Central UP Events

The Finlandia Art Gallery and Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) are pleased to present Northern Tier, an exhibition of oil paintings by Finnish American artist Eric Aho. The exhibit will be on display from September 18 to November 13, 2025, at the Finlandia Art Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.  A reception for the artist will take place on Thursday, October 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with an artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Aho will also be participating in Finlandia Foundation’s first

Tuesdays & Fridays, October (3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31), 2025. 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Preschool age children. Siblings welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Fridays, October (3, 10, 17, 24, 31) 2025. 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

Fridays, October (3, 10, 17, 24), 2025. 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 www.pwpl.info.

Northern Michigan University’s Siril Concert Series will present a “Beethoven and Banjos” concert featuring classical and folk music from Iceland at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The featured artists will also present two free events earlier that day in the same location: a music appreciation presentation at 11 a.m., followed by a masterclass at 1 p.m. Beethoven and Banjos is an annual project organized by the Northwoods Music Collaborative that blends classical and traditional styles into innovative performances. The program integrates musicians from around the world to create new music and fresh interpretations of older works.

42 M-35, Negaunee, MI 49866 Dates: October 11, 2025 – October 12, 2025 Watch Sled dog racing in October without the snow and cold! Teams race throughout the trails, rain or shine, all weekend at the Negaunee Township Hall Park! Instead of a sled, Mushers will use bicycles, scooters, wheeled rigs or run behind the dogs (canicross). Check out the UP200 Website to learn more about the event, how to participate, or ways to lend a hand!

Saturdays, October (4, 11, 18, 25), 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays geared towards babies through preschool with a loving adult.  Older siblings and older children are welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 12 – 3 pm at the shelter location, 815 South State Highway M533, Gwinn.   UPAWS will be hosting a celebration party in the community room with snacks and an anniversary cake. There will also be a shelter open house with tours of the facility.   The first 100 people will receive door prizes and names added to a drawing for Paws Park Pass, and other fun prizes.   Questions contact 906-869-4054 or email fundraising@upaws.org   UPAWS is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation

Mondays & Thursdays, October (2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30), 2025. 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library Great Room.  For children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult,siblings welcome. Stories and songs to engage the curious mind and wiggly body, followed by sensory play activities.  No admission charge.  Registration not required.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Monday October 13, 2025. 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Lower Level. Come have fun at the library for some Minecraft themed fun for kids of all ages! The new “A Minecraft Movie” will begin at 12:45pm in the Community Room – popcorn provided during the movie (or kids are welcome to bring a snack or lunch) and make Minecraft Self Portraits while you watch the movie! Drop-in activities will run from 12-5 in the kids’ room, including LEGO building Minecraft style in the Makerspace and building with big blocks in the Great Room.  No admission charge.