Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/05/15-10/11/15

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau

10/05/2015 – 10/09/15 Aladdin
‎Nuveen Theatre Arts Presents ‘Aladdin’!  This workshop and play is for grades K-6.  Auditions are October 5 from 4:00-6:00pm with rehearsals taking place October 6-9 from 4:00-8:15pm.  The show will be October 9 at 3:00pm and 5:00pm at the Howmet Playhouse.  The cost is $40.  Call 231-893-2787 for more information.

10/05/2015 – 10/31/15 October Tours are Free for Muskegon Residents!
October 1-31 is Free Tour Month for Muskegon County Residents at the Hackley & Hume, Firebarn and Scolnik House historic sites!  The sites are open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sundays from 12:00-4:00pm.  For more information, call 231-722-7578.

10/05/2015 & 10/12/15 – Autumn Lighthouse Tours
October 5 and 12 from 11:00am-3:00pm and every Saturday in October from 3:00-6:00pm, you can tour the South Pier Lighthead at Pere Marquette Beach!  Tour the light and see the shoreline color change from this 48 ft. tower.  Admission is $2-$4.  Children must be 3 ft. tall to climb the tower.  For more information, call 844-654-4487.  To become a Lighthouse Keeper, e-mail muskegonlights@gmail.com.

10/06/2015 – Canoeing in Michigan
‎Join us as PBS-featured author and life-long Michigan resident Doc Fletcher presents his hour-long 2014 canoeing and kayaking program, “Canoeing in Michgan”. You don’t have to be a paddling enthusiast to enjoy the program, but you may become one by the time the evening ends. At the end of Doc’s time with us, a free drawing will be held and one person will win a gift certificate good for a free canoe or kayak day trip. The use of the boats and drop-offs/pick-ups are donated by liveries (canoe/kayak rentals) in towns across Michigan. The trip winner will be drawn at random from the other half of tickets handed out to attendees as they arrive
for the program. Canoe/kayak livery brochures & state maps will be made available to assist program attendees in planning river trips. For those interested, Doc will sign and sell copies of his many published books on canoeing and kayaking in Michigan and Wisconsin. www.hackleylibrary.org

10/06/2015 – White Lake Classical Series
‎As part of the White Lake Classical Series, you’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop, Tuesday, October 6 ar 7:00pm for live music from Brian Carter on horn with special guests Sondra Cross, Brian DeYoung and Bryan Uecher.  The cover is $5.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

10/07/2015 – Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club 125th Anniversary Tea
The Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club invites you to join them for their 125th Anniversary Tea, October 7 at 1:00pm.  Make your reservations by calling 231-788-3050 or e-mail karinc1146@yahoo.com.

10/07/2015 – Intermediate Watercolor Seminar
‎The Arts Council of White Lake invites you to an Intermediate Watercolor Seminar to enhance your painting skills with Linda Busse, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Nuveen Center.  The cost is $40.  Call 231-894-2787 to reserve your spot.

10/07/2015 – Film: Life of Pi @Muskegon Community College
‎Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee (Rated PG)

Synopsis: A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.

Each evening will begin with a commentary about the film and director by Mary Tyler, English and film instructor from Muskegon Community College, followed by a viewing of the film, and then a group discussion. These films are only suitable for mature audiences. For more information, call 231-773-9131.

Room 1100. Free popcorn!

10/08/2015 – Brown Bag Film – Craft in America: Threads
‎Thursday, October 8 at 12:15pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the Brown Bag Film, “Craft in America: Threads.”  (60 mins.) From the beginning, craft has been a combination of function, ornamentation, and message. Threads investigates all of these aspects of the fiber arts with storytelling through textiles that speak to the creativity of the human spirit. Brown Bag film admission is free. Complimentary coffee and cookies are provided. You are welcome to bring your lunch. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

10/08/2015 & 10/11/2015 – Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center Open House
Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center invites you to visit them from 1:00pm-4:00pm to learn all about the facility, the birds, and what they do. Guests will also get to see the permanent resident birds, and touch real artifacts! In addition to the free handouts about preserving the environment for raptors and other conservation information, you can purchase T-shirts, raptor bookmarks, and notecards with photos of their ambassador birds. For more information, call 231-821-9125 or check them out on Facebook!

10/08/2015 – Writers in Resonance Reading
October 8 at 6:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Writers in Resonance Reading.”   Writers in Resonance, a group of Muskegon area writers that meets as a critique group at the MMA, will host a fun evening of contemporary poetry and writing of all kinds. This FREE public event will feature live readings, including ekphrastic responses to art from the MMA’s permanent collection. Refreshments will be provided as well as a cash bar.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

10/09/2015 – 10/11/15 Harvest Festival
‎Campers are invited to the Harvest Festival at the Channel Campground inside Muskegon State Park, Friday through Sunday, October 9-11.  There’s a hotdog roast Friday from 6:00pm until all the hotdogs are gone!  Saturday, start with morning coffee followed by two hours of activities for the children including the egg toss, marshmallow eating contest, pumpkin bowling and a parade!  Smokey the Bear will be there for the scavenger hunt, trick or treating and more.  For more information, e-mail Mary Lou at retired-2@att.net.

10/09/2015 – Make It Take It
‎October 9 from 10:00am-3:00pm, come to Michigan’s Heritage Park for “Make It Take It”!  Stick stockades is the theme of this month’s event. Participants will learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps’ role in building the blockhouse and have an opportunity to build their own stockade.  For $5, they may take their stockade home, or leave it for the next visitor.  For more information, call 231-894-0342.

10/09/2015 – 10/31/15 Haunted Hall
Haunted Hall, one of the county’s oldest haunted attractions, is back in 2015, and this year will be bigger and better than ever, featuring the “Murder Castle”, “Cellar of Torture” and “The

Woods”.  This event is not recommended for children under 12.  The horror is happening at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds, 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd. in Fruitport Township, Fridays and Saturdays, October 2-31.  This year’s theme is “The Magnificent Helms Hotel”.  For more ghoulish details, visit hauntedhall.com.

10/09/2015 – Three Fierce, Fun, Female Poets!
‎October 9 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for “Three Fierce, Fun, Female Poets!”  Doors open at 6:00pm for book sales, cash bar, and live music. Sharon Olds is the author of eight volumes of poetry.  Her poetry, says Michael Ondaatje, is “pure fire in the hands,” and David Leavitt in the Voice Literary Supplement describes her work as “remarkable for its candor, its eroticism, and its power to move.”  With sensuality, humor, sprung rhythm, and stunning imagery, she expresses truths about domestic and political violence, sexuality, family relationships, love, and the body.  Often compared to “confessional” poets, she has been much praised for the courage, emotional power, and extraordinary physicality of her work.  For mature audiences only.  $10 HS/College Students; $15 All Others – Tickets available at Frauenthal Theater Box Office or 800-585-3737.

10/09/2015 – Performances @The Block: The School for Scandal
Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 at 7:30pm, come to the Block as West Michigan’s only Shakespearian touring group, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, bring a comedy of manners to The Block. The story about the behavior and customs of upper classes, is told through witty dialogue with comic situations that satirize the malicious gossip and hypocrisy in the fashionable society of London in the 1770s. This Restoration period play was first performed in 1777 in Drury Lane Theatre, London. The performances at The Block are a precursor to the WMS concert in November that will feature the 1931 overture of the same name by composer Samuel Barber. Call Rita at 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:30.

10/10/2015 – Hike for the Hungry
October 10, please join the Muskegon Rescue Mission, Love INC and Catholic Charities as they partner together for the 4th Annual Hike for the Hungry at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. This beautiful park features gorgeous water views making it a pleasure for walkers and runners alike. Sign up now and start raising money for a great cause. Come on your own or form a team. Check-in begins at 9:00am at Heritage Landing.

All monies raised help support Muskegon Rescue Mission, Love INC and Catholic Charities in their efforts to feed the hungry in West Michigan.  Whether you sign on as a walker, a donor or both, your participation will help bring relief to your hungry neighbors in Muskegon. 100% of the proceeds raised from this event will stay in Muskegon County. For additional information or to ask questions contact Muskegon Rescue Mission at 231-727-6090 or via email to jboes@muskegonmission.org.

10/10/2015 – Fall Pumpkin Fest
Always held on the 2nd Saturday in October, Pumpkinfest features pumpkin pie baking contests, seed spitting contests, pumpkin painting and carving contests and the festival favorite, the Pumkin Roll down Dowling Hill with over 700 contestants of all ages.  Registration for the roll begins at 9:30am.  The White Lake Senior Center will have food specials to go along with vendors selling elephant ears, hot dogs, pizzas, candied apples, etc. For more information, call the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-893-4585.

10/10/2015 – Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour
Gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant Fall colors at the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour!  This free, self-guided tour happens the first 3 Saturdays in October from 10:00am – 4:00pm.  “Color Tourers” can pick up a map at either the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, located in the historic Union Depot at 610 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon, or at the White Lake Area Chamber/CVB at the Whitehall Depot, 124 W. Hanson St. in downtown Whitehall.  Using the map as a guide, you’ll have the opportunity to visit stops along the way to win great prizes! Refreshments will be served at both the Muskegon and Whitehall Depots, and kids will receive a free pumpkin that they can decorate on-the-spot.  For more information, call 231-724-3100.

10/10/2015 – Art in 8
As part of Muskegon Community College’s “Ahfest”, you’re invited to the Muskegon Farmer’s Market October 10 from 10:00am-6:00pm for “Art in 8.” Eight Muskegon area artists will have eight hours to create a new original work of art based on this year’s theme Myth and Reality. The winning work and artist are selected by popular vote and announced at the public reception at the end of the day. Admission is free. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

10/10/2015 – Youth Art Fair
The Nuveen Community Center for the Arts is once again offering students aged 8-18 the opportunity to sell their artistic creations at a youth art fair on Saturday, October 10. The art fair, held concurrently with Montague’s famous Pumpkin Roll, will run from 10:00am-1:00pm on Ferry St. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Tables will be available on a first come, first served basis. Registration information may be found at www.artswhitelake.org or by calling 231-894-2787.

The public is encouraged to stop by the Youth Art Fair during the Pumpkin Roll to browse a wonderful selection of hand-crafted items and support the artistic young entrepreneurs in our community.

10/10/2015 – Extreme Crafts Super Saturday
October 10 from 11:00am-3:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for an Extreme Crafts Super Saturday! This Free Family Fun Day is all about crafts and fibers at this Super Saturday!

11:00 am & 1:00 pm Film: Faith Ringgold: The Last Story Quilt (28 mins.)

11:00 am – 1:00 pm Guided Exhibition Tours

Explore Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge with a Museum docent.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm Make & Take

Get inspired by the edgy fiber artists in Extreme Fibers and then try your own hand at making a funky basket by weaving with cool recycled materials.

For more information, call 231-720-2570.

10/10/2015 – City of the Dead
Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation will host their sixth annual City of the Dead walking tour of Muskegon’s historic Evergreen Cemetery, 391 Irwin Ave. on October 10 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Experience for yourself the romance, tragedy, curiosity and dedication in the story of Muskegon’s citizens from the past as congregation members perform historic re-enactments. Cost is $5 for adults and children under 6 are FREE. For more information, call 231-282-0571.

10/10/2015 – Lumber Baron’s Ball
October 10 from 6:00-10:00pm, you’re invited to the Lumber Baron’s Ball at the Hackley Administration Building. Join the Lakeshore Museum Center as they “Explore a Future that Brings Great Things Together”. Steampunk attire is encouraged. Research at www.lakeshoremuseum.org/LBB15. Enjoy live and silent auctions, a wonderful dinner and entertainment. Tickets are $85 for individuals, $170 for couples and corporate sponsorships are also available by calling 231-722-0278. Your support of this year’s event supports the future of history of the Lakeshore Museum Center.

10/10/2015 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game!
After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season again to play tonight against the Madison Capitols. The puck drops at 7:15pm. This will be a “Fozen/Spiderman Night” with team magnet giveaways. Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth St., in downtown Muskegon.

10/11/2015/ – Lakeshore Bridal Expo 2015
FREE Admission to the Lakeshore Bridal Expo at the Muskegon Country Club Sunday October 11 from 1:00p4:00pm. This is FREE and open to the public. The country club is located at 2801 Lakeshore Dr. Pre-register at www.LakeshoreBridalExpo.com 

Ongoing Events:

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

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.

Myth and Reality: Drawings by Patricia Hendricks Constantine
‎As part of Ahfest, come to Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Art Gallery for Myth and Reality: Drawings by Patricia Hendricks Constantine” through October 30.  This solo show featuresg recent works on the ahFest theme by Kendall College of Art and Design Professor.  There’ll be a free public reception Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 – 7:30pm, followed by an Artist’s Gallery Talk at 6:30pm.  For more information, call 231-777-0344.

Pennants on Display
Pennants from the collection of Peggy Tully are now on display in the Collectors Corner at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Her collection showcases pennants collected in the late 1940s and early 1950s from all over the United States and Canada. Starting with the collector’s hometown of Marshall, Michigan all the way to the Grand Canyon and beyond. This collection will be on display through the end of February 2016.  The museum is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00pm.  For more information, call 231-722-0278 or visit lakeshoremuseum.org.

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.

The Art of Gettysburg and the Civil War
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art, Mondays through October 19 from 6:00-8:00pm for the lecture series, “The Art of Gettysburg and the Civil War.”  Muskegon Community College Art Instructor Tim Norris and History Instructors Kurt Troutman and George Maniates will present a voyage through Civil War American art and history.  A special exhibition of Civil War era and related art will be on display in the Muskegon Museum of Art’s Tuttle Gallery to complement this program. Auditorium doors open at 5:30pm.  The cost is $10 per lecture.  Pay at the door in the MMA Gift Store.  For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.

DOORWAYS: A Passage through the Permanent Collection
As part of Muskegon Community College’s Ahfest, “DOORWAYS: A Passage through the Permanent Collection” is on display at the Muskegon Museum of Art through October 11.  Building exhibitions around works from the permanent collection is a high priority. These study shows are often organized thematically and developed to expand our knowledge and appreciation of artworks in the MMA’s ever-expanding quality holdings. Through a selection of paintings, sculpture, prints, and photographs, Doorways addresses, even challenges, our preconceived notions of doors as common thresholds we cross into our homes and workplaces. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

CHALLENGING TRADITION: Fine Craft from the Permanent Collection
As part of Muskegon Community College’s Ahfest, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art through October 25 for “CHALLENGING TRADITION: Fine Craft from the Permanent Collection”.  This exhibit showcases some of the best contemporary craft works in collection of the Muskegon Museum of Art, including works in fiber, metal, and stone. These artists, as well as many others represented in the show, speak both to the enduring legacies of craft and the continuing innovation and creativity of today’s artists.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

EXTREME FIBER: Textile Icons and the New Edge
‎”Extreme Fiber: Textile Icons and the New Edge” examines the state of fibers and textiles in the fine art world today. As part of Muskegon Community College’s Ahfest, the artworks on display will reveal the diversity of this fine craft movement, and its transformation into a multi-media and discipline-spanning phenomenon through November 1. Participating artists are well-known visionaries in the field.

Joining the works of these masters will be a group of artworks selected from juried submissions received from artists around the world. Works from new and established artists will thus be seen alongside the contemporary art of the artists that helped to define the movement. The exhibition will include tapestries, quilts, weavings, sculpture, basketry, and a host of other forms, from the functional to the fully-abstracted.

This exhibition has been organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art with guest curator Geary Jones. Underwritten by Bayer CropScience.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

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 lcoated on the corner of Baker and East Center Street.

Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun
‎With rapidly improving telescope technology, hundreds of planets have been found orbiting stars beyond our solar system. Are any of these exoplanets like Earth? Can they support life? How will this change our view of the universe? These questions will be explored in a NEW planetarium program at Muskegon Community College (room 135, 221 S. Quarterline Rd, Muskegon). No reservations are needed for this free show, which runs August 25 – October 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (doors open by 6:45), and includes a brief planetarium dome demonstration of the current night sky. For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15-44, please call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

Muskegon City Flea Market
The City Flea Market will open for Wednesday, May 6 from 6:00am-3:00pm. They are located at 700 Yuba Street. There are many booths of products you can only imagine! They are open every Wednesday through October 28. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Open Public Tours at the MMA
‎Thursdays in October from 1:00–3:00pm, the Muskegon Museum of Art is offering Open Public Tours!  Drop in for docent-led tours of the MMA’s major fiber art exhibition and a complementary show of examples of fine studio craft art, drawn from museum holdings.  For more information, visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.