Northern Michigan University WellBeing will hold a grand opening for the new outdoor ice rink, located behind the Northern Center, from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The public is invited. The event will include a food truck, ribbon-cutting and hot chocolate bar. Limited free skate rentals are available, with priority given to NMU students. The rink will be open throughout February from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Any closures will be shared on NMU’s WellBeing Instagram here as well as nmu.edu/wellbeing. Volunteers are needed; more information can be found here. “We are excited to offer this new winter outdoor activity option on campus,” said Jessica Corkin,

 Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 p.m. Our daytime program series will kick off this year featuring our local U.S. Coast Guard Station and BMC Michael Henderson, Officer in Charge. The history of the Life Saving Service in Marquette will be highlighted through images and stories, while we learn about the modern Coast Guard right here in our community. Last year, our Senior Support Series was a huge success! These programs ignite curiosity, social interaction, health, and community involvement. In coordination with Mapping Medicare, we continue this program quarterly on Wednesday afternoons. Attendees have an opportunity to win door prizes and enjoy

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, February 5th at 6:45 p.m. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Studio 1 on the Lower Level of the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette. Following a short business meeting, Caroline LaPorte, the department head of the Center for Native American Studies at NMU will present on missing and murdered indigenous women and relatives (MMIWR) in the United States. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active

Pokémon Trading and Gaming  Thursdays February 6 & 20, 2025. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Youth Services Makerspace. Youth of all ages who are interested in Pokémon card trading and gaming are invited to our new monthly Pokémon Trading & Gaming Sessions. Kids who attend will be able to trade & play the card game with other kids. Please note that staff do not know how to play the game, so it is not guaranteed that gaming will always happen. If your child has a friend they like to game with, come together! Kids will also

  Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the

  Northern Michigan University students are invited to participate in the NMU Money Games from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. in the McClintock Building room 106. This interactive team-based game puts students in control of a budget as they aim for the highest net worth, credit score and quality of life. Students are encouraged to bring a team of two to four players but can also come solo and be matched with others to create a team. They will be able to enhance their budgeting skills, win prizes and dabble in some light-hearted competition. Each member of the top three teams will

  Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the

Repair Café  Saturday, February 8, 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Toss it? No way! The Repair Café is back thanks to a partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition. Bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing, or bikes and skilled fixers with assist you in repairing them. This is a great way to save money, learn valuable repair skills, and reduce your environmental impact. No admission charge. For further information, please contact mqtsustainability@gmail.com  or call 906-226-4303.

Marquette Delegation to visit Higashiomi Japan in July/August 2025 Informational meeting will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025. The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership in association with the City of Marquette will be sending a delegation to Higashiomi, Japan from July 24, 2025, to August 4, 2025. An informational meeting will be held on Saturday February 8th, 2025, Saturday 12 p.m. in the Lion’s Room of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. The Lion’s Room is located on the lower level of the library. While in Japan, delegates will live with a host family and visit sites of

“Love & Unity: Skate Through History,” 3-7 p.m. in Innovation Hall in the Jacobetti Complex. This ‘80s-themed roller-skating event will celebrate the cultural impact of skating rinks in Black communities. It will feature classic ‘70s and ‘80s music, free popcorn, a photo booth and limited skates for rent. It pairs with the Condom Carnival, a fun and inclusive event that combines interactive games with comprehensive sex education. Each booth offers opportunities to learn about sexual health, consent, safe sex practices and more. Bus transportation will be available from The Woods loop every 30 minutes.

  Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the

The Friends of the Negaunee Public Library will host their annual Valentine’s Tea and Book Sale, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Negaunee Public Library. The public is invited to attend, learn more about the library and the Friends group, enjoy refreshments, and purchase books. This event is free to attend. All book sales are by donation.

The City of Marquette Office of Arts & Culture invites the community to participate in drop-in Art Week Brainstorming and Planning Meetings on Tuesday, February 11, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 5:00-6:45 P.M. at the Marquette Arts & Culture Center (lower level of Peter White Public Library). These informal sessions provide a space to explore project ideas, find inspiration, and connect with others. Attendees are welcome to stay for any portion of the meeting-attendance is optional and not required to submit a project proposal. Sessions will focus on 2025 events, partnership opportunities, this year’s theme-STORIES, revisiting past Art Week projects, and exploring event venues. Supported by the

Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

  Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors.  Join celebrated local singer/songwriter Noah Bauer for a concert featuring songs from his newly released album, Lunitidal Interval.  An eclectic evening of music sure to satisfy everyone’s musical taste buds.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host the first Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry of 2025. Taking place on Thursday, February 13. 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

Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum: “Valentine’s Eve Dance” Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Experience hands-on craft activities, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

  Thursday, February 13, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery and MACC Deo Gallery. Teens, Adults, Seniors. Join us for two artist receptions in one night! Speak with the artists about their work and exhibits on display. PWPL Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Second Nature by Emily Weddle & Meredith Weddle D’Amore MACC Deo Gallery – Knowing the Land by Todd Carter

School’s Out, Library’s In: Trolls Friday February 14, 2025 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Youth Services. Youth of all ages, drop by the library for this special schools’ out day! Crafts and activities available for drop-in participation between 12pm-5pm. There will be Cloud Dough Sensory Play in the Great Room and Rainbow scratch art in the Makerspace. The film “Trolls: Band Together” will begin at 12:45pm in the Community Room – Kids are welcome to bring lunch or snacks for the movie. Kids under the age of 8 must have an adult present with them in the

Downtown Marquette welcomes everyone for the start of the annual sled dog race, which runs down Washington Street before heading out to Alger County.

  Northern Michigan University will host a heated hospitality tent for the general public near the starting gate of the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 14. NMU will also host a warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café. The tent will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. next to the old City Hall on Washington Street. Admission is free. This family-friendly event will include hot chocolate and cookies. The warm-up party from 6:30-8 p.m. will feature complimentary coffee or hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls. The Trenary Toast Café is located at the corner of Third

The 36th Honey Bear Classic invites you to celebrate the unique beauty of the Big Bay Pathway with a fundraising event for all ages and interests. Participants can choose to ski or snowshoe the entire “Honey Bear” loop or other trail options. Register online or in person at the Thunder Bay Inn. The Pathway Trailhead and parking lot is located on Deutsch Ave just two blocks from the Thunder Bay Inn, event headquarters. All proceeds help to support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.

Northern Michigan University’s Berry Events Center will host an opportunity for members of the campus and Marquette-area communities to try out sled hockey, a sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. This free event begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16; no registration is required. Protective equipment such as helmets, elbow pads and hockey gloves will be loaned to attendees who participate. Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules, with the exception of some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit atop two hockey skate blades. They use two sticks instead of one,

Cyber Clinic: Seniors  Monday February 17, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute. Staying safe online and recognizing scams in today’s ever changing cyber world is difficult. Peter White Public Library is working in partnership with the UPCI to bring the Marquette community authoritative and up-to-date information about computer and internet safety in our new program series “Cyber Clinic”. Cyber Clinic: Seniors will have tips and tricks to help protect against online security threats and scams that are particularly directed towards seniors. Questions may be submitted ahead

  Northern Michigan University will host a campus Sustainability Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. The event will kick off in Forest Roberts Theatre with keynote speakers Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University discussing their Edible Campus. Other activities are scheduled throughout the day in Jamrich Hall and the Hedgcock Atrium. Despite the abundance of farms in Illinois, most of the food consumed in the state is not locally produced. NIU seeks to address this disconnect by transforming parts of campus into an edible landscape. Flower and Gallaher will discuss this ambitious partnership among NIU

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations invites alumni and friends to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of the Northern Now digital event series. He will explore NMU’s rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the university at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 18. It will be an opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU, reconnect with fellow Wildcats, and celebrate the legacy of their alma mater. Panelists include: Dave Bonsall ‘74 BS, retired from NMU after working for 38 years in Housing & Residence Life and the Center for Student Enrichment Carol Johnson ’81

Upper Peninsula History Book Club Bi-monthly beginning Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm  J.M. Longyear Research Library, Marquette Regional History Center Join the librarians from the J.M. Longyear Research Library for an evening of learning during the inaugural meeting of the Upper Peninsula History Book Club. Club members will have a chance to discuss the meeting’s pre-selected book and view related photographs, maps, and other treasures from the Marquette Regional History Center’s archival collections. The club’s first meeting will focus on Michigan women in the U.S. Lighthouse Service with Patricia Majher’s Ladies of the Lights. On April 16, readers will

Northwords and Music:  Crossroads Show  Wednesday, February 19, 2025.  6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family.  Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits sure to make you laugh, cry, clap, and sing for those crossroads in our lives.  The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic), and actress Jacque Love.  This event will also be livestreamed.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting

  Northern Michigan University’s construction management program is hosting a Women in Construction Career Exploration Event from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Jacobetti Complex. More than 100 regional middle school students in grades 6-8 have registered to participate in this free event, which offers students a unique opportunity to discover and experience options that are traditionally viewed as male-oriented. Students will complete hands-on projects in a safe and well-supervised environment. They will explore areas such as welding, graphic technology, woodworking, trade opportunities, leadership, and construction management. Throughout the day, they will learn from, and interact with, dynamic

  The lives and work of the Upper Peninsula’s greatest politicians will be on display beginning Friday, Feb. 21, in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center’s new exhibition, “The Political Life.” An opening reception will be held from 5–7 p.m. in the center’s Gries Hall gallery at Northern Michigan University. Admission to the reception and exhibition is free. Ever since the Upper Peninsula became part of the State of Michigan in 1836, its history has been full of fascinating, powerful and controversial figures in state, national and international politics. These included politicians such as Chase Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, the only

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting

 Prom Dress Swap  Saturday February 22, 2025. 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 21.  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 www.pwpl.info.

An iconic UP winter tradition returns for its 32nd year.  Outhouses pushed down the main street of Trenary, a mullet competition, food, fun and more.  Visit their Facebook page for more info.

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting