Serving the

Chain of Lakes Area

Acme * Alden * Atwood

Bellaire * Central Lake

Eastport * Ellsworth * Elk Rapids

Kewadin * Rapid City

Torch River * Williamsburg

Guide to Newsletter


  • Chamber Events
  • Job Listings
  • Events/Classes/Workshops
  • Member News/Specials/Information
  • Snapshot of Upcoming Events
  • Local Government News and Public Meetings

To ensure your events are included in the Monday Minute, please email christina@elkrapidschamber.org by Friday. Reaching over 2.7K subscribers with an open rate of over 60%.

Chamber News & Events

New Office Hours


Beginning in January, the Chamber will move to winter remote work hours. We will offer in-person office hours Tuesday–Thursday, with remote availability on Mondays and Fridays.


Although our in-person hours are changing, we remain open and available five days a week, continuing to provide responsive service and opportunities to connect with our members.

🤩 WIN Breakfast for Your Office!

The Dam Shop has teamed up with the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to give away a breakfast pack for 6–8 people every single week thru January 2026!



How to enter:

👍 Like

👥 Follow

💬 Comment on Facebook or Instagram

One lucky workplace will be drawn every Friday.

Be the office hero—enter now and start your morning the delicious way! 🍽️

Job Board

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL JOB OPENINGS!

Community Events This Week

Special Post-Holiday Tech Help


Tuesday, January 13th - 11am to 3pm

Elk Rapids District Library


Join us for a special post-holiday, extended edition of Tech Help. Bring your new device and/or any tech questions you have! Two tech specialists will be on-site to provide one-on-one assistance. Bring your new device and/or any tech questions you have!


elkrapidslibrary.org

Books On Tap


Tuesday, January 13th - 6-7pm

Town Club


We will have small group discussions about “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner while we enjoy some beverages. 


www.elkrapidslibrary.org

Trivia with Quizding


Tuesday, January 13th - 6-8pm

Short's Pull Barn


Think you’ve got the brains to back up your beer? Join us at the Pull Barn for Quizding Trivia and put your knowledge to the test! Three rounds of general knowledge questions, about two hours of friendly competition, and plenty of beer to fuel those genius moments. Bring your crew, grab a pint, and let’s see who’s walking away with bragging rights.


Click here for details!

Community Blood Drive


Wednesday, January 14th - 1 to 5:30pm

Elk Rapids Amvets


appointments preferred 866-642-5663

http://versiti.org/mi

After School Programs


Wednesday, January 14th - 3-5pm

Elk Rapids Library


Stop in the library after school on Wednesdays for a rotating mix of activities. For January, we are making microwave mug cakes, building with Lego, hosting a Pokemon afternoon and crafting light bookmarks. No registration is needed - Just drop-in anytime during the 2 hours and have fun! 


elkrapidslibrary.org

Green ER Event - All Too Clear


Wednesday, January 14th - 5 to 7pm

Elk Rapids Cinema

Green Elk Rapids presents the award- winning documentary All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes.
The documentary uses cutting edge technology to explore how the invasive quagga mussels are changing the Great Lakes eco-system at a scale not seen since the glaciers.
5:00 PM doors open, concessions available
6:00 PM screening
Elk Rapids Cinema, 205 River Street, Elk Rapids
$5 dollar donation appreciated - Students attend free

Show Me The Money


Wednesday, January 14th - 6 to 8pm

Elk Rapids Amvets


Proceeds go toward Auxiliary Projects for Veterans and Community. Must be a member to purchase alcohol. Non-members must be sponsored by a member.


Click here for details!

Resin Pour Workshop


Thursday, January 15th - 6 to 8pm

Short's Pull Barn


Ready to get crafty? Join us for a Resin Pour Art Class where you’ll create your very own custom charcuterie board!


You’ll get to choose your board shape, pick your colors, and learn the step-by-step magic of mixing, pouring, and blending resin into a one-of-a-kind design. No experience needed — just bring your creativity and we’ll handle the rest!


All materials are non-toxic and food-safe, so your masterpiece can roll straight into snack duty.


Spots are limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance — snag yours and let’s get pouring!


www.shortsbrewing.com

Taste of Italy Wine Dinner


Thursday, January 15th, 6 to 8pm

Aerie at Grand Traverse Resort


Experience the heart of Italy through food and wine at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. Folgarelli's Wine Shop to present an Italian Wine Dinner showcasing authentic flavors, time-honored pairings, and expertly selected wines. This immersive, multi-course dining experience brings together Italian culinary tradition and thoughtfully paired wines for a night meant to be savored from first pour to final bite.


Click here for more info!

Open House


Friday, January 16th - 5 to 8pm

Overlook at the Chief


Join us for an exclusive open house at Overlook! Come and explore our stunning new event and wedding venue, designed to make your special moments unforgettable.


Enjoy complimentary cocktails and delicious appetizers as you tour our spaces and meet our team. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or a milestone celebration, we're here to bring your vision to life.

Fish Fry


Friday, January 16th, 5:30-7 pm

Elk Rapids Amvets


Serving a generous portion of Cod for $13.00 including Cole Slaw and Fries or Baked Potato  

We also serve Chicken Tenders Dinners for $10

As always thank you for all your support.

All proceeds go to helping with various projects to help veterans in need.

Stand-up Comedy


Friday, January 16th - 7 to 9pm

Ethanology


A professional Stand-Up comedy show hosted at the distillery every third Friday, January - April.

We have stepped up the talent this year with new comedians, and are excited to share the lineup with you. Professional comics from all corners of the country will perform at the distillery in Elk Rapids. Each show will consist of two comics, one headliner and one feature.


*Note: All shows are 18+ and will contain profanity. Its a comedy show, please don't bring your children.


Click here for info!

Village to Village


Saturday, January 17th - Noon to 7pm

BOS Wine


Sunday, January 18th - 1 to 6pm

Ethanology


Village to Village is a new Northern Michigan series celebrating craft, community, and collaboration.



From Jan 13–Apr 29, Bos Wine + Ethanology (Elk Rapids) team up with Left Foot Charley + Trattoria Stella (Traverse City) for weekly food & drink features, guest pours, and behind-the-bar storytelling across both villages.


Designed for the slower season, Village to Village invites locals to meet the makers, sip library wines and creative cocktails, and connect across US-31—because hospitality is better when it's shared.


Follow along for weekly features, rotating events, and more to come.

http://boswine.com/events

https://www.ethanologydistillation.com/#/

Sunday Funday


Sunday, January 18th - Noon to 2pm

BOS Wine


Come join Dave, Jackie & Elizabeth for a laid-back afternoon sipping on BOS Wine.


http://boswine.com/events

Youth Entertainment Showcase


Sunday, January 18th - 3:00pm

The Bay Community Theatre (Suttons Bay)


Get your tickets now and support the Elk Rapids Jazz Band at this upcoming Youth Entertainment Showcase!


Tickets https://www.thebaytheater.com/box-office

Click here to view the full events calendar!

Register for upcoming classes and workshops on our website! Check back often as we will be posting more classes and workshops



REGISTER FOR CLASSES/WORKSHOPS




Art and Connection

🎨965 Green Street 🎨Elk Rapids

🎨 (231) 498-2522


300 Isle of Pines

Elk Rapids, MI

(231) 264-9979


www.elkrapidslibrary.org

Library happenings, the newest of the new titles, upcoming events, Friends of the Library updates, and more! 

See website calendar for schedules

Save the Dates!

Next Week

January 20, Stress Management Class at ER Library, 2-3pm

January 21, After School Programs at ER Library, 3-5pm

January 21, Bingo at Short's Pull Barn, 6-8pm

January 22, Tip-Off at BOS Wine, 3-5pm

January 22, Stress Management Class at ER Library, 3-5pm

January 22, Business After Hours at Masala Magic, 5-7pm

January 22, Tyin' Thursdays at Ethanology, 6-8:30pm

January 23, Lantern-Lit Evening at Grass River, 6:30-8:30pm

January 24, Soap Making Class at Short's Pull Barn, 1-2pm

January 24, Coffee with Charlie at Twisted Fish Gallery, 1-3pm

January 24, Winter Art Class at Grass River, 1-3pm

January 24, Village to Village at Ethanology, 1-6pm

January 24, Sacred Heart Euchre, 6:30-9pm

January 24, Trillium Groove at the Music House Museum, 7-8:15pm

January 25, Village to Village at BOS Wine, 1-6pm

January 25, Vinyl Record Crate Dig at Ethanology, 1-5pm

Weekly Reoccuring Events

Mondays

~ Embodied Yoga Flow at ER Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Mug Club Monday at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Locals Love Mondays at Short's Pull Barn, 2-8 pm

~ Chess Mondays at the ER Library, 4-5:30 pm

Tuesdays

~ Elk Rapids Rotary Meeting at The Dam Shop, 8 am

~ Vinyasa Flos at ER Yoga Flow, 9:00 am

~ Mobility + Yin at ER Yoga Flow, 10:15 am

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 10:30 am - 12 pm

Wednesday

~ Kundalini at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Puzzle Wednesday at ER District Library, 10 am - 6 pm

~ Island House Readers Book Club-ERDL, 12-1:30 pm (1st Wednesday of the month)

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Chinese Buffet at Blue Pelican Inn, 4-9 pm

~ Gentle Stretch & Flow at ER Yoga Flow, 5:30 pm

Thursdays

~ Strength & Flexibility at ER Yoga Flow, 9 am

~ Human Reformer Pilates at ER Yoga Flow, 10:15 am

~ Storytime at ER Library, 10:30 am

~ Family Playgroup at Grass River Natural Area, 10:30 am (Every Other Week)

~ Puzzle & Pour at BOS Wine, 12-6 pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 1-2:30 pm

~ ER Knitters at the ER District Library, 2-4 pm

~ Locals Day at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Euchre at the Side Door at the Blue Pelican, 6:30 pm

FRIDAYS

~ Vin Yin at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Functional Mobility at ER Yoga Flow, 10:15 am

~ Storytime for all at the ER District Library, 10:30-11:30 am

~ Friday Favorites at BOS Wine, 12-7 pm

~ Friday Fish Fry at the Blue Pelican Inn, 4-9 pm

~ Friday Night Fish Fry at the Town Club, 5 pm

Saturdays

~ Vinyasa Flow at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Authentic Mexican Foods and farm activities at Providence Farms, 9 am-5:30 pm

~ Live Music at Ethanology, 

Sundays

~ Restorative Yoga at ER Yoga Flow (every 3rd Sunday) 6:00 pm

Member News and Specials

Healing Together:

Support Group for Individuals Bereaved by Suicide Loss


Wednesday, January 21st - 4 to 6pm

Art & Connection


All are welcome! Click here for all of the details

Twisted Fish is hosting, "Coffee with Charlie" - Painting Demo/Lecture with Charles Murphy


Saturday, January 24th from 1 to 3pm:

WATERCOLOR PAINTING


Come learn from one of the best in all mediums! Charlie has tricks and techniques to make your canvases shine! 


Each session is $30/guest. Coffee & sweets from our friends at AMES ST CAFE will be served. 


No supplies necessary, but paper & pen for note taking are encouraged. Phone the gallery to reserve your spot. 231 264 0123

Miss Elk Rapids 2026


Applications are available now, and we are thrilled! We love seeing new and familiar faces joining us. Get out your boots and bling and join our Miss Elk Rapids 2026 program on March 14!!


Click here for Young Miss Application


Click here for Miss Application


Winter Break Special


Cherry Tree Inn

Spring Break Indoor Pool Specials designed for easy, memory-making escapes. Enjoy daily indoor pool access from 10:30 am-5:00 pm, plus receive a complimentary overnight stay—the ultimate way to turn school breaks into something special.


Spring Break Offer Availability: March 15 – April 5, 2026

Relax in spacious suites, splash all day in our heated indoor pool, and unwind along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay—all just minutes from downtown Traverse City and winter activities.


 Book now—availability is limited! Visit www.cherrytreeinn.com to reserve your Spring Break stay today.


HELP THE SALVATION ARMY CLOSE THE GAP - $15,000 Needed to Support Local Families


The Salvation Army of Petoskey is $15,000 short of its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign goal of $141,000. These funds are critical to providing food, heat, electricity, rent assistance, and other essentials for struggling families in Emmet, Charlevoix, and Antrim Counties. Donations are still being accepted through the end of January.


"Your gifts keep families fed, homes warm, and lights on. Every dollar makes a difference," said Jonathan Meyer, Red Kettle Campaign Chair.

More: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/stories/salvation-army-needs-your-help-to-reach-goal-for-struggling-families/

 

2025 Red Kettle Campaign Kick-off Photo (left to right): Susan Melton (Big Country 102.9), Envoy Roman Hank, Jonathan Meyer (Meyer Ace Hardware)

NEW Daily Specials at Chef Chuck's!


https://www.chefchucks.com/

Throwback Limited Edition Menu


www.magnumhospitality.com/pearls/

Silly Sister's Pottery Winter Classes


Click here for a full list of upcoming classes and the registration process.

Special Message from Pine Hill Nursery


Please Note: Our Traverse City store will be reopening Monday, Jan. 12 with winter hours Monday-Saturday 10-5. Our Torch Lake store is closed for the winter. 




David & Brothers Landscaping, LLC

Available for Painting, Drywall repair, furniture assembly, moving, or disposing of household items.

Give us a call at (231) 499-8235

Community Resources

For more information on these resources click the links above.

Community Public Meetings

  • Monday, January 12th at 9 am, Elk Rapids Township Board - Agenda
  • Monday, January 12th at 5 pm, Elk Rapids School Board - Agenda
  • Wednesday, January 14th at 6 pm, Elk Rapids DDA - Agenda
  • Thursday, January 15th at 6:30pm, Antrim County Commission - Agenda
  • Monday, January 19th at 9 am, Milton Township Board - Agenda


Village of Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids Township

Milton Township

Torch Lake Township

Antrim County

Acme Township

White Water Township

Helena Township

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

(231) 264-8202 | WEBSITE | EMAIL


~ The End ~

Facebook  Instagram