Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Courtesy photo- Music, food, games and more fill the Eaton Rapids streets during Urban Air, now a spring event.)
Urban Air, Eaton Rapids’ popular Airstream travel trailer festival, is shifting from its traditional fall schedule to May this year.
Festivities begin Thursday, May 7, and run through Sunday, May 10, according to organizer Corey Cagle, the City of Eaton Rapids Parks, Recreation and Events coordinator.
The event, which began in 2012, features modern and vintage Airstream trailers parked along Main Street in downtown Eaton Rapids. Their polished aluminum shells create a one-of-a-kind streetscape for the weekend and draw visitors from across the area. Along with the trailers, the festival offers a wide variety of activities designed to bring the community together.
Cagle is currently coordinating the many moving parts of the event, which will feature live music, food and local history tied together under this year’s theme, “A River Runs Through It.”
In addition to the date change, the overall size of the event will be scaled back. While past years have drawn 90 to 100 Airstreams, participation this spring will be limited to roughly half that number, leaving Hamlin Street available for vendors and activities.
“While Urban Air is returning earlier than we initially planned,” Mayor Pam Colestock said, “I think it will bring the same excitement and enthusiasm to the community that it did last October.”
“Our team has been working hard to make this a special community event with lots to do and see, in addition to all the Airstream trailers,” Colestock said.
Music will remain a major highlight. Performances in the festival tent were especially popular in 2025, and that feature will return each evening. Opening night on Thursday, May 7, will feature a big band performance by Twilight Memories.
The city received requests to highlight local history and has embraced that idea. A free cemetery tour at Rosehill Cemetery is planned for Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. and will feature notable figures from the past. A walking tour of downtown mineral water well sites is also being planned, along with informational signs highlighting historic buildings.
A taste of the popular Wooden Boat Show will be featured at GAR Island Park, giving visitors a preview of the full show coming June 6.
The event will also highlight the 140th anniversary of Pettit Hardware. The business began at its current location in 1886, making it one of the oldest in the area. A special ceremony is being planned to commemorate the milestone.
Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Corey Cagle at the City of Eaton Rapids at 517-663-8118 by April 12.
