Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
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 & Flea Market
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market, owned and operated by the City of Muskegon, is dedicated to showcasing the best in locally-grown foods, flowers, nursery stock, handicrafts and baked goods. The Market also hosts The Flea where everything imaginable is sold. Farmers’ Market summer hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. The Flea Market is Wednesdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call 231-722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.
Group Bicycle Tour
Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company every Tuesday at 6:00pm for a 90 minute group bike ride! There are five different groups to fit your biking needs and abilities and helmets are strongly encouraged. Loaner helmets are always available at City Hub Cyclery (585 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon). Unruly Brewing Co. is offering $1 off your first post-ride beer! For more information call Raymond at 231-206-6182.
Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium! Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm. Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.
Jazz at the Watermark
May 21 @ 7:30 pm
The Watermark 920 and the Truth in Jazz Orchestra invite you to Jazz at the Watermark! Tuesdays at 7:30pm, March 19, April 16 and May 21 there’ll be dancing, a cash bar and good food from Fatty Lumpkins. The Truth in Jazz Orchestra is led by Muskegon legend and drummer Tim Froncek and has been a Muskegon institution for the past 12 years. The cover is only $5 or $2 for students. For more information call (231) 578-0469.
MADL Thursday Night Music Club: Awesome Distraction
May 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, May 23 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm, kick off your Memorial Day weekend with Awesome Distraction! Enjoy the beautiful songwriting, superb harmonies and unique interpretations of this talented northern Michigan trio. Bring a friend or the whole family and join fellow music lovers for free live concerts at the Norton Shores Library on Thursday nights. For more information call 231-780-8844.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
May 22 – May 27
Enjoy good old fashioned family fun at Fruitport Old Fashioned Days May 22 – 27! This annual event features fireworks, a carnival, community picnic, parade, Lions Ox Roast, a 5K Run, the Community Marketplace and Garage Sale, live entertainment in the band shell and more. This is a wonderful family festival with something for everyone. For more information, visit www.fruitportlionsclub.com.
S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Opens for the Season
May 23 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 23, the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper will open for the season! Muskegon’s original ferry features art deco interiors, a soda fountain, ballroom and movie theater. Built in 1904, eight years before the Titanic, the “Queen of the Great Lakes” traversed Lake Michigan from 1941 until 1970 carrying untold thousands of passengers and automobiles between Muskegon and Milwaukee! In May of 1989 she was designated a National Historic Landmark. The ship is open every Thursday – Sunday from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. The last tour leaves at 4:15pm. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 6 are free. For more information, visit www.milwaukeeclipper.com.
10th Annual Tee-Up FORE Kids Golf Outing
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
May 23 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm, join the Muskegon Child Abuse Council as they host the 10th Annual Tee-Up FORE Kids Golf Outing at the Muskegon Country Club! Your registration fees get you: greens fees, play pass, golf cart, lunch, access to driving range, prizes, and happy hour hors d’oeurves. Also throughout the day, they will have a bucket raffle with great prizes. Winners will be called during happy hour hors d’oeurves at 5:30pm. Individual registration is $125 per person. Team Registration is $500 for a team of four. Register today, as there is a limit of 96 players. For more information call (231) 728-6410.
Opening Event: Rock n’ Roll Jendrasiak
May 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, May 23 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art to attend the opening reception for “Rock n’ Roll Jendrasiak!” This new exhibit highlights the music photography of Paul Jendrasiak. The reception begins at 5:30pm followed by a talk with the artist at 7:00pm. Admission is free. For more information call 231-720-2570.
Night on the Town with Nikon
May 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Attention photo enthusiasts, photographers and aspiring photographers: Join The Camera Shop, Thursday, May 23 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at SMASH Wine Bar & Bistro for a fun evening of shooting, socializing and networking with industry experts! If you have your own gear, be sure to bring it. (Don’t forget an SD card!) They’ll have shooting stations set up and live models on site. If you don’t have gear, no problem! Nikon representative Nick Czupek will be bringing in trunks of the latest and greatest gear for you to try out, absolutely free. This is a free event sponsored by The Camera Shop, Nikon and SMASH Wine Bar and Bistro, but please RSVP at the Eventbrite website if you plan to attend so they can plan accordingly.
MADL Thursday Night Music Club: Awesome Distraction
May 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, May 23 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm, kick off your Memorial Day weekend with Awesome Distraction! Enjoy the beautiful songwriting, superb harmonies and unique interpretations of this talented northern Michigan trio. Bring a friend or the whole family and join fellow music lovers for free live concerts at the Norton Shores Library on Thursday nights. For more information call 231-780-8844.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
May 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The White River Light Station opens for the season May 24! Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the White River Light Station was built in 1875 by Captain William Robinson, and now serves as a physical reminder of the rich nautical history of Michigan. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the light house tower, browse the many 19th and early 20th century photographs and examine the of collection nautical artifacts. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Michigan as the light house keeper did a century ago. Tours are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. For more information call 231-845-7417.
Michigan’s Adventure Exclusive Season Pass Preview Event
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Michigan’s Adventure invites you to their Exclusive Season Pass Preview Event Friday, May 24 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm! If you do not have your 2019 season pass yet, the Group Sales Office will be open to provide the opportunity to make your purchase. Enjoy the afternoon with park guests who are visiting during the first School Day of the season. For the best prices and payment plan opportunities, purchase your season pass online before visiting the park.
• 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Mary Lynn’s Group Catering Pavilions will offer an all-you-can-eat meal for season pass holders. Be prepared to use your Season Pass ID card for entrance.
• 5:25pm: Please stay until 5:30pm so that you don’t miss the prize drawings.
This event is free for Season Pass Holders who claim a ticket online prior to the event. Print-at-Home voucher and your processed 2019 Season Pass will need to be presented to enter Mary Lynn’s Group Catering Pavilions at 5:00pm. Free meal ticket sales will end on May 20 at midnight. For more information call 231-766-3377.
Michigan’s Adventure Opens for the Season
May 25 – May 27
Join Michigan’s Adventure Memorial Day Weekend as they kick off another season of family fun! Plan your visit now and be one of the first to experience their rides and slides. Opening Weekend at Michigan’s Adventure is just the beginning of another fun and memorable year at this amazing amusement and water park. Make sure you get the best value with a 2019 Michigan’s Adventure Season Pass! It pays for itself in just three visits. You’ll enjoy a whole summer of fun with unlimited visits to Michigan’s Adventure and WildWater Adventure, Bring-a-Friend days and food and merchandise savings. For more information call 231-766-3377.
Open Mic Night at The Red Lotus
Fridays @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The fourth Friday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Red Lotus Gallery for Muskegon’s longest running open mic event! Any kind of talent is welcome; songs, poems, readings, comedy, plays, dancing or whatever other skill you want to show off. Observers are welcome, too. They only ask that everyone remain mostly clothed and that you don’t burn the place down! Other than those simple rules, it’s truly an OPEN mic event. For that reason, they encourage parents to use their discretion as to whether to bring children, as there most likely will be adult language and subject matter. Feel free to bring in your own food and drinks too. Donations are encouraged, but not required.
They’re in the lower level of the Century Club building, so use the main front entrance of the building and head downstairs. There is an elevator for those who need it. Just call 231-981-8525 and they will let you in the back door.
Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments
May 25 – May 26
The Midwest Professional Volleyball Association presents Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach! For more information call (231) 739-3911.
May 25 & 26
• Saturday: M&W 2’s AA/Pro, A, B, High School 12’s,14’s,16’s,18’s
• Sunday: Co-ed 2’s AA,A,B, High School
June 8 & 9
• Saturday: M&W 2’s AA/Pro, A, B, High School 12’s,14’s, 16’s,18’s
• Sunday: Co-ed 2’s AA, A, B, High School
July 6 & 7
• Saturday: M&W 2’s AA/Pro, A, B, High School 12’s, 14’s, 16’s,18’s
• Sunday: Co-ed 2’s AA, A, B, High School
Summer Luge Opens for the Season
May 25
Saturday, May 25, the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex will open their Summer Wheeled Luge! Don’t wait for snow, luge in the summer! Slide down the only wheeled luge track in North America! Wheel luge is done on a specially designed track with the same sleds used on the ice, but with wheels attached. The design of the track, adaptive equipment and surrounding common areas also accommodate persons with disabilities. Shorter than the ice track, average runs take approximately 9 seconds while covering 300 feet of track.
Tickets for summer luge are not sold in advance. Guests are served on a first come, first served basis, but wait times are rarely more than 15 minutes. The cost is $10 for 4 runs or $15 for archery add-on. All equipment and instruction are provided with the purchase of a pass. Sneakers, long sleeve shirts and long pants are highly recommended to protect your skin from fiberglass “burns” in case you brush up against the side of the luge track. Participants must be at least 5 years of age. For more information, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.
Western Market Chalets
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.
Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gifts, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art, Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave, Village Baker
Pickin’ on Pine Market
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Irma, owner of The Front Porch, is proud to present her second annual “Pickin on Pine Market” in Downtown Muskegon! You’re invited to be a part of this upscale market Saturday, May 25 from 9:00am – 4:00pm. The road will be closed in front of her shop on Pine St. to host 50 antique, vintage and artisan vendors during this boutique style market with a food court and live jukebox! All spots are 12×12 and rent for only $75! Please consider joining her and some of the best vendors around for what is sure to be the official kick-off to summer on the lakeshore! For more information call 231-750-1987.
Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round, Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby. For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.
13th Annual Ride to Remember
May 25 @ 10:30 am
The 13th Annual Ride to Remember happens Saturday, May 25 beginning at 10:30am! This annual bicycling event raises funds and awareness for the Harbor Hospice Foundation and the Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence program. Held in Fruitport and in conjunction with the Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days Festival, you’ll ride around beautiful Spring Lake in memory of loved ones who have died.
The morning begins with rider check-in and late registration at 10:30am. An informal welcoming and surprise prize giveaways will be done at 11:00am and then the ride kicks off! All riders are encouraged to take their time. This is not a timed race, only leisurely fun in support of the hospice residence with a complimentary lunch at the festival at the conclusion of ride. For more information call Harbor Hospice at (231) 728-3442.
Create a Memorial Day Craft at Muskegon’s History Museum
May 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, May 25 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm, you’re invited to the Lakeshore Museum Center to commemorate Memorial Day by creating a patriotic craft you get to take home! The cost is $5 for this walk-in, open-house style event. For more information call (231) 722-0278.
Blessing of the Boats
May 26
Sunday, May 26, join the Aquastar and Lake Effect Boating for the 14th Annual Blessing of the Boats! It begins with the “Gathering of the Fleet!” Boats of all types will gather on Muskegon Lake near the Milwaukee Clipper as they prepare for the Parade of Boats. Then, it’s the “Parade of Boats” as vessels follow the Aquastar down the Muskegon Channel towards Lake Michigan to the South Breakwater Cove. Stick around for the “Ceremonial Washing of the Lighthouse.” Enjoy the show as the Muskegon County Sheriff Pumper boat, ceremonially washes the South Lighthouse representing the start of the boating season! Then, it’s the “Blessing of the Boats” in the South Breakwater Cove as boaters are asked to cruise by the Aquastar for a blessing. For more information, visit www.lakeeffectboating.weebly.com. If you would like to participate aboard the Aquastar, contact them by calling (231) 903-0669. They will provide a light lunch and a cash bar.
Michigan Adventure’s Tribute to the Armed Forces
May 26 – May 27
Michigan’s Adventure appreciates the commitment of our military troops. In an effort to honor this extraordinary brand of men and women who preserve our freedom, a cause greater than self, they have an offer for you. Michigan’s Adventure celebrates America’s best by offering thrilling rides, super-fast water slides and ginormous waves, never-ending laughs and memories for a lifetime. During the Tribute to the Armed Forces, they honor service members by providing free military tickets and exceptional military discounts.
May 26 – 27, they will waive the regular admission fee for active and retired members of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve. What’s more, this special military offers extend beyond service members to their families as well. Military personnel can purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family members for only $27 each. Just bring an active military ID, DD-214 papers or a veteran’s designated driver’s license to receive these tokens of their military appreciation. For more information call 231-766-3377.
32nd Annual Lost Boat Ceremony
May 26 @ 11:00 am
Sunday, May 26 at 11:00am, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be holding the 32nd Annual Lost Boat Ceremony. The event begins with a flyover of planes performing the Missing Man Formation. It includes a musical celebration of those who serve in every branch of the military. It also features a tribute to the 52 submarines lost in WWII taking the lives of over 3,500 brave young Americans who remain on eternal patrol to this day. The event ends with the running of the engines of the USS Silversides Submarine and a complimentary picnic lunch. The guest speaker this year is Captain Paul J. Ryan (Ret) U.S. Navy.
While we appreciate the time holiday weekends allow us to spend with family and friends, we encourage you to take a small amount of time over Memorial Weekend to participate in an unforgettable event designed to honor the very reason we have this American holiday. There is no charge to attend this event. For more information call 231-755-1230.
Note: For the month of May, USS Silversides Submarine Museum members can show their cards at the Lakeshore Museum Center and enjoy free general admission to their sites, including the Main Museum as well as the Hackley & Hume homes, the Firebarn Museum and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era. Muskegon has so many wonderful things to offer and they are excited to partner with the Lakeshore Museum Center to showcase a few of them with their members.
2019 Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade
May 27 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27 beginning at 9:00am! This parade will begin on Morris St. (assembly area adjacent to the Social Security Building) proceeding to Terrace St., turning west on Clay Ave. and ending at Hackley Park. You are being encouraged to attend and/or participate in this solemn event that honors our veterans. In order to participate, an application will need to be completed and submitted so that you can be properly placed within the parade. You can attain this application by calling Steve Allen (Parade Chairman), email address: steve_allen02@comcast.net or by calling 231-744-5166 and an application will be forwarded to you. Completed applications must be received no later than May 18 and there is no charge to participate.
Immediately following the parade a Memorial Day program featuring the Mona Shores Marching Band will be held at the Frauenthal Center. This event is absolutely free and everyone is encouraged to attend. In addition to the Mona Shores Marching Band, there will be a guest speaker and a tribute to our Veterans who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms that we have today.
Lakeside Memorial Day Parade
May 27 @ 10:30 am
Monday, May 27 at 10:30am, bring the family to the Lakeside Memorial Day Parade! Step-off takes place at Denmark and Harrison streets, then the route follows McCracken St. to the Lakeside Cemetery. There’ll be floats, classic cars, marching bands, local businesses and more. For more information call Chris Cross at 231-329-3980.
2nd Annual Keep the Boat Afloat Fundraiser
May 27 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Memorial Day, May 27 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm, you’re invited to Vikings Lodge #57 for the “Keep the Boat Afloat” fundraiser! This is the second annual fundraiser to benefit Operation Black Sheep and PBR 7331. Operation Black Sheep is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to restoring and operating a Viet Nam era patrol boat (PBR 7331) on Muskegon Lake. This fundraiser will help Operation Black Sheep to fulfill its mission to offer veterans a sense of belonging and healing while cruising together on Muskegon Lake. Other cruises are available to the general public to help tell this part of the story of our country’s military history. For more information call 231-755-1892.
• $5 cover (Kids get in free, so bring the family!)
• PBR 7331 tours all afternoon
• Cash raffles all day
• Prize package raffles
• Bloody Mary Bar 12:00pm – 3:00pm
• Steeple Hill Band 1:00pm – 5:00pm
• Kids games 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Cornhole tournament 2:00pm ($20/2-person team)
• Memorial service to honor those who gave their lives for our country 4:00pm
• Live auction 5:00pm
• Burgers, brats, hot dogs and sides available for purchase
• Cash bar
• Direct donations to PBR 7331 cheerfully accepted!
• Bring your lawn chair and join the fun!
Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.
Docent-led Tower Tours Admission:
• $2 – Kids 11 and under
• $3 – Military and veterans
• $4 – 12 and up