Central UP Events

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will host its Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Dance Intensive for high school intermediate- to advanced-level dancers July 13-27. Participants will attend sessions led by prominent industry professionals from Giordano Dance Chicago, Ballet Project OC of California, a former Broadway touring company member and others. They will also perform alongside the two visiting ensembles and NMU CO/LAB Dance Company during the North Coast Dance Festival, which consists of a masterclass and two public performances. The first week of the summer intensive will feature day-long classes to hone dance skills. Week two will include sessions

Get ready to celebrate all things blueberry as the 26th Annual Blueberry Festival returns to Downtown Marquette on Friday, July 25! This beloved summer tradition brings together the best of local flavor, creativity, and community, all centered around the mighty blueberry. With over 120 vendors lining the streets, you’ll find blueberry-inspired everything, from blueberry beer to blueberry pizza, handmade goods, sweet treats, and original art celebrating this iconic fruit. The festival also features live music throughout the day and activities for kids, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family, all set right in the heart of Downtown Marquette.

The Queen City Half Marathon and Breakwater 5k return this summer on Friday, July 26. Both races start at 114 West Spring St. with the Breakwater 5k starting at 8 am and the Half Marathon at 8:05 am.   Race Registration and Packet Pickup will be on Friday, July 25, from 11 am – 7 pm. Registration is NOT available on race day.

At the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market, you will find over 70 vendors gathered to exhibit their locally grown, collected, and crafted products. Stop by the Marquette Commons every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm to enjoy the local farmers, bakers, artisans, musicians, and more!

Find over 140 artists featured at the Art on the Rocks Festival this month, held in Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Open from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday, July 26, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday, July 27, this event helps to support local artists and creators in our community. July 26, 10 am – 6 pm July 27, 10 am – 4 pm  

The St. Rocco – St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming is proud to announce the 126th annual Ishpeming Italian Fest, taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature a variety of delicious Italian and American foods served throughout the day. The festival will include live music from local and regional performers, classic games of chance, ring toss, balloon darts, a greased pole competition with a $100 prize, bingo, a giant slide, and a bounce house-making it a fun day for all ages. Schedule of Events: Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Festivities

Find over 140 artists featured at the Art on the Rocks Festival this month, held in Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Open from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday, July 26, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday, July 27, this event helps to support local artists and creators in our community. July 26, 10 am – 6 pm July 27, 10 am – 4 pm

Monday July 28, 2025. Midday Reception 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Evening Reception 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Youth artists who submitted a piece of art for the Color Our World Art Show Reception are invited to come to one of the two Art Receptions with their families! View your art and all the art submitted by Marquette Area Youth. View submission guidelines at our online events calendar or pick up a copy from the Youth Services Desk. For youth of all ages. Youth under the age of 8 must have an adult present. No admission charge. For

Tuesday, July 29, 2025.  3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Author Karen Babine reads from her recently published memoir, The Allure of Elsewhere.  In her mid-thirties and happily single, Babine sets out with her two unenthusiastic cats on a journey from her home in Minnesota to Nova Scotia to explore the place where her French-Acadian ancestors settled in North America some four centuries ago. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at (906) 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Front Street Steps.  Adults, Seniors, All Ages.  Peter White Public Library hosts a blues concert sponsored by the Marquette Area Blues Society. This month’s band:  Bahluze. Weather Contingency:  Community Room. No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at (906) 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info