Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Disenchanted
September 14 @ 7:30 pm – September 29 @ 7:30 pm
September 14 – 29 at 7:30pm (Sunday matinees are at 3:00pm), come to the Beardsley Theater for Muskegon Civic Theatre’s production of “Disenchanted!”
Poisoned apples…glass slippers…who needs ’em? Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in the hilarious hit musical that is anything but Grimm. Forget the princesses you think you know. When these royal renegades toss off their tiaras, this hilariously subversive, not-for-the-kiddies musical cleverly reveals what really happened ‘ever after’! Tickets are $22 and $20. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.
“Truth: Works by Brenda Beerhorst and Cathy Marashi”
September 24 – October 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“Truth: Works By Brenda Beerhorst and Cathy Marashi” will be on exhibit in Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Art Gallery from September 24 – October 25. Admission is free and the gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. On Thursday, October 4, a free public reception will take place from 4:00pm – 5:30pm. The artists will discuss their artwork at 4:30pm. For more information, contact the MCC Arts and Humanities Department at (231) 777-0324.
Hackley’s Confederate Gold? A Presentation
September 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Are you curious about the Confederate Gold theories and rumors regarding Charles Hackley and Muskegon? Monday, September 24 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a compelling presentation from Assistant Program Manager, Aaron Mace, from Lakeshore Museum Center’s Hackley & Hume Historic Site! Aaron will give great insight as he discusses these theories and rumors, and presents their findings. This program is free to the public and is brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library. For more information, call (231) 722-8000.
Silversides Submarine Museum: Fall 2018 Lecture Series
September 24 @ 6:00 pm
The USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites you to join them for their Fall 2018 Lecture Series! The lectures will all be on Monday nights and begin at 6:00pm. This year, the lectures will be held in their newly renovated theater on the first floor of the museum. The cost to attend is $5.00 per person, per lecture. If you are a member, your admission ticket to the lecture is included with your membership. For more information, call (231) 755-1230.
• September 24 – World War I/George Maniates
• October 1 – World War II Asia/Fred Johnson
• October 8 – World War II Europe/Kurt Troutman and George Maniates
• October 15 – Korean War/Ron Janowski
• October 22 – Vietnam War/Jim Smither
• October 29 – D-Day/Ed Gordon
• November 5 – War Road Trip Summary/Bill Jacobks
Roll On Muskegon
Mondays @ 6:30 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.
Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.
Muskegon Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market is more than a market, it’s an experience! The summer market season for 2018 is May – November from 8:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Flea Market at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday, May – October from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information, call (231)722-3251 or visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com.
Feeding the Soul of the City: Pablo Mahave-Veglia
September 25 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, September 25 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for a “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring internationally acclaimed cellist, Pablo Mahave-Veglia, as he begins this year’s series with a program of classical music in keeping with September, the “Month of Peace.” He has performed for Feeding the Soul of the City a number of times and has become an audience favorite. Pianist Sookyung-Cho will accompany him. For more information, call 231-722-2112.
The Sanctuary will be open for prayer and personal meditation from 10:00am – 12:00pm. At noon, there will be a gathering for a 10 minute inter-faith celebration of prayer. This is open to all faiths. The concerts are free and open to the public. A soup and sandwich lunch is available for a small price or you may bring your own lunch. To join their mailing list for Feeding the Soul of the City, contact Elizabeth at ebsnflows@gmail.com.
All About Rice – Risotto, Arancini, Timballo with Sofia
September 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “All About Rice – Risotto, Arancini, Timballo with Sofia!”
Let’s make Risotto, Arancini and Timballo, all authentic Italian recipes utilizing rice. You may know what Risotto is, but look up the other two dishes on your own to start learning about Italian cuisine! Sofia will share recipes from her homeland region in Italy. There’ll be plenty to eat in class and some to take home for later. The cost is $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202 or visit Eventbrite.com to sign up.
Paint for a Cause
September 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00PM – 8:00pm, come to SE4SONS Banquet Center for a fun night of painting, great wine and food specials! You will be painting an 11 x 14″ canvas with Create.A.Frame Studio. The cost is only $20 per painter and proceeds benefit Kids’ Food Basket! Painting starts promptly at 6:00pm. Please call 231-755-3737 to reserve your spot and have your payment information ready over the phone, or stop by SE4SONS to sign up!
Stop by early for Happy Hour starting at 5:00pm, featuring 1/2 off select bottles of wine, $5 off tacos and much more!
What to Do In Las Vegas: Travel Presentation
September 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
What happens in Vegas? So many fun things! Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library as local author, Lou Gifford, highlights fun and exciting activities to enjoy in Las Vegas besides gambling, such as shows and entertainment, restaurants, tours, free activities and more! Author of “Las Vegas Your Way: the Downtown Edition,” Gifford has visited and researched Las Vegas for years, and will provide excellent insight! If you’re thinking of planning a trip, or are curious about Las Vegas in general, you’ll want to mark your calendar for this valuable presentation! This program is free to the public. For more information, call (231) 722-8000.
Free Planetarium and Science Museum at Muskegon Community College
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
Carr-Fles Planetarium, room 135: “Oasis in Space” transports the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy, and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth. This 35-minute program will run August 28 – October 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm. No reservations are needed.
John Bartley Science Museum, room 141: (across the hall from the planetarium) has new exhibits on electricity and magnetism. Open 9:00am – 4:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9:00am – 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays so you can visit before the planetarium show. Fridays are by appointment only.
For more information, or to schedule a free, private visit for your group, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.
Full Moon Float
September 25 @ 11:00 pm
At midnight during each full moon from May through October, Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service will be guiding “Full Moon Floats” down the Muskegon river. They start at the Creston Rd. launch and end at Veterans Memorial park. The cost is only $25 per person and includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket and a glow stick. The dates for 2018 are May 28, June 28, July 27, August 26, September 25, and October 24. Call Guy to reserve a kayak today at 231-740-0227. All the full moon floats depend on mostly clear skies and take 1-2 hours.
Muskegon Flea Market
Wednesdays @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market is more than a market, it’s an experience! The summer market season for 2018 is May – November from 8:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Flea Market at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday, May – October from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information, call (231)722-3251 or visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com.
Dr. Doris Rucks Sculpture Unveiling
September 26 @ 12:00 pm
A sculpture of the late Dr. Doris Rucks, a Muskegon Community College sociology instructor for more than two decades and a community activist and human rights champion for a half century, will be unveiled during ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday, September 26, on the campus.
The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at noon in Stevenson Center Room 1100. Amy Swope, director of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College, will welcome the guests. Offering remarks will be MCC President Dr. Dale K. Nesbary and David Rucks, the son of Dr. Rucks.
The ceremonies will move to the adjacent Stevenson Center courtyard, where the sculpture will be unveiled. The artwork, which was commissioned by the college, was created by MCC alumnus and artist Ari Norris.
“A passionate advocate for the power of education, Dr. Rucks challenged her students and community members alike to use their knowledge, their energies and their compassion to find solutions and to help those most in need as they struggled to help themselves,” said Nesbary. “She was a shining role model and a leader by example for two generations in our community.”
Rucks, who passed away in August 2016 at age 92, earned a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and a doctorate in education from Michigan State University. In 1963, she began teaching sociology at MCC. In 1987, she became an associate professor of sociology at Grand Valley State University, where she was the first coordinator of the university’s Women’s Studies Program. She remained at GVSU until 1999, retiring at age 75.
In 1970, she was appointed to the Department of Social Services board for Muskegon County and remained in the position for more than 45 years through its various name changes, including the Family Independence Agency and Department of Health and Human Services.
Her Muskegon activism began when she was in her 20s, when she helped found the Citizens Recreation Association to provide better housing, living conditions and recreation for black southerners who migrated to Muskegon to work in the factories during World War II. In 1949, the association transformed into the Urban League of Greater Muskegon, and equality became its focus. She remained active with the Urban League, the NAACP and Black Women’s Political Caucus. Rucks was a member of the Hackley Public Library board.
In 2009, MCC honored Rucks with its Women of Accomplishment Award. In 2013, she was presented with both the Muskegon Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship and the 103.7 Beat’s Living Legend Award. GVSU’s Positive Black Women presented her with the organization’s first-ever Trailblazer Award. In 2017, Rucks posthumously was awarded the MLK Unity Award in appreciation for her support and demonstration of justice and service to the community.
ArtSmarts! 2018 Fall Lecture Series: Art Glass
September 26 @ 6:30 pm
The Muskegon Friends of Art present their ArtSmarts! 2018 Fall Lecture Series: Art Glass on three Wednesday evenings in September at the Muskegon Museum of Art. This program supports art education at the MMA.
• September 12 – Studio Glass: Origins
Speaker: Corey Hampson, President of Habatat Galleries of Royal Oak and President of the Michigan Glass Collecting Alliance
• September 19 – Glass Life, Detroit Glass Community
Speaker: Brent Swanson, Director of the Flint Institute of Arts new and highly regarded glass program
• September 26 – From the Hot Shop to Everyday Spaces: A look at the installation work of Dale Chihuly
Speaker: James Milostan, Collections Manager at the Muskegon Museum of Art and previous member of renowned studio glass artist Dale Chihuly’s installation team
ArtSmarts! lectures take place at the Muskegon Museum of Art auditorium at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. The cost for the complete lecture series is $45 per person and $30 per person for members of the MMA Friends of Art. Individual lectures will be $15 per person at the door. Registration forms are available at the MMA Museum Store or call 231-720-2580.
Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference
September 27 – September 29
Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference invites you to the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference, happening September 27 – 29 from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Packed with inspiration, information, and networking, the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference attracts novice and experienced writers from across the nation. If you have a story to share, this conference has the proven record to help you find publication success. For more information, call (231) 798-2161 or visit the website below.
90th Regional: Meet the Artists
September 27 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
September 27 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, everyone is invited to meet and celebrate the winning artists of the 90th Regional Exhibition. This event is free and open to the public and there will be a cash bar. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
5th Annual Community Remembrance Service
September 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
“A very moving and meaningful way to remember my loved one” – 2017 Attendee
The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice is hosting the 5th Annual Community Remembrance at Heritage Memorial Garden in downtown Muskegon, Thursday, September 27 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is a program encompassing beautiful music, readings and bulb plantings to help individuals and families in our community to both mourn the death and honor the life of a loved one. The annual Community Remembrance is held at the Heritage Memorial Garden and welcomes 80-100 attendees each year. Local community supporter, Pam Babbitt, developed the beautiful garden in honor of her late husband; a haven located in downtown Muskegon and an incredible representation of the love that remains even after a person dies.
In our culture, mourning is becoming increasingly taboo. Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, and mourning is how one heals. It is our privilege to offer this opportunity to mourn and heal in an environment of acceptance and understanding. If you would like to participate in this meaningful event, please RSVP by Friday, September 21, 2018
For more information on grief support programs including individual and groups please visit HarborHospiceMI.org/resources/grief-support.
Frozen Apples, Apple Butter and Apple Jelly
September 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, September 27 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Frozen Apples, Apple Butter and Apple Jelly!”
This is the next installment in their Canning, Freezing and Preserving series and focuses on Apples. Michigan is at the top of the list when it comes to states that grow Apples. Learn the basics to freezing and preserving apples and then turning them in to great products like apple butter and jelly. You will go home with your own creations to enjoy later. The cost is $40. For more information, call (231) 769-2202 or visit Eventbrite.com to sign up.
4th Annual Halloween Harvest Weekend
September 28 – September 30
The 4th Annual Halloween Harvest Weekend at Pioneer County Park will take place this year Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30! During Friday night check-in, there’ll be goody bags for the kids, s’mores and a bonfire at the Lodge and a Glow in the Dark Bike Parade! Saturday, enjoy breakfast in the Lodge, free pumpkins and pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, hayrides, face painting, Trick or Treating, site decorating contest, obstacle course and a Haunted Trail. Sunday is check-out. Reserve your campsite now for only $28 per night (2 night minimum). For more information, call 231-744-3580.
Reebok Ragnar Relay Michigan
September 28 – September 29
Reebok Ragnar Relay Michigan, happening on September 28-29, is a magical combination of fall colors, sugar sand beaches, massive dunes and wild Ragnarians! This 200-ish mile overnight adventure kicks off in the charming town Muskegon. From there, teams run two days and one star-filled night, past historic ships and lighthouses, apple orchards, cherry blossoms and rolling hills painted in vibrant autumn hues.
This overnight running relay race doesn’t stop when the sun goes down (or when the tough gets going!). On Friday, as the sun sinks below the horizon, stars will inspire a sense of wonder. This is when the real fun begins! You’ll have to dig deep and push yourself—and your teammates—to keep running through the night as headlamps illuminate your way and into the sunrise on Saturday morning.
No one starts Reebok Ragnar Michigan alone, and no one finishes alone either. After each team member completes their 3 legs (6 legs for ultra), they’ll cross under the orange arch together in Traverse City, home to some of Michigan’s finest wineries and the sapphire blue Grand Traverse Bay. Tired but triumphant, drained but strengthened, a team of 12 individuals becomes 1 team and finds out what they can do when they come together.
Mark your running calendar for September 28-29, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure, road trip with friends, and a race that will inspire your soul. For more information or to register visit www.runragnar.com.
Friday Family Fun Night: Foundries & Metal Molding
September 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, September 28 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center as they trace the history of foundries in Muskegon with archival images, artifacts, and discussion. Get hands-on with a mini foundry station where you will get to create a casting of your own, then step across the street to the Muskegon Community College Sturrus Technology Center to see how foundries operate today. This event is free for Muskegon County residents and Museum Members, museum admission for non-residents is just $3. For more information, call 231-722-0278.
6th Annual Muskegon Lake Project Art Exhibit Opening Reception
September 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Red Lotus Center for the Arts has joined forces again with the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership for another exciting project! Local artists have created unique works of art crafted from debris collected from the shores of Muskegon Lake. Friday, September 28 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, several artists will be in attendance to discuss their art and answer questions about their inspiration. Join them for an evening of art and light refreshments.
To stay up to date on all of their events, follow them on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/RedLotusMuskegon/
West Michigan Symphony Presents: Festival Season Opening
September 28 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, September 28 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents their Festival Season Opening! The whole orchestra is the soloist in this sparkling musical jamboree opening the season. The music is lush, powerful, celebratory and grand. Prepare to be lifted right out of your seat!
Single ticket prices are $24-$60. Student tickets are $10. Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.
Scott Speck, conductor
Bernstein – Overture to Candide
Strauss – Der Rosenkavalier Suite
Berlioz – Roman Carnival
Respighi – Roman Festivals
Light House Tours
September 29 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in September from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. The cost is $2 for kids under 12, $3 for veterans and active duty military, and $4 for adults. Private tours can be arranged for $50 per person. For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.
Art Garfunkel at the Frauenthal Theater
September 29 @ 7:00 pm
The Frauenthal Center and Fifth Third Bank will open the Frauenthal Center’s 2018-19 presenting season with music icon, Art Garfunkel on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Blessed with what the New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” singer Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel. He has also enjoyed a successful film career, published a book of poetry and released 12 solo albums, the most recent being “Some Enchanted Evening” in 2007. In late 2017 he released an autobiography, “What Is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man” (Alfred A. Knopf).
Garfunkel was originally revered for his Grammy-winning, chart-topping songs and albums with partner and fellow NYC native Paul Simon. Their greatest hits collection, which includes “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Sound of Silence,” “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others, is one of the biggest selling album ever.
Tickets are $39 – $79 and go on sale to the general public on May 1, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office via phone at 231-727-8001 or in person, open Monday – Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm or by calling Star Tickets at 1-800-585-3737. Tickets can also be purchased at frauenthal.org or startickets.com.
Aquastar Cruises
September 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Aquastar is the new name of the Muskegon Lake-based cruise boat formerly known as the Port City Princess! Hop aboard and get away from the world for an hour and a half as you explore beautiful Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake on an afternoon or sunset cruise. As always, a cash bar and light snacks will be available. The ticket price is $20. Kids under 10 are admitted free with adults. For more information or tickets, visit their website at https://aquastarcruises.com/ or call 231-903-0669.
Fall Seniors’ Retreat
September 30 – October 3
September 30 – October 3 from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day, come to Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference for the Fall Seniors’ Retreat! Enjoy several days of Bible teaching, worship, fellowship and fun with other adults aged 55 and older. The featured speaker will be Knute Larson and the worship leader is Burt Kettinger. Group discounts are available. For more information, call 231-798-2161 or visit the website below.