Western UP Events

The Keweenaw is getting a new stage this spring with the debut of Keweenaw’s Got Talent, a community talent showcase and fundraiser set for Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Rachel Marie Blau Memorial Theater inside the Hancock Community Hub. Inspired by the energy of America’s Got Talent, this first-time event will bring together music, dance, comedy, and creative performances from across the region in a wholesome, family-friendly setting. Proceeds will support the Hancock Community Hub and its mission to keep the space open, active, and full of community programming for the Keweenaw.   CALL FOR AUDITIONS Community members are invited to

St. Albert the Great University Parish, serving students, faculty and staff of Michigan Technological University and Gogebic (“Go-Gee-Bick”) Community College, will host the annual Masses in the Our Lady of the Snows Ice Chapel during MTU’s famed Winter Carnival. The Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in a chapel hand-built from ice and snow by MTU students and community members. The Ice Mass has gained international attention; it is a unique expression of Catholic faith in the deep snow country of the Keweenaw with over 800 in attendance in 2025. There are three Masses: 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST on

Philanthropy for Sigma Phi Epsilon. On Friday, February 6th, from 12pm – 3pm at the East Houghton Waterfront Park. We will be hosting our annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. Donations allow participants to choose a brother to jump into the cold water, $20 for a random brother or $25 for a specific brother and $20 if you wish to jump yourself. . Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need additional information at 248-701-0001. Thank you for your time and support.

The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF) will host a public forum online titled “How to Raise a Citizen (and Why It’s Up to You to Do It)” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 8. Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen (and Why It’s Up to You to Do It), will talk about her book, which explains how and why parents must help their children to learn about politics and government. The book is a guide for parents and adults on how to teach children about U.S. government and civic engagement, filling gaps left by formal education. It

– Date: Wednesday, February 11 – Time: 6 p.m. – Location: Room 144, U.J. Noblet Forestry Building, Michigan Tech Please join KISMA and Keweenaw Wild Ones for a screening of the “Next Steps for Nature” video featuring renowned native plant expert Doug Tallamy. In this video, Tallamy answers dozens of questions gathered from his many appearances. The screening will be followed by a live, local panel discussion featuring: – Sigrid Resh (KISMA) – Michelle Wietek-Stephens (U.P. Native Plants nursery) – Michelle Anderson (Keweenaw Wild Bird REC) – Mary Richardson (native plant landscaper)

“Next Steps for Nature” with Doug Tallamy plus panel Q&A 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11 Room 144, Michigan Tech Noblet Forestry Building In this video presentation, nationally known native plant expert Dr. Doug Tallamy answers questions on topics ranging from biodiversity and pest control to home landscaping and supporting wildlife. He also provides practical guidance on restoring nature in everyday spaces. “Next Steps for Nature” will be followed by a live, local panel Q&A featuring KISMA coordinator Sigrid Resh, Michelle Anderson, of Keweenaw Wild Bird REC, Mary Richardson, ecological landscaper and owner of Richardson Landscaping and Michelle Wietek Stephens, owner

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation invites community members to attend free QPR Training, followed by an optional Narcan Training, on Wednesday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools. This training is open to parents, educators, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, business owners and any other community members interested in supporting mental health and saving lives in the community.   QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer; three simple yet powerful steps anyone can take to help someone in crisis. Those who complete the training learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, such as expressions of hopelessness

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

Local NCT Chapter Addresses Wilderness First Aid 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

Houghton’s Jibba Jabba is shaking things up this winter with the introduction of a Friday Night Qualifier. This gives locals and visitors alike a clear, performance-based path into Saturday night’s main event. Historically, Jibba Jabba invites only high-caliber snowboarders in the industry. Now, underdog riders can earn their spot in a fresh way – by putting down their best moves Friday night ahead of Saturday’s competition. 40 people will be able to register on Friday, Feb. 13 starting at 4 p.m. Helmets are required and all ages are welcome. The qualifier will be first come first serve. After the Qualifier, head over to the Carnegie