Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Ongoing Events:
Planetarium Show: Supervolcanoes
“Supervolcanoes” is a free, 30-minute planetarium show that looks at a rare class of large volcanic eruptions on Earth and other planets. See it Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm through October 31 at Muskegon Community College, room 1072. No reservations are needed; this is walk-in only. Be sure to come early and check out the new “World of Water” exhibit before the show, at the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium. The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes. For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15 or more, call 231-777-0289.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Special Events:
15th Annual Muskegon Labor Day Cars for Cancer
September 2 @ 7:00 am
Labor Day Monday, September 2, beginning at 7:00am, come to the Mercy Health Partners Lakes Village for the 15th Annual Muskegon Labor Day Cars for Cancer! This year Different Strokes Car Club will be picking the top 10 with special trophies, plus there will still be the regular classes with 3 trophies per class:
• Best of Show
• Young Guns
• People’s Choice
There’ll also be dash plaques to first 400 cars registered. Enjoy vendors, door prizes, valve cover racing and a grocery giveaway as well!
• Registration – 7:00am – 11:00am
• Participant Voting – 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Pancake breakfast (prepared by the Knights of Columbus #13035) 7:00am – 12:00pm
Pre-registration is $10 (to guarantee a dash plaque) or $20 with a shirt and is due before August 25. Registration the day of the show is $10 and will be good for both Sunday and Monday. All proceeds (100%) go to the Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care – Mercy Health Partners. For more information e-mail Tradrod51@aol.com or visit their Facebook page.
4th Annual Labor Day Community Walk
September 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
No need to travel all the way to the Mackinac Bridge for the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk when the White Lake Area offers a Labor Day Bridge Walk in their neighborhood! Monday, September 2 from 10:00am – 12:30pm the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (WLACC), sponsors, the City of Montague and City of Whitehall host their 14th Annual Labor Day Community Walk, giving local Michiganders an opportunity to participate in this walking tradition.
The Labor Day Community Walk begins on the Hart-Montague Bike Trail Head (at the east end of Spring St. located behind Whitehall Products and Montague Foods in Montague). City officials and area leaders walk with the people of the community across the White River Bridge to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Walkers are welcome to continue on the path, turn around, or stay and enjoy healthy refreshments! For more information call (231) 893-4585.
West Michigan United Labor Day Parade
September 2 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Labor Day is the holiday in which we recognize and celebrate the contribution of all America’s workers to the growth and continued vitality of our Nation. Everybody loves a parade! This is an all-inclusive community parade through the streets of downtown Muskegon. The parade will start 11:00am on Monday September 2, and will end approximately around 12:30pm. There will be a fun filled and FREE celebration following the parade that will go until 4:00pm. Enjoy multiple food vendors (for $5-$6 per meal), refreshments, treats, games, prizes, face painting, bounce houses, arts n’ crafts and much more! For more information or an application to be in the Labor Day Parade, email Jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
The parade starts at the intersection of 4th street and Clay Avenue. It will progress down Clay Avenue past Hackley Park to Jefferson Street (turning left) and heading towards Western Avenue. The march will continue down Western Avenue and end at 490 West Western Avenue for a post parade celebration!
Open Irish Jam Session
September 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, all musicians are welcome at Hennessey’s Irish Pub for their open Irish Jam session! Whether participating or just watching it is always a fun time and admission is free. For more information call (231) 728-3333.
Opening Reception: 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition
September 5 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
September 5 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the opening reception of the 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition (formerly the annual Regional Exhibition). This event continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.
• 5:30pm – Reception
• 6:30pm – Awards Program
• 7:00pm – Meet the Artists
Rejoin the artists in the exhibition after the awards program. Stay to meet and congratulate the winners and enjoy more time together to end the celebratory evening. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 231-720-2570.
Farmers Market Annual Farm to Table Dinner
September 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, September 5 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the 4th Annual Farm to Table Dinner! Chef Jack Page will be creating a delicious meal that is focused on Michigan ingredients and using several vendors from the Farmers Market.
The menu will include:
• Stuffed Pork Loin
• Chicken Pasty
• Roast Vegetable Quinoa Salad
• Lyonnaise Potatoes
• Cherry Buckle Compote
Hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar begin at 6:00pm and dinner will be served at approximately 7:00pm. This is general admission seating. They will reserve seats for parties of 8 or larger if reserved at least 2 weeks in advance. To do so, please call Jacqui at 231-724-6777. Tickets are $35 and available through Eventbrite.com.
Muskegon Yacht Club: 2019 E Scow Nationals Regatta
September 6 – September 8
Friday – Sunday, September 6 – 8, the Muskegon Yacht Club hosts the 2019 E Scow Nationals Regatta! Nearly 80 boats with crews of 4 to 6 sailors will converge on Muskegon Lake to race each other in their Nationals Regatta. These boats are 28 feet in length and will sail a course of several miles per race, visible from nearly anywhere on or around Muskegon Lake. For more information call (231) 755-1414.
Friday Family Fun Night: The Show Must Go On
September 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, September 6 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a family fun night, “The Show Must Go On!” It’s a date night at the museum for the whole family! Join them for extended museum hours with fun stations and themes. The Show Must Go On night will be all about the Muskegon Civic Theatre. Get a glimpse behind the curtain at backstage theatre magic through hands-on activities and a take-home craft. The cost is $5 or free for Museum members and residents. For more information call (231) 722-0278.
Touch the Trucks
September 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, September 6 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the City of Muskegon and First Fridays invite you to “Touch the Trucks!” Walk along Western Avenue in Downtown Muskegon to explore fire trucks, police cars, an ambulance, emergency response boats, semis, tow trucks, snow plows, and much more! This event is free, family friendly and open to all ages! For more information call 231-724-6705.
Roosevelt Park Day
September 7
Roosevelt Park Day will be held at locations throughout the Roosevelt Park community on September 7. There’ll be live music, arts & crafts vendors, kids’ games and inflatable activities, food vendors, a beer garden, a pancake breakfast and a parade. For more information contact Roosevelt Park City Hall at 231-755-3721 ext. 1954.
Sportsmen for Youth Day
September 7 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Muskegon Area Sportsmen for Youth, a nonprofit corporation, hosts this annual event Saturday, September 7 at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds! Sportsmen for Youth Day is designed to provide young people age 18 and under with the opportunity to try activities including archery, shooting sports, fishing and many other events from 9:00am-3:00pm. Raffles start at 2:30pm. The day will also feature prize drawings and lunch and everything is FREE and open to the public! For more information call Bill at 231-853-6649.
Live Music at the Farmers Market: Uneven Ground
September 7 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Saturday, September 7 from 11:30am – 1:30pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for live music from Uneven Ground! Come join this great Celtic band as they promote the Michigan Irish Music Festival. Look for them at the festival on Sunday, September 15 on the Belfast Stage at 11:00am. For more information call (231) 780-1464.
History for the Whole Family
September 7 @ 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.
Muskegon Latino Festival
September 7 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 7, from 4:00pm – 10:00pm, come to Hackley Park for the 1st Annual Muskegon Latino Festival! Celebrate people, culture and Latino heritage during a day filled with great food, entertainment and fun. This is an opportunity to meet new friends and connect with your neighbors. See what Muskegon’s rich and vibrant Latino community has to offer. For more information call (231) 329-8283.
Wynonna & The Big Noise
September 7 @ 7:30 pm
The Frauenthal Center opens the 2019/2020 Season with country icon Wynonna & The Big Noise! Saturday, September 7 at 7:30pm this country music legend will bring their blend of country, Americana, blues, soul, and rock to Muskegon’s iconic and historic musical venue.
A musical powerhouse once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline,” Wynonna has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 35-year career. The internationally renowned performer who rose to fame as part of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna has received more than 60 industry awards and has had countless charting singles. Her 20 number one hits include such songs as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
Wynonna and her band, The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Describing her new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well,” Wynonna’s most recent work “lays bare the joy that is Judd’s most potent gift as a vocalist,” NPR’s Ann Powers writes in her 2016 review.
In addition to being an inspirational night of music from a country icon, this event is a celebration of the increasingly powerful role Muskegon plays in Michigan’s creative landscape. The historic Frauenthal Center, which is set to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year, annually draws nearly 100,000 people to a rapidly growing downtown Muskegon.
107MUS – The Moose is serving as the Media Sponsor for Wynonna & The Big Noise.
Tickets range from $45 – $80 and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 19 at 11:00am. Tickets can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office, by calling (231) 727-8001 or in person Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Star Tickets at 1-800-585-3737 and online at startickets.com.
Star Party
September 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, September 7 from 9:00pm – 11:30pm, the Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Star Party at their observatory! 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. If it’s cloudy, they may give you a tour of the facility or do a presentation. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Breaking Bad Comedian Steven Michael Quezada
September 7 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Breaking Bad comedian, Steven Michael Quezada! Steven starred on the Emmy Award winning series “Breaking Bad” as DEA agent Gomez. He has won an Emmy for ‘outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for his role in Breaking Bad! Audiences will also recognize him from the movies “Wildfire,” “Crash,” “In Plain Sight,” and “Beerfest!” Steven is not just an actor, he is a major touring comedian and has appeared on HBO and Showtime for his comedy specials. He has opened for SNL and has performed on the new ‘Arsenio Hall show.’ Other recent credits include The Mindy Project, Documentary Now!, The Night Before, and Girlfriend’s Day on Netflix. Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15 and available at www.backalleycomedyclub.com/Muskegon.
Chef Prize
September 8 @ 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 8 at 4:00pm, come to Hampton Green Farm for Chef Prize! Celebrate chefs from Muskegon, Ottawa, and Kent counties along with local breweries and wineries. The food that the chefs prepare will be judged, and someone will receive the Chef Prize! This event is generously hosted by Kim Van Kampen and the Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation. For more information, please email stephanie.kerr.cathey@kidsfoodbasket.org or call Stephanie directly at 231-903-2432.
**Please note, you must be 18 years of age or older to attend this event**
Buzzed Bard
September 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 8 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company and 18th Amendment Spirits Co. invite you to join them for “Buzzed Bard!” This irreverent look at Shakespeare features performance of scenes from multiple Shakespearean plays combined with improv, audience-interactive games, and a Shakespearean drinking game. This event may not be suitable for patrons under 21. Tickets are $5 through Eventbrite.com and cover the performance. Food and drinks (both adult beverages and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase from the menu. For more information call (231) 375-5064.
Irish Dance Class
September 9 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Get ready for the Michigan Irish Music Festival (September 12 – 15) with a beginners Irish dance class! Monday, September 9 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm join Ardan Dance Academy at Tatra Hall to get your step-dance on! They are now enrolling for fall classes and all ages are welcome. For more information visit www.ardanacademy.com.
USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
September 9 @ 6:00 pm
Lectures will be presented every Monday beginning September 9 at 6:00pm. The cost is $5.00 per person per lecture or FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. In addition to the lectures, for one week prior to each lecture, they will be showing a film on a related subject. Movies will be shown daily at 1:00pm. The cost to attend the movie is included with your $6 admission ticket to the museum. Admission to the museum is also FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. For more information call (231) 755-1230.