Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Ongoing Events:
Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
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.
Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady
Bring the kids to Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady every Monday at 3:00pm during July and August! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co: Monday Night Bike Ride
Monday evenings, beginning at 6:00pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. to join in a group bicycle ride! The goal is for everyone to start and finish together for a total ride time of 90 minutes. Please arrive early. The ride begins promptly at 6:00pm. You’ll travel from Pigeon Hill to Pere Marquette Beach via the Lakeshore Bike Trail (10-11 miles). For more information call (231) 375-5184.
Team Trivia Game Show
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.
MADLOS Presents: Street Dance
Mondays, come to downtown Muskegon’s Olthoff Stage for free Latin or Swing dance lessons from MADLOS! Start with a lesson, and 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.
Roll On Muskegon
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.
• When: Every Monday night. Wheels turn at 6:30pm
• Where: Meet at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market
• Speed: Casual, 8-10 mph
• How Long: Approx. 90 minutes
Muskegon Farmers’ Market & Flea Market
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.
Montague Farmers’ Market
The Montague Farmers’ Market opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through October. The Market is also open on Wednesdays in July, August, and September. Market hours are from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 893-1155 ext. 1757 to check if any booths are available.
Sweetwater Local Foods Market
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.
Group Bicycle Tour
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.
Serene Yoga Beach Series: Muskegon State Park
Serene Yoga will host a Beach Yoga Series June 5 – August 28 at Muskegon State Park. Classes will be held Wednesday mornings from 10:00am -11:00am. The drop-in rate is $10. Join Diana and enjoy the serenity of the great lakes as she guides participants through stretching and balancing poses while focusing on breath work and relaxation. Participants should bring a towel or sheet and sunglasses. Meet at the Channel Beach Pavilion. All new participants should arrive early and children under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com. Bad weather? Call 231-343-8381 for cancellation information.
Jazz on the Patio
Thursdays, June 13 – August 29 beginning at 6:00pm, come to Bella Maria’s Event Center at Oakridge Golf Course for “Jazz on the Patio!” Sit outside on their beautiful patio and enjoy great drink specials, a fabulous dinner menu and live jazz music as you view the sunset. Doors open at 6:00pm and the music begins at 6:30pm. Reservations are recommended for a table outside by calling 231-563-6914.
Fetch Cycling Group
Meet in the parking lot behind Fetch Brewing Company on Thursdays at 6:00pm for a 60 minute No Drop Bike Ride. All abilities and fitness levels are encouraged and welcome. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Fetch Brewing Company provides you with the added incentive of $1 off your first post-ride beer!
Summer Adventures at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Don’t wait for snow…luge in the summer! The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is open Saturdays and Sundays in the summer from 10:00am – 2:00pm so you can enjoy a variety of warm weather sporting activities. The cost is $10 for 5 rounds of arrows, and $15 for luge add-on. www.msports.org
Wheel Luge:
Slide down the only wheel 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, and $15 for the 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.
Learn Archery Fundamentals:
Muskegon State Park visitors can stop by the Sports Complex for a round of archery guided by an instructor. All participants receive a quick lesson explaining the basic fundamentals of archery. Participants can then shoot rounds of arrows at the controlled archery range. This activity is fun for ages 6 and older.
Sweet Saturdays at the Lakeside Emporium
Join the Lakeside Emporium on Saturday afternoons from 12:00pm – 4:00pm to enjoy food, entertainment, and “Treasure Alley” – a collection of vendors ranging from artists and authors to crafters, collectors, and even pottery demonstrations, all conveniently located on-site at the Lakeside Emporium. It’s family fun and enjoyment for all ages, and an opportunity to find just the perfect treat or gift for yourself or someone else. Enjoy the experience, delicious products, and great customer service at the Lakeside Emporium, and check out all the other wonderful businesses in Lakeside. For more information call 231-755-9933.
Summatime 2019
It is finally summer and time for Art Cats Gallery’s annual “Summatime Show!” This year they are featuring many new artists including Julie Pappuleas, Barbara Carlson and Bette DelVecchio. Also included are John Herron, Julie McCormick, Karen Nichols, Rick Eastham, Cathy Crain, Christi Dreese, Tim Bonnette, Lee Ann Frame, owner Louise Hopson and many others! They have walls full of fabulous paintings, shelves full of unique pottery and glass, and cases brimming with beautiful jewelry. It’s all handmade, all the time, so visit Art Cats Gallery where it’s an art fair every day! For more information, call (231) 755-7606 or visit www.artcatsgallery.com.
Rootdown’s Yoga on Deck
Every Sunday of the summer from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, join Rootdown Yoga aboard Muskegon’s World War II landing ship tank, the USS LST 393, for their popular donation based yoga class! This class is designed for all levels. No mat? Rent one for $2. For more information call (231) 722-9642.
Special Events:
Muskegon’s Water Week
August 9th-August 18th
Ready, Set, Water! During Muskegon’s Water Week, happening Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 18, you’ll enjoy what we in Michigan call the “Lake Effect,” embracing nature’s blessings and celebrating another great season on Muskegon’s lakes! From great events on and along the shores, great eats, music and beverages, to maritime history and tours, everybody can enjoy. Invite your friends and family to Muskegon and enjoy a slice of Pure Michigan!
McGraft Park Free Summer Concert Series
Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
Come to the McGraft Park bandshell for family-friendly concerts this summer! This week Steel Doin’ It (Steel Drum – Caribbean) will be performing. These free performances begin at 7:00pm. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs and blankets! For more information call the Muskegon Parks Department at 231-724-6991.
Aquastar 104.5 WSNX Pre-Breakaway Festival Cruise
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 @ 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Take some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. With DJ CHOFF, food and adult beverages onboard there is something for everyone. Guests 21+ get a free drink upon entry. For more information please contact us at info@aquastarcruises.com.
Root Talk
Thursday, August 15th, 2019 @ 10:00am-1:00pm
Come to the Norton Shores Library for “Root Talk!” Are you just getting started in family history? Have you reached a dead limb on a branch of the family tree? Stop by the drop-in genealogy help desk, where librarian Alison Purgiel will offer her expertise for free about library and online resources for doing genealogy research, as well as offering advice on “brick walls.” For more information call 231-780-8844.
Escanaba in da Moonlight
Thursday, August 15th, 2019 @ 7:30pm
The 2019 Summer Theatre Festival at The Playhouse at White Lake (formerly Howmet Playhouse) happens every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 24! All shows begin at 7:30pm (unless otherwise noted). August 15 – 17, it’s “Escanaba in da Moonlight” by Jeff Daniels, directed by Sheila Wahamaki.
Unruly Comedy Night
Thursday, August 15th, 2019 @ 8:30pm-11:00pm
Come to Unruly Brewing Co. for the Unruly Comedy Night! This month they are featuring Sydney Smith, Mike Bussler and Joe Elder. Opening and hosting is the hilarious Simon Carlson. Nardos Osterhart will be wrapping up the evening. The cover is only $3, or if you want to sit outside in the beer garden, it’s free! For more information call (231) 288-1068.
Parties in the Park
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ 5:00pm-9:00pm
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 your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. Tonight’s live music is brought to you by Hurricane Reggae Band sponsored by the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce. Parties are 5:00pm – 9:00pm and feature great food and adult beverage vendors! For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.
Arts and Drafts Festival
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ 5:00pm-11:00pm
The 7th annual Norton Shores Arts & Drafts Festival is happening Friday and Saturday, August 16 – 17 in beautiful Ross Park! This will be a fun-filled time for every member of the family! On Friday, August 16 there will be the Ginka Memorial Softball Tournament & Community Picnic and a Beverage Tent with Live Music.
Hackley & Hume Historic Site: All Access Tours
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Every third Friday of the month from 7:00pm – 8:30pm, you can go where no visitor has gone before on All Access Tours of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site! Explore behind closed doors including attics, porches, and basements of both houses. Enjoy different themed topics such as restoration, preservation, family stories, new discoveries in the research, the Hackley House during the Red Cross years, the Hume home as a Daycare Center, as well as future projects. Please RSVP by calling 231-722-7578. The cost is $20 or $15 for members.
Music at the Light: Fremont John
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ 7:00pm
Friday, it’s Music at the Light featuring “Fremont John!” A distinctive acoustic guitar style with resonate growl of a baritone voice is reason enough to listen to the music of Fremont John. Whether it’s a remake of a classic or an original selection, the guitar work is sure to please and the stories surrounding the songs are delightfully entertaining. For more information call 231-845-7417.
Escanaba in da Moonlight
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ 7:30pm
The 2019 Summer Theatre Festival at The Playhouse at White Lake (formerly Howmet Playhouse) happens every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 24! All shows begin at 7:30pm (unless otherwise noted). August 15 – 17, it’s “Escanaba in da Moonlight” by Jeff Daniels, directed by Sheila Wahamaki!
Movies on Deck
Friday, August 16th, 2019 @ Dusk
The 13th annual Movies on Deck film series features great movies showing at dusk on Friday evenings on the USS LST 393! Tonight’s movie will be Grease! Each showing is free to the public, but donations are welcome. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and weather appropriate clothing. Popcorn, soda and snacks will be available at the event. In the event of inclement weather, showings will be moved inside the ship, and will begin at 10:00pm.
Arts and Drafts Festival
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 @ 8:00am-11:00pm
The 7th annual Norton Shores Arts & Drafts Festival is happening Friday and Saturday, August 16 – 17 in beautiful Ross Park! This will be a fun-filled time for every member of the family! Saturdays events include Arts & Dash 5k , Arts & Crafts Fair, Arts & Wheels Car Show, Beverage Tent with Live music.If you would like further information or have questions, feel free to e-mail them at suev@nortonshores.org or give the Parks & Recreation Dept. a call at 231-799-6802.
Bright Lights Muskegon Lighthouse Festival
Saturday, August 17th, 2019
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy (MLC) invites you to attend their annual Muskegon Bright Lights Festival in celebration of the Michigan Maritime Festival. Saturday, August 17, festival-goers can visit Muskegon South Pierhead Light, overlooking the award-winning Pere Marquette Beach and climb the tower to take in unparalleled views of Muskegon’s broad Lake Michigan shoreline, forests and beaches. Special festival offerings include family-friendly events, performances, and more.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 @ 11:00am-7:00pm
The 2nd annual Great Lakes Surf Festival is coming to Pere Marquette Beach! All SUP’ers, surfers, kiteboarders, kayakers, windsurfers, artists and yogis are welcome to this fun filled day of watersports. If you are currently not involved with any of these sports, then the GLSF will provide the perfect place and opportunity for you to learn. By registering, you will have access to numerous workshops, free lessons and product demos that will help you access the sport of your choice. More details will be added as they become available. To register or book a tent camping sight on the beach, e-mail info@GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.
Moosefest 2019
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 @ 10:00am
Country radio station, WMUS (107.9FM) invites you to join them at beautiful Heritage Landing for Moose Fest 2019! This FREE day of music features many of your favorite artists playing acoustical sets. Listen in or check their website at www.107mus.iheart.com for locations where you can pick up your FREE tickets to this great day of music on Muskegon Lake. For more information, call 616-459-1919.
Community Paddle: Snug Harbor Edition
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 @ 8:00am-11:00am
Muskegon AREA Community Paddles invite you to a community paddle party along the northwest end of the Muskegon Lake shoreline! This event is free and open to anyone with a paddle craft; kayak, paddle board, canoe or rowboat. Meet at the Muskegon State Park, Snug Harbor boat launch at 8:00am, and then paddle along the north shoreline east toward Bear Lake from 8:30am – 10:30am, then back to the starting point. Anyone without a paddle craft can rent a kayak from Guy’s Kayaks for only $5 by calling 231-740-0227. Register for the event at www.eventbrite.com.
Watercolor Demonstration with John Herron
August 17 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Come to Art Cats Gallery for a free Watercolor Demonstration with John Herron! Watch John as he paints and demonstrates his stunning talent! He will set up his easel in the reception area to demonstrate a variety of standard and unique techniques . Feel free to ask questions as you watch him at work. Would you like to learn how to make your own work more spontaneous and more fun? Curious about wet in wet, masking, scraping, salt, color mixing and mounting paper? Have you wanted to try your hand at watercolor but believe it’s too difficult? Watch John take some of the mystery out of this exciting medium. He will have several new paintings on display, many of which depict scenes of Lake Michigan. For more information, call (231) 755-7606.
Escanaba in da Moonlight
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 @ 7:30pm
The 2019 Summer Theatre Festival at The Playhouse at White Lake (formerly Howmet Playhouse) happens every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 24! All shows begin at 7:30pm (unless otherwise noted). August 15 – 17, it’s “Escanaba in da Moonlight” by Jeff Daniels, directed by Sheila Wahamaki!
Maranatha Summer Concert Series: Big Band of Praise
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference offers free concerts every Saturday night during the summer! Doors open at 6:45pm to the public, or you can receive preferred concert seating by purchasing tickets to their Saturday evening pre-concert dinner buffet in the dining room. Dinner begins at 5:00pm. All dinner guests receive early entry into the concert venue beginning at 6:30pm. Visit the website below for more information or call (231) 798-2161.
Big Band of Praise or BBOP, is a Christian band dedicated to connecting with listeners by presenting the Love of God through song and testimony. They are an 18 piece powerhouse group from Holland Michigan who perform big band, swing, jazz, and blues. They appeal to all ages, and play religious, secular or combination venues.
Welcome Home: The Journey Continues
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Come to the Beardsley Theatre inside the Frauenthal Center for “Welcome Home: The Journey Continues!” Welcome Home is comprised of 4 individuals from various musical backgrounds who, together, create a unique sound that explores all aspects of human emotion. Welcome Home is a mix of genres that draws everybody in – imagine Alabama Shakes, Tracy Chapman, Evanescence & Lenny Kravitz all rolled into one. Tickets are $20. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.