Central UP Events

Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will unveil two exhibits in its new gallery space in 223 Harden Hall: “The Conservationists: George Shiras III, Theodore Roosevelt and the Migratory Bird Act”; and a permanent display of artifacts, photographs and stories about NMU. The opening reception begins at noon Saturday, Jan. 31. “The Conservationists” focuses on the relationship between Shiras and Roosevelt and how the two helped shape conservation and environmental policy in the United States during the early 1900s. The exhibit will feature actual correspondence between the two figures from the collection of the Central Upper Peninsula and NMU

February 23, 2026-January 2, 2027 This exhibit showcases two hundred and fifty artifacts, photographs, and documents from our permanent collections. These objects connect local history to the national story while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has often seemed remote from the rest of the country. However, the themes and movements of U.S. history can be seen here as well, especially since the War of 1812. When the country braced for the Civil War, U.P. iron miners raced to uncover iron for the Union army’s railroads and ammunitions. When labor movements exploded following

Registration fees are $195 per team until May 8th and $215 May 9th until May 13th.  Be a Part of U.P. History  What makes The Big Bay Relay different from any other relay? It is the Upper Peninsula’s most esteemed and historic race relay event. Join the Noquemanon Trail Network in celebrating the 48th annual Big Bay Relay kicking off at the Kaufman Sports Complex Saturday, May 16th 2026!  The relay welcomes runners of all levels and we cannot wait to see what creative team names our runners come up with for the 2026 race! Teams are composed of five

Deadline June 12, 2025.  The Marquette Kiwanis Club proudly announces our 31st year of sponsoring the Marquette July 4th Parade with the City of Marquette-starting at 2 pm on Saturday July 4th at McClelland & W. Washington. Online Application to enter Parade, click the link and fill out the application form at https://bit.ly/KiwanisMQTParadeApplication. Theme: One Nation Indivisible – Celebrating 250 Years!    To encourage youth participation, 10 grants of $150 to defray float costs along with fee waivers will be given to youth sports, dance and theater groups. Contact Pam Simmons to apply (see below). Also, we offer an accessible

What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, or gathering with community, you can find your joy at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library (ICPL). First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association. National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities. At the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, we invite everyone to

Northern Michigan University’s 12th annual Anderton’s Earth Week will be held April 19-25. This year’s schedule has more than 30 events and activities to celebrate the arrival of spring. Gamma Theta Upsilon, NMU’s geographic honors society, is working with the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographic Sciences and the Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment (SHINE) to host an action-packed week of Earth-themed activities. Several of the events offer high-impact learning opportunities, such as gathering data for citizen science projects or learning about foraging and maple syrup-making on campus. Others are designed to foster belonging and well-being, from sipping tea to creating a house for

Mondays & Thursdays April (6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  For children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, siblings welcome. Stories and songs to engage the curious mind and wiggly body, followed by sensory play activities.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Monday, April 20, 2026.  2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.,  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. In this programming series, seasoned published authors of various genres lead participants through writing exercises and workshops to hone their writerly talents. April’s Writer: Great Lakes Poetry Festival Headline Poet Dennis Hinrichsen. Join Dennis Hinrichsen for an afternoon of poetic challenge and creation. Experienced as well as beginning poets welcome. Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Mondays, April (13, 20, 27), 2026.  4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  In-person registration at the Youth Services Desk required to claim your spot in a fantasy adventure! Registration opens on March 23. Registration will be for all 3 sessions of campaign #2. Experienced and first-time players welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Monday, April 20, 2026  Eighth Economic Club Dinner for the 2025-2026 Season  Holiday Inn of Marquette (1951 Us 41 West, Marquette MI.)  Guest Speaker Jon Decker,  White House Correspondent,  Grey Television  Social Hour – 5:30 p.m.  Dinner – 6:30 p.m.  Speaker – 7:30 p.m.  Please make reservations at marquetteeconomicclub.org or call 906-315-2155 and leave a message by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before.  The cost is $75 per person for non-members and guests.  Make reservations

Agenda for 04-20-26

Shiras Planetarium to Host Nationally Recognized Astronomer Dr. Joel Weisberg for 61st Anniversary Celebration and Public Programs  Marquette, MI – April 2026 – The Shiras Planetarium is proud to welcome Dr. Joel Weisberg to Marquette this April as part of the American Astronomical Society’s prestigious Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program. Dr. Weisberg, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at Carleton College, has dedicated his career to advancing astronomy education, public outreach, and research in areas including pulsars, relativity, and the interstellar medium. His visit brings a unique opportunity for the Marquette community to engage with a nationally respected astronomer whose work

Monday, April 20, 2026,  6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Teens, Adults, Seniors. Acclaimed poet Dennis Hinrichsen, former Inaugural Poet Laureate of the Greater Lansing area and author of 11 poetry collections (including the recently released Dementia Lyrics), reads from his work.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.