Community Calendar

Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition invites visitors to experience the beauty of autumn through the art of bonsai. This seasonal exhibition will showcase a stunning collection of miniature trees featuring vibrant fall color, ripening fruit, and striking forms that capture the essence of the changing season. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet talented bonsai artists and learn more about the skill, patience, and creativity behind this living art form. Whether you are a longtime bonsai enthusiast or discovering it for the first time, this exhibition offers a unique and inspiring celebration of fall at Hidden Lake Gardens. Interested in displaying a bonsai tree? Submissions are accepted through October 1, 2026. For the latest exhibition details and updates, visit hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

All Ages
Our “Fall into Reading” Challenge begins October 1, and we’ll have a little something for everyone this season! Visit gladl.org/readingchallenges for full details on Fall’s challenge and to get started.
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/17096010

October 2 – October 30
Come see and vote on the Rubber Duck Cosplay Contest!
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/17019090

East Lansing Public Library
950 Abbot Road
East Lansing, Michigan 48823

What do young adults across the country have to say about American ideals and identity?

PBS is catalyzing a growing national conversation amongst young people about foundational American ideals and how idealism can be turned into action in their own communities — and we’re bringing that conversation to Michigan.

In the new American Creed: Citizen Power PBS series of half-hours, political scientist and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Pulitzer Prize winning historian David M. Kennedy come together from their different perspectives to facilitate dialogues between “extraordinary, ordinary” young community leaders whose stories address what many Americans see as urgent challenges facing the nation.

The Red Cedar Writing Project is hosting a free American Creed: Citizen Power screening +discussion event in partnership with the Community Writing Center at the East Lansing Public Library. Attendees will enjoy:
A screening of short documentaries from PBS’s American Creed: Citizen Power series;
A presentation of media made by Michigan high school students in response to the stories of young leaders, like Williams, who are featured in American Creed;
A discussion with NASCAR driver and Michigan autism community leader, Armani Williams, who advocates for an America where everyone has a chance to fulfill their potential, in our classrooms and beyond;

Williams will also be signing copies of his new book Armani’s First Race, available for purchase at the event. Light refreshments will be provided.

Capture a tiny ghost and keep it close! Join us to create an adorable miniature "Ghost in a Jar" necklace using small glass vials, and cotton balls to create a unique Halloween keepsake.
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/17051467

Ages 6 - 12

In this hands-on six week program, kids will learn how scientists study nature by keeping their own scientific nature journals. Parents are welcome to attend, too. Dress for the weather!

Every Wednesday at 6pm, UrtbanBeat invites you to showcase your musical talent!

Whether you're experienced or just starting, the stage is open to all.

Not a performer? Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music from local artists. No cover charge and all ages are welcome. Come early and enjoy the local flavor of Old Town.

Sign ups are first come, first serve.

Doors at 5PM

Teens
Using air dry clay, fake teeth, and fake eyeballs, design your own horrifying creature.
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/16625443

A welcoming arts and crafts gathering for adults. Bring your own craft supplies or make use of the library’s coloring materials as you connect with fellow creative individuals. Whether you're working on knitting, drawing, crocheting, or simply coloring, it's a great opportunity to relax, socialize, and immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere.
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/17152665

The infamous Dr. I Ball is back at The Okemos Coffee Shop, and this year he brought his horrible horde of interdimensional travelers along with him.

Together they've built a 9 hole haunted putt putt course right inside the shop - a limited time art installation that you can play! It runs October 4th through November 8th, with a few extra special event nights mixed in.

Come putt putt, drink coffee, and get spooky!

SUN: 10AM-4PM
THURS-SAT: 1PM-9PM
MON-WED: CLOSED

Advance tickets are $12 a person, or 4 for $40. At the door tickets are $15 per person or 4 for $45.

On sale starting September 27th.