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

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

exhibition opens July 9 and will be on display through Oct. 3 The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at NMU will open a new exhibition July 9 that features the work of one of the U.P.’s most prolific photographers. It is titled “Munising in Black & White: The Photographs of Mary Jayne Hallifax.” She was an in-demand commercial photographer who also captured numerous candid images of her hometown over seven decades. Hallifax died in 2025 at the age of 96 and donated many of her original negatives to photograph collector Jack Deo, who is loaning 60

The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership is proud to announce the 2026 incoming delegation from our sister city Higashiomi, Japan, celebrating our 47th year of sister city relations. A delegation of seven Higashiomi citizens will arrive in Marquette on July 19 and depart on July 29, 2026, Our seven delegates are the Deputy Mayor, a Higashiomi City Council member, Higashiomi City Staff, members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Higashiomi International Exchange Association, and Higashiomi citizens. The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership Committee is proud to host the events for the Sister City delegation. The Japanese delegation is led

The U.P. Hospice Foundation is excited to announce that tickets will go on sale for the general public on July 20th for its signature annual fundraiser, A Night Under the Big Top – presented by Dancing with Our Stars Marquette County Style, taking place Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Kaufman Auditorium. After ten years of entertaining sold-out audiences, this year’s production introduces an exciting new circus-inspired theme that promises an unforgettable evening of music, dance, theatrical performances, dazzling costumes, and larger-than-life entertainment—all while supporting compassionate Hospice care for families throughout Marquette County. Tickets are $50 and include admission to both

When: Saturday, September 12 (1-6pm) Where: Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park The countdown is on for the 17th Annual U.P. Fall Beer Festival hosted by the Michigan Brewers Guild, coming up on Saturday, September 12 (1-6pm) along the Lake Superior shoreline in Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Nearly 70 Michigan breweries will be participating, sampling a collective 372 beers in 73 different styles. View the entire list here: U.P. 2026 Brewery & Beer List.    Tickets are on sale now at MiBeer.com and are 55perpersoninadvance(65 the day of). Those wanting to enter the festival an hour early can purchase a

September 24 – 26, 2026. The sale is held in the PWPL Community Room The Friends of Peter White Public Library will hold the Fall Used Book and Media Sale September 24 – 26. The Sale will begin with a fundraiser presale Thursday, September 24 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, $5.00 admission. There is no charge for admission Friday, September 25, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. The half-price sale will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm followed by a $5.00 Bag Sale from 1:45 pm – 4:00 pm. Please call (906) 228-9510 for more

Thursday, September 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.  Adults, Seniors. In partnership with NMU’s Visiting Writers program, Peter White Public Library hosts New York Times bestselling writer Anthony Marra, author of three novels, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, The Tsar of Love and Techno, and Mercury Pictures Presents.  No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

When: Friday, September 25, 2026 Beginning at 8:30am Where: Northern Center The 2026 Connect Conference will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 in the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University and registration is now open! Beginning at 8:30am, the morning will include a period of networking and light refreshments. The conference agenda will include a good mix of speakers, breakout sessions, and a panel which will touch on professional growth, workplace challenges, and establishing yourself within a career. New to Conference this year is a mini pitch series where three local business owners will highlight their creative offerings and