Recess is BACK with a new format for 2026 featuring four events per year - one per quarter - to make each event bigger and better than ever! Every Recess event will include a giveaway of a $100 downtown Traverse City shopping spree and an annual subscription to the TC Business News, plus host prizes always valued at over $250.

For our summer kickoff event, join The Ticker at the Piazza at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons this Wednesday, June 3 from 5pm to 7pm for an outdoor picnic with food, drinks, bocce, and prizes! Enjoy craft beverages from Earthen Ales, Left Foot Charley, and ŌBrien Vineyards, plus delicious food from Village restaurants including Trattoria Stella, Red Spire, PepeNero, Cuppa Joe, Pleasonton Bakery, Sugar2Salt, and Spanglish.

Attendees will also be entered to win great prizes, including:

> GRAND PRIZE: Private Village tour for up to 15 people ($525 value) and a $100 Village gift certificate. Step back into the rich history of the former Traverse City State Hospital and discover a story that remains central to the community today. Rooted in Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” philosophy, this experience offers an engaging and accurate look at patient care, the purpose of the buildings, and the site’s evolution over time. This private 1.5-hour guided tour is designed for groups of up to 15 guests (ages 12 and up). Includes a tour of an unrenovated patient cottage and the 1883 steam tunnels.
> Annual subscription to the Traverse City Business News and a $100 downtown TC shopping spree
> Village merchants gift basket
> Botanic Garden gift basket and family membership to the gardens

Admission to Recess is $15 and is open to the public. The Piazza is located near Spanglish and Left Foot Charley at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Save the date for other upcoming Recess events on September 2 and December 2! Recess 2026 is brought to you by Grand Traverse County, a Grand Place to Live, Work & Play.