Muskegon County Calendar of Events 07/31/17 – 08/07/17

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org 

Rocketry Festival 2017
Through August 4
Rocketry Festival 2017 is on through Friday, August 4 at the Muskegon County Wastewater Management Facility!  For more information, visit http://www.nar.org/site/naram-59.

Events at Rocketry festival 2017 include:

  • NARAM 59
  • Week-long Sport Launch (15,000′ Waiver)
  • 2017 FAI CanAm Cup/US Team Flyoffs (Click HERE for more information)
  • Carnival Launch (launch and win a prize!)
  • Horizontal Super Roc (12″ min diameter H & I Motor)
  • Odd Roc Contest (all motor sizes)
  • High Power Set Altitude (420 meters)
  • Swamp Gas Night Launch
  • Imagination Celebration 2017
  • I.P. Pink Book Launch (Bring a pink rocket to launch)
  • NARAM 59 Themed Launches: Sputnik- 1957 and Apollo 7- 1967)

Lighthouse Tours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in July and August from 1:00-5:00pm.  The cost is $2 – $4.  For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Roll On Muskegon
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
“Roll on Muskegon” is a fun, community, bicycle ride through the neighborhoods of Muskegon.  Bikers meet every Monday at the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market.  This easy 8 mph, family friendly ride begins at 6:30pm.  For more information, find them on Facebook.

Serene Yoga Summer Beach Yoga Series
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Serene Yoga will be offering a new Summer Beach Yoga Series through August 31.  Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursday mornings from 10:00am – 11:00am and Friday evenings from 7:00pm – 8:00pm.  $10 drop-in rate.

Join Diana and enjoy the serenity of the Great Lakes as she guides you stretching and balancing poses while focusing on breath-work and relaxation.  This is a mind, body, spirit experience for the whole family.  This class is a biblical based perspective.  Meet at the beach.  Participants should bring a towel, sheet or yoga mat.  All new participants will be asked to fill out liability forms (please come early on your first visit).  Children under 17 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Check with your doctor if you have any concerns prior to taking this class.  For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com or call 231-343-8381 (text for cancellation information).

2017 McGraft Park Free Summer Concert Series
August 1 @ 7:00 pm
Come to beautiful the McGraft Park Bandshell for a series of free, family friendly concerts this summer!  All concerts begin at 7:00pm.  For more information, call the Muskegon Parks Department at 231-724-6991.

  • Tuesday, August 1 – Uneven Ground (Celtic)
  • Thursday, August 10 – Westside Soul Surfers (jazz, R & B, rock)
  • Tuesday, August 15 – Tom Pancy Band (modern jazz)
  • Wednesday, August 23 – Blackthorn (traditional Irish music)

Montague Band Shell: Free Summer Concert Series
August 1 @ 7:00 pm
Throughout the summer, every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at the Montague Band Shell, join the Arts Council of White Lake (ACWL) for the Free Summer Concert Series!  In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held at the Montague Area Public Schools Center for the Arts located at Montague High School. For more information, call 231-893-2524.

The Line-up:

  • 08/01/17 – The Moxie Strings
  • 08/08/17 – West Michigan Winds
  • 08/15/17 – Soul Syndicate
  • 08/22/17 – Shook Twins

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place
Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place are back every Wednesday (weather permitting) from 5:00-8:30pm.  Antiques, customs, classics and novelty vehicles are all welcome.  Enjoy oldies music and door prizes, too!  Come on down and check out some unique cars and enjoy some Fricano’s pizza and Sweet Treats from Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe!  All Cruise-In 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.

White Lake Chamber Music Festival
August 3 – August 13
From August 3 to 13, this year’s White Lake Chamber Music Festival will present exceptional performances and events held throughout the White Lake area of Montague and Whitehall.  Concerts given by the legendary Avalon String Quartet will, again, be among the many highlights.  Now in its eighth year, the Arts Council of White Lake’s Music Festival presents most events for free.

Local, national and international performers will come together in the White Lake area during this 10-day festival.  The Chicago-based Avalon String Quartet returns as our Resident String Quartet, but with a new and added surprise – a special performance with Chicago clarinetist Elizandro Garcia-Montoya performing the Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op.115.  Holland performers Andrew Le, piano; Jenny Walvoord, violin; and Alicia Eppinga, cello; and many more will delight audiences!  Acclaimed trumpet artists and teachers, Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer, will join organist Thomas Wikman for a concert that has been performed by this trio world-wide!

Youth programming will be expanded this year to include four events:

  • The popular educational concert at the White Lake Community Library featuring Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra’s Bill Vits, percussionist
  • An opportunity for young musicians to perform
  • A children’s concert at the Arts Council of White Lake’s Nuveen Center featuring educator and cellist, Erin Wang.
  • A performance by the top three winners of the Young Artists College Solo Competition, giving the community a glimpse into Michigan’s top talent from the state’s universities and colleges.

A “Music with Friends” concert will be held on Friday, August 4, at the beautiful home of Gary and Linda VanderHagen.  Wine, cheese, and desserts will be served between musical sets.  Performing will be William Watson, tenor; Tracy Watson, mezzo-soprano; and Teresa Kang, piano.  Tickets are $40.

Two performances will be presented by the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble, a versatile and dynamic group praised by the New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse.”

A concert by the Festival Chamber Orchestra has become one of the festival’s favorites.  On Friday, August 11, Bach and other Baroque composers will be showcased in this program at the Montague United Methodist Church at 7:30pm.

Free Salon Concerts are among the many highlights of the week.  Great talent will be featured daily at 4:30pm at the Book Nook and Java Shop.  Guest artists include a cello duo, Avalon’s Cheng-Hou Lee and his wife, Anna Sanders Lee; 4 Hand Piano, Bryan Uecker and Steve Thielman; 5th House Ensemble; and much more.

For a schedule of this year’s delightful Festival’s events, please visit whitelakechambermusicfestival.com or call 231-329-3056 for more information.

Thursday Evenings are FREE at the Muskegon Museum of Art
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00pm, admission is free at the Muskegon Museum of Art!  One of the most highly respected art museums in the Midwest, the marbled halls of the MMA offer a full schedule of permanent collection displays, traveling exhibits and a lovely museum gift shop.  Be sure to check out Edward S. Curtis:  The North American Indian, an event of national significance celebrating the artistic genius and lasting cultural legacy of Edward Curtis, an early-1900s photographer who sacrificed everything for his art, died in obscurity, but left behind one of the greatest artistic collaborations and photographic achievements in history.  The exhibition will run May 11 through September 10, 2017.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Kid’s Baking Class: Muffins with Chef Char
August 3 @ 6:00 pm
Thursday, August 3 at 6:00pm, bring the kids to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Mmmmmm! Muffins with Chef Char!”  Beginning bakers will enjoy learning how to make healthy combinations for a sweet breakfast or snack.  The class will make recipes that focus on utilizing fresh fruits and vegetables in season.  Class participants will learn about agents in baking and how each ingredient changes the final product.  This is for ages 7-13.  The cost is $25.  Class size is limited to 15.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251.

Music at the Light: Ghost of the American Road
August 3 @ 7:00 pm
August 3 at 7:00pm, come to the White River Light Station for Music at the Light: Ghost of the American Road!  People across America are saying this emerging duo’s performances leave them feeling as if they’ve “just read a great book.”

From a one-bedroom farmhouse in the middle of 180 acres in Texas, Ghosts of the American Road is the latest brainchild from acclaimed songwriter Kevin Higgins and his talented musical partner, Barbara Malteze. Performing coast-to-coast, this duo has logged over 380,000 miles and collected seven Texas Music Awards along the way.  Inspired by Higgins’ cinematographic compositions, Ghosts of the American Road create beautiful music.  Defying comparisons, one thing’s for certain…no other artists come close to sounding like them.  This is “American Music” where all styles come together at a distinctly original musical crossroads.

For more information, call (231) 894-8265.

2017 Summer Theatre Festival
August 3 @ 7:30 pm
The 2017 Summer Theatre Festival at Howmet Playhouse happens every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August 19! All Shows Begin at 7:30 pm (Unless otherwise noted). Become a Member now for the best value. Make a single purchase, and then pick and choose the plays you wish to attend. You will have the opportunity to select your desired membership level as part of the purchase process. Single Show Tickets are $21 for adults and $17 for students. Theater Box Office Hours are weekdays from 1:00 – 5:00pm from July 5 through August 18 and one hour before curtain.

  • August 3-5 Fox on the Fairway
  • August 10-12 The Seafarer
  • August 17-18 Exit Laughing

For more information, call (231) 894-4048.

Party in the Park: Kari Lynch Band
August 4 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 year’s Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere!  Be a part of the tradition and enjoy a summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.  There are always five local Muskegon food vendors at every party, there’s something for everyone to purchase.  August 4, the band is the Kari Lynch Band, hosted by the Muskegon Rotary Club.  Happy hour is from 5:00pm-6:00pm with the night ending at 9:00pm.  For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.

First Fridays: Touch the Trucks
August 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, August 4 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon for the First Fridays event!  Downtown Muskegon Now is bringing Touch the Trucks back for a fun and interactive evening featuring a variety of emergency vehicles, semis, food trucks and more along Western Ave!  For more information, call 231-724-3180.

Muskegon Center for the Arts/The Red Lotus Gallery: Artists’ Reception
Fridays @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
You are invited to the Artists’ Reception at the Muskegon Center for the Arts every first Friday night of the month from 6:00pm – 8:00pm!  You will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and view the creativity of local, awesome artists’ work during the reception.  Refreshments will be provided.  For more information, find them on Facebook.

The gallery is located at 356 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon in the basement of the Century Building.

Summer Concerts on the Depot Lawn
August 4 @ 7:00 pm
The Summer WINDS will play Friday, August 4 at The Depot in downtown Muskegon.  The concerts run from 7:00 – 8:00pm and are FREE and open to the public.  Bring your blanket or lawn chair for an enjoyable evening on the Depot Lawn.  The Depot will be open with ADA-accessible restrooms for guests’ convenience.  For more information, call Visit Muskegon at 231-724-3100.

Movies on Deck: The Sting
August 4 @ 9:30 pm
Sunsets, sea breezes and superstars…they’re all on deck at USS LST 393 Veterans Museum for the popular “Movies on Deck,” most Friday nights this summer on Muskegon’s downtown waterfront.  The films are shown on LST 393’s huge screen on the top deck starting right after sunset, around 10:00pm.  In August, films start about 9:30pm.  There is no charge to attend “Movies on Deck” screenings, although donations to help support the ship’s restoration and veterans museum are always welcome. Moviegoers should bring their own chairs and weather-appropriate clothing.  Popcorn, soda and snacks are available for sale.

Inclement weather will mean a move down inside the giant tank deck of the ship for an indoor showing at 10:00pm.

LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing County Park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Tour hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm seven days a week with the last tour starting at 4:00pm. For more information, call 231-730-1477 or visit www.lst393.org.

The movie, Friday, August 4 is The Sting (PG).

Full Moon Float
August 5 @ 12:00 am
At midnight during each full moon from May through September, Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service will be guiding a “Full Moon Float” down the Muskegon River!  They begin at the Creston Rd. launch and end at Veterans Memorial Park.  The cost is only $20 per person and includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket and a glow stick.  The dates for 2017 are May 10, June 9, July 8, August 5, September 8 and October 6.  All the full moon floats depend on mostly clear skies and take 1-2 hours.  Call Guy to reserve a kayak today at 231-740-0227.

Breakfast at the Farmers’ Market
August 5 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Saturday, August 5 from 8:30am-10:30am, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for a Big Farmers’ Breakfast!  Enjoy pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, biscuits, bagels, bread, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes and more.  Water will be served or beverages will be available for purchase.  For more information, call (231) 724-6777.

Montague Artisan Market
August 5 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The first Saturday of the month, June through September from 9:00am – 1:00pm, come enjoy family-friendly fun and lively environment at the Montague Artisan Market, adjacent to the Farmers Market.  A variety of vendors will be selling their handmade items including soap, jewelry, crafts and other art items. Come support local artists and find unique gifts for yourself or a loved one!  For more information, call 231-893-1155.

White Lake Nature Walks
August 5 @ 10:30 am
Discover the beauty of the White Lake area!  Local naturalists will lead guided tours of local natural areas and cover a variety of topics relating to native plants and wildlife.  The walks are appropriate for adults and families; no children allowed without parents.  Walks will take place the first Saturday of the month, beginning in June and continuing through October.  Walks begin at 10:30am sharp and last until approximately noon.

Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.  Bring water and snacks if needed.  Other optional items include:  sunscreen, hat, umbrella, binoculars, sketchpad, and pencils or pens.  Walks will take place regardless of weather, unless conditions are unsafe.  Please call 231-893-4585 to confirm or if you have questions.

Summer Concert Series
August 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join Maranatha every Saturday at 7:00pm for their summer concert series!  All concerts are free and open to the public and feature artists like Meredith Andrews, Selah and Ellie Holcomb.  For more information, visit vacationwithpurpose.org or call (231) 798-2161.

Dinner/Dance Cruise with Legal Rehab Band
August 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday night, August 5 from 7:00pm -9:30pm, board the Port City Princess for a dinner/dance cruise with live music from the Legal Rehab Band!  This terrific dance band plays everything from Springsteen to Santana to U2 to Jimmy Buffett.  Tickets are $58 and include a great dinner buffet featuring roast beef, smoked salmon and more!  A full bar is also available.  For more information or reservations, call 231-728-8387 or visit portcityprincess.com.

Yoga at The Deck
August 6 @ 11:00 am
August 6 at 11:00am, Muskegon Yoga and The Deck are teaming up to bring together two well-loved past times: yoga and beer drinking.  Only $10 will get you a 1 hour Vinyasa yoga class (all levels welcome) and a beer at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach.  Bring your yoga mat and a friend, enjoy a yoga class, and then refresh with a beer.

There are limited spots available so register early!  For more information, call 231-668-4181.

Sunday Swing at 18th Amendment
August 6 @ 11:00 am
Sunday, August 6 at 11:00am, come to 18th Amendment Spirits Co. for the Sunday Swing Dance!  Artistic Director, Lauren Sawson, will be providing a 50 minute swing dance lesson.  After cuttin’ the rug, each participant will receive one of 18th Amendment’s Signature Cocktails.  The cost is $40 per couple.  For more information, call (231) 375-5064.

Yoga on Deck
Sundays @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sundays from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, join Rootdown Yoga at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum for “Yoga on Deck!”  This popular, donation based yoga class is designed for all levels, so grab your family, friends, yoga mat and water and come join them for this popular event.  No mat?  No problem!  You can rent one from them for $2.  They have limited availability, so please drop them a line or arrive early!

Suggested donations are $5, and proceeds benefit the following local charities: McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm, 1 in 21 – Healthy Muskegon County, Kids’ Food Basket, and the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum.  Please check their Facebook page prior to the event in case of weather resulting in cancellation or class relocation.  For more information, call (231) 722-9642.