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

April 23 – June 10, 2026 Opening Reception: Thursday, April 23, 7-8:30pm HANCOCK, Mich. – Existing between different spaces while not fully belonging to one or the other is something many people experience. What does it mean to belong and how do we know when we do belong? Liminal Sanctuaries, a new exhibition by Michigan artist Bonnie Loukus, features oil paintings of solitary animals and forest floor ecosystems, in between reality and some incorporeal place where they exist without human interference. The exhibit opens with a reception at Finlandia Art Gallery on Thursday, April 23 at 7pm and will be

Tuesdays & Fridays April (7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Preschool age children. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Fridays, April (10, 17, 24) 2026.  Noon – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room. In partnership with several area organizations, this hour-long event offers a safe space to pause, reflect, and build meaningful connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness in our world. Each week, a different organization takes the lead, with experienced educators and leaders facilitating. This rotating format ensures diverse perspectives and practices while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles.  For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or

Friday, April 24, 2026.  12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors. Cindy Hunter Morgan, author of the Michigan Notable Book Harborless and cofounder of the Filmetry Festival of Poetry and Film in Lansing, screens some of the festival’s award-winning short films based on the poems of noted writers.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info to register.  

Fridays, April (10, 17, 24), 2026.  4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. Family friendly, children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Join us on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.at the Forest Roberts Theatre to celebrate the work of our graduating seniors during this culminating showcase-style performance!   Please note that this production contains adult themes, strong language, and mature subject matter. While these elements are thoughtfully presented as part of the students’ artistic exploration and growth, the content may not be suitable for younger audiences.   Ticket Prices General public: $25 NMU Employees, Seniors and Military: $22 Student (18 & under): $15 NMU Students: $5 Get your tickets here!