Events in Upper Peninsula today

Set along the Portage Canal at Huron Street Waterfront Park, this downtown market offers scenic waterfront views and features growers, artisans, and chefs from across the Keweenaw. Vendors set up at the Houghton Waterfront Pier by the Portage Lake District Library with a variety of goods. Shoppers can use credit or debit cards at the Market Table to buy tokens that work like cash with vendors, and many vendors also accept cash, checks, cards, and Michigan and Keweenaw food assistance programs. Vendor maps are available on the market website.

Participants bring their own book to Keweenaw Brewing Company for a quiet reading session. Afterward, there is time to chat about what everyone is reading in a friendly, low-key setting.

Enjoy a family-friendly outing that starts with ice cream in downtown Soo, MI, then continues with a casual cruise to Sherman Park. Kids can spend time on the playground, and everyone else can relax and talk cars. Enthusiasts of every kind are welcome, whether you drive a classic, an import, or an off-road rig. There is no admission fee and no registration required.

Experience the lighthouse in the evening with Marquette Maritime Museum on a guided tour led by Lighthouse Volunteer Della. This is a fundraiser, with tickets priced at $15 per person and nonrefundable. Registration is required, and the tour departs from the Marquette Maritime Museum. Cameras are welcome. Expect more than an hour of walking and standing, and be prepared to climb 45 steps to reach the lighthouse.

A drop-in grief support group offers a supportive, welcoming environment for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one. There is no registration required, and the format is flexible so you can attend when it feels right. Participate by sharing your story, listening to others, or simply being present among people who understand.

The South Beach Track Club has returned with speed sessions along the South Beach bike path. This flat stretch lets runners open up their stride and focus on pace. All abilities are welcome.

At the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, a new exhibition presents 60 black and white photographs by Mary Jayne Hallifax, a professional photographer from Munising whose career spanned more than seven decades. Drawn from original negatives that she donated to photograph collector Jack Deo, who is lending the images for this show, the selection focuses on the 1950s and 1960s and portrays the fabric of daily life through community gatherings, street scenes, school activities and candid moments of local residents. A lifelong Munising resident and 1946 graduate of W.G. Mather High School, Hallifax first honed her skills while working on the yearbook, then left a bank job to pursue photography full time. She and her husband, Richard, shared the workload, with him handling much of the development and press work while she concentrated on printing and studio portraiture for families, weddings and seniors. Beyond commercial assignments, she spent countless hours documenting everyday “goings-on” around town and even contributed images to the State Police crime lab. Over the years she photographed seven Michigan governors during visits to Munising and, until her 95th birthday, wrote weekly columns reflecting on community life. Hallifax passed away in 2025 at the age of 96. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Strengthen awareness and build confidence in seizure response through a welcoming, community-focused training. Open to everyone, this session provides clear instruction on recognizing seizures, delivering effective first aid, and offering meaningful support to people living with epilepsy. The training takes place at Northern Michigan University in the Northern Center, room Peninsula V.

Marquette’s Guilty Gear Strive local brings players together at Four Swords Retropub for head-to-head competition against strong community talent. There is no venue fee. Entry contributes to a $6 cash prize pool, or $7 when paying by card, with payouts to the top three finishers at 50, 30, and 20 percent. Matches are best of three until the finals, which are best of five. The format will be double elimination or round robin based on turnout. Controllers are available, and personal controllers are welcome. Pre-registration is offered, and on-site signups are available before bracket play begins.

Karaoke takes the spotlight at The Granada in Escanaba, MI. Singers can browse the song library, build a favorites list, and send requests from their phones by creating a free Performer Account in the Songbooks Online app, then connecting with Show ID MSK23. Requests can also be made in person by sharing your name and song choice if you are not using the app.

A full weekend of racing returns to Sault Sainte Marie with events centered around Lake Superior State University and downtown. Day 1 showcases the 5 Mile Bridge Run, a distinctive course that travels over the International Bridge and both starts and finishes at the LSSU Arts Center on the historic Lake Superior State University campus. Expect sweeping views of the Soo Locks, St. Mary’s Rapids, campus landmarks, and passing freighters. Day 2 features a half marathon along with a 5K run and 5K walk that do not cross the bridge, beginning and ending near the heart of downtown Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Travelers coming from Canada should anticipate a temporary bridge closure before racing and allow extra time in case of traffic. The previous year welcomed 720 participants across multiple races. Those planning to compete on both days must register for each race separately.

The Downtown Iron Mountain Farmers & Artisans Market, presented with support from Incredible Bank, brings together local growers, makers, bakers and artisans. About 40 to 50 vendors participate each week through a mix of weekly and seasonal booths, creating a fresh experience with every visit. Shoppers can find fresh produce, flowers and seasonal plants, homemade baked goods and artisan breads, honey and maple syrup, locally roasted coffee, handmade home decor and jewelry, along with soaps, candles, body products and more. The atmosphere combines shopping with community spirit, local music and friendly faces. Visitors often pick up breakfast or coffee nearby, stroll the market and enjoy a relaxed start to the weekend. Many vendors accept cash only, and ATMs are available downtown.

This donation-based yoga session is offered by Pinecone Yoga and takes place inside the Marquette Commons. Classes are led by a rotating group of instructors who share a nature based approach to practice. In the spirit of seva, a portion of proceeds supports the market. A limited number of mats, blocks, and straps will be available. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Curb Dusters are hosting a community car show with ten trophies up for grabs, live music from the Peltier Bro Band, food by Curbside Cravings, a silent auction, and beer. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Baldwin Township Volunteer Fire Department (Perkins). Awards and silent auction winners will be announced toward the end of the event. Admission is $5, with free entry for ages 13 and younger. Sponsors include MIDAS, LINEX, M&M AUTO SALVAGE, JERRYS BODY SHOP, A&M ROOFING, EDWARDS COLLISION, AUTOZONE, OREILYS, LAKE EFFECT RENTALS, WELDALL, RACE DRIVEN, and AUTO VALUE.

A discussion of the month’s member-selected books will take place in the Community Room at Portage Lake District Library. The gathering welcomes the public, and no membership is required to attend. If attending is not possible, it is still possible to participate by voting on next month’s selection or by sharing a book suggestion with the leadership team. All literary enthusiasts are welcome.

Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours presents a relaxed sunset cruise through the renowned Soo Locks, set against the St. Marys River. Watch towering freighters pass, take in the changing colors of the sky, and capture memorable photos along the way. Drinks are available for all ages. The easygoing pace and scenic views make this outing suitable for families, couples, friends, and visitors.

Morning Star Karaoke hosts karaoke at Wild Horse Saloon. Singers can use the Songbooks Online app to join the queue and select their songs.