Central UP Events

The Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster occurred on November 3, 1926. Fifty-one men lost their lives; forty-one of them are still buried at the site of the cave in. To commemorate the 100th anniversary, the Marquette Regional History Center will host Digitization Days, where community members can receive free digital scans of their documents and photographs pertaining to the mine, employees, family members, and friends. These scans will be added to the Longyear Research Library’s digital collections for future generations to learn from.   Digitization Days will be held at the Marquette Regional History Center on Saturday, March 7 from 10-3, at

Fridays, March (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

Friday, March 13, 2026.  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Adults, Seniors. In conjunction with NMU’s Common Reader Program, PWPL screens this documentary detailing the events surrounding June 28, 1969, that kicked off the modern gay civil rights movement. Rated R. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Friday, March 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! In case you missed Thursday or didn’t get enough LEGO time in – we are doubling down with a second LEGO all day! There will be LEGO building challenges in the Great Room and LEGO Stamping in the Makerspace. Children under the age of 8 must have an adult in the program with

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

Breakfast and Business Series: Healthcare in Our Community Holiday Inn Marquette 1951 US-41, Marquette, MI Friday, March 27 | 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Register Today! Start your morning with coffee, breakfast, and time to connect before a conversation with regional leaders about the role healthcare plays in our community. Panelists will share high-level perspectives on what they are seeing locally, how needs are changing, and how organizations are working together to support residents and businesses. This discussion will explore the connections between healthcare, quality of life, and a strong local economy, with time for questions and open dialogue. Registration is

Saturdays, March (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.  

Saturday, March 14, 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.

Saturday, March 14 2-4 p.m NMU’s DeVos Art Museum Upper Peninsula winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for grades 7-12 will be honored at a reception and awards presentation from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in room 165 of the Art & Design Building. The event coincides with the final day of an exhibition of students’ works at NMU’s DeVos Art Museum.  Presented by the nonprofit organization, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the country’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative middle school and high school

Twenty-five businesses across Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula have joined forces to host the 3rd Annual Yooper Poker Run, taking place March 13–14, with the final draw and celebration held at AJ’s Lodge and Oven on Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 p.m. EST. This two-day event is more than just a poker run — it is a powerful demonstration of community partnership and regional pride. Proceeds from the event benefit several local snowmobile grooming clubs who work year-round to maintain and enhance the trail systems that make the Western U.P. one of the premier snowmobiling destinations in the country. For just