Keep It In The UP!

PWPL Presents: Tasty Reads Book Group
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage 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 Danube: Recipes and Stories from Eastern Europe by Irina Georgescu. No admission charge. For more information call 906-226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Muggles for Potter
2026-02-10 16:30 - 17:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday February 10, 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 after our winter months break! 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.

PWPL Presents: Baby Storytime
2026-02-11 10:00 - 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesdays February (4, 11, 18, 25), 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.

Marquette City Manager Community Office Hours
2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

Michigan LLC renewal process
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Michigan Works, 1498 Odovero Dr, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Join HUB Navigator Liam Goetz for a practical, step-by-step overview of the Michigan LLC renewal process. This session will walk business owners through what is required to keep their LLC in good standing, including important deadlines, filing requirements, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.

Participants will also learn why filing matters, including how staying compliant protects your business, maintains limited liability status, avoids penalties, and supports long-term stability and growth. Whether you’re renewing for the first time or just want a refresher, this session will provide clear guidance, helpful tips, and time for questions.

Perfect for:
-New business owners
-Existing LLCs approaching their renewal deadline
-Anyone wanting to better understand compliance requirements

Free to attend. Registration encouraged. Lunch provided

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 1:00 p..m. – 2:00 p.m.
Michigan Works Conference Room 2 – 1498 Odovero Dr, Marquette, MI 49855

PWPL Presents: Teens Game On!
2026-02-11 15:00 - 18:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Teen Zone.
Drop in for monthly gaming; we will have a selection of video games, board games and more. For youth in grades 6-12. No admission charge. For more information or to check the status of this program, call 906-226-4321, email Amanda at apierce@pwpl.info, visit pwpl.info, or find Peter White Public Library Teen Services on Instagram or Facebook.

PWPL Presents: Sea Hounds in Concert
2026-02-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. In its debut on the Community Room stage, popular
local band Sea Hounds is ready to get PWPL clapping and tapping its unique blend of rock, folk, and indie music. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NMU Music Dept host Free Jazz Concert
2026-02-11 19:30 | NMU Reynolds Recital Hall, Marquette, Michigan
Northern Michigan University’s Music Department will host a free jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The event will feature the NMU Jazz Band, composed of nearly 20 players representing various academic majors and directed by Mark Flaherty, along with two smaller ensembles coached by Patrick Booth.

“We’ll be featuring a variety of music, from straight-ahead swing to more modern compositions,” Flaherty said. “The audience will have a chance to hear some great music by composers such as Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Gordon Goodwin, Megan Vinther and many others. Those who attend can look forward to a great evening of live music performed by talented student musicians.”

NMU Jazz Concert
2026-02-11 19:30 | NMU Reynolds Recital Hall, Marquette, Michigan
Northern Michigan University’s Music Department will host a free jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The event will feature the NMU Jazz Band, composed of nearly 20 players representing various academic majors and directed by Mark Flaherty, along with two smaller ensembles coached by Patrick Booth.
“We’ll be featuring a variety of music, from straight-ahead swing to more modern compositions,” Flaherty said. “The audience will have a chance to hear some great music by composers such as Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Gordon Goodwin, Megan Vinther and many others. Those who attend can look forward to a great evening of live music performed by talented student musicians.”
For the full schedule of upcoming NMU Music Department performances, visit nmu.edu/music.

Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting
2026-02-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Northern Center Grand Ballroom, NMU, Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, Michgian, 49855
Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 12, 2026

Each year, the members of Operation Action U.P. and the business community from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gather to review the accomplishments of the past year and cast the vision for the next.

The Operation Action U.P Excellence Awards recognize up to four outstanding for-profit businesses that have contributed to the economic well-being of the Upper Peninsula. At the Annual Meeting, these award winners will have the opportunity to spotlight their business and say thanks to the individuals or organizations who nominated them in this competitive award process.
Want to sponsor the Annual Meeting? Check out the sponsorship form here.
Sponsorships can also be easily set up through the registration process as well.

Register today!

Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting
2026-02-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Northern Center Grand Ballroom, NMU, Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, Michgian, 49855
Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 12, 2026

Each year, the members of Operation Action U.P. and the business community from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gather to review the accomplishments of the past year and cast the vision for the next.
The Operation Action U.P Excellence Awards recognize up to four outstanding for-profit businesses that have contributed to the economic well-being of the Upper Peninsula. At the Annual Meeting, these award winners will have the opportunity to spotlight their business and say thanks to the individuals or organizations who nominated them in this competitive award process.
Want to sponsor the Annual Meeting? Check out the sponsorship form here. Sponsorships can also be easily set up through the registration process as well.
Register today!
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
8:30 a.m. Registration & Networking
9:00 a.m. Welcome
Joe Esbrook, President & Co-Chair, OAUP
David Paananen, Co-Chair, OAUP
Annual Report and Election of Board
9:15 a.m. Speaker – Tracy Johnson, CEO InitiativeOne
“Growing Through Fear. Leading Through Conflict.”
10:00 a.m. Networking Break
10:30 a.m. Award of Excellence Presentations
10:30 a.m. – Awardee 1
10:45 a.m. – Awardee 2
11:00 a.m. Speaker – Marty Fittante, CEO InvestUP
12:00 p.m. Networking, Lunch & Photo Break
1:15 p.m. Award of Excellence Presentations
1:15 p.m. – Awardee 3
1:30 p.m. – Awardee 4
1:45 p.m. Special Recognition
UPEDA Awardee
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Conclude / Open Networking

NMU Theatre and Dance presents 'Cupid's Cabaret' Feb. 12-14
2026-02-12 00:00 - 2026-02-14 23:59 | Marquette’s Ramada Inn Ballroom, 412 W. Washington Street, Marquette, Michigan, 49855
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present “Cupid’s Cabaret,” an immersive and potentially interactive performance set at a 1980s high school prom.
Opening night on Thursday, Feb. 12, will be a fundraiser dinner and auction performance for student scholarships. Remaining show-only performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14, with a Theatre for All sensory-friendly matinee at 1 p.m. Saturday. All will be held at Marquette’s Ramada Inn Ballroom.
“Cupid’s Cabaret” is described as a theatrical soiree “packed with big hair, bigger emotions and all the retro romance you can handle.” Audience members are transported back to the 1980s as the performance unfolds around them, creating a dynamic experience that blurs the line between performer and spectator.
The production follows a variety of characters as they prepare for prom night, navigate high school relationships and build toward the crowning of prom king and queen. The show incorporates music from the 1980s, a decade whose sound and style were shaped by the rise of MTV’s launch in 1981.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $100 per person or $700 for a table of eight. They include dinner and an open bar. Some of the auction items up for bid will be: a one-week trip to Orlando; a YMCA membership; an ultimate summer party rental package and DJ; an eight-person, five-course dinner; and golf packages.
Ticket prices for regular shows 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 https://nmu.universitytickets.com/.

Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Silver Creek Church, 219 Silver Creek Rd, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Marquette -Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, February 12. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team to place food boxes directly in the vehicle. Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Businesses or organizations that are interested in supporting these monthly mobile food pantries are encouraged to call 906.249.1715 for more information.

PWPL Presents: Tech Coaching for Seniors
2026-02-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays and Thursdays, February (10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26), 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.

Savvy Caregiver Workshop
2026-02-12 13:30 - 15:30 | MI
Registration is underway for Savvy Caregiver, a nationally recognized educational training program for family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or memory loss and are living at home.
Savvy Caregiver is designed to give caregivers relevant knowledge, skills, and mastery to support the person living with dementia and to take care of themselves. Topics include information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the role of confusion and its effects on behavior, the stages of dementia, and how to keep the person engaged and involved in daily activities. Decision making for difficult issues caregivers often face and caregiver self-care exercises are also highlighted. Savvy Caregiver participants report increased confidence and ability to manage their caregiving, as well as lower depression and burden.
The workshop has 6 weekly sessions, each lasting 2 hours, and will be held on Thursdays, January 15 – February 19, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm Eastern, via Zoom.
Savvy Caregiver is offered by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP). There is no charge for this workshop, but registration is required. Class size is limited. Registration ends when the class is full or on December 15.
To register, visit www.upcap.org (click on Events) or dial 2-1-1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST) for assistance.

PWPL Presents: Pokémon Trading and Gaming
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursdays February (5, 12), 2026.
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Youth Services Makerspace.
Youth of all ages who are interested in Pokémon card trading and gaming are invited to our new monthly Pokémon Trading & Gaming Sessions. Kids who attend will be able to trade & play the card game with other kids. Please note that staff do not know how to play the game, so it is not guaranteed that gaming will always happen. If your child has a friend they like to game with, come together! Kids will also be able to spend time with other Pokémon fans, chatting about Pokémon and looking through their cards. Important – Trading & gaming will be kid led. It is highly recommended that parents do not allow their children to bring cards that they do not want them to accidentally trade! See our events calendar for full event details regarding trading. Children under the age of 8 will need an adult to stay in the kids room during the event. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the
program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

Wilderness First Aid
2026-02-12 18:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Mark your calendar for February 12!
The next general membership meeting of the Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail will be February 12, Thursday, at 6:00 PM in the Community Room (downstairs) at Peter White Public Library. The meeting is open to the public.

This month’s program will feature a presentation by MAC board member and 906 Adventure Team Director of Adventure, Todd Poquette. Todd will share essential information about wilderness first aid and knowledge every hiker should have in case of an emergency. Todd has spent years exploring and leading others in the backcountry; come hear his practical, real-world insight on trail safety.
We’ll also hear updates from our trail crew on the state of the North Country Trail in our area.

We hope to see you there!

Local NCT Chapter Addresses Wilderness First Aid
2026-02-12 18:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
The Marquette Area Chapter (MAC) of the North Country Trail will host a presentation on wilderness first aid and vital knowledge hikers should have in case of an emergency at its next general membership meeting, which is open to the public. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Peter White Public Library Community Room.
This month’s featured presentation will be delivered by Todd Poquette, MAC board member and 906 Adventure Team director of adventure. He has spent years exploring and leading others in the backcountry, and will offer practical, real-world insight on trail safety.
The meeting will also include updates from the trail crew on the state of the chapter’s section of the North Country Trail, which spans from the Rock River Wilderness in Alger County to the Craig Lake State Park area.

PWPL Presents: Artist Reception
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday, February 12, 2026.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery and Deo Gallery.
Teens, Adults, Seniors. Join us for two artist receptions in one night! Speak with the artists about their work and exhibits on display.

Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Awakening by Cole Bonino
Deo Gallery – I Hear the Caw by Lindsey Heiden

A Blooming Good Time! at Steve Mariucci Family Beacon House
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Mariucci Family Beacon House, 200 S 7th St, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Tickets or Sponsorships Here!

Click Here for TICKETS!

PWPL Presents: Marquette Poets Circle
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday, February 12, 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.

PWPL Presents: Preschool Storytime
2026-02-13 10:00 - 10:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays & Fridays February (3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27), 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

Harden Hall Rededication Ceremony
2026-02-13 10:30 - 13:00 | NMU Harden Hall, Learning Resource Center, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Northern Michigan University will celebrate the completed renovation of Harden Hall with a rededication ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in the Olson Library Atrium. The event will include refreshments, open house activities and facility tours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harden Hall’s renovation refreshes Lydia M. Olson Library’s blend of study space, services, technology and resources, with an emphasis on student learning and belonging. Locating together the Honors Program, SISU Institute, SHINE (Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment), Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center and NMU Archives, along with a new Learning Commons for the university’s tutoring services, enhances the students’ learning and research opportunities while creating opportunities for new partnerships. A fourth floor was constructed for the departments of Economics, History, Philosophy and Political Science.

PWPL Presents: Cultivating Care, Compassion, and Connection
2026-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Fridays, February (6, 13, 20, 27) 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 906-226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Docu Cinema: An Act of Love: A Personal Story About LGBTQ Rights and Religion
2026-02-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Friday, February 13, 2026.
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors. In honor of Valentine’s Day, PWPL screens this powerful documentary about Reverend Frank Schaefer’s trial by the United Methodist Church for officiating his son’s samesex wedding. The film is a testament to the enduring power of love. Not Rated. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: School’s Out, Library’s In: Valentine’s Day
2026-02-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Friday, February 13, 2026.
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Youth Services
Room. Kids of all ages are welcome to come and hang out at the library during this MAPS halfday! Come read, check out materials, play and drop-in for some special half-day activities! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Love LEGO building and magnets in the Great Room, and a Valentine’s Craft-A-Palooza in the Makerspace. 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.

NMU Hosts UP 200 Warm-Up Party and Warming Tent
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Trenary Toast Café, 153 W Washington St Suite C,, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Northern Michigan University will host two free public activities during the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 13. A warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café, attended by new NMU President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer, is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls will be available.
NMU will also host a heated hospitality tent for the general public from 6-8:30 p.m. near the starting gate on Washington Street by the old City Hall. The tent will offer free hot chocolate and cookies and provide a warm, family-friendly space for spectators to gather.
Adding to the festivities, Wildcat Willy will take a dogsled from downtown Marquette to the Ojibwe Casino ahead of the first musher leaving the starting gate, giving fans a chance to see NMU’s mascot in action before the official race start.
The UP 200, established in 1990, is now powered by NMU through its Gold Sled sponsorship and extensive volunteer support. Hundreds of NMU students volunteer for the UP 200, Jack Pine 30 and the Midnight Run, assisting with merchandise sales, veterinary checks, crowd control and other race operations. Several student organizations are involved in supporting the event each year.

UP200 & Midnight Run﻿
2026-02-13 18:30 | MI
UP200 & Midnight Run

Friday, February 13, 6:30 pm

Upper Michigan Ice Races
2026-02-14 00:00 - 23:59 | MI
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 your best ORV to join the competition and race to the top! The raceway is conveniently located off Snowmobile Trail 8, making Saturdays the best day to come and experience the races and explore the trails in Gwinn and Marquette County.

Saturday Schedule: Day Races

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Gates open for Registration & for Pre-Registered Participants

10:00 AM: Spectator Gates Open

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Practice & warm-up runs

11:30 AM – 6:00 PM: Ice Races

January 31 & February 28: Night Races

11:00 AM: Registration Opens

4:00 PM: Youth Races

6:00 PM – Midnight: Adult Races

Whether you’re on the track or in the stands, the roar of engines, the spray of ice, and the fierce competition will have you coming back week after week. Invite your friends, family, and fellow racers for the coolest race event in town! Be sure to check the Michigan Ice Races website for updates and more details!

PWPL Presents: Saturday Storytime
2026-02-14 11:00 - 11:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturdays, February (7, 14, 21, 28), 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.
