass Busters all season long.

Public parks ensure everyone can enjoy the scenery and swim.

A housing transformation is taking root in Jackson through the innovative 100 Homes Program.

This city-led initiative uses federal funds to build 100 new single-family houses on vacant, city-owned lots, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and promote homeownership.

In partnership with builder Norfolk Homes, the houses are capped at an affordable $175,000.

To help local families, the City of Jackson is providing a significant $25,000 in down payment assistance, which becomes a forgivable grant if the owner stays for five years.

Buyers may also qualify for an additional $10,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

The program is open to households earning up to 120% of the area median income.

With construction already visible across town, the effort is turning empty lots into homes and helping residents build lasting community wealth.

The thunder of cannons returns to Cascades Park for the annual Civil War Muster on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24.

This year’s immersive event places a special focus on battles with deep local roots.

Reenactments will bring to life the battles of Tulifinny and Deveaux’s Neck, honoring soldiers from Jackson and the celebrated 1st Michigan Colored Infantry Regiment who fought in these historic engagements.

This family-friendly tradition transforms history from a textbook lesson into a full sensory experience.

Visitors are encouraged to walk through the encampments, speak with reenactors, and explore interactive tents presented through a new partnership with America 250.

From the Saturday Night Ball to the climactic battle on Sunday, the weekend offers a powerful and engaging tribute to the sacrifices made by our own community members.

The 42nd annual Jackson Michigan Hot Air Jubilee has officially begun, painting the skies above Ella Sharp Park with vibrant colors Friday evening.

Perfect weather allowed a fleet of nearly 25 hot air balloons to take flight at sunset, creating a magical start to the beloved local festival.

The launch began patriotically with the “Post” balloon carrying the American flag, followed by crowd favorites like the “Sugar Bear” balloon.

Anticipation is now building for the spectacular night glow event later this weekend.

On the ground, families enjoyed the Kids’ Kingdom, hosted by Rivertree Community Church, which offered free games and fun for younger attendees.

Helicopter rides were also available for those seeking a different kind of thrill.

This cornerstone of summer in Jackson continues through Sunday with more launches and family-friendly activities planned.

In Jackson County, golf is more than just a pastime; it's a core part of the community's identity and a point of local pride.

Our area boasts one of the highest numbers of golf courses per capita in the entire nation, offering an incredible variety for local players and visitors alike.

At the heart of the scene are renowned courses like The Grande Golf Club, which has earned national recognition for its challenging design.

The historic Cascades Golf Course, operated by the county since 1929, remains a beloved and scenic must-play destination.

Accessibility is also key, with welcoming public courses like Ella Sharp Park Golf Course ensuring the sport is available to everyone.

This rich mix of premiere and community-focused golf, along with a full calendar of local tournaments, truly makes Jackson a premier golf destination.

Downtown Jackson’s nightlife is set for a stylish upgrade as Luna Lux Lounge opens its doors on August 1, 2025, at 128 W. Michigan Avenue.

Owned by Jeremiah and Ella Hephzibah—the team behind Big Guy Catering—the cozy lounge brings craft cocktails, live entertainment, and an elegant ambiance to the heart of the city.

The Hephzibahs have transformed the former Junk Yard Dog space with marble tables, velvet seating, and a sultry atmosphere, uncovering a historic stage perfect for jazz, comedy, and open mic events.

Guests can look forward to imaginative cocktails, like the Cotton Candy Martini, plus house-made syrups and a menu inspired by Creole flavors—featuring shrimp and grits, blackened salmon, and sweet beignets.

Luna Lux Lounge joins other exciting downtown projects, fueling Jackson’s vibrant revitalization and offering a new destination for locals seeking an elevated night out.