Muskegon County Calendar of Events 05/28/19 – 06/03/19

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

LOOK!
May 21 – June 1
Tuesday, May 21 – Saturday, June 1, Art Cats Gallery reminds you that it is sometimes enlightening to view the world through a different lens. See the world of Leslie Lundquist-Victor, Ruth Achterhoff-Aust and Tim Bonnette in their photos.  Also introducing fused glass by Karen Nichols.  For more information call (231) 755-7606.

Call to Artists: Coffee, Food, and Wine Art Exhibit
May 22 @ 11:00 am – May 29 @ 11:00 am
The Red Lotus Center for the Arts is looking for new art with a coffee, food, or wine theme.  Anyone is welcome to submit art for this show and the submission forms and rules can be found here: http://redlotusmuskegon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Coffee-food-wine-submission-form.pdf.  Please drop off your art by 5:00pm on May 29, 2019.

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.

Feeding the Soul of the City: GVSU Steel Drum Band
May 28 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, May 28 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for the “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring the GVSU Steel Drum Band!  The ever-popular steel drum performers from Grand Valley State University, under the direction of Greg Secor, return for a performance of the tropical sounds of Trinidad and Tobago along with other Latin styles.  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.

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.

Western Market Chalets
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.

Workaholic Women’s Wednesday Cruise
May 29 @ 7:00 pm
The last Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm, take some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy a cruise of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan aboard the Aquastar!  Join local celebrity Britta Cleveland for a mid-week adventure with music, food, adult beverages and specialty vendors.  You will need a debit/credit card to purchase drinks.  Tickets are $25.  Visit www.aquastarcruises.com to book your spot or call (231) 903-0669 for more information.

ReCon Veteran’s Resilience Conference
May 30 @ 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 30 from 7:30am – 5:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Center for the ReCon Veteran’s Resilience Conference!  This conference is for veterans, their families, veteran service providers and anyone interested in supporting veterans or gaining skills to grow resilience.  Pioneering a Veteran resilience movement starts with all of us, that’s why ReCon: Resilience Conference focuses on bringing you the best speakers, resources, and practices to equip you with the tools you need to continue encouraging and strengthening others.  For more information call 231-332-3884.

Walking Tour: A Bite of History
May 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 30 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center to embark on a journey through time while tasting samples from some of Muskegon’s newest restaurants! This historic walking tour will include a history of various buildings and businesses downtown as you make your way between Dr. Rolf’s BBQ, Rad Dads’ Tacos & Tequila, and one more surprise location!
The cost is $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members and includes samples at all three stops. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and are available in the Museum Store, by calling (231) 722-0278, or via Eventbrite.com.  For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Dancing into Sunset Free Weekly Dance Party
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Season 3 of the “Dancing into Sunset“ free outdoor concert series kicks off on Thursday, May 30 from 7:00pm – 9:30pm with the night’s music provided by The Sea Cruisers, playing 50’s 60’s and 70’s rock and roll! New this season, enjoy vendors on site each week including Aloha Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Pizza Parliament.  These free weekly concerts happen every Thursday, May 30 – August 22 in beautiful Pomona Park overlooking Spring Lake. Be sure to check back for more bands and vendors.  For more information e-mail dancingintosunset@aol.com or visit their Facebook page.

USO-Style Swing Dance
May 31
Friday evening, May 31, come aboard the USS LST 393 for a USO-Style Swing Dance featuring a terrific live jazz band and authentic swing dancing on the top deck of a World War II ship.  For more information visit www.lst393.org.

D-Day Plus 75
May 31 – June 1
Friday and Saturday, May 31 – June 1, the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum and Rolling Thunder present “D-Day Plus 75!”  This World War II landing ship tank will feature special displays and exhibits to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. LST 393 was there, and is one of only three ships at Omaha Beach still afloat. Visitors can share this historic day aboard one of the most important D-Day artifacts anywhere. The community celebration will feature an honor ride, World War II reenactors, unique World War II vehicles, the amazing “Air Raid Muskegon” featuring historic aircraft “battling” reenactors on the ship, and special activities for kids.  More info is at www.lst393.org or by calling 231-730-1477.

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
Mondays, Fridays and 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
Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Pre-Party at the Museum
Fridays @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Headed to Parties in the Park with the family? Stop by the Lakeshore Museum Center beforehand for a fun, hands-on activity, and beat the crowds for a prime parking spot too!  The cost is $5 for ages 3 and older.  Muskegon residents and museum members are free.  For more information call 231) 722-0278.
From 3:00-5:00pm on Parties in the Park Fridays:
• May 31 – Glow in the Dark at the Museum
• June 7 – Wild Weather
• June 14 – Lego Challenge in the STEM Center
• June 21 – Electrified at the Museum
• June 28 – The Power of Water

Parties in the Park
Fridays @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 years, 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 your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.  Parties are 5:00pm – 9:00pm and feature great food and adult beverage vendors!  For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.
• May 31 – Sharrie Williams & Vincent Hayes Band sponsored by the Muskegon Sports Council
• June 7 – Flexadecibel sponsored by JCI Muskegon
• June 14 – Plain Jane Glory, Whiskey Rebels, Noah Smith sponsored by Taste of Muskegon
• June 21 – Jan James & Bri Baron sponsored by MOCAP
• June 28 – Orquesta Tradicion sponsored by AgeWell Services
• July 26 – Bari Lee Band sponsored by Muskegon Inventors Network
• August 2 – Melophobix & Paddlebots sponsored by Community encompass
• August 16 – Hurricane Reggae Band sponsored by the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce
• August 23 – Laith Al-Saadi sponsored by Muskegon Rotary

Live Music: Degrees Don’t Matter
May 31 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, May 31 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm, come to Racquets Downtown Grill for live music with Degrees Don’t Matter! They play popular songs you know and love from the 70’s, 90’s and 80’s.  There will be a DJ after the band so you can continue to party into June!  For more information call (231) 726-4007.

Hennessy’s Comedy Night
May 31 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Select Fridays from 8:30pm – 10:00pm, come to Hennessey’s Irish Pub for live stand-up Comedy!  Hosted by Tim Locke, Hennessey’s features various stand-up comedians from all over Michigan!  The cover is free!  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Ruck 22: Raising Awareness for Veteran Suicide
June 1 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The 3rd Annual Ruck 22 will be held Saturday, June 1 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach! The purpose of this event is to raise awareness for veteran suicide and PTSD. You will ruck in a 22 mile loop from The Deck Restaurant at Pere Marquette Park to Bear Lake Tavern and back to The Deck.  Registration for this event includes participation in the ruck, your custom Ruck 22 event t-shirt, and a raffle ticket to win a custom Hometown Battles flag.
This year, the last 2.2 miles will be dedicated in remembrance of SGT Lorenzo Lopez. Lorenzo completed the ruck last year before losing his battle.  In addition to this, the last 2.2 miles are open to anyone who would like to participate but cannot otherwise do the 22 miles. There is a special registration for this portion only.
Proceeds from the ruck will benefit Hometown Battles, who strive to assist struggling veterans by providing immediate relief on certain aspects of their finances where the VA and government leave them behind. For more information visit Ruck 22’s Facebook page or find this event on Eventbrite.com.

Montague Farmers’ Market Opens for the Season
June 1 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Montague Farmers’ opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through the last Saturday in October. The Market is also open on Wednesdays in July, August, and September.  Market hours are from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
A few of the farmers and gardeners begin selling prior to the official start in June. Early season products available most Saturdays in May include honey, baked goods, maple syrup, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens.
The Farmers’ Market, overseen by the Downtown Development Authority, permits local vendors to sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and plants. Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 231-893-1155 ext. 1757 for booth availability.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
June 1 @ 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.

Sensory Friendly Movies: Where “Shhhhh!” isn’t allowed!
June 1 @ 10:30 am
Family Hope Foundation and Cinema Carousel present a unique movie experience for individuals with special needs and their families. Select Saturdays, enjoy a disability-friendly environment where everyone is welcome to be who they are!  For more information, call Family Hope Foundation at 616-729-8833.

History for the Whole Family
June 1 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Saturday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, visit the Hackley & Hume Historic Site with the family! Are you a history buff that finds it hard to visit historic sites with your young family?  If so, this program is designed for you!  Bring the young ones, and while the adults are enjoying a tour throughout the sites or learning more about local history, your kids can enjoy their own history experience with games, tours and make ‘n take activities.  This event is geared toward families with kids between 4 and 12 years of age.  The cost is only $5, or free with your museum membership.  For more information call 231-722-7578.

Shakespeare at the Rose: The Taming of the Shrew
June 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, come to the Rose Theatre, located within the beautiful Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, to enjoy the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company’s performance of “The Taming of the Shrew!” One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, this play depicts the courtship of itinerant metal utensils mender, Petruchio, and Katherina, the headstrong, obstinate shrew.  In the end, does everyone (or anyone) live happily ever after?  Tickets are $15 – $20 and available through Eventbrite.com.

1M Project Free Family Event
June 1 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm, the 1M Project invites you to join them in Hackley Park for a free family event! Enjoy food vendors, a Kids Area by CranHill, and live music by Carrollton and the Steeple Hill Band!  There will also be an address by Keynote Speaker: B Haley with the We Are 1 Movement.  To view more about the 1M project, go to www.1mproject.org.

Veterans Appreciation Aquastar Cruise
June 1 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
“D-Day Plus 75” will be the fifth commemoration sponsored by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4 veterans support group at USS LST 393 Veterans Museum on the Muskegon waterfront. It will feature two full days of fun, food, flying, dancing and a chance to honor those who served and sacrificed. The Aquastar, docked next to the LST, will host a Veterans Appreciation Cruise at 3:30pm June 1, 2019.
The Aquastar June 1 cruise is free to veterans and only $20 for their guests.  In addition to the cruise, there will be the exciting “Air Raid Muskegon,” where World War II reenactors fire hundreds of blanks at authentic Warbirds to “defend” the historic warship. The popular Do Good Gals conduct a family-friendly 1940s “pin-up” fashion show. Dozens of reenactors displayed uniforms, weapons, vehicles and their knowledge of the roles of those who served in World War II.  To book your tickets for the Veterans Appreciation Cruise visit their website at aquastarcruises.com

SJO Supercross
June 1 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:00pm, come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for the SJO Supercross presented by SJO Productions! Admission is $10 per person or $5 for kids under 11 years old.  For more information call the fairgrounds at 231-788-4568 or visit the website below.

Muskegon Risers Home Game
June 1 @ 7:00 pm
National Premier Soccer League team, the Muskegon Risers, invite you to enjoy home games at the Monsignor Kehren Stadium at Muskegon Catholic Central School. All games are at 7:15pm.  For more information e-mail hello@muskegonrisers.com or visit the website below.
• June 1 vs Lake St. Claire
• June 8 vs Fort Wayne Sport Club
• June 22 vs Livonia City FC
• July 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent
• July 27 vs Oakland County FC

Star Party
June 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 9:00pm – 11:30pm, the Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Star Party at Muskegon State Park!  Star Parties are scheduled events hosted by members.  All visitors are welcome to come and learn about amateur astronomy and view the night sky through the society’s telescopes.  You may also bring your own telescope.  They will help you get started and show you how to make adjustments.  They will also provide printed materials.  If weather conditions are questionable, contact Dennis Allen at 231-777-1013 to find out the status of the event.  It will have to be cancelled if it’s cloudy.  There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Hackley Crafts: Astrology Bubble Necklace
June 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, June 3 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library to design a necklace featuring your astrological sign!  This program is free, and all supplies will be provided.  Registration is required by calling 231-722-8011 or visiting www.hackleylibrary.org.  Registration opens one month before the class date.  This program is recommended for ages 16 and up.

MADLOS Presents: Street Dance
June 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Mondays, June 3 – August 27 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon’s Olthoff Stage for free Latin or Swing dance lessons from MADLOS!  Start with a lesson, then try your moves on the sidewalk at these free events.  No partner or experience is needed.  While the cost is free, donations are appreciated.  Keep an eye on the MADLOS Facebook page to see what style of dance will be offered each week.