SUTTONS BAY — The Bay Community Theatre announced the return of its Made in Michigan Film Series, a schedule of free Formula 1 watch parties and a St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring Switchback as part of its 2026 programming lineup.
The events are presented by Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau, Hendryx House and Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, according to the nonprofit theatre.
The Made in Michigan series will begin Sunday, March 1, at 4 p.m. with “The Spirit of Sleeping Bear Dunes.” The film explores the connection between the landscape and people of Lake Michigan’s northeastern shore, from the Anishinaabe tribes to modern-day conservationists.
Filmmaker Keith Patterson will take part in a post-screening question-and-answer session. The screening will also include pre-show footage from local filmmaker James Schamberg. Proceeds will be donated to Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear.
The series will continue Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m. with “All Too Clear,” a documentary examining ecological changes in the Great Lakes linked to invasive quagga mussels. Filmmakers Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert will attend the screening. The event is presented in partnership with Inland Seas Education Association.
“Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)” by Sierra Falconer will be shown Sunday, April 12, at 4 p.m. The film features multiple Northern Michigan locations and actors and follows four connected stories centered on a summer at Green Lake. Co-producers Nick Loud and Chris Loud will participate in a question-and-answer session.
Tickets for all Made in Michigan films are $15 and are available at TheBayTheatre.org.
As part of the series, The Bay will partner with five other art house theaters and the Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City to host a free community screening of the opening night shorts program “Stories of Hope” on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. Donations at the door will benefit the theater.
Information about the short films and other festival events is available at TC.FreshCoastFilm.com.
The theater will also host free watch parties for live Formula 1 races throughout 2026. The first event will feature the Australia Grand Prix on Sunday, March 8, at 9 a.m., with additional watch parties scheduled through December.
The races will be shown using the theater’s 4K laser projection system. Admission is free and first-come, first-served, with a $5 suggested donation benefiting the theater. Coffee and pastries will be available for purchase. Attendees may also participate in race games and a fantasy league.
A St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring Switchback is scheduled for Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. The group blends American roots and traditional Celtic styles and has appeared in multiple PBS specials and national television programs.
Tickets for the concert are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with a $5 discount for certain membership levels. Tickets are available at the theater and at TheBayTheatre.org.
The theatre said the special screenings and live events are designed to provide additional community entertainment and programming.