Central UP Events

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, January 7th at 6:45 p.m. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room on the 2nd floor of Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette. Come and learn more about the League’s plans and activities for 2026 and beyond.    The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, January (6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.  Need help with the settings on your phone? Want to download the downtown parking app? Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want them to with the help of Christine Ault, retired teacher and librarian. Call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to schedule your 30-minute session. Please charge your electronic device before each session, and bring passwords with you. No fees.

Thursday, January 8, 2026,  6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras 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.  

Fridays, January (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) 2026.  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

Friday, January 9, 2026.  12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, PWPL screens this riveting documentary about a forgotten pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement, Dorothy Foreman Cotton, the only woman on Dr. King’s executive staff. Not Rated. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is excited to announce Raise the Woof, a comedy night fundraiser to support homeless pets in the community. Taking place on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Up North Lodge & Banquet Center in Gwinn, the event promises a night of laughter and fun for a great cause. – Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 – Location: Up North Lodge & Banquet Center, Gwinn, MI – Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 8:00pm – Tickets: $35.00 in advance, $50.00 for two; $250.00 for a table of eight with pizza. Tickets can be purchased online

150 West Johnson Lake Road, Gwinn, MI 49841   Dates: January 3, 2026 – March 14, 2026   Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Saturday   Get Ready For This Winter’s Biggest Adrenaline Rush: The Upper Michigan Ice Races   Are you ready to take your thrill-seeking to the next level? Join the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association for an action-packed series of Weekly Ice Races held on Saturdays, where dirt bikes and quads tear up the ice in a battle of speed, skill, and sheer power!   The Upper Michigan Ice Races are open to the public for spectating or bring

Saturday, January 10, 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  

Tuesdays and Thursdays, January (6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.  Need help with the settings on your phone? Want to download the downtown parking app? Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want them to with the help of Christine Ault, retired teacher and librarian. Call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to schedule your 30-minute session. Please charge your electronic device before each session, and bring passwords with you. No fees.

Tuesdays, January (6, 13, 20, 27) 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