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

Journey under the sea with Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Join Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her

1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 Dates: March 6, 2026 – March 8, 2026 Recurrence: Recurring daily The Builders Show (formerly the UP Home and Garden Show) has been running for over 50 years providing a space for vendors and industry experts to talk face to face with consumers, gather remodeling ideas, find contractors and subcontractors, experience live demos and much more! Show Hours Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Price: Weekend Pass $6 65 + years young $5 12 years and under are free

Tuesdays & Fridays March (3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27), 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, March (6, 13, 20, 27) 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

Fridays March (6, 20, 27), 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.  

150 West Johnson Lake Road, Gwinn, MI 49841   Dates: January 3, 2026 – March 14, 2026   Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Saturday   Get Ready For This Winter’s Biggest Adrenaline Rush: The Upper Michigan Ice Races   Are you ready to take your thrill-seeking to the next level? Join the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association for an action-packed series of Weekly Ice Races held on Saturdays, where dirt bikes and quads tear up the ice in a battle of speed, skill, and sheer power!   The Upper Michigan Ice Races are open to the public for spectating or bring

The Great Bear Chase will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.   The 46th Great Bear Chase cross country ski event is slated for March 7, 2026. This longstanding community event is held in Calumet, Michigan, with more than 800 racers taking part each year. Roughly 85% of the racers come from out of the area – including 67% from out of state – to enjoy the Copper Country. This is an economic impact of over $700,000 annually.    There are so many ways to take part in this great event:    Sponsor – sponsor the GBC, which serves

Saturday, March 7, 2026.  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 mindfulness practice. For more information and to check