Central UP Events

Wednesday, May 13, 2026,  5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors. In partnership with Michigan Humanities, Peter White Public Library hosts the Great Michigan Read! Join us for an evening with Curtis Chin, author of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an opening reception featuring light cuisine from the Rice Paddy. At 6:30 p.m., former WLUC TV 6 personality Elizabeth Peterson sits down for a moderated conversation with Curtis Chin. Books will be available for sale from Snowbound Books. This is a ticketed

The Marquette County Planning Division is hosting a series of Map the Future events across the county to gather community input, providing an opportunity to guide the Division’s update of the Marquette County 2040 Master Plan at four regional meetings. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in their region. At each event, attendees can expect to hear from county planners on local demographics and trends, learn about related planning processes underway, including Materials Management and Hazard Mitigation, and connect with fellow community members. Participants will also be invited to share their thoughts on key topics including Economy, Health and

Thursday, May 14, 2026,  6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room. Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Join local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts for an evening of poetry. Starting at 6:30 p.m., participants gather to workshop their current work, followed by an Open Mic at 7:15 p.m. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Friday, May 15, 2026.  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, PWPL screens this award-winning biopic about David Helfgott, a virtuoso pianist who spent years in mental institutions. Geoffrey Rush won the Best Actor Oscar for playing the title role in this inspiring movie. Rated PG-13.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

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 runners for adults and up to seven for youth teams. The relay spans the twenty-six mile

May 16-17 Munising American Legion The Munising City Volunteer Fire Department is set to host the Munising Trout & Salmon Classic fishing tournament May 16-17. Sponsored by the Munising Visitors Bureau, this event has a rich 30-year history and has been the Munising Fire Department’s primary fundraiser since 2013.  We are hoping to spread the word across our region to invite anglers and the public to one of Michigan’s most unique fishing tournaments. The Classic features a Saturday fish fry open to the public by donation, with fish caught fresh by participating anglers. The fish fry will start at approximately

Saturday Morning Farmers Market Saturdays, May 16 – Nov., 9 am – 1 pm

Marquette Holistic Health Fair Expands with New Spring Event May 16 Free community event features local wellness vendors, presentations, and therapy dogs   Marquette, Michigan — The organizer of the annual Marquette Holistic Health Fair is expanding the event in 2026 with a new spring fair, taking place Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University. The free community event brings together local wellness practitioners, artisans, and educators for a day focused on holistic health and connection. Attendees can explore a wide range of holistic offerings, including: Massage therapy and energy work

Monday, May 18, 2026.  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.,  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. In this new programming series, seasoned published authors of various genres lead participants through writing exercises and workshops to hone their writerly talents. May’s Writer: Kathleen Heideman. An award-winning poet and environmental advocate, Heideman uses language to explore the fragile state of the human condition through creative written and artistic expressions. 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.  

Tuesdays, May (5, 12, 19, 26) 2026.  6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room. Mediate Marquette and PWPL have collaborated to offer a weekly, in-person mindfulness meditation program. The sessions begin at 6:00 pm followed by a period of fellowship. Dr. Debra Smith, a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and psychologist, will deliver brief talks exploring various aspects of meditation and its impact on our lives. These talks will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, while longer meditation sessions are scheduled for the remaining Tuesdays. All individuals, regardless of skill level or spiritual affiliation, are