Central UP Events

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

May 1st through July 31st, 2026. Peter White Public Library Youth Services desk   Jurassic Art Reception on August 4th, 2026  3:00pm-6:00pm   Calling all young artists! Youth of all ages are encouraged to submit art to the Peter White Public Library Youth Services desk beginning May 1st through July 31st, 2026. Artists may find inspiration in the Summer Reading: Unearth a Story theme, but are not confined to the given theme for their art pieces. We ask that your submissions do not exceed 12 inches in any direction, and that only one art piece is submitted per child. Submissions

Step Right Up for the Greatest Show in Marquette County: U.P. Hospice Foundation Unveils ‘A Night Under the Big Top’ presented by Dancing with our Stars Marquette County Style! After ten unforgettable years of dancing, fundraising, and community spirit, the beloved event is evolving! This year’s production transforms the stage into a whimsical, high-energy circus-inspired celebration packed with excitement, creativity, and show-stopping performances- all in support of compassionate Hospice care throughout our community. Under the glow of the big top, local celebrity groups will team up with talented Marquette dance professionals to deliver unforgettable performances that go far beyond traditional

Thursdays June (18, 25), 2026. 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 1901 Longyear Ave Playground. Families and youth, join us outdoors for Park Storytime! Books, songs, action songs, bubbles & parachute play, and more! Rain Location-Lake Superior Village Family and Youth Center. Children under the age of 8 must have an adult in the program with them. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Tuesdays & Thursdays June (9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30), 2026.  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Lower Level Lobby.  PWPL is once again partnering with Feeding America West Michigan in the Gather2Grow summer meals program and will serve as a pickup site for shelf stable meals. Available at no cost to all youth (18 and under) and disabled adults up to age 26. No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Thursday, June 18, 2026. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Families with children of all ages are invited to this special Bergonzi String Trio Family Concert! Throughout the concert, members of the trio will explain different parts of the music, talk about the different instruments and more. Family friendly, youth of all ages welcome. Youth under the age of 8 must have an adult present in the program. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Thursday, June 18, 2026. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. Join PWPL in celebrating the release of Marquette Art Awards 2022 Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley’s latest books: North Words (a poetry collection) and Shadows of the North (a U.P. noir thriller). Poetry, prose, and popcorn! Oh, my! No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Dates: June 19, 2026 – June 20, 2026 150 West Johnson Lake Road, Gwinn, MI 49841 Each year, on Father’s Day weekend, the Great Lakes Rodeo creates a weekend of fun and excitement for the entire family. Head over to the rodeo grounds in Gwinn for barrel racing, vendors, riding competitions, parade and more! The Great Lakes Rodeo is sure to have something for you. There will be plenty of vendors and beverage tents, so please no carry-ins allowed. For more information, competitor information, and ways to get involved, link with Great Lakes Rodeo today! Friday, June 19, 2026 6:00

June 19 through Sept. 4. DeVos Art Museum Northern Michigan University’s DeVos Art Museum will host “North of the 45th,” an annual juried exhibition featuring artists living in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota locations north of the 45th parallel, which is known as the halfway point between the equator and north pole. The show opens June 19 and will be on display through Sept. 4. The 2026 jurors are: Shane McAdams, an artist, writer, curator and educator from Cedarburg, Wis.; and Shane Walsh, a painter and teacher who splits his time between studios in Milwaukee and New York City. Both are