Keep It In The UP!

Festival Of The Angry Bear Returns Saturday, April 11
2026-04-11 00:00 - 23:59 UTC | Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W Spring St, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
The “big bear” of Upper Peninsula festivals returns for its twelfth year after an extended hibernation due to the Ore Dock Brewing Company’s expansion kicking off in 2025. Ore Dock Brewing Company’s Festival of the Angry Bear is a spirited street festival that has become an annual spring tradition in downtown Marquette. Since its founding in 2014, the annual festival has grown into a weekend long celebration as thousands of enthusiastic (and often fur-clad) celebrators gather to “wake the bear” and shed their winter fur in downtown Marquette.

“We’re so excited to be waking the Bear this year,” says curated events manager, Amanda Courchaine. “With our expansion project in its final stages in Spring of 2025, we needed to focus on that. Now that things are underway in that realm, we feel ready and excited to execute the Festival of the Angry Bear and get this party going”

There is still a lot of planning to execute before any big announcements are made, but the team at the Ore Dock Brewing Company will be updating the masses as they can. So be sure to mark your calendars, make your travel plans and get ready to wake the bear on Saturday, April 11 2026!

Festival Of The Angry Bear Returns
2026-04-11 00:00 - 23:59 | Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W Spring St, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
MARQUETTE – The “big bear” of Upper Peninsula festivals returns for its twelfth year after taking a brief hiatus in 2025 due to the opening of The Trestle Building. Ore Dock Brewing Company’s Festival of the Angry Bear is a spirited and much anticipated street festival that has become an annual spring tradition in downtown Marquette. Since its founding in 2014, the festival has evolved into a weekend long celebration as thousands of enthusiastic (and often fur-clad) celebrators gather to “wake the bear” and shed their winter fur in downtown Marquette.
“After taking 2025 off so we could focus on our expansion and the opening of The Trestle, we are beyond excited to bring the bear out of hibernation,” says Curated Events Manager, Amanda Courchaine. “We could not do this without the support of our staff, neighbors, volunteers and all the folks who travel down the street or miles and miles to be a part of this.”
The 100-block of Spring St. will close Friday, April 10, and begin its transformation, emerging a mere 24-hours later with a city block’s worth of live music, food trucks, games, costumes, and a plethora of kegs. The festival plays host to the annual unveiling of Ore Dock’s barrel-aged and limited release offerings with over 30 taps of Lake Superior sourced craft beer, cocktail-inspired hard seltzers, a variety of non-alcoholic craft beverages and new this year draft cocktails. Thirsty bears gotta eat too, and festival goers will have no trouble finding tasty eats from a bounty of local food vendors.
New for 2026, 3 music stages will be featured. Headlining the festival stage will be the Pajamas to cap off an eclectic Midwest lineup including The 4onthefloor (Minneapolis, MN), Wrestle with Jimmy (Grand Rapids), and The Bootstrap Boys (Grand Rapids). Steve Leaf (Grand Rapids) and Marquette’s favorite surf rock band, Ramble Tamble, will be rocking the Community Space stage. The Trestle Biergarten will be vibing throughout the festival featuring Synergy with local DJ’s Mayple & Conway.
There will also be a multitude of events and collaborations leading up to the festival including:
the inaugural Angry Bear Pre-Pawty (4/3/26) where you can get everything needed to hit the fast-pass line on festival day.
Samara Floral Co.’s Flower Crown workshop (4/9/26),
Rise of the Baby Bear with the U.P. Children’s Museum (4/10/26),
and the third running of Queen City’s Run 4 Your Life 5k (4/11/26) with proceeds to support the Special Olympics of Michigan Area 36. Additional festival events include a costume contest and dance-off hosted by Marquette Fringe, a beer relay and growler holding competition with Queen City Running Co, and keg bowling with The Fire Station.
The festival is 21+ and festival goers will need to purchase a $10 official Angry Bear wristband to enter. Angry Bear will happen rain, snow, or shine. More information can be found at: OREDOCKBREWING.COM/ANGRYBEAR.

CONTACT
Amanda Courchaine
Ore Dock Brewing Co. 114 West Spring St. Marquette, MI
{DIRECT} 906.235.9689 | engage@oredockbrewing.com

Additional Contacts:
Baby Bear x U.P. Childrens Museum – Jess Hanley / jessicaupcm@gmail.com
Flower Crown Workshop x Samara Floral Co – Shailah Pelto / events@samaraflorals.com
Run 4 Your Life 5k x Queen City Running Co. – Paige Du Bois / paigedubois1020@gmail.com

PWPL Presents: Saturday Storytime
2026-04-11 11:00 - 11:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturdays, April (4, 11, 18), 2026.
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 welcome. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Repair Cafe
2026-04-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturday, April 11, 2026.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery.
Toss it? No way! The Repair Café is back thanks to a partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition. Bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing, or bikes and skilled fixers will assist you in repairing them. This is a great way to save money, learn valuable repair skills, and reduce your environmental impact.
No admission charge.
For further information, please contact mqtsustainability@gmail.com or call 906-226-4311.

NMU Presents "9 to 5" Musical
2026-04-11 13:00, 2026-04-11 19:30 | Forest Roberts Theatre, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Forest Roberts Theatre
April 9-11 and 16-18.
7:30 p.m
April 11 (sensory-friendly) & 18
1 p.m.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present “9 to 5,” a musical based on the 1980 film featuring an original score by country music singer Dolly Parton. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11 and 16-18.
The musical follows office workers Violet, Judy and Doralee, who reach their breaking point under their sexist and self-centered boss. Instead of backing down, they come up with a bold plan to turn the tables and take control of their workplace. What unfolds is a mix of comedy, imagination and determination as they work to create a more respectful and fair environment.
Filled with memorable songs and plenty of laughs, “9 to 5” highlights the strength of friendship and the importance of speaking up. The musical offers an uplifting story about standing together and challenging the status quo, all set to a lively score.
Please note that “9 to 5” is meant for mature audiences. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11 and 16-18, with a 1 p.m. Theatre for All sensory-friendly matinee on April 11, and another regular 1 p.m. matinee on April 18.
Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors, and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com/.

Festival of the Angry Bear﻿
2026-04-11 15:00 | MI
Festival of the Angry Bear

Saturday, April 11, 3 pm

Marquette Symphony Orchestra
2026-04-11 19:30 | Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N Front St, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Marquette Symphony Orchestra

Kaufman Auditorium

BEETHOVEN’S 5TH SYMPHONY
April 11, 2026, 7:30 PM

Revel in one of the greatest works ever composed: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

PWPL Presents: Toddler Storytime
2026-04-13 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Mondays & Thursdays April (6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30), 2026.
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.
For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

Negaunee Public Library Presents: Storytime
2026-04-13 11:00 | Negaunee Public Library, 319 W Case St, Negaunee, MI, 49866, United States
Monday, April 13
11 a.m.
Storytime at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the Negaunee Public Library will feature a special guest and focus on music and movement. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this free event. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.
The Negaunee Public Library is hosting local poets Troy Graham and Soph at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13. The public is invited to attend this free poetry reading. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.

Negaunee Public Library Presents: Storytime
2026-04-13 11:00 | Negaunee Public Library, 319 W Case St, Negaunee, MI, 49866, United States
Monday, April 13
11 a.m.
Storytime at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the Negaunee Public Library will be a special Financial Literacy Month program. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this free event. Every family in attendance will receive a free book to keep. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.

PWPL Presents: D&D Junior Campaign #2: Grades 4th & 5th
2026-04-13 16:30 - 18:00 | Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 1010 Madeleine Street, Houghton, Michigan, 49931
Mondays, April (13, 20, 27), 2026.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Great Room.
In-person registration at the Youth Services Desk required to claim your spot in a fantasy adventure! Registration opens on March 23. Registration will be for all 3 sessions of campaign #2. Experienced and first-time players welcome.
No admission charge.
For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: GLPF Dinner & A Movie Block Busting Cinema: A Quiet Passion
2026-04-13 17:30 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Monday, April 13, 2026.
5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Teens. Bring your dinner, sit down, and enjoy this haunting 2016 biopic about the life of Emily Dickinson, starring Cynthia Nixon in the title role as the doomed poet. Rated PG-13.
No admission charge.
For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The NMU Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert
2026-04-13 19:30 | NMU Reynolds Recital Hall, Marquette, Michigan
Monday, April 13,
7:30 p.m.
Reynolds Recital Hall
Northern Michigan University’s Music Department will present its final ensemble concerts of the semester featuring Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir and the NMU Orchestra. The University Choir and Arts Chorale will also join the Marquette Choral Society for two performances later this month. Admission to all but the latter is free.
The NMU Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, in Reynolds Recital Hall, under the direction of Steven Riley. The program features 19 graduating students, 12 pieces and three guest artists: Christopher Schoelen, NMU guitar professor; Timothy Oliver, director of bands at the University of Mississippi; and Derek Jenkins, associate professor of music at Missouri Western State University.
Schoelen will perform a guitar concerto by Juan Perez with the Symphonic Band, while Jenkins will conduct his original work “Solar Flare.” Oliver, this year’s guest conductor, will lead “I Am” by Andrew Boysen.
The Wind Ensemble will open with “Fracas” by Randall Standridge and present the world premiere of Jenkins’ “Bowers Bloom By Waters Still,” written in memory of Riley’s mother. Oliver will also conduct “Incantation and Dance” by John Barnes Chance, and the concert will conclude with “Angels in the Architecture” by Frank Ticheli.

Tickets are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.

PWPL Presents: Preschool Storytime
2026-04-14 10:00 - 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays & Fridays April (7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28), 2026.
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Peter White Public Library Great Room.
Preschool age children. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome.
No admission charge.
For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: 1-ON-1 Tech Coaching for Seniors
2026-04-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, April (7, 14, 21, 28), 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Local History Research Room.
Need help with the settings on your phone or iPad? Want to download travel apps before you leave town? Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want, with the help of Christine Ault, retired teacher and librarian, Tuesday mornings from 10 AM – 1 PM during April and May in the Local History Research Room of the Peter White Public Library.
Call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to schedule a 30-minute session.
Please charge your electronic device before each session and bring passwords with you.

PWPL Presents: Tasty Reads Book Group
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.
A book group for readers, who love to cook. With a focus on food-themed literature, the group explores a variety of books from cookbooks to culinary memoirs. Participants can enjoy tasty treats inspired by the book of the month while sharing their thoughts and connecting with others who share their passion for both literature and food. This month’s book is Like Water for Chocolate
by Laura Esquivel.
No admission charge.
For more information call 906-226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Write On
2026-04-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays, April (7, 14, 21, 28) 2026.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Teens join PWPL for four weeks of inspired writing in a supportive environment. Each week, a different local writer will engage with attendees to enhance and inspire creative expression.
For students in grades 6-12. Registration is required. Please visit pwpl.info to register.
For more information, please contact Amanda Pierce apierce@pwpl.info or (906)226-4321

PWPL Presents: Muggles for Potter
2026-04-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday April 14, 2026.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Great Room.
All young wizards in 3rd-6th grade, welcome back to Hogwarts for our final meeting until next school year! Sit back and relax as you listen to the book read aloud while enjoying butter beer, jellybeans and an easy busy-hands Potter craft.
No admission charge.
For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

Negaunee Public Library Presents: monthly culture program
2026-04-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Negaunee Public Library, 319 W Case St, Negaunee, MI, 49866, United States
Tuesday, April 14
5-7 p.m.
The Negaunee Public Library is offering a monthly culture program for older children and teens. The April program will be about Guinea, a country in West Africa, and will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. A guest speaker will share insights about the culture and traditions of Guinea. This is an excellent opportunity for kids, ages 8 and up, and young adults to learn about cultures worldwide. The event is free. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.

PWPL Presents: Meditate Marquette
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays, April (7, 14, 21, 28) 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 welcome to attend.
For further information, please contact meditatemarquette@gmail.com or call 906-226-4303.

PWPL Presents: Baby Storytime
2026-04-15 10:00 - 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesdays April (8, 15, 22, 29), 2026.
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Peter White Public Library Great Room.
Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays for newborns to 17 months with a loving adult. Older siblings are welcome.
No admission charge.
For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Family Day & Family Night at Peter White : Family Game Time!
2026-04-15 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-04-15 16:30 - 18:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Family Day 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Family Night 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Youth Services Room.
Families with youth of all ages, welcome to our brand-new monthly family themed drop-in library days! This month, come and enjoy family fun at game time! There will be games set up throughout the kids’ room for families with kids of varying ages. 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.

PWPL Presents: Teens Cook!
2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 | the Marquette Food CoOp, 502 W Washington St, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Marquette Food Coop
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to register for a cooking class at the Marquette Food Coop. We will be making Mexican Sopes with refried beans and homemade salsa. This class is gluten free and vegetarian. Very hands-on! Cooking class will take place at the Marquette Food Co-Op.
Online registration required.
For more information, to check the status of the program, and to register, call 906-226-4321 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Mustard’s Retreat Concert
2026-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Folk group Mustard’s Retreat has been delighting audiences for 40 years. Accomplished songwriters and musicians (guitars, dulcimer, electric bass, mandolin, harmonica, pennywhistle), these raconteurs and storytellers will have you tapping your feet and laughing out loud for days to come.
This event will also be livestreamed.
For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Linny and Superior Library Co-Op April 16
2026-04-16 00:00 - 23:59 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Learn about Libby and Superiorland Library Coop, library apps offered to patrons. Bring your phone or tablet and learn how to place and manage holds, renew items, and create reading lists. The first half hour will be an overview and the remaining time will be spent assisting with specific questions and answers. Make sure your tablet or device is charged, and you are signed into the PWPL Wi-Fi under your settings menu.

PWPL Presents: SPECIAL TOPIC TECH COACHING
2026-04-16 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday April (16, 23)
10:30 a.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Join Tech Coach Christine Ault in a group setting for a series of special topics that go in-depth about different digital tools on your personal device and in the library.
Registration is required, please call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to reserve a spot.
Classes begin at 10:30 am and meet in the Heritage Room.
