Top 5 fun things to do in Bay City this weekend

Aug 01, 2023

From an ‘80s music extravaganza to outdoor wellness classes, check out the following guide of what to do in Bay City from Aug. 25 - Aug. 27. Caitlyn French | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI - Summertime is almost over. School’s back in session for most kids and Labor Day is on the horizon. But Bay City is keeping the fun going right up until the end, with plenty to do during the last weekend of August.

From an ‘80s music extravaganza to outdoor wellness classes, check out the following guide of what to do in Bay City from Aug. 25 - Aug. 27.

Fans of ‘80s music will want to stop at Wenonah Park this Saturday when the “I Want My 80s Tour” stops in Bay City for the night. Starting at 7 p.m., multiple ‘80s bands will take the stage including headliner Rick Springfield, well known for hits like “Jessie’s Girl.”

Springfield will be joined by special guests Tommy Tutone and Paul Young.

Tickets are $40 for general admission lawn seating and $70 for VIP seating.

Click here for more information on the bands and to purchase tickets.

Wenonah Park will also be home to a special outdoor market this weekend. If you’re looking for a way to unwind after the high-energy concert from the night before, head on down back to Wenonah Park for the Bay City Maker’s Market.

This outdoor market will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and will feature a variety of vendors offering handmade gods such as plushies, gnomes, freeze-dried candy, tumblers, 3D printed animals, baked goods, soaps, candles, crystals and jewelry.

The JR Band will perform live music during the market from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Bay City Boat Lines is offering multiple chances for visitors to get on the water this weekend before summertime wraps up.

On Friday, the Princess Wenonah will be putting on its Flashback Friday cruise. This cruise starts at 7 p.m. and will feature tribute band “The Rockshow” for live entertainment.

Things will get more relaxed on Saturday, with the Princess Wenonah’s Carefree Cruisin’ cruise. This cruise will feature a live performance by the Bob Hughes Duo.

Tickets for both cruises are $70 each and include a catered meal and a cash bar. Click here for more information on Bay City Boat Lines’ entertainment cruises.

Bay City Boat Lines is also offering their Saginaw River guided tours at 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. These tours feature narration by a live tour guide that highlights the sights along the river, history and wildlife. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children. A concession bar will be available offering snacks and drinks.

Click here for more information on the guided tours.

With school starting back up across the area, this weekend is a prime time to brush up on your history skills. The Historical Museum of Bay County has a packed schedule this weekend for history lovers.

On Friday, take a walk through downtown Bay City and learn about its notorious history stemming from the Lumber Era. A Hells’ Half Mile walking tour will take place starting at 1 p.m. with local historian Sam Fitzpatrick. The tour explores a six-block strip that was infamous for gambling houses, theatres, saloons and brothels, as well as catacombs under the city streets.

The walking tours cost $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under. Tickets are on sale now in the Museum Store and day of the tour.

You can also take it easy with two film showings this weekend at the museum, located at 321 Washington Avenue. On Saturday starting at 11.m., the film “We’re Going to Rock! The Birth of Michigan Rock & Roll” will be held.

At 1 p.m., the music theme will continue but the focus will shift to Bay City’s Madonna. The film “Smelly Little Town” will be shown, which details Bay City’s relationship with Madonna.

Both films are free to enjoy but donations are welcome.

Throughout the weekend, a special exhibit called “The Culture of Tea” will be open. According to the museum, this exhibit explores the history of tea and its cultural significance in Bay County starting in the Victorian Era up through the 1950s. The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday.

With Labor Day fast approaching, the clock is ticking for how much longer visitors can enjoy Bay City’s “Feet on the Street” road closures. While Feet on the Street is great for outdoor dining, this year it also has plenty more to offer including outdoor fitness and wellness classes.

This weekend, a free exercise session called “Move It, Shake It, Lift It” will take place starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday on the artificial turf on Sadinaw Street. According to the event page, this class combines strength training and light cardio alongside a musical blend of today’s hits and oldies.

On Sunday, things will get more relaxed with free hatha yoga on the turf starting at 10 a.m. This session is a combination of traditional Hatha and vinyasa styles, encouraging self-awareness and autonomy/ authenticity, according to the event page.

For more information on Feet on the Street wellness events, check out the Ocean Jasper Wellness Facebook page.

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