Central UP Events

Marquette County Habitat for Humanity Hosts Bingo Fundraiser on March 31st Marquette, MI – Get ready for a night of fun and fundraising! Marquette County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) invites you to B-I-N-G-O Night on March 31st at The Mather in Ishpeming. This exciting event will feature up to 10 games with 2 winners per game, a 50/50 drawing, a cash bar, and more! All proceeds from the event will support Habitat’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing for families in Marquette County. By joining the fun, you’re helping to build homes, communities, and hope! Event Details: 📅 Date: March

Northern Michigan University’s Platform Personalities will host “An Evening with Rachel Dratch.” The multifaceted comedian, actress and writer is perhaps best known for her seven-year run on “Saturday Night Live,” where she created many memorable characters, including Debbie Downer. She will participate in a conversation at 7 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom. Admission is free for NMU students with ID and $5 for the general public. Dratch appeared on “Saturday Night Live” from 1999-2006. She has had an extensive career spanning television, film and theater. Born and raised in Lexington, Mass., Dratch’s comedic roots were nurtured during

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Kathleen M. Heideman Book Launch Reading  Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  Poet Kathleen M. Heideman reads from her recently released collection of poems, The Caving Grounds, from Modern History Press.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Marquette Maritime Museum’s final Maritime History on Tap features paranormal stories from the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. Susan Hill and Trish Kautz of Yooper Paranormal share their spooky experiences from paranormal tours and investigations of the lighthouse during the summers of 2021 through 2024. Join us on April 1, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Ore Dock Brewing Company. $5 at the door. Maritime History on Tap is sponsored by the Ore Dock Brewing Company and in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

Director Chat  Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. & 5:00-6:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Circulation Lobby. Stop by the Library to chat with Library Director Andrea Ingmire. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or visit www.pwpl.info.

 The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6:45 p.m. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Studio 1 on the Lower Level of the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette. The meeting will feature a presentation about immigration by the NMU student group, the Latinx Student Union. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and

    MSU Extension and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will offer Pesticide Applicator Training and Exams in the Upper Peninsula at Bay College in Escanaba on April 3rd, 2025 8:00am – 4:00pm ET. The program includes a core manual review (RUP credits), lunch and MDARD exams (Full training & exam participation required).  Core exams (private and commercial) will be offered by MDARD, while Commercial Category exams will be available onsite through Bay College Testing Services.  MDARD pesticide applicator recertification credits are available to those attending the Core Manual review.

  As part of Northern Michigan University’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, a special public event is planned to recognize the 30th anniversary of “Haywire,” the Forest Roberts Theatre musical about an 1880s logging camp that was one of five productions selected from more than 900 national submissions to perform at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. The program is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, in 1100 Jamrich Hall. It will highlight the creators, including playwright and theater professor emeritus Shelley Russell and music professor emeritus Robert Engelhart, who wrote the original score. Some of the alumni who performed in the

Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Wild Words in the Wild U.P.  Saturday, April 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition, PWPL presents a poetry reading on the environment from some of the U.P.’s wildest poets, including Kathleen M. Heideman, Beverly Matherne, Gala Mahlerbe, Lisa Fosmo, Lynn Domina, Christine Saari, and Marty Achatz.   No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) is proud to announce the upcoming 2025 Cause for Paws Gala, celebrating our 50th Anniversary on Saturday, April 5th at the Marquette Holiday Inn. This milestone event will be a night to remember, filled with music, auctions, raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvres, an awards ceremony, and more in honor of our beloved animals and the rich history of our shelter organization. “For the past 50 years, our organization has been committed to providing homeless animals with a safe haven and finding them loving forever homes,” said Nic Conroy, Fundraising Coordinator at UPAWS. “We are

4/3/2025 Northern Michigan University’s Music Department will present three upcoming performances featuring its percussion ensemble, a senior trombone recital, and the Open Mind experimental music ensemble. The NMU Percussion Ensemble, directed by Professor James A. Strain, will perform its winter semester concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The program will showcase a variety of percussion instruments and styles. Senior music student Erik Meilstrup, a trombone player, will perform a senior recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, in Reynolds Recital Hall. This performance marks the culmination of his studies at NMU. Under the direction of

Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns

Senior Support Series: 100 Years of the Longyear Research Library Wednesday, April 9, 1:30pm  It’s National Library Week! Meet the librarians and hear about unusual collections and surprising research discoveries over the last century. Get a window into the research process used to create our May 2025 cemetery tour, featuring WWII veterans. You will learn how to use a research library through a fun interactive game of bingo. SSS programs ignite curiosity, social interaction, health, and community involvement. In coordination with Mapping Medicare, we continue this program quarterly on Wednesday afternoons. Win door prizes and enjoy complimentary Dead River Coffee Roasters

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Northwords and Music:  Wordplay Show  Wednesday, April 9, 2025.  6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family.  Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits sure to make you laugh, cry, clap, and sing for those crossroads in our lives.  The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic), actress Jacque Love, and guests Jim Edwards and musician John Mallow.  This event will also be livestreamed.  For

Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, April 10. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team

Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, in partnership with the Marquette Alger CAN Council, Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center, and other Community Partners, is hosting a FREE night at the museum from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on April 10th for kids and families in honor of Child Abuse Prevention & Strengthening Families Month. Join us for an activity, snack, free admission to the museum, and more. See more info and events at https://northernlightscac.org

Artist Reception Thursday, April 10, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery and MACC Deo Gallery. Teens, Adults, Seniors. Join us for two artist receptions in one night! Speak with the artists about their work and exhibits on display.  PWPL Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Patterns of Connection by Knot Work Studio  MACC Deo Gallery – The High School Art Show

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Marquette Poets Circle  Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Join local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts for an evening of poetry.  Starting at 6:30 p.m., participants gather to workshop their current work, followed by an Open Mic at 7:15 p.m.  New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Docu Cinema:  Billy Collins:  On the Road with the Poet Laureate  Friday, April 11, 2025.  12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family.  PWPL screens this portrait of poet Billy Collins, trailing him from readings to college classrooms, his home, and even his car.  The film also explores the cultural role of the U.S., Poet Laureate.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

Repair Café  Saturday, April 12, 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Toss it? No way! The Repair Café is back thanks to a partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition. Bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing, or bikes and skilled fixers with assist you in repairing them. This is a great way to save money, learn valuable repair skills, and reduce your environmental impact. No admission charge. For further information, please contact mqtsustainability@gmail.com  or call 906-226-4303.

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

  Marquette, MI – April 9, 2025 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Marquette will host a benefit concert featuring local artists and choral groups on Sunday, April 13th at 3:00 pm at the church at 201 East Ridge Street in Marquette. The concert is a kickoff event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Paul’s sanctuary building. The concert was originally scheduled for Sunday March 30th, but was rescheduled due to a snowstorm that day. The concert will feature a wide variety of music from Broadway tunes, to classical vocal music, to folk music, fiddle tunes, and choral music.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Marquette will host a benefit concert featuring local artists and choral groups on Sunday, April 13th at 3:00 pm at the church at 201 East Ridge Street in Marquette.   The concert is a kickoff event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Paul’s sanctuary building.  The concert was originally scheduled for Sunday March 30th, but was rescheduled due to a snowstorm that day. Admission will be free and donations will be accepted.  All donations will benefit St. Paul’s Building Restoration fund as the church seeks to match the grant it received from the National Fund

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Milton Bates & Gala Mahlerbe Book Launch Reading  Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  Poets Milton Bates (Undivided Attention, Kelsay Books) and Gala Mahlerbe (Growth Rings, Harvard Square Press) read from their recently published poetry collections.   No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting  Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Peter White Public Library. The meeting is open to all.  Meeting agenda, materials, and remote attendance link are available on the library’s website: www.pwpl.info.

(ISHPEMING, MI) – Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets and poetry! We are excited to bring this celebration to the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library by hosting two poetry readings on back-to-back evenings. The first poetry reading will be on Wednesday, April 16th at 5:30pm, and it will feature local poets, Troy Graham and U.P. Poet Laureate, Beverly Matherne. This poetry performance will open with Troy Graham reading newly released poems followed by ’23-’24 U.P. Poet Laureate, Beverly Matherne’s performance of original poetry. Beverly Matherne is the

MSHS Jazz Band Concert  Wednesday, April 16, 2025. 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of wonderful music performed by the Marquette Senior High School Jazz Band, led by MSHS Director Emily Morgan-Booth. Overflow seating will be located in the Shiras Room. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of this program, call 906-226-4321, email Amanda at apierce@pwpl.info, and visit www.pwpl.info.

MSU Extension and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will offer Pesticide Applicator Training and Exams in the Upper Peninsula at Bay College in Escanaba on April 17th, 2025 8:00am – 4:00pm ET.  This event was rescheduled from the original date of April 3rd due to weather.  The program includes a core manual review (RUP credits), lunch and MDARD exams (Training participation required for exam takers).  Core exams (private and commercial) will be offered by MDARD, while Commercial Category exams will be available onsite through Bay College Testing Services.  Four MDARD pesticide applicator recertification credits are available to those attending

  Northern Michigan University will host its 29th annual Celebration of Student Scholarship on Thursday, April 17, beginning with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day in Jamrich Hall. This year’s event will feature a broader range of presentation formats beyond the traditional research posters and 10-minute oral presentations. Students were also invited to submit projects in the form of film and video, readings, roundtables, performances, publications, artistic displays and more. The Celebration of Student Scholarship recognizes the scholarly and creative work of both undergraduate and graduate students, offering a platform to share their projects with the NMU and

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

  Northern Michigan University’s master’s degree program in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism has invited three related business-oriented innovators to campus for a public presentation: keynote speaker Bob Jacquart, owner of Stormy Kromer and Copper Peak; Joe Thiel from Innovate Marquette; and Phil Britton from the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN). The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 18, in Northern Center Peninsula II. Jacquart will talk about positive leadership in the industry in a challenging financial environment. Thiel will talk about future impacts of electrification and mobility on the outdoor recreation industry. Britton will speak about ORIAN, a project to

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its adaptation of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage more than 50 years ago. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 and 17-19 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The story of the last week of Jesus’ life is told entirely through song. While based loosely on historical accounts from the Bible, co-directors Paul Truckey and Keli Crawford-Truckey say the themes addressed through depictions of the characters’ personal relationships and struggles are timeless, and relevant to diverse audiences. “Obviously

Cyber Clinic: Artificial Intelligence   Monday April 21, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute. Staying safe online and recognizing scams in today’s ever changing cyber world is difficult. Peter White Public Library is working in partnership with the UPCI to bring the Marquette community authoritative and up-to-date information about computer and internet safety in our new program series “Cyber Clinic”. Cyber Clinic: Artificial Intelligence will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the basics of AI and how to navigate an online world where AI is increasingly

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Kick-Off:  The Women of Harvard Square Press  Monday, April 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  PWPL launches the Great Lakes Poetry Festival with this reading celebrating the women of Harvard Square Press.  Enjoy the poetic voices of Beverly Matherne, Claudia Drosen, Randi Clemens, Lynn Domina, Helen Haskell Remien, and Kathleen M. Heideman, among others.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Northern Michigan University will host the 2025 Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Northern Center. The event will showcase developing trends in cannabis education and research, featuring insights from industry leaders and experts at the forefront of the evolving sector. The schedule includes speakers, an NMU alumni panel discussion, a networking lunch and student oral presentations/research posters. The conference aims to foster progress in cannabis education and scholarship through open dialogue, the exchange of information and ideas, and the celebration of student and faculty achievements. Presentations include: “Deciphering the Complex

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Headline Poet:  Kimberly Blaeser Reading  Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Teens, Adults, Seniors.  Acclaimed poet Kimberly Blaeser, former Wisconsin Poet Laureate and author of six poetry collections, reads from her reads from her work. No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

  Northern Michigan University will host Career Day for about 1,000 students from more than 20 high schools across the Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, April 23. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Center. Students will have an opportunity to chat about career and educational opportunities with representatives of 45 participating employers and many of NMU’s academic departments. Almost half of the students will spend extra time on campus taking tours of Northern through the Campus Visit Office. Career Day is a partnership between NMU (the offices of Student Success, Career Services and Admissions) and UP Michigan Works.

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Dinner & a Movie: Paterson  Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Teens, Seniors.  As part of the Great Lakes Poetry Festival, PWPL invites you to bring your dinner, sit at a table, and enjoy a screening of director Jim Jarmusch’s acclaimed, Palm Dog-winning film Paterson, starring Adam Driver as a bus driver/poet from Paterson, New Jersey.  Rated R.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The Marquette Regional History Center presents: A Community Under the Stars: 60 Years of Shiras Planetarium Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Shiras Planetarium here in Marquette with a special panel discussion featuring past and present directors. We will explore the evolution of this iconic facility, from its founding in 1965 to its upcoming transformation in 2025. Discover how the planetarium has inspired generations through education and innovation, and hear stories of its impact on the community. Featured panelists include past and current planetarium directors: Scott Stobbelaar, Chris Standerford,

MARQUETTE, Mich— UP Michigan Works! is excited to announce the Marquette Career Launchpad Event, taking place on April 24th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at our Marquette MI Works Office, located at 1498 O’Dovero Dr. This event is designed to present career path options to high school seniors who are considering a gap year or have decided not to pursue college. We aim to connect these students with employment opportunities that require a GED or high school diploma and offer a clear career pathway for their future. Event Highlights: Job Fair: Students will have the opportunity to speak directly

UP Rainbow Pride (UPRP) is excited about hosting two events in April aimed at building community and offering a safe, affirming, and social space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Marquette County and beyond. The aim of these events is to create an all-ages space where LGBTQIA community members and allies can celebrate fellowship and fabulousness. On Thursday, April 24th, UPRP welcomes the public to The Rainbow Rendezvous at the Up North Lodge in Gwinn. The event will run from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and will feature live music by the Make Believe Spurs. A full cash bar will be available and

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Keynote Poet:  Jeff Kass Reading  Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  GLPF Keynote Poet Jeff Kass, author of the Michigan Notable Book Teacher/Pizza Guy, reads from his recently released collection True Believer, poems that delve into the origins of the Marvel superheroes.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl..info, or visit pwpl.info.

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Cindy Hunter Morgan Writing Workshop  Friday, April 25, 2025.  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors.  In this workshop, Cindy Hunter Morgan, author of the Michigan Notable Book Harborless, guides participants through writing prompts to generate new work.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info to register.

Northern Michigan University’s Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette’s first “Water is Life Festival” on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free. The festival includes a full day of activities outlined below. It will culminate with evening water-themed performances from 6-9 p.m. in NMU’s Hedgcock Atrium by the Sister Tour, Marquette Fringe, and Supaman. 10 a.m. to noon: From Dome to Dead River guided cultural trail walk with the City of Marquette’s Arts and Culture Office (meet at

Northern Michigan University’s Theatre and Dance program will host its Alumni Awards from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Forest Roberts Theatre. The event will honor exceptional achievements in theatre, dance and entertainment arts. The weekend’s festivities will begin Friday, April 25, with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby, followed by the Theatre and Dance Senior Showcase performance at 7:30 p.m. and a post-show reception at 8:30 p.m., also in the lobby. “This event promises to be a remarkable gathering of NMU Theatre and Dance alumni, NMU community members, theatre patrons and donors, all coming

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will highlight and celebrate the talents of the department’s graduating students with its inaugural Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York and major regional theaters on Tuesday, May 20. “Showcases are shorter than full shows, owing to the busy schedules of the agents, casting directors and artistic directors who attend, so this will feature short scenes and songs in a variety-show format, just over an hour in length,” said Director Jimmy Ludwig. “It’s fairly standard for BFA programs

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will highlight and celebrate the talents of the department’s graduating students with its inaugural Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York and major regional theaters on Tuesday, May 20. “Showcases are shorter than full shows, owing to the busy schedules of the agents, casting directors and artistic directors who attend, so this will feature short scenes and songs in a variety-show format, just over an hour in length,” said Director Jimmy Ludwig. “It’s fairly standard for BFA programs to

The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is excited to announce a one-day Membership Sale & Preview Market happening Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marquette Commons. This special event invites the community to kick off the market season early with a taste of what’s to come—and a chance to support local food, art, and small businesses. Be the First to Shop the 2025 Season The Preview Market will feature a small selection of returning and new vendors offering early-season goods—from fresh-baked treats and small-batch goods to handcrafted items. It’s a sneak peek at the flavors and creativity the

17-Mile Walk from Knotty Pine to Up North Lodge to Benefit UP Pink Power On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, join us for a 17-mile walk from the Knotty Pine to the Up North Lodge to support UP Pink Power, a dedicated organization focused on helping residents of the Upper Michigan with catastrophic events in their life. Participants will embark on a 17-mile walk that will include over 25 pit stops and a lunch at the half way point, united in the cause of raising awareness and funds for UP Pink Power. All proceeds from the walk will go directly to

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  2024 International 3-Day Chapbook Contest Reading  & Award Ceremony  Saturday, April 26, 2025.  1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Enjoy readings by the three winners of the 2024 3-Day International Chapbook Competition that was judged by award-winning poet Diane Glancy. No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

UP Rainbow Pride (UPRP) is excited about hosting two events in April aimed at building community and offering a safe, affirming, and social space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Marquette County and beyond. The aim of these events is to create an all-ages space where LGBTQIA community members and allies can celebrate fellowship and fabulousness. UPRP will also be hosting a Community Potluck on Saturday, April 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lost Creek Kitchen in Marquette. LGBTQIA and Allied community members of all ages are welcome to join in on an evening of food, activities, and

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Afterglow Event  Sunday, April 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Rippling River Resort.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  PWPL closes the 2025 Great Lakes Poetry Festival with this afterglow reading by Gala Malherbe, Ronnie Ferguson, Troy Graham, and two-time U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz.  Marquette Art Awards 2022 Performing Artist of the Year Troy Graham will round-out the evening with a special concert.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Bluesday Tuesday Concert Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Teens, Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Peter White Public Library hosts a blues concert sponsored by the Marquette Area Blues Society.. This month’s band:  TBA.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Fandom Fun: It’s Raining Tacos! Wednesday April 30, 2025. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Great Room. Youth of all ages, get ready for a fun filled (non-food) taco party! Join in the fun from picture book “Dragons Love Tacos” with taco sensory play, create a bright and grooving fiesta mobile, “Taco & Pizza” party games and more! Children under the age of 8 will need an adult present with them in this program. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

The regular monthly meeting of the Marquette County Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:00 pm.  the meeting will take place in Room 231 of the Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette County Courthouse, Marquette.

The next General Membership Meeting of the Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail will take place on Thursday, May 1st, from 6-8 PM in the Community Room at the Peter White Public Library. We’re excited to welcome Phil Carter of Partridge Creek Compost as our featured speaker. Phil will discuss the benefits of composting and share local opportunities for waste diversion. Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to fight climate change. This will be an interesting look at how everyday actions can make a meaningful difference for the planet. We’ll also hear updates from our

Meditate Marquette Presents: A Year of Mindful Living  Saturday, May 3, 2025. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Four mindfulness meditation and yoga teachers invite you to engage in a year of mindful living.  Each month, one of the teachers will present a topic that addresses the different dimensions where we can practice mindfulness and presence.  The intent is for us to cultivate mindfulness, care, and well-being individually and in our love, business, and social relationships.  These are drop-in sessions, although committing to a full year is a way to build a consistent

Come hike with us along the scenic shore of Lake Superior, through beautiful mixed pine forests, to Harlow Lake and then back along the Harlow Creek past Cabin #6. If we’re lucky, we might even spot some early spring wildflowers! Our hike will be led by Dennis Fattaleh, an experienced group hike leader. We’re excited and grateful for Dennis’s efforts to help revive group hikes for our Marquette Area Chapter. This loop hike will cover approximately 4.5 miles of easy terrain on a mostly snow-free trail. Expect a few wet spots, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Plan for

Northern Michigan University’s spring commencement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Superior Dome.  About 1140 students are eligible to graduate this May. The number marching will be 1049, which includes some students who will participate in the ceremony in advance of their August graduation.