Keep It In The UP!

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Afterglow Event
2025-04-27 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | MI
Great Lakes Poetry Festival Afterglow Event
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Rippling River Resort. Adults, Seniors, Teens. PWPL closes the 2025 Great Lakes Poetry Festival with this afterglow reading by Gala Malherbe, Ronnie Ferguson, Troy Graham, and two-time U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz. Marquette Art Awards 2022 Performing Artist of the Year Troy Graham will round-out the evening with a special concert. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Bluesday Tuesday Concert
2025-04-29 18:30 - 19:30 | MI
Bluesday Tuesday Concert
Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Teens, Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Peter White Public Library hosts a blues concert sponsored by the Marquette Area Blues Society.. This month’s band: TBA. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Fandom Fun: It's Raining Tacos!
2025-04-30 16:30 - 17:30 | MI
Fandom Fun: It’s Raining Tacos!
Wednesday April 30, 2025. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Great Room. Youth of all ages, get ready for a fun filled (non-food) taco party! Join in the fun from picture book “Dragons Love Tacos” with taco sensory play, create a bright and grooving fiesta mobile, “Taco & Pizza” party games and more! Children under the age of 8 will need an adult present with them in this program. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Marquette County Board of Health Meeting
2025-04-30 18:00 | Marquette County Courthouse, 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855
The regular monthly meeting of the Marquette County Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:00 pm. the meeting will take place in Room 231 of the Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette County Courthouse, Marquette.

General Membership Meeting of the Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail
2025-05-01 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
The next General Membership Meeting of the Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail will take place on Thursday, May 1st, from 6-8 PM in the Community Room at the Peter White Public Library.
We’re excited to welcome Phil Carter of Partridge Creek Compost as our featured speaker. Phil will discuss the benefits of composting and share local opportunities for waste diversion. Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to fight climate change. This will be an interesting look at how everyday actions can make a meaningful difference for the planet.
We’ll also hear updates from our trail crew leaders on the current state of the trail in our region. Plus, you can learn about upcoming chapter activities and volunteer opportunities.
All are welcome – membership is not required to attend!
We hope to see you there.

Meditate Marquette Presents: A Year of Mindful Living
2025-05-03 10:00 - 11:30 | MI
Meditate Marquette Presents: A Year of Mindful Living
Saturday, May 3, 2025. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Four mindfulness meditation and yoga teachers invite you to engage in a year of mindful living. Each month, one of the teachers will present a topic that addresses the different dimensions where we can practice mindfulness and presence. The intent is for us to cultivate mindfulness, care, and well-being individually and in our love, business, and social relationships. These are drop-in sessions, although committing to a full year is a way to build a consistent mindfulness practice. For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or visit www.pwpl.info.

NCTA Group Hike
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
Come hike with us along the scenic shore of Lake Superior, through beautiful mixed pine forests, to Harlow Lake and then back along the Harlow Creek past Cabin #6. If we’re lucky, we might even spot some early spring wildflowers!
Our hike will be led by Dennis Fattaleh, an experienced group hike leader. We’re excited and grateful for Dennis’s efforts to help revive group hikes for our Marquette Area Chapter.
This loop hike will cover approximately 4.5 miles of easy terrain on a mostly snow-free trail. Expect a few wet spots, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Plan for 2-3 hours of hiking time. Don’t forget to bring water and a snack!
We’ll meet on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 AM at the Little Presque Isle parking lot.
This event is limited to 20 participants, and advance registration is required. Please click here to register. Registration will remain open until Friday, May 2, or until we reach capacity. We hope to see you there!

NMU Commencement
2025-05-03 10:30 - 13:00 | MI
Northern Michigan University’s spring commencement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Superior Dome. About 1140 students are eligible to graduate this May. The number marching will be 1049, which includes some students who will participate in the ceremony in advance of their August graduation.

Craft Magic Series: Punch Needle Magic Magic with Lydia Taylor
2025-05-05 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Craft Magic Series: Punch Needle Magic Magic with Lydia Taylor
Monday, May 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors. Join fiber artist Lydia Taylor for a Beginner Punch Needle Workshop. Learn basic punch needle skills and leave with your very own handmade punch needle project. Starter kits provided. Space is limited to ten participants, so register early. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Director Chat
2025-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 | MI
Director Chat
Wednesday, May 6, 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Circulation Lobby. Stop by the Library to chat with Library Director Andrea Ingmire. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Young Authors: Adam Rex Presentation and Book Signing
2025-05-06 17:30 - 18:30 | MI
Young Authors: Adam Rex Presentation and Book Signing
Tuesday May 6, 2025. 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Young Authors presents Adam Rex! Members of the public are invited to this free event to meet author Adam Rex. There will be a presentation followed by a book signing. Want to read some of his books ahead of time? Use your library card to check one (or 2) out from the library! Snowbound Books will be on site selling Adam’s books for anyone interested in purchasing books for Adam to sign. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | MI
-Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, May 8. 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.

UPCM Second Thursday
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | MI
Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum:
“Let’s make a book!”
Thursday, May 8, 2025
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Experience hands-on craft activities, music, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

The Marquette Regional History Center presents: 20th Annual Cemetery Walk: V.E. Day 80 Years
2025-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
The Marquette Regional History Center presents:
20th Annual Cemetery Walk: V.E. Day 80 Years
Thursday, May 8, two tours: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Park Cemetery
Victory in Europe Day happened on this day 80 years ago. Honor our local WWII heroes as we recognize several who are buried at Park Cemetery, both military and civilian. At 1:00, enjoy a self-guided tour. At 6:00, there will be guided tour groups, or a seated version (bring your lawn chair). Rain date: May 15. Meet near the main gate off Seventh Street. $5 suggested donation. For more info visit marquettehistory.org or call 906.226.3571.

Marquette Poets Circle
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Marquette Poets Circle
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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.

"Off the Wall" Artist Reception
2025-05-09 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
On the Wall: a collection of photography from the Secret Society of the Finch. Photos they love and want to be seen off the screen.
The Secret Society of the Finch is a Photography group founded by Dave Sargent and Kurt Babcock. They have been meeting monthly at Second Story Studio. There are around a dozen members in the group. Work ranges from wildlife and asto to fine art photography.
April 10 – May 31
Friday, May 9
Reception 5pm-8pm
Second Story Studio
118 W Washington St Suite B
Open 2:00pm – 6:00pm Thursday- Saturday

Negaunee - 2nd Annual Doobie Dan Memorial Pool Tournment
2025-05-10 13:00 | MI
2nd Annual Doobie Dan Memorial Pool Tournment

Pasquali’s, 100 Cliff Street, Negaunee, Doors open at 12:00pm

May 10th, start time 1:00pm

$20 Entry – $5 Green Fee included

Random Draw Doubles

Phil Lynch Songs to Bring Us Together Concert
2025-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | MI
Phil Lynch Songs to Bring Us Together Concert
Wednesday, May 14, 2025. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Mental wellness meets musical wellness. Join celebrated singer/song writer/pianist Phil Lynch for an evening of life-affirming music featuring originals and covers of classics like “All You Need is Love” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NCT Hike
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
Join us for a challenging group hike on Thursday, May 15!
Come hike with us across rock outcroppings with incredible vistas, through beautiful mixed pine forests, and up the backside of Sugarloaf Mountain. The hike begins at the original (paved) Sugarloaf parking lot and heads to Wetmore Pond by hiking across the Sugar Cube, a rugged series of rock formations similar to the top of Hogback. It then follows the North Country Trail over several small outcroppings before taking the NCT spur going up the back side of Sugarloaf and then to the top of the mountain.
Returning by popular request, Dennis Fattaleh, an experienced group hike leader, will be leading this adventure.
This loop hike will cover approximately 4.1 miles of rugged terrain and is an advanced hike. Note that it includes steep climbs and rugged sections and is not recommended for beginners or those with mobility limitations. Proper hiking boots are required. Expect a few wet spots. Plan on 3-4 hours of hiking time. Don’t forget to bring water and a snack!
We’ll meet on Thursday, May 15th at 10:00 AM at the original (paved) Sugarloaf parking lot.
This event is limited to 12 participants, and advanced registration is required. Please click here to register. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, May 14th or until we reach capacity. We hope to see you there!

Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin
2025-05-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-05-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-05-17 19:30 - 21:30 | MI
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin by Dianne Nora, winner of the Panowski Playwriting Award. With the former USSR as its backdrop, the dark comedy revolves around two men—loosely inspired by real figures—who bear such a strong resemblance to Stalin that they are forced into dangerous service as political decoys to thwart his enemies and alleviate fears for his safety. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 pm. Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 17, in NMU’s Panowski Black Box Theatre.
According to her website, Nora has assisted her mentor, the playwright and actor Tracy Letts, on seven productions and workshops at Steppenwolf Theatre and on Broadway. She’s a winner of Inkwell Theater’s Lerner Fellowship and Playhouse on the Square’s New Works at the Works Playwriting Competition, and a recipient of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Creative Engagement grant.
Nora was a member of Goodman Theatre’s Playwrights Unit, where she was commissioned to write Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Living Document. She is also a comedy writer who contributes headlines and features at The Onion, America’s Finest News Source. Her humor writing has appeared on Funny Or Die and The Hard Times. She also co-hosts a podcast about streaming television titled Streamageddon.
In Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin, Soso is a soldier left for dead on the Eastern Front. When he is pulled from the brink of death by the Kremlin, his fate takes a shocking turn. Because of his uncanny resemblance to one of the most feared men in history—Stalin—he is thrust into a dangerous game of impersonation. Enter Koba, a man who knows the mind and body of the dictator better than anyone. Tasked with transforming Soso into the perfect double, Koba trains him for the most perilous role of a lifetime.
“The play is smartly written to make it very entertaining despite the heavy subject matter,” said Kaitlyn Frotton, director of NMU’s production. “These two guys risk assassination by playing the role of Stalin’s body doubles, in the Soviet Union, where you didn’t know who you could trust and the autocratic government felt it necessary to police creative expression. I think there is a lot of relevance to the current situation. It’s presented in a way that makes you chuckle to yourself for a majority of the show, but by the end, you’re left with a lot to think about.”
The two lead actors are Copeland Diver as Soso and Liam Fisher as Koba. Understudies Don’Tae Mitchell and Logan Newcomb have been added into the script as Kremlin cops and ensemble members. Frotton said it is advantageous for actors to tackle original works that are less familiar to audiences.
“It’s beneficial because they do not have any preconceived notions going in about the way the roles should be played,” she added. “It’s a great challenge because they need to be accurate to the text, yet they are also able to use their own unique artistry to create the characters from scratch. There are fewer expectations or boundaries, and they’re able to come up with possibly a more authentic performance than if we were rehearsing something like ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ which has been viewed by many. It creates a more dynamic end product, as director, to explore the text with the actors as well. It feels like a more collaborative process. Our cast is phenomenal.”
Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin premiered at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tenn., early this year. NMU’s Playwriting Award was established in 1977 by Dr. James A. Panowski. This year’s winner is being featured during the North Coast Theatre Festival season, which also includes a Drag Cabaret May 29-30 and “Love Letters” June 26-28.
Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They are available at tickets.nmu.edu.

Big Bay Relay
2025-05-17 08:00 - 12:00 | MI
What makes The Big Bay Relay different from any other relay? It is the Upper Peninsula’s most esteemed
and historic race relay event. Join the Noquemanon Trail Network in celebrating the 47
th annual Big Bay
Relay kicking off at the Kaufman Sports Complex Saturday, May 17
th 2025!
The relay welcomes runners of all levels and we cannot wait to see what creative team names our runners
come up with for the 2025 race! Teams are composed of five runners for adults and up to seven for youth
teams. The relay spans the twenty-six mile stretch of Marquette’s historic 550 Big Bay Road and the finish
line is in Draver Park in Big Bay.
In spring of 1972, Marquette held its first Big Bay Relay coordinated by Race Director Karen Kunkle and her
husband Jack. The first race brought only ten relay teams and has grown to include over fifty teams in the
past several years.
If you are an elite runner who wants to compete, or a group of friends that want to try something
adventurous, this picturesque relay is for you. For 47 years the Big Bay Relay has been uniting community
members, families and friends, and we want you to be a part of this year’s race! It’s all about having fun,
being with friends and family while celebrating where we live and recreate.
For further details or to register for the 2025 race, visit us at
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Marquette/BigBayRelay today. Registration fees are $190 per team until
May 11
th and $210 May 12th until May 14th. Registration divisions include five person all-female, all-male,
or mixed teams and seven person junior division teams. Included is a “Team Spirit” award for the team
that goes above and beyond. This year all proceeds benefit the Big BayPathway/Trails. If you are interested
in volunteering or have any questions please contact Marcia Gonstead at(906)345-0149, or by e-mail at
bigbayrelay@gmail.com.

Downtown Farmers Market
2025-05-17 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-24 09:00 - 13:00 | MI
Downtown Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 17, 9 am – 1 pm
Returning this month, the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market kicks off its 2025 season where it will offer fresh produce, meat, art, and much more to the 2,000+ visitors this weekly event brings to the downtown.
Reminder that the Wednesday Night Market will be returning to the 100 block of W. Washington in June.

Community Garden Volunteer Day
2025-05-17 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
Community Garden Volunteer Day
Partridge Creek Farm is calling on community members to help with a major revitalization of its Community Garden located in downtown Ishpeming. The event includes essential site prep and upgrades to benefit local families who grow their own food in the garden. Learn more at PartridgeCreekFarm.org/events.
When:
Saturday, May 17, 2025 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Volunteers are welcome to join and leave as needed, they are not required to stay for the entirety of the volunteer day.
Where:
Partridge Creek Community Garden
301 E Euclid St, Ishpeming, MI
Who:
Volunteers ages 16+ welcome to join
No experience necessary – just bring gloves, water, and a positive attitude. Lunch will be provided! The nature of this event involves a level of physical activity and independence that makes it best suited for individuals aged 16 and older.

Marquette - Youth Sailing Lessons
2025-05-19 00:00 - 2025-06-30 23:59 | MI
Youth Sailing Lessons Offered this Summer

The Marquette Junior Yacht Club will again offer youth sailing lessons this summer to the public. The program will provide the basic fundamentals of sailing for beginner ages 8-17 and expanded skill training for returning intermediate sailors. Instruction takes place both on and off the water by certified sailing instructors at the Marquette Yacht Club location, E Main Street, Marquette. Students will convene daily at the MJYC boathouse space generously donated by the Marquette Fish Producers.

The 2025 schedule is as follows: July 7 – July 11, July 14 – July 18, July 21 – July 25, July 28 – August 1, August 4 – August 8 and August 11 – August 15. There are two sessions per day from 10:00 am-12:45 pm and from 2:00 pm-4:45 pm. Students can register for one or more weeks and multiple sessions. Cost per one week session is $225. A scholarship application can be found on the website, mqtjyc.org.

For more details, email mqtjunioryachtclub@gmail.com or call 906-250-3350. Register for sessions on our website, mqtjyc.org through the Eventbrite program.

Father Marquette 350th Commemoration
2025-05-19 08:00 - 17:00 | MI
On May 18, 1675, the missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette passed away along the shores of Lake Michigan on his way back to the mission he founded in St. Ignace. To commemorate the 350th anniversary of his death, but more importantly his life and legacy, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University is hosting a “Father Marquette 350th Commemoration” on Monday, May 19, in 1100 Jamrich Hall. The event will feature full day of presentations, films and round tables about Marquette, the Jesuit Missionaries of the region and their legacy on our region today. It is free and open to the public.
Along with several presentations, there will be a keynote address from the noted Catholic scholar Bronwen McShea, a historian, writer, speaker, and artist based in New York City. In Spring 2025, she was the Teilhard de Chardin SJ Fellow in Catholic Studies at Loyola University Chicago. McShea is the author of Apostles of Empire: The Jesuits and New France, a history of the French Jesuit mission to indigenous North Americans in the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a comprehensive view of a transatlantic religious enterprise in which secular concerns were integral.
Here is the complete schedule of presentations for Father Marquette 350th Commemoration:
8 a.m.: “Father Jacques Marquette: the making of a North American hero”

Daniel Truckey, Director/Curator, Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, Northern Michigan University (NMU)

9 a.m.: “An Anishinaabe Perspective on Forced Christianization and the Native American Boarding Schools.”

Dr. Jud Sojourn, Assistant Professor of Native American Studies (NMU)
Tyler Detloff, Director, Center for Native American Studies (NMU)

10 a.m.: “A Noble Figure: The Story of the Three Marquette Statues”

Steve Brisson, Director, Michigan State Historic Parks

11 a.m.
Keynote Address: “The French Jesuits in Colonial North America”

Dr. Bronwen McShea, Historian

Lunch Break
1:30 p.m.: “Father Marquette Monuments in the United States”

Dr. Russ Magnaghi, Professor Emeritus of History, Northern Michigan University

2:30 p.m.: “The Unsolved Mysteries of Father Marquette’s Many Graves”

Jennifer McGraw, Historian

3:30 p.m. Showing of the film, “The Return”

Roundtable discussion on the film, “The Return” about Father Marquette’s remains being returned to St. Ignace, featuring: Daniel Rydholm, M.Div, official historian for “The Return” (06/18/2022; St Ignace); Jon Magnuso of The Cedar Tree Institute; and Russ Rickley, Tribal Elder, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians

PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting
2025-05-20 17:00 - 19:00 | MI
PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Peter White Public Library. The meeting is open to all. Meeting agenda, materials, and remote attendance link are available on the library’s website: www.pwpl.info.
