Events in Upper Peninsula today

The Downtown Iron Mountain Farmers & Artisans Market returns for another season, sponsored by Incredible Bank. Hosted at the Iron Mountain Downtown Farmers & Artisans Market, it brings together an ever-changing mix of local growers, makers, bakers, and artisans. With a rotating lineup of about 30 to 45 vendors, each visit offers something new to explore. Shoppers can expect fresh produce, flowers and seasonal plants, homemade baked goods and artisan breads, honey and maple syrup, locally roasted coffee, handmade crafts and artwork, houseplants and garden decor, and soaps, candles, body products, and more. The experience is rooted in community spirit, with local music, friendly faces, and the best of the region on display. Many vendors accept cash only, and nearby ATMs are available downtown.

Car lovers gather for a relaxed morning meet at Sault Ste Marie Farmers' Market to talk cars and check out everything from vintage classics and imports to off-road rigs. All enthusiasts and all vehicles are welcome. There is no fee or registration, so simply arrive and enjoy the conversation. Coffee is provided by Bird's Eye. This seasonal series continues on the second Saturday each month between April and October.

Browse a selection from the nursery at the Marquette Market, featuring native plants for landscaping and habitat creation. Explore easy native garden kits and a variety of native shrubs that support wildlife. Guidance will be available to answer questions and help you choose plants that fit your goals.

Enjoy beachside yoga at Sherman Park Beach with Northern Life Yoga. Sessions take place on Saturdays in the fresh air. Classes depend on the weather. If it is too cold or wet for sand practice, the session moves to the studio. Drop-ins are welcome for $22.

Donation-based yoga with a community focus takes place at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market inside the Marquette Commons. Offered by Pinecone Yoga, each class features a different instructor who shares a nature-centered approach. Guided by the principle of seva, a portion of contributions supports the market. A limited number of mats, blocks, and straps are available to use. All are welcome, and participation is open regardless of ability to pay.

A welcoming session is set in the movement room at The Real Heal 906. Participants can bring a mat, blanket, pillow, or anything that helps them feel cozy, and yoga mats will also be available to use. Parking is in the back, with entry up the ramp through the first door, then down the stairs or by elevator. Admission is open donation.

A festive celebration of Summer Reading takes place on the Escanaba Public Library's north lawn. Bring your final reading log to receive a $10 Canterbury Bookstore certificate, provided by the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library. Enjoy food, music, and games. The Bookmobile will be on site so you can check out items with your library card. If it rains, the event will move indoors.

Tiny Kitchen Cupcakes celebrates its second anniversary with a special $2 cupcake sale. Enjoy favorite flavors for just $2 each, and feel free to stock up by the dozen. The full flavor lineup will be announced.

Explore the basics of glassblowing at HOTplate Pottery & Clayworks in a welcoming, beginner friendly workshop priced at $62 per person. Using a tabletop torch, you will heat, shape, and blow molten glass to create up to three colorful pieces, choosing ornaments, plant watering aqua tubes, or a mix. An experienced instructor offers step by step guidance in a small group setting, and all tools, materials, and safety gear are provided. Finished pieces cool for about 15 minutes, so they can go home the same day. No prior experience is needed. Ages 13 and up. For safety, wear closed toe shoes and a short sleeved shirt, tie back long hair, and remove dangling jewelry. Sessions are offered on multiple dates, and space is limited, so advance registration is required.

Celebrate Iron Mountain’s Italian heritage with an all-day, family-friendly festival featuring authentic Italian cuisine, live music, fun activities, and refreshing beverages.

This Lego Club session spotlights the theme Summer Reading Fun, inviting builders to bring their imagination and create original designs inspired by the idea. Participants can share what they make, and a prize drawing will be held at the end of the session with attendees eligible to be entered. Please bring one container of Legos for each child participating.

BoochaMania 2 is an 18+ all-day festival-style event with nonstop action, featuring live music, boxing, jiu-jitsu, local food, and beer and kombucha on tap. The day highlights a headline fight between Hollywood Cesar and Lucha Boocha, along with vendor booths and theatrical wrestling experiences. Parking is free, and refunds are not offered.

The Kind of Blues Band performs at the Downtown Iron Mountain Music Shell as part of the annual Italian Fest, delivering straight U.P. blues seasoned with touches of jazz and other favorites in a relaxed festival setting.

Catch Northwinds Adventures for a live Christian pop, gospel, and worship performance featuring Tenth Avenue North. The show starts at 6:00 PM local time at Northwinds Adventures.

Spend a summer evening on the water with a relaxed cruise through the renowned Soo Locks as daylight fades over the St. Marys River. Hosted by Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, this experience offers close-up views of towering freighters and the lock system at work, paired with a calm, easygoing vibe. Drinks are offered for guests of every age, and there are plenty of moments to capture stunning photos. It is a comfortable choice for families, date nights, groups of friends, and out-of-town guests looking for a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery.

Morning Star Karaoke is back at Wild Horse Saloon, presenting a karaoke event for singers and fans alike. Use the Songbooks Online app to join the queue and choose the songs you want to perform.

Little Bellas offers a weekly mountain biking program in Marquette for girls ages 7 to 13. It begins with four sessions at the Forestville Trailhead, then shifts to Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee so riders can experience varied singletrack, playful features, and plenty of room for games and practice. Mentors ride with the group to support growth and confidence, using trail time, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and group rides to build skills progressively. The series runs for eight sessions, welcomes every ability level, and keeps the focus on fun, friendship, and learning through play. If a bike or financial assistance is needed, that can be indicated on the registration form.

Catch live music from local musicians at the Gladstone Farmers Market. The event runs alongside the market so you can also browse for treats and enjoy a beverage from the social district while you hang out with friends and neighbors.

Launching in partnership with the Braumart Theater, this new drama club welcomes students ages 12 to 18 who want to explore theater in a friendly, creative setting. Sessions feature improv games, collaborative activities, and foundational acting practice that nurture confidence, imagination, and teamwork. The aim is to spark a love of the stage while encouraging self-expression and new friendships. The first gathering does not require advance registration. Parents or guardians are asked to stop in briefly at the beginning to meet the team. Meetings are planned weekly, and the format may evolve based on the needs of the group. All experience levels are welcome, and participants should bring a willingness to try something new and have fun. Opportunities for younger children are expected to be introduced in the future.

New members are welcome at this quarterly gathering at Pine Grove Country Club. Attendees can nominate a favorite charity, hear short presentations, and vote to determine which organization will receive the group’s support. Attendees are asked to bring a $100 check to contribute to the selected charity. The program also includes an update from the previous recipient on how the funds were used, along with time to connect with fellow women in the community. An open bar will be available, and a pizza buffet can be purchased for $10 after the meeting. The focus is on pooling resources to support local causes.

Enjoy a scenic rowing outing on Marquette’s Lower Harbor in handcrafted boats. Lark, a Cornish pilot gig measuring 32 feet, and Spark, a 22 foot St. Ayles skiff, will be on the water for shared rows. Beginners are welcome, provided participants have a reasonable level of mobility and strength. Personal flotation devices are available, and you may bring your own. Wear footwear suitable for getting in and out of the boats, and consider an extra layer if the weather is cool. There is no fee to participate. Space is limited to 12 seats and is available on a first come, first served basis.

Join Justin Sean from The Great Lakes Mushroom Company to learn the art and science of cultivating your own mushrooms. This hands-on workshop walks you from spore to harvest and covers growing mushrooms in four different ways. You’ll also explore gourmet and medicinal varieties, plus how mushrooms support local ecosystems. Ideal for all skill levels, come ready to roll up your sleeves and get interactive guidance throughout the session.

A free community blood drive hosted by the Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center invites donors to help sustain lifesaving care for patients in need, from car crash victims to individuals receiving cancer treatment. Community donations keep hospitals throughout the Upper Peninsula supplied. Giving blood is quick, easy, and safe, and one donation can support as many as three people. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 906-449-1450.

Glow & Neon Art Camp delivers three vibrant sessions of creativity for kids ages 6 to 12, centered on neon color, paint that glows in the dark, and fluorescent flair. Participants try splatter techniques and fluid color pours, paint a canvas that looks different in daylight compared to the dark, and finish with glowing rock designs plus hand-built clay pieces that shine under black light. Projects from the first two sessions go home the same day, while clay creations are kiln fired and available for pickup after firing. All supplies are provided. Tuition is 165 dollars per camper with a 145 dollar rate for each additional sibling. Registration is required and capacity is limited. Hosted by HOTplate Pottery & Clayworks.

Peter White Public Library is partnering with Feeding America West Michigan through the Gather 2 Grow program, serving as a pickup site for summer meals. Free, shelf-stable, allergy-safe meals are available for all youth 18 and under and for disabled adults up to age 26. No registration is required and a library card is not needed to participate. Meal pickup takes place in the library’s Lower Level Lobby. For details about the meals, refer to Feeding America West Michigan. For questions about the pickup site, contact the Youth Services Department at 906-226-4323 or ysdesk@pwpl.info.

Settle in for a comfortable ride through Marquette aboard a Checker bus with air conditioning. A guide shares local stories along the route while lively figures from the past make appearances. Fresh elements are added each summer, so both residents and visitors discover something new. The experience lasts about 90 minutes and begins and ends at the MRHC. Tickets are $25 and go on sale May 1, with eight tours scheduled across July and August.

Color Explosion Art Camp brings a burst of creativity to kids ages 6 to 12 with three afternoons of vibrant, color-soaked art. Wear clothes that can get messy, because painting and splattering are at the heart of this hands-on experience. The first day blends splatter painting with acrylic pouring, sending bright colors across the canvas while each artist makes a one-of-a-kind piece to take home that day. The second day focuses on hand-built clay with marbled and layered color; these pieces are kiln fired and glazed, then ready for pickup in about 2 to 2.5 weeks. The final day explores color mixing, layering, and expressive mark-making as campers complete a large acrylic canvas plus a smaller color project to bring home the same day. All supplies are included. The fee is $165 per camper, with a $145 rate for each additional sibling. Sessions are held at HOTplate Pottery & Clayworks. Registration is required and space is limited.

Set along the Portage Canal at Huron Street Waterfront Park in downtown Houghton, this market offers a scenic shopping experience. At the Houghton Waterfront Pier near the Portage Lake District Library, growers, artisans, and chefs from across the Keweenaw share their goods. Shoppers can use a credit or debit card at the Market Table to purchase tokens that spend like cash with vendors. Many vendors also accept cash, checks, and cards, and participate in Michigan and Keweenaw food assistance programs. Vendor maps are available on the market’s homepage.

Reynolds Recital Hall hosts the Summer Concerts at Reynolds, a series from the NMU Department of Music. This program highlights the first installment of the 24 Italian Songs and Arias, performed by Theresa Camilli, Keri Lee Pierson, and Stephanie Beinlich. Admission is free for all, and voluntary contributions help support the NMU Department of Music and enhance student experiences.

Participants practice yoga beneath a starry sky in an outdoor setting. Tickets are available through the organizer.

Settle in at Keweenaw Brewing Company for a quiet reading session. Bring your own book and enjoy 45 minutes of uninterrupted reading, then stay for a relaxed social period to chat about what you are reading.

Beer Choir brings a relaxed community sing-along to Sol Blu Lounge & Tap Room, welcoming everyone from practiced vocalists to shower singers. Expect familiar favorites, classics, and crowd-pleasers shared in a friendly atmosphere with plenty of laughs. There are no rehearsals, no auditions, and no pressure. Sheet music is provided. Bring your voice, a sense of humor, and some friends. Enjoy a cold drink, open the music, and add your harmony for an evening of joyful, sometimes delightfully off-key, song.

At Besse Center Theater at Bay College, the True North String Quartet offers a program that salutes the history of this concert series and the cultural roots of the nation. Violinists Paul Lundin and Joe Deller, violist Janine Bradbury, and cellist Katri Ervamaa begin with Ernő Dohnányi’s Serenade for String Trio, a graceful and lively work that reaches back to the series’ early seasons in 1968. William Grant Still’s Lyric Quartette follows, shaping vivid scenes of African American life through movements inspired by distinct cultural archetypes. Also featured is Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 in F major, the “American Quartet,” written during his time in the United States and colored by folk inspired melodies and a spirit of wide open possibility. For the finale, pianist Maurita Peterson Holland and a choir of local voices join the ensemble for Jim Irwin’s “We Call Ourselves Americans.” Community vocalists are invited to take part and may contact Emily Olson at emily@beaconartsmichigan.org to learn more and sign up. After the performance, audience members will be welcomed to add their voices to the closing tribute.

An evening cruise through the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River showcases sunset views with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Passengers can watch large freighters transit the locks, take in sweeping scenery, and relax in an easygoing setting, with beverage options for all ages. It suits families, couples, friends, and visitors, offers plenty of chances for photos, and works well for a date night, entertaining guests, or simply unwinding on the water.

Marquette Maritime Museum presents an evening tour of the lighthouse led by Lighthouse Volunteer Della. This is a fundraiser with nonrefundable tickets priced at $15 per person. Advance registration is required, and the tour departs from the Marquette Maritime Museum. Attendees may want to bring a camera for photos. Please note that the experience involves more than an hour of walking and standing, and participants must be able to climb 45 steps to reach the lighthouse.

Join the Master Naturalist Advanced Training for a scenic field day at Little Girls Point focused on beachcombing and learning about the rocks and gemstones you can find along the shore. You’ll also explore ravines behind the beach where you can see old-growth hemlock forest, orchids, and other plant species. Plan to meet at the museum and carpool to the field site.

Enjoy a no-cost summer lunch available to anyone 18 or younger and to disabled adults up to age 26. The meals are nonperishable and packaged for take-away, and they may not be eaten in the library. Vegetarian choices are offered. Service is provided on Wednesdays.

A Taproot community roundtable explores what to do when life shifts more quickly than the paperwork can keep up. The conversation focuses on situations like shared housing, splitting expenses, moving in together, supporting family members, and navigating breakups or other what-now moments. Participants work toward understanding their current circumstances, identifying realistic next steps, finding trustworthy help and resources, easing overwhelm, and building momentum in a healthier direction. Discussion topics include living arrangements, money and property, communication and expectations, leases, ownership and other documents, caregiving and family dynamics, organizing systems, and where to look for legal and community support. Simple, clear agreements and timely conversations are highlighted as tools to prevent bigger problems later. This gathering is community-based and practical, and it is not a substitute for legal counsel or therapy. There is no cost to participate, and the format is flexible so people can arrive and leave as needed. Facilitated by attorney and legal coach Erica Payne of Taproot Law PLLC, and held at Ore Dock Brewing Co.

South Beach Track Club returns with focused speed sessions on the South Beach bike path, known for its reliably flat route that helps you open your stride. Open to runners of any pace or experience.

Explore the captivating world of fungi in a hands-on workshop led by the team at Great Lakes Mushroom Company. Participants learn to cultivate mushrooms at home in four different ways, following the process from spore to harvest, with guidance appropriate for all experience levels. The program covers gourmet varieties for the kitchen as well as medicinal mushrooms known for their health-supporting qualities, and includes complimentary gourmet mushroom dishes for each attendee. Expect an interactive experience with expert instruction, insights into the ecological importance of fungi, and opportunities to connect with others who value nature and sustainability. Attendees receive exclusive offers on Great Lakes Mushroom Company products, enjoy free mushroom coffee throughout, and take home a free 5-pound ready-to-fruit mushroom grow kit to continue growing after the workshop.

A single ticket covers you and one additional person who plans to cloth diaper with you. Attendees receive a free copy of the cloth diaper guide, plus a free 30 to 45 minute one-on-one virtual consultation.

Part of the Good Times Music Summer Slam, a 12-week celebration of live local music at the Downtown Houghton Pier, this concert spotlights Fast Car with a throwback set filled with hits from the 90s and 2000s. Admission is free and open to everyone, thanks to support from the City of Houghton, Studio 13, Beviamo!, the Suomi Restaurant, Illa and Dennis Garver, Keweenaw Boat Tours, 96.3 Houghton’s Breeze, Superior National Bank, Pepsi, Black Ice Comics & Books, and Industrial Graphics. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and picnic fare or local takeout, and are encouraged to enjoy Houghton’s social district responsibly. If weather does not cooperate, the performance will move to the Dee Ballroom.

At Ludington Park in Escanaba, the Karas Band Shell hosts a Wednesday concert series featuring the Escanaba City Band. This long-running tradition continues through the summer with weekly performances that keep the music going all season.

Come enjoy a fun mix of barre and dance that’s open to all levels, and home school families are welcome too. The session starts with a first half hour of barre work focused on basic ballet steps to help improve posture, confidence, and fitness. Then you’ll move into a second half hour for choreography and stretching, where you’ll apply what you learned to music that matches the season. There may also be opportunities for in-house recitals or community performances for interested participants.

The Live on the Lawn at Lunch series wraps up with a performance by Kitty Donohoe, a songwriter honored with a Michigan Emmy. Raised in a large creative family near Detroit, she has been writing songs since childhood and blends folk, blues, and Celtic influences with North American roots to create a sound that is distinctly her own. She accompanies her storytelling on piano, guitar, and cittern, using the instruments to support both songs and instrumentals. Attendees may bring chairs or blankets and a picnic, or purchase refreshments from Wildman’s Food Truck, Main Squeeze Lemonade, and The Boho Blender. This music series remains free to the public thanks to support from The Friends of the Escanaba Public Library, Molina Health of Michigan, and Julie Moker. If weather is unfavorable, the event will move indoors and lunches will be welcome inside.

Part of the Out To Lunch Summer Concert Series, this midday show at the First National Bank & Trust Downtown Stage spotlights Daydreamers with free entertainment open to all. Enjoy live music from regional talent, a selection of bites from local vendors and food trucks, and a relaxed downtown setting that fits a lunch hour perfectly. Bring a lawn chair and make it an easy meet up with coworkers, friends, or family.

At the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, a photographic exhibition honors Mary Jayne Hallifax, a Munising professional whose camera documented her community. The presentation brings together 60 black and white images that reveal local events, street activity, school life, and everyday moments. Sourced from original negatives that Hallifax entrusted to photo collector Jack Deo, the works are shared through his loan to the Center. Hallifax’s path in photography began with a high school yearbook assignment, then grew as she left a banking job to devote herself to the craft. She became a sought after commercial photographer for weddings and senior portraits, yet she also loved walking the streets to capture candid scenes and contributed photographs to the State Police crime lab. She partnered with her husband, Richard, who managed much of the developing and press work while she focused on prints and studio portraiture. Her assignments extended to visits from Michigan governors, including G. Mennen Williams, John Swainson, George Romney, William Milliken, James Blanchard, John Engler, and Rick Snyder. She continued to share local stories and images in weekly columns for the Marquette Mining Journal, and earlier for the Munising News, through her 95th birthday. Admission is free and the exhibition is open to the public.

Escanaba Pop-UP Market brings a fresh way to shop, dine, and connect at the Escanaba Marketplace. Browse local vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, specialty items, and other one-of-a-kind finds while live music fills the stage. Attendees can sample fare from Boppin' Betty, Escanaba's newest food truck, and enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere with friends, family, and visitors. This edition features live music by Failte.

Explore the art of glassblowing in a welcoming, beginner-focused class at HOTplate Pottery & Clayworks. For $62 per person, participants learn to heat, shape, and blow molten glass using a tabletop torch, creating up to three colorful keepsakes such as ornaments, plant watering aqua tubes, or a mix of both. An instructor provides step-by-step guidance in a small group, and all tools, materials, safety gear, and a wide selection of glass colors are included. Finished pieces cool for about 15 minutes and can be taken home the same day. No prior experience is needed. The workshop is open to ages 13 and up. Please wear closed-toe shoes and a short-sleeved shirt, tie back long hair, and remove dangling jewelry. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Multiple dates are available, and a preferred time can be selected during registration.

Experience a haunted river boat tour on the St Marys River, gliding over dark waters while chilling legends and local lore are shared along the way. This atmospheric ride centers on ghostly stories and folklore connected to this storied waterway.

Enjoy an intimate evening of live acoustic music at Fresh Coast Lounge. Expect warm, up-close performances featuring local and regional artists in styles like singer-songwriter, folk, blues, and roots music, with no backing tracks. Grab a cocktail, settle into a cozy spot, and relax to a laid-back soundtrack for the night.