Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wednesday, July 15, you’re invited to the “Pop Up Program” at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Optical Illusions is the topic of this free drop-in program from 10:00am to 1:00pm. 430 W. Clay Ave. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
Monday, July 13 at 6:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Quiz Night with DJ Jeff Schildroth. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
07/14/2015 – 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 bandshell is located next to the Montague Boat Launch at the south end of Water Street. This week enjoy your evening with soul / blues music with the West Side Soul Surfers. For more information contact the Arts Council at 231-894-2787.
07/14/2015 – Jam Session & Open Mic Night
Come to the Book Nook & Java Shop Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00pm for a Jam Session then Open Mic Night at 7:00pm. Call 231-894-5333 for more information.
07/15/2015 – Educational Cruises
Discover Science with an educational cruise aboard the W.G. Jackson Research Vessel on Wednesday July 15. There will be two tours available from 10:00am-11:30am or you can make reservations for the 12:30pm-2:00pm tour. Space is limited. Please register by July 13 at 231-728-3601. This is open and FREE to the public. Children must be 8 years of age and up, and closed toe shoes are required for everyone.
07/15/2015 – Brookhaven’s 30th Annual Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, July 15 from 11:00am-5:00pm, you’re invited to Brookhaven Medical Care Facility for their 30th Annual Ice Cream Social. Enjoy great entertainment, food, prizes, craft sale and games. Proceeds benefit the Brookhaven Resident Activity Fund. For more information, call 231-724-2551.
07/15/2015 – Classical Night: Zachary Graft, violin
Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00pm, you’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Classical Night featuring Zachary Graft on violin. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
07/16/2015 – 07/18/15 Rebel Road Motorcycle Rally
Muskegon’s ‘Rebel Road’ will benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon. The theme is “Ride Free. Stop the Abuse.” This family friendly event will emulate the years of success that Bike Time had with “Steel Horse Alley” on Western Ave. with motorcycle parking, beer tents, stunt groups and pyrotechnic shows. Check them out on Facebook!
07/16/2015 – 07/19/15 Muskegon Bike Time
This annual 4 day motorcycle festival draws an average of 75,000 motorcycles and 120,000 people. It will be a full weekend of headline concerts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Night Ranger, contests, motorcycle stunt shows by Sick Air, Busted Knuckles, and Relentless Stunts, supercross races and vendors.
Enjoy cold Budweiser beverages while strolling the festival grounds as well as, in the Budweiser tents while listening to live local bands daily. Weekend and day passes available to experience all the entertainment all for one low price. Turn in your pass for a wristband that lets you come and go as you please for the day or weekend. Free paved parking on-site for motorcycles and free parking for cars across the street (follow the signs). Sunday is free for everyone and kids 11 and under are free all weekend. Please see the FAQ section on the Muskegon Bike Time website for frequently asked questions at www.muskegonbiketime.com.
07/16/2015 – Happy Hour Painting
Thursday, July 16 from 6:00-8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Happy Hour Painting: Bonnard’s Bountiful Garden” with Instructor, Marlan Cotner. The cost is $30 or $25 members and includes materials and your first beverage. This class is for all skill levels, 21 years old and up. This time, the focus is on one of the MMA’s favorite permanent collection works, La Porte de la Villa du Bosquet au Cannet by Pierre Bonnard. This painting of a lush green garden, full of warm sunshine and great light, is a visitor favorite and a perfect work to recreate with step-by-step assistance from one of West Michigan’s best known artists. Call 231-720-2571 by July 9 to register.
07/16/2015 – Live Music: Josh Quinlan
Come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Josh Quinlan Thursday, July 16 at 7:00pm. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
07/16/2015 – 07/18/15 Central Michigan University Touring Company
The talented and always delightful students of CMU’s Summer Theatre touring company are back by popular demand at the Howmet Playhouse!
July 16 Don’t Dress for Dinner
By Marc Camoletti and Robin Hawdon
Directed by TBD
Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic Parisian mistress in his charming converted French farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along as well to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well … suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will NOT leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed.
Mild adult themes; recommended for ages 14+
July 17 One Slight Hitch
By Lewis Black
Directed by TBD
It’s Courtney’s wedding day, and her mom, Delia, is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations (assuming they arrive) will be perfect. Then, like in any good farce the doorbell rings. And all hell breaks loose. So much for perfect.
Show intended for MATURE audiences
July 18 Jerry Finnegan’s Sister
By Jack Neary
Directed by TBD
Brian Dowd has spent the last 10 years of his life wrestling with an unrequited “something” for his best friend’s sister, who happens to live next door. But each and every time he’s spoken with Beth Finnegan for more than 30 seconds, he’s ended up with his foot planted firmly in his mouth. Now, Brian’s time is about to run out. With recent news that Jerry Finnegan’s sister is getting married, the time has come for him to put up or shut up. Like John Wayne in The High and the Mighty, Brian has reached the point of no return. What’s he got to lose-except the love of his life! “A delight … a gem! Has enough chuckles, guffaws and belly laughs to please any patron.”
Appropriate for all ages
All shows are at 7:30pm. For more information, call 231-894-4048.
07/17/2015 – Ravenna Dog Daze & Car Cruise-In
July 17 from 5:30pm-9:30pm, come to downtown Ravenna for the Ravenna Dog Daze & Car Cruise-In! There’ll be free dash plaques and goody bags for the first 125 entries. There’ll also be children’s games, food, the beverage tent, live entertainment, the craft show and raffles. All proceeds support local charities. For more information, call 231-853-6511.
07/17/2015 – Silent Movie Night
Friday, July 17 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Silent Movie Night, featuring live accompaniment by Robert Edwards. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
Friday, July 17 from 8:00-10:00pm, you’re invited aboard the Port City Princess for a Micro Brew Crewz, featuring local micro brews from Pigeon Hill, Unruly and Cellar Brewing. For more information, call 231-728-8387. The cost is $25.
07/18/15 – Voyageur Family Fun Run
July 18 from 9:00am-11:00am, come to Michigan’s Heritage Park for the Voyageur Family Fun Run! Children 5 and older and their parents are invited to participate in a two mile fun run with activities inspired by the fur trade along the way. This is an in and out run from the park down a wooded trail to the White River and back. Registration information to follow. Call 231-894-0342 for more information.
07/18/15 – Dig Day
Saturday, July 18 from 11:00am-2:00pm, it’s “Dig Day” at Michigan’s Heritage Park! Learn about the process involved in conducting an Archaeology Dig. Members of the Coffinberry Chapter of the Michigan Archaeological Society will be on site from 11:00am to 2:00pm to show participants how to do shovel testing, set up a dig site, and other aspects of conducting a dig. Admission to the park is $10 for adults, $8 for 65 and older, and $5 for ages 2 to 12. 8637 North Durham Rd. in Whitehall. lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Risers Home Game
We have a new soccer team! The Muskegon Risers Soccer Club is an independent professional men’s soccer team whose highest priority is continuing the growth and excitement surrounding soccer in the greater Muskegon area. The Risers will strive to be a professional representation of local soccer through both on-field performance and off-field community service. What is a Riser? A person of the Muskegon area who understands the area’s potential and who pushes themselves and others to realize that potential. Individual game tickets are $5. Season tickets are $39. They’ll take on Oakland United at 6:00pm at Reeths-Puffer High School Soccer Field.
07/18/15 Live Music: Woodsong
Saturday, July 18 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Woodsong. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
07/18/15 Maranatha Summer Concerts
Saturdays during the summer you can enjoy a concert at Maranatha Christian Conference Center. This week we hope you enjoy Anthony Evans. 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.
07/18/15 – Jazz at the Swan
Ron and Cathy Russell, owners of The White Swan Inn in Whitehall, will host “Jazz at the Swan” on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 7:30pm as a benefit for the 6th Annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival which will take place August 1-9, 2015. This Art Council of White Lake’s special backyard event will feature the Tim Johnson Trio and singer Mary Rademaker. The White Swan Inn is located at 303 S. Mears in Whitehall.
Tickets are only $15 and includes wine and light hor d`oeuvres. A limited number of tickets are available in advance at the Arts Council of White Lake (106 E. Colby St), the Book Nook & Java Shop (8726 Ferry St. Montague 231-894-5333) or on Eventbrite.com.
07/18/15 Saturday Nite Brew Crewz
Saturday, July 18 from 8:00pm-10:00pm, you’re invited aboard the Port City Princess for a Saturday Nite Brew Crewz, featuring local micro brews from Pigeon Hill, Unruly and Cellar Brewing. For more information, call 231-728-8387. The cost is $25.
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 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
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, will arrive in Muskegon on April 27, 2015. The sculptures are crafted from maple saplings, wire ties, and found objects, and stand from 18 to 26 feet tall. Each of the sculptures will be installed in a different downtown Muskegon location for a full year. Avian Avatars is currently on display in the Garment District of New York City, from where it will travel directly to Muskegon.
Since the beginning of human history cultures have identified birds as mythic and transformational. Their seasonal plumage has indicated change, signaled migration and foretold impending weather events. The Phoenix, Garuda, Horus, Ra, Thunderbird and angel iconography all address transcendence and rebirth. “The world’s most symbolic birds–the Raptor, Owl, Crow, Pigeon, and Falcon–are flocking to Muskegon, Michigan, to consider our changing world,” state the artists.
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.
Each monumental bird has something to say. They speak in different voices and from unique perspectives, but this gathering of Avian Avatars-The Realist, The Great Spirit, The Scold, The Tourist, and The Tastemaker-is meant to raise an alarm, speaking to modern humans who should heed their varied stories about the current human impact on their changing natural world.
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 will open for the season on Friday, May 1. 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.
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,” from May 4 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.
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.
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 artswhitelake.org.
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.
2nd Annual Invitational Art Exhibit
Art in Our City is a juried fine art exhibition organized by the Frauenthal Center and the Red Lotus Gallery, assisted by the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon Center for the Arts, as a complement to the 2015 Regional Exhibition. This year, the exhibit has expanded to three downtown venues; The Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery in the Hilt Building, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro and the Red Lotus Gallery. You’re invited to view all three exhibition spaces between now and August 31. For more information, call 231-206-0426.
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.
A sampling of stops and approximate time points is included in the trolley guide which is available at the Convention & Visitors Bureau and by clicking the link below, but the trolley will also stop at any street corner along the route where it is safe to stop. Just flag us down!
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.
Muskegon’s historic Getty Drive-In was once a one screen in 1948, Today you can visit four screens. 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 in Muskegon.
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.
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
See, hear, smell and touch the history of the Civil War, Michigan’s lumbering industry and tourism at Whitehall’s White River Light Station as they open for tours May 23 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. in Whitehall on the White Lake channel.
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.
June 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! Call 231-722-7578 for more information.
10:00am -12:00pm AND 2:00pm -4:00pm
July 16 – Superheros
July 23 – Hanky Fairies / Doily Dolls
July 30 – Painters for the Day
August 6 – Wood Carvings
August 13 – Wall Paper Banners
August 20 – Family Tree Activity
August 27 – Mosaics
School is out, so what are you and the family going to do for fun this weekend? Check out the Summer Luge and Archery!! Thursday-Sunday 10:00AM-2:00PM!! $15.00 for 4 runs on the summer luge track and 3 rounds at Archery. www.msports.org
Muskegon Heritage Museum Tours
Muskegon Heritage Museum opens for the season May 14 from 11:00am-4:00pm and will be open Thurs., Fri., and Saturdays until October 17. Operating Steam Engine, line shaft and Machine Shop with machine tools & ceiling fans run by the steam engine -1890. Working Brunswick Pinsetter along with other Brunswick items manufactured in Muskegon – 1962 are just a few things you can see. They also have an exhibit that explains about the hundreds of items that were manufactured in Muskegon from the mid 1800’s until today.