Central UP Events

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 19-21 and 26-28, in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. The show will be directed by assistant professor Kaitlyn Frotton. First performed in 1947, “A Streetcar Named Desire” is about the fragile Southern belle Blanche DuBois. She moves in with her sister Stella and brutish brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski in New Orleans, leading to a tragic clash of illusion and reality, desire and class. The play explores persisting themes of mental instability, desire versus destruction, racism and oppression, misogyny and sexual

Northern Michigan University’s Seaborg Center will host the annual Michigan Region I Science Olympiad tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the NMU Science Building and Weston Hall. The competition typically draws about 300 middle and high school students from across the Upper Peninsula, who will participate in 46 events.   The highest-placing teams in each division will advance to the state tournament, scheduled for April at Michigan State University.   Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized co-curricular program designed to spark interest in science, engineering, and health-related fields. Its mission is to strengthen the future STEM

Informational Meeting to be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026  The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership in association with the City of Marquette will be sending a delegation to Kajaani, Finland in June 2026. An informational meeting will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00am in the Shiras Room of Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front St. in Marquette. The Shiras Room is located on the second level of the library. While in Finland, delegates will stay with a host family and visit sites of interest in Kajaani, Finland and the surrounding area. Additional information about the program and an

Saturday February 21, 2026.  10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  All students in grades 9 to 12 are welcome. Looking for a Prom Dress, come to the Annual PWPL Prom Dress Swap. The Swap will be open 10 am – 4 pm, to anyone looking for a prom dress. We will be accepting dresses until Friday, February 20. Dresses can be dropped off in the Teen Zone. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of this program, call 906-226-4321, email Amanda at apierce@pwpl.info, and visit pwpl.info.

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.  

Saturdays, February (7, 21), 2026.  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room. Join NMU Art Education major Ella and create art! Kids of all ages are welcome – the techniques used will be adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities. All supplies provided, drop-in program. Special Countdown to Valentine’s Day project on Saturday Feb. 7. 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.

February 21st, 7:00 to 11:00 PM Doors at 6:30 Upper Peninsula Children’s MuseumJoin Marquette Fringe at the U.P. Children’s Museum for the 2026 Midwinter Gala. Expect magic and mystery with our Masquerade theme. Don your finest evening wear and join us for a night of live music, art installations, cocktails, and the opportunity to support your favorite local performing arts organization! Bring your own mask, or make one at our mask creation station.  

February 23, 2026-January 2, 2027 This exhibit showcases two hundred and fifty artifacts, photographs, and documents from our permanent collections. These objects connect local history to the national story while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has often seemed remote from the rest of the country. However, the themes and movements of U.S. history can be seen here as well, especially since the War of 1812. When the country braced for the Civil War, U.P. iron miners raced to uncover iron for the Union army’s railroads and ammunitions. When labor movements exploded following

Mondays, February (9, 16, 23), 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 January 12th. Registration will be for all 3 sessions of campaign #1. 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.  

The Northern Michigan University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, directed by Steven Riley, will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in Reynolds Recital Hall. NMU assistant professor Theresa Camilli will provide piano accompaniment.   The concert’s theme is “Musical Perspectives and Monumental Moments: A Musical Tribute to the 250th Anniversary of The United States.” Riley said it will explore the 250-year history of our nation through various perspectives and cultures, recognizing that the most enduring monuments are not made of stone, but of the songs and spirits of the many cultures of people who are stewards of