Northern Michigan University will host the 2025 Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Northern Center. The event will showcase developing trends in cannabis education and research, featuring insights from industry leaders and experts at the forefront of the evolving sector. The schedule includes speakers, an NMU alumni panel discussion, a networking lunch and student oral presentations/research posters. The conference aims to foster progress in cannabis education and scholarship through open dialogue, the exchange of information and ideas, and the celebration of student and faculty achievements. Presentations include: “Deciphering the Complex

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Headline Poet:  Kimberly Blaeser Reading  Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Teens, Adults, Seniors.  Acclaimed poet Kimberly Blaeser, former Wisconsin Poet Laureate and author of six poetry collections, reads from her reads from her work. No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

  Northern Michigan University will host Career Day for about 1,000 students from more than 20 high schools across the Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, April 23. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Center. Students will have an opportunity to chat about career and educational opportunities with representatives of 45 participating employers and many of NMU’s academic departments. Almost half of the students will spend extra time on campus taking tours of Northern through the Campus Visit Office. Career Day is a partnership between NMU (the offices of Student Success, Career Services and Admissions) and UP Michigan Works.

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Dinner & a Movie: Paterson  Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Teens, Seniors.  As part of the Great Lakes Poetry Festival, PWPL invites you to bring your dinner, sit at a table, and enjoy a screening of director Jim Jarmusch’s acclaimed, Palm Dog-winning film Paterson, starring Adam Driver as a bus driver/poet from Paterson, New Jersey.  Rated R.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The Marquette Regional History Center presents: A Community Under the Stars: 60 Years of Shiras Planetarium Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Shiras Planetarium here in Marquette with a special panel discussion featuring past and present directors. We will explore the evolution of this iconic facility, from its founding in 1965 to its upcoming transformation in 2025. Discover how the planetarium has inspired generations through education and innovation, and hear stories of its impact on the community. Featured panelists include past and current planetarium directors: Scott Stobbelaar, Chris Standerford,

MARQUETTE, Mich— UP Michigan Works! is excited to announce the Marquette Career Launchpad Event, taking place on April 24th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at our Marquette MI Works Office, located at 1498 O’Dovero Dr. This event is designed to present career path options to high school seniors who are considering a gap year or have decided not to pursue college. We aim to connect these students with employment opportunities that require a GED or high school diploma and offer a clear career pathway for their future. Event Highlights: Job Fair: Students will have the opportunity to speak directly

UP Rainbow Pride (UPRP) is excited about hosting two events in April aimed at building community and offering a safe, affirming, and social space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Marquette County and beyond. The aim of these events is to create an all-ages space where LGBTQIA community members and allies can celebrate fellowship and fabulousness. On Thursday, April 24th, UPRP welcomes the public to The Rainbow Rendezvous at the Up North Lodge in Gwinn. The event will run from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and will feature live music by the Make Believe Spurs. A full cash bar will be available and

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Keynote Poet:  Jeff Kass Reading  Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  GLPF Keynote Poet Jeff Kass, author of the Michigan Notable Book Teacher/Pizza Guy, reads from his recently released collection True Believer, poems that delve into the origins of the Marvel superheroes.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl..info, or visit pwpl.info.

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Cindy Hunter Morgan Writing Workshop  Friday, April 25, 2025.  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors.  In this workshop, Cindy Hunter Morgan, author of the Michigan Notable Book Harborless, guides participants through writing prompts to generate new work.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info to register.

Northern Michigan University’s Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette’s first “Water is Life Festival” on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free. The festival includes a full day of activities outlined below. It will culminate with evening water-themed performances from 6-9 p.m. in NMU’s Hedgcock Atrium by the Sister Tour, Marquette Fringe, and Supaman. 10 a.m. to noon: From Dome to Dead River guided cultural trail walk with the City of Marquette’s Arts and Culture Office (meet at