Central UP Events

  Downtown Marquette businesses’ opportunity to catch up with the MDDA and other business owners and operators. Hello everyone! Our next Downtown Connect meeting will take place on Thursday, March 19 at the Marquette Commons. During this meeting, we will be discussing some potential programming for the new Ice Fest being planned for January 2027 and how businesses can get involved. We will also be taking a look at the recent update from Corbin Design who has been helping design and implement the new downtown wayfinding that will be making its way into our community this summer. Downtown Connect is

Thursdays: March 19; and April 2, 9, 16 and 19. 1-2 p.m CNAS Fire Site Pavilion The NMU Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) is hosting its Fire Site Storytelling Series on select Thursdays in March and April. These events are free and open to the public. This series features Anishinaabe winter storytelling, oral traditions and community discussion, supported and facilitated by the CNAS director, faculty and staff.  Remaining Fire Site Storytelling events will take place from 1-2 p.m. on the following Thursdays: March 19; and April 2, 9, 16 and 19. They will be held at the CNAS Fire

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week online workshop, designed for the non-professional, informal family caregiver, will be held on Thursdays, March 19 through April 23, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm (Eastern) via Zoom. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as problems. In addition, caregivers often feel a lack of control over events and a sense of powerlessness which can have a significant negative impact on their physical and emotional health. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program will provide caregivers

Thursday, March 19, 2026.  4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Join us for a fun and interactive introduction into the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries! Kids will learn basic Spanish vocabulary through games, stories, and handson activities. Open to kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Thursday, March 19 7 p.m.  the Lydia Olson Library Atrium in Harden Hall As part of its America 250 speaker series, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will host a presentation titled  “Armed and Disguised: The Revolutionary Life of Deborah Sampson.” NMU History Associate Professor Emily Romeo will share the intriguing story of Sampson, who fought for the U.S. Continental Army under the male alias of Robert Shurtliff. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in the Lydia Olson Library Atrium in Harden Hall. It is free and open to the public. During

The Westerlies, a Grammy-nominated, New York-based brass quartet, will be the featured performer at the NMU Jazz Festival. The group will present the festival’s opening concert, which also serves as a Siril Concert Series event, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The quartet will also join NMU’s Jazz Band and Jazz Combo for the closing concert on Friday, March 20, at the same time and location. In addition to the performances, The Westerlies will lead two guest artist clinics at 1 p.m. both days. These masterclasses are free and open to the public. The Westerlies quartet

Tuesdays & Fridays March (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 or visit pwpl.info.  

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 20, 2026.  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. This Oscar-winning film focuses on the joys, loves, and struggles of a trans woman (Marina) living in Santiago, Chile. Rated R. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Fridays March (6, 20, 27), 2026.  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 pwpl.info.