Join the CIAO Bocce Challenge in Traverse City for an exciting day of bocce, Italian music, and community fun. Whether competing or cheering, this lively outdoor event has something for everyone.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since bocce involves light walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
Bocce has deep Italian roots and is a popular social sport in Traverse City's Italian-American community.
Conservation
The area prioritizes green space preservation and responsible event practices to protect local ecosystems.
The Village at Grand Traverse
Join the CIAO Bocce Challenge in Traverse City for an exciting day of bocce, Italian music, and community fun. Whether competing or cheering, this lively outdoor event has something for everyone.
The Village at Grand Traverse, located in Traverse City, Michigan, manages and programs the historic Grand Traverse Commons campus that grew from the 1883 Traverse City State Hospital. The Village at Grand Traverse offers guided tours, seasonal events, and curated experiences that highlight the site's architecture, history, preservation, and adaptive reuse. Experiences include multimedia presentations at Kirkbride Hall, guided golf cart tours of the hospital grounds, flashlight Twilight Tours through unrestored patient cottages and steam tunnels, and semi-guided Tripod Photography Tours for photographers aged 18 and over.
The Village at Grand Traverse also hosts community-focused events on the Historic Front Lawn, including craft and vendor shows on June 7, August 9, and October 4, a dog-friendly Fall Fido Fest with contests and agility features, and the Not‑So‑Chilly Chili Cook Off at The Mercato. Food-and-beverage experiences include Taste of the Village tours featuring local breweries and wineries such as Earthen Ales, The Barrel Room, ŌBrien Vineyards, and Left Foot Charley. Guides and event staff emphasize factual interpretation, historic preservation, and visitor safety. Programs vary seasonally and include options for private presentations, public small-group tours, and reservation-based vendor participation. The Village at Grand Traverse is a recognized destination in Traverse City for visitors seeking architectural history, culinary sampling, and community events on a preserved 19th-century hospital campus. Plans, schedules, and registration details are published through the Village at Grand Traverse visitor information channels. On-site shops and restaurants complement tours, and local artisans participate in seasonal vendor shows annually across the campus regularly.
Location
Traverse City, MI
Historic Grand Traverse Commons site
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Guided tours and special events
Event Dates
Jun 7 • Aug 9 • Oct 4
Seasonal craft and vendor shows
Historic Site
Established 1883
Kirkbride building and steam tunnels
Reserve guided tours, tastings, or event vendor space today — limited availability for select experiences.
Bring Comfortable Footwear
Wear flat, supportive shoes to easily move around the bocce courts and picnic area.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up quickly during the tournament, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before start time.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water especially during warm summer days to stay refreshed throughout the event.
Bring Cash for the Raffle
Cash is preferred for the 50/50 raffle, so have some on hand to join the fun.
Comfortable Flat Shoes
Ensures ease of movement around courts and lawn.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from sun exposure during outdoor play.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Useful for cooler spring mornings and evenings.
spring
Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the event.