Muskegon County Calendar of Events 06/29/15-07/05/15

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau

06/29/2015 – 07/02/15 Fun Times with Watercolor

June 23, 24, 29 and July 1, 2 at 10:30am, teens 11to 18 are invited to Walker Memorial Library to paint together with Lori McElrath-Eslick, illustrator of more than 20 children’s books. Each class will involve demonstration of a technique followed by your creation of a painting by applying that technique. Class size is limited; call the library to register at (231) 744-6080. Participants will be asked to attend all five classes.

06/30/2015 – 07/17/15 Winter in a Summer Town

Winter in a Summer Town, a photo exploration of West Michigan, will be on display at the Arts Council of White Lake June 30-July 17.  The deadline for entries is Jun 16, 2015.  The opening reception will be July 2 from 5:00-7:00pm.  For more information, visit www.artswhitelake.org.

06/30/2015 – Muskegon Clippers Home Game

The Muskegon Clippers feature college players from Junior Colleges to Division 1 Universities playing baseball at Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field during the summer months.   Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00pm, they take on Rockford.  Individual game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for students and senior citizens; children under 12 are free. Season ticket and group sales packages are also available.    For more information on company picnics, VIP seating and regular tickets please contact: Len Piasecki at 231-750-0331 or len@playmarshfield.com.

06/30/2015 – The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Bandshell Concerts

The Arts Council of White Lake sponsors FREE concerts every Tuesday night at 7:00pm during the summer. The band shell is located next to the Montague Boat Launch at the south end of Water Street. This week enjoy your evening with Bluegrass music by Billy Strings & Don Julin.

For more information contact the Arts Council at 231-894-2787.

07/01/2015 – Pop-Up Program

Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the Pop-Up program in the Body Works Exhibit on Wednesday, July 1 from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  Fun, free interactive program for kids.  430 W.Clay Ave. at Fourth Street.  For more information, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.

07/01/2015 – Fun with Flags

Wednesday, July 1 at 12:15pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the Lunch and Learn Lecture, “Fun with Flags” with Collections Curator Sharon McCullar.  She will share information about United States and Muskegon County flags. How to properly care for and dispose of flags will also be discussed. Bring a lunch for this free lecture and be on your way by 1:00pm.   For more information, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.

07/01/2015 – Singer/Songwriter Jack Doyle

You’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop to enjoy live music from singer/songwriter Jack Doyle, Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00pm.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

07/02/2015 – ReStore It! Ultimate Upcycle Challenge!

Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity is calling all crafters, Pinterst gurus and creative types to help celebrate the organization’s 30th Anniversary by competing in the “ReStore It!  Ultimate Upcycle Challenge!  If you like giving new life to old discarded items by repurposing and transforming them into new and improved pieces, this is the event for you!  Cash prizes will be awarded for the best transformations, as judged by the “ReStore It!” committee and a panel of local upcycling experts.  All entries will then be sold to benefit Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity.  Registrations are now being accepted for the competition which will take place on Thursday, July 2 in the Century Club Ballroom.  Registrants will receive a $20 voucher to purchase “old and discarded” items from one of the Muskegon County’s three ReStore locations to use in their entries.  For more information, call 231-727-6020 or download the form at www.muskegonhabitat.org.

07/02/2015 – 07/05/15 West Michigan Wine and Jazz Festival

The First Annual West Michigan Wine & Jazz Festival kicks off Thursday July 2 through Sunday, July 5, 2015, based at The Book Nook Java Shop/Best Cellars Wine Bar in Downtown Montague at 8744 Ferry St. The Festival announces selections for Happy Hour Wine Tastings: Thursday & Friday, July 2 & 3 @ 5 p.m. with performers Checkers Morton and Brad Fritcher’s Moods. Tickets are on sale now $15 (Festival pass $60) and include the wine tasting. Bottles will be available for sale. For more information, call (231) 894-5333, e-mail info@thebooknookjavashop.com or visit www.thebooknookjavashop.com.

07/02/2015 – Throwback Thursday

Through August, the Lakeshore Museum Center presents Historic Enrichment Activities at their historic sites, such as the Hackley & Hume Homes, the Firebarn and Scolnik House of the Depression Era!  Thursday, July 2, it’s Portraits and Canvas Painting at the Hackley & Hume site.  Kids can create a canvas portrait and go on a scavenger hunt to find the paintings in the Hackley and Hume houses.  This is a free program from 10:00am – Noon and 2:00 – 4:00pm. The site is located at 484 W. Webster Ave. Call 231-722-7578 for more information.

07/02/2015 – Jazz Wine Tasting

You’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop Thursday, July 2 at 5:00pm for a “Jazz Wine Tasting” with live music from Checkers Morton.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

07/02/2015 – Art and a Glass

Thursdays in July and August from 5:30-7:30pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Art and a Glass:  Happy Hour at the MMA!”  Bring your friends to a museum-style happy hour! Take a break and enjoy the art with a glass of wine or a great craft brew. General admission is free, Thursday evenings from 4:00 – 8:00pm, so take advantage of the opportunity to discover your Museum at no cost. You must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.   For more information, call 231-720-2571.

07/02/2015 – Jazz Showcase

You’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the Jazz Showcase featuring the Xavier David Trio, Thursday, July 2 at 8:00pm.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

07/03/2015 – 07/04/15 Lakeshore Art Festival

For decades, art has been a driving force in downtown Muskegon.  July 3-4, the Lakeshore Art Festival continues that tradition with a unique blend of arts, crafts, music, food and fun along the scenic shoreline of downtown Muskegon.  The Lakeshore Art Festival features hundreds of artists and crafters, a Children’s Lane, street performers and a food area including an Artisan Food Market and festival food favorites.  For more information, call 231-722-3751. 

07/03/2015 – 07/04/15 Muskegon Rockstock

The 6th annual Muskegon Rockstock will be held on July 3 & 4 at Heritage Landing in Muskegon Mi. Food and Beverages will be available at a very affordable rate, featuring ice cold $3 Budweiser and $4 local brews. Blankets and chairs are encouraged. Coolers are not. Tickets will be $5 per day or advance tickets will be available for a limited time at $8 for both days. Military and Veterans will be free and honored. Children 12 and under are free. However, they must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be available at the Frauenthal box office or StarTickets.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate. www.muskegonrockstock.com

07/03/2015 – World War II Bomber at MKG

The Muskegon County Airport and Executive Air Transport are pleased to welcome the “Yankee Lady,” the Yankee Air Museum’s (YAM) award winning B-17G.  In observance of Independence Day, the bomber will be on station at Muskegon County Airport from 11:00am Friday, July 3 – Saturday, July 4, offering tours and Flight Experience rides.

The Ypsilanti, Michigan based Yankee Lady is the type of thunderous four engine heavy
bomber, commonly called a ‘Flying Fortress’ that initiated daylight, precision strategic
bombing in the European Theater of Operations. This campaign attacked the enemy’s
ability to make war by destroying munitions factories, bases and oil refineries from 1942 to
1945.

A FLEX ride is a 45-minute experience with approximately 30 minutes of flight time and
costs $450.00. To order a B-17 FLEX ride or to obtain a gift certificate, call 734-483-4030,
extension 236. Ellickson also said the Yankee Lady will be available for tours. Self-guided
ground tours cost $5.00 for adults aged 15 and above; $2.00 for kids aged 6 to 15 and all
others are free. Win a free ride for someone by nominating a deserving individual. Send your story to dianne@muskegonairport.com by tomorrow, June 30.

For more information, visit www.muskegonairport.com.

07/03/2015 – 07/17/15 Call for Artists

Artists whose works fit the themes of upcoming exhibits sponsored by Arts Council of White Lake are invited to submit up to two pieces via the Council’s website. “Winter in a Summer Town” runs June 30 to July 17;”Transcontinental” will be mounted July 18-August 7.

The first exhibit centers on photography. Community members and artists are invited to share photos of the White Lake area during the winter months. Photos of local beaches, lakes, streets, paths and fields covered by a mantle of snow are meant to delight our summer visitors. Deadline for submissions is June 23.

 

Photos for “Winter in a Summer Town must be submitted digitally through the Arts Council’s website www.artswhitelake.org. Submission fee is $15 for ACWL members; $20 for non-members. Up to two images may be submitted with each application. Artists whose work is accepted for the exhibit will be notified by June 25 and will be given drop-off information. The second exhibit may incorporate any media. It should represent a place or memory from the American landscape. Deadline for submissions is July 3. “Transcontinental” submissions are also being accepted online.

07/03/2015 – Treasure Sale

Friday, July 3 from 9:00am – 3:00pm, you’re invited to the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for their annual Treasure Sale.  Hundreds of items will be available for low, low prices.  No clothes or shoes will be available for sale.  This event coincides with the Art Fair in Hackley Park.  It is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 231-722-2112.

07/03/2015 – Great Lakes Jazz Festival

The Arts Council of White Lake invites you to the Great Lakes Jazz Festival at the Montague Band Shell located at 8636 Water St. in Montague, Friday, July 3 at 12:00pm.  For more information, visit www.artswhitelake.org.

07/04/2015 – White Lake Parade & Fireworks

Join White Lake for their annual morning parade at 10:00am and evening fireworks over White Lake at dusk in celebration of July 4. For more information contact 231-893-4585.

07/04/2015 – Fireworks View on LST 393

Enjoy the view of Muskegon fireworks from the deck of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. They are located at 560 Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit www.lst393.org.

07/04/15 – Maranatha Summer Concert

Saturdays during the summer you can enjoy a concert at Maranatha Christian Conference Center. This week enjoy Annie Moses Band. This is a FREE event and open to the public. Stop by from 5:00pm-6:45pm and enjoy a dinner buffet before prices are: 3 and under: FREE, 4-8 years; $7.00, 9-12 years; $9 and adults are $15. www.vacationwithpurpose.org

07/04/15 – Pre-Fireworks Jazz

You’re invited Montague Band Shell for some pre-fireworks Jazz with the Dave Collee Trio and Ginny Dusseau, Saturday, July 4 at 7:30pm.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

07/04/15 – Fireworks View on LST 393

Enjoy the view of Muskegon fireworks from the deck of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. They are located at 560 Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon. www.lst393.org

07/04/15 – July 4 Fireworks Celebration

Fireworks will be the star of our 4th of July weekend with a dazzling show over Muskegon Lake. You can watch aboard the USS LST 393 or the Port City Princess if you like! Sponsored by Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce!

07/04/15 – White Lake Fireworks

Join White Lake for their annual morning parade at 10:00am and evening fireworks over White Lake at dusk in celebration of July 4. For more information contact 231-893-4585.

Ongoing Events:

Collector’s Corner: Beatles Memorabilia

Beatles Memorabilia is the topic of the display in the Collectors Corner at the Lakeshore Museum Center.  Featured are album covers from The Fab Four, fan club cards, a collectible plate, a Beatles themed Trivial Pursuit Game, beach towel and more.  Figures of the four musicians and a yellow submarine are also included in William Stidham Sr.’s collection.   The museum is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm.  For more information, call 231-722-0278.

Armchair Archeology

“Armchair Archaeology: From Hobby to History” is on display at the Lakeshore Museum Center!  The exhibit explores early archaeology practices and philosophies that would be considered controversial today and showcases the local men who did it right.  The exhibit features ten Muskegon residents from the late 1800s to early 1940s who were working in the area to learn about who and what was living here before them.  Artifacts on display from the local digs include pottery shards, arrowheads, projectile points, and tools.  Visitors will have an opportunity to take a seat and spend some time reading books and journal articles written by and about the men featured in the exhibit. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Colossal Avian Avatars

The Muskegon Museum of Art announces that Avian Avatars, an art installation of five colossal sculptures, each symbolizing a mythical bird, designed by The Myth Makers, artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein. The sculptures are crafted from maple saplings, wire ties, and found objects, and stand from 18 to 26 feet tall. Each of the sculptures are installed in a different downtown Muskegon location for a full year. Each bird in the installation represents a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraging the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world.  The sculptures are also intentionally made not to be permanent. Typically, per the artists, they last four to five years in any installation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours

Memorial Day to Labor Day tours will be given at Pere Marquette Beach South Pierhead Light. Tours will take place Monday & Tuesday from Noon-4:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids. Please thank the volunteers who are helping to make this possible.

Muskegon Historic Sites Open For Tours

The Hackley & Hume Historic Site, Fire Barn Museum and Scolnik House of the Depression Era are open for the season. The three historic sites, operated by the Lakeshore Museum Center, are open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. On Sundays, the three sites are open from 1 to 4 pm. The restored homes of Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons, Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume, are featured at the Hackley & Hume Historic Sites. Built in the late 1800s, they feature lavish wood carvings, stenciling, stained glass windows, and period furnishings. They are two of the finest examples of Queen Anne Style Victorian homes in the country. The site is located at 484 West Webster Avenue at Sixth Street.  Admission is $7 for adults and teens, $5 for seniors 65 and older. Visitors 12 and younger are admitted free. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

‘Veterans’ Stories’

The World War II experiences of a dozen Muskegon area World War II veterans, as told to Muskegon Community College students enrolled in the popular Intro to WWII course, will be shared in a special exhibit, “Veterans’ Stories,” through August 4 at the USS Silversides Museum, located at 1346 Bluff St.  Admission is $5 per person and is free to museum members.

Patterned after the work of famous oral historian, journalist and The Good War author Studs Terkel, the MCC students who each assigned a local veteran to interview. The students also produced historical content highlighting their research. The compelling exhibit represents the collective culmination of their semester-long projects. For more information on the Veterans’ Stories exhibit, contact Frank Marczak, associate director of the USS Silversides Museum, at (231) 755-1230.

Michigan’s Adventure Park

Muskegon’s own Michigan’s Adventure with 2 parks in 1! Spend your day in the water park and get thrills on a rollercoaster- all in one day! You will want to make another trip back to Michigan’s Adventure to have fun just one more time! Open 7 days a week to Labor Day! Check out their website for more highlights at www.miadventure.com.

Rootdown Yoga

Rootdown Juice & Greens Bar offers high-energy, heated and music filled Power Vinyasa (flow) Yoga classes every day of the week.  This style of yoga is accessible to everyone regardless of age, ability or experience.  For class times and descriptions, please visit www.rootdown.in.

Beach Towne Trolley Rides

All ages love to take a ride on Muskegon’s Beach Towne Trolley during the summer months!

Routes and Operating Hours

Beach-Towne Trolley – 12:00pm–6:48pm

Operating Days

Six Days a Week, Monday – Saturday
Memorial Day – Labor Day

Single-Ride Cash Fare

Standard                 $1.25
Senior/Disabled       $ .60

Transfers, tickets, and passes from other Muskegon Area Transit System buses will be accepted. Regular transit passes and transfers will not be sold or issued on trolleys. Exact change will be required. Children through age 5 may ride free when accompanied by an adult. All vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, call the Muskegon Area Transit System at 231-724-6420.

 

Reading by Any Means Necessary

You’re invited to the James Jackson Museum of African American History for the “Reading…by any means necessary” program, every Monday through Saturday from 2:00-5:30pm.  The museum is located at 7 E. Center St. in Muskegon Heights.  Call 231-739-9500 for more information.

Manierre Dawson: Engineering Abstraction

Manierre Dawson: Engineering Abstraction, an exhibition of works by a pioneer in American abstract painting with Michigan roots, will open at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Thursday, April 30 and run through August 9.  Manierre Dawson was born Chicago in 1887 and lived there until moving to Ludington, Michigan in 1914 to run his family’s farm.  He painted and sculpted during his years there, until his death in 1969. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Getty Drive-In Bargain Night

Muskegon’s historic Getty Drive-In was once a one screen in 1948. Today you can visit four screens, each with a double-feature. Tuesday night is bargain night for just $6.00 adults, 6-12 years old $5.00 and under 5 years are FREE. They have concessions and play area for children. Shows begin 15 minutes after sunset. They are located at 920 E. Summit Ave. www.celebrationcinema.com

Muskegon Farmer’s Market

Enjoy their bustling market opening their outdoor season on Saturday, May 2! Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Power of Produce will start up again Saturday June 6 – October 31, 2015, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with activities 10:00 – Noon on Saturdays only. This is a membership club for kids, ages 5 – 12 yrs. They learn about healthy eating and can purchase their own fresh produce. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Muskegon Heights Farmer’s Market

The Muskegon Heights Farmer’s Market will offer a variety of produce along with being a flea market. Starting May 2, the market will be open from 9:00am -1:00pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The market is located on the corner of Baker and East Center Street.

White River Light Station Museum Open for Tours

See, hear, smell and touch the history of the Civil War, Michigan’s lumbering industry and tourism at Whitehall’s White River Light Station through October 31. There are 56 steps to climb if you are up to it! They are open Tuesday -Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm. They are located at 6199 Murray Rd. on the White Lake Channel. www.whiteriverlightstation.org

‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’

You’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” exhibit. Comprised of a group of works from the MMA’s permanent collection, it features sports and leisure themed paintings and sculptures.  For more information visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

Fricano’s Cruise-Ins

Every Wednesday between June 3 and August 26 from 5:30-8:00pm, you’re invited to Fricano’s Muskegon Lake for a “Cruise-In” (weather permitting).  All antiques, customs, classics and novelty vehicles are welcome!  There’ll be door prize drawings and oldies music provided by Tom Schalk of Quality Sound, along with your favorite beverages, Fricano’s Pizza and ice cream/desserts.  Participants will be given a coupon for $3 off a dine-in or take-out Fricano’s Pizza purchase.  For more information, call 231-722-7775.  Please, no burnouts, motorcycles or bicycles.