Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/30/19 – 10/07/19

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 Saturdays in September and October from 2:00pm – 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.

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 231-893-1155 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.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
Lectures will be presented every Monday through November 4 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.

Special Events:

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 www.vacationwithpurpose.org/event/fall-seniors-retreat.

Family Game Night at the Library
September 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The last Monday of the month from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Ravenna Public Library for Family Game Night!  Would you like to try new or different board games?  Join them as they partner with the Muskegon Area Gamers and The Gaming Annex for a night of family fun.  Selection will vary, but could include games such as Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Pandemic.  This event is free and for ages 7 and up.  For more information, call 231-737-6248.

Michigan POW Camps in WWII
September 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
During World War II, six thousand German and Italian Prisoners of War were held in Michigan.  Monday, September 30 at 6:00pm, Dr. Gregory Sumner, author and Professor of History at the University of Detroit Mercy, will discuss the history of the Michigan POW camps and the stories of those detainees. This compelling event at Hackley Library is free to the public.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Pete the Cat Live
September 30 @ 6:00 pm
Monday, September 30 at 6:00pm, bring the kids to the Montague branch of the Muskegon Area District Library to meet beloved book character, Pete the Cat!  This free event will feature Pete the Cat stories read aloud, take a picture with him, and make a craft.  Be sure to bring your camera and share your pictures with on the MADL Facebook page!  Pete will also be appearing at other libraries in Muskegon County throughout this week.  For more information, call 231-893-2675.

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Season Passes & Luge Tickets
October 1
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is excited to move into fall and begin the seasonal transition by rolling out their recreation opportunities for the fall and winter seasons. Early Bird Season Passes and 2020 Luge Tickets will be available online beginning Tuesday, October 1 at 8:00am at www.msports.org!
Mega Zipline Update from MWSC:
From a development standpoint, over the summer we have successfully worked through the final design and critical dune permitting challenges required to integrate the accessible dual mega zip line into the delicate ecosystem high atop the dune in which our famed luge track is situated. The zipline has grown in length to over 1300 ft, increasing our level of accessibility to a wider audience! Participants will be racing each other on the dual-line system launching from a 20ft platform at the top of the dune and then soaring 80 ft above ground through the tree canopy over both the winter and summer luge tracks landing on a platform before disembarking the element by sliding down a spiral slide back to the forest floor. The plan is to begin the construction of the zipline mid to late October once the risk of Oak Wilt Tree Disease has subsided at Muskegon State Park with cooler temperatures.

HPL Fall Music Series: Serita’s Black Rose
October 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, October 1 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for their Fall Music Series featuring Serita’s Black Rose!  Serita Crowley, from the Grand Rapids band Serita’s Black Rose, is a self-professed “Funkateer.”  Her mix of funk, rock, blues, neo-soul, and Americana creates “feel good music” that everyone can enjoy.  This performance is free to the public and recommended for all ages.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Classical Night: Folias Duo
October 1 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, October 1, you’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Classical Night featuring Folias Duo! Andrew Bergeron and Carmen Maret are performers, composers, educators and entrepreneurs from Grand Rapids, Michigan, known for their work as the Folias Duo.  Dinner, prepared by Chef Heidi, begins at 6:15pm and includes roasted turkey breast, roasted red-skinned potatoes, green beans, a glass of house wine and apple crisp for only $17.  The concert is at 7:00pm and requires a $5 cover charge. RSVP is required by calling (231) 894-5333 or by e-mailing bryan@thebooknookjavashop.com.

Live @ the Library: Jim Cooper Trio
October 1 @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30pm, come to the North Muskegon Library for Live @ the Library featuring the Jim Cooper Trio!  Enjoy a free concert with master vibraphonist Jim Cooper leading a trio of exceptional jazz artists, including Robin Connell on keyboard and Tim Froncek on drums.  For more information call 231-744-6080.

Open Irish Jam Session
October 1 @ 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.

16th Annual Grape Escape
October 2 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, October 2 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Delta Hotel by Marriott in downtown Muskegon for the 16th Grape Escape! This annual tasting festival features wines and microbrews from over a dozen wineries and microbreweries in Michigan!  Guests will also enjoy delicious food from hometown restaurants. Unique Silent Auction items donated by local merchants will go to the highest bidders.  For more information contact the Muskegon Rotary Club at muskegonrotary@gmail.com.  Tickets are $50 and available through Eventbrite.com.

ahfest Film Fest
October 2 @ 6:00 pm
Each of the films in this year’s film fest has been chosen with the 2019 ahfest theme—HOPE—in mind. Learn more about the Muskegon Area Arts & Humanities Festival at ahfest.org.
All films will be shown at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Films begin at 6:00pm with a brief introduction by Muskegon Community College English and Film instructor Mary Tyler. Each film ends with an optional discussion lead by Mary Tyler.  Admission and popcorn are free!  Attending every film allows you to enter a drawing to win a Grand Prize!  For more information call 231-720-2570.
October 2 | The Intouchables – This amazingly fun and uplifting French film won the Academy Award for a Foreign Film.
October 9 | Green Book – 2018 Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali.
October 16 | The Fisher King – This lovely fairy-tale-esque film stars Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams. Williams won the Academy Award for his role.
October 23 | The Mustang – Matthias Schoenaerts stars in this brand new film that is based on true and sometimes brutal events. The hope at the end of this emotional film is justly earned.
October 30 | TBD – Surprise Horror Film! – We’ll have fun with Halloween eve film! Like last year, we will have a costume contest with prizes and really rev it up! We hope this will be a fun ending to a wonderful festival.

Paint for a Cause
October 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 2 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to SE4SONS Banquet Center for a fun night of painting, great wine and food specials!  They will be painting an 11″x14″ canvas with Create.a.frame ART studio.  The cost is only $25 per painter and proceeds benefit Greater Muskegon Jaycees.  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!

Preserved! Gallery Opening
October 3 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Throughout spring, summer and fall, 16 artists have been exploring the natural areas around West Michigan, bringing the beauty of these places to canvas and clay. On October 3, the artwork they have produced will be on display at the Frauenthal Center Reception Gallery for you to see and purchase. Join the Land Conservancy of Michigan on Thursday, October 3 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm for a chance to meet the artists and to see what happens when conservation and art come together. Drinks and appetizers will be served. Registration sales will benefit the Land Conservancy.  The cost to attend is $50.  For more information call 616-451-9476.

for KING & COUNTRY
October 3 @ 7:00 pm
Two-time GRAMMY award-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY makes a powerful statement with their much-anticipated third album, Burn the Ships, an epic, sweeping musical landscape that explores themes of new beginnings, forgiveness, hope, and love.
Thursday, October 3, for KING & COUNTRY brings their Burn the Ships tour to the L.C. Walker Arena! For more information, visit www.forkingandcountry.com.

Fresh Ghost Comedy Presents: Michael Geeter
October 3 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday, October 3 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm, come to the Smash Wine Bar and Bistro as Fresh Ghost Comedy presents Michael Geeter!  As an Ivy League dropout and community college graduate from Pontiac, MI, Mike brings a pointed look at life, family, and relationships that few others can…or should.  From his upbringing in a family with 17 children to discussing his life as a father, Mike’s comedy is jagged wit mixed with a smooth delivery.  Mike has appeared in some of the finest comedy venues in the country to work with famous comedians such as Kevin Hart, Hannibal Burress, Jim Norton, Artie Lange, and Rickey Smiley.  Mike was featured on Fox Television’s comedy showcase “Laughs” (Season 1) and the Detroit episode of “Kevin Hart Presents: Hart Of The City 2” on Comedy Central (Season 2).  Mike has recently released his first full length comedy CD “The Charm Offensive,” available on all digital platforms!  Admission is free!  For more information, call (231) 246-7910.

Haunted Hall: Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed
Fridays & Saturdays in October @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Haunted Hall 2019 is excited to be at the Lakes Mall again!  Open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:00pm – 10:00pm, the cost is $15 per person!  This year’s theme is “Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed!”  Get four haunts for the price of one; “They Hid the Gold in a Swamp,” “Deadly Tunnels to Move It,” “Industry of Fear Fueled by Gold,” and “Always Distorting the Public Eye!”  They HIGHLY recommend people follow them on Facebook to receive notifications of special deals and ticket give-aways!  FAQ’s can be found on their website at www.hauntedhall.com.

Paranormal Investigation Aboard the USS LST 393
October 4 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, October 4 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. G.R.A.S.P.P. (Gathering Research And Stories of Paranormal Phenomena) will be having an event on the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum!  Admission is $10 at the door.  You’ll be able to tour the tank deck of the ship.  There will be a paranormal lecture followed by a question and answer period.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the museum.  For more information, e-mail graspparanormal@gmail.com.

Downtown Live Concert Series
October 4 @ 7:30 pm
The Downtown Live Concert Series at the Frauenthal Center begins its second season in October 2019 and will feature every Muskegon Community College music ensemble, as well as the West Michigan Concert WINDS which is affiliated with MCC. The 10-concert series continues through April 2020.  Some of the musical selections this season are based upon the 2019 Arts and Humanities Festival (ahFest) theme of “Hope.”  Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and $10 each for groups of 6 or more.  For more information call 231-727-8001.
The Downtown Live featured musical groups are:
College Singers: The College’s full soprano, alto, tenor, and bass (SATB) chorus features MCC students and community members performing a wide variety of the choral repertoire.  The Singers are under the Direction of Nicholas Palmer.
Collegiates: An audition-based select SATB vocal group, the Collegiates perform a wide range of musical genres from the 17th century to modern contemporary works for small vocal ensemble.  The Collegiates are under the direction of Nicholas Palmer.
MCC Wind Ensemble: Conducted by Daniel M. Meyers and entering its ninth year, the Wind Ensemble is comprised of MCC students, both music majors and non-music majors, interested in preparing and performing advanced wind band literature.
MCC Jazz Ensemble: Comprised of MCC students, the Jazz Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary big-band jazz repertoire.
MCC Honors Orchestra: Conducted by Philip DeYoung, the Honors Orchestra is a symphony orchestra for MCC students, as well as advanced high school students, performing standard orchestral works of the symphony orchestra.
West Michigan WINDS: An adult community concert band celebrating its 41st anniversary this concert season, the WINDS has been affiliated with MCC since 1993. Music Director and Conductor Gail Brechting is in her 24th year leading the WINDS. The band has performed at Carnegie Hall in 2016 and in England, Ireland, Wales, Austria, and Germany.
October 4, the West Michigan Concert WINDS present “A Celtic Celebration” at 7:30pm in the Frauenthal Theater.

25th Annual Buster Keaton Film Festival
October 5 @ 8:00 pm
October 5 at 8:00pm the public is invited to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater for the Buster Keaton Film Festival!  “One Week” was the first film released from the Buster Keaton Studios. In it, Buster and his new bride receive a build-it-yourself house as a wedding gift, but their week-long construction project goes from tough to absurdly impossible (or, absurd and impossible!) when a rejected suitor re-numbers all the packing crates.  “The Cameraman” is the last great film made by Buster Keaton during the most prolific and brilliant stage of his career. In it, Buster plays a tintype cameraman whose love for a newsreel office secretary sends him into a clash on the high seas, a gang war in Chinatown, and battle for her heart. You will see two films for this price. Tickets are $8.00 or $10.00 the day of the show. A family four-pack is only $20.  Call the office at 231-727-8001 for more information.

Rocktober Festival at Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo
October 5
Saturday, October 5, visit Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo for their Rocktober Festival!  For more information call 231-861-5730 or visit www.visitlewisfarms.com/events/rocktober-festival-saturday.
Event Schedule:
• Wagon Rides – All Day
• Apple Cannons ($) – All Day
• U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins ($) – All Day
• The Michigan Stiltwalker & Balloon Artist  – 11:00am – 5:00pm
• Pig Racing at Porkchop Downs – 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm
• Disc Dogs LIVE Performances – 1:00pm, 3:00pm
• Music On The Porch – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
• Candy Cannon Blast – 5:00pm
($) Denotes additional cost, all entertainment and activities subject to change based on weather and availability.

Visit Muskegon Depot to Depot Fall Color Tours
October 5, 12 & 19 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience Michigan’s beautiful autumn, and a fun fall tradition.  Visit Muskegon presents the 15th Annual “Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour!”
🍁 For three Saturdays we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water!  Drive your car or ride your bike along this self-guided route that stretches from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. Travel on some of Muskegon’s most scenic roads along Lake Michigan and the West Michigan Pike Byway. Visit historic sites, enjoy nature and snap some “selfies”.
🍁 This event is FREE. Participants will receive fall refreshments and coupons to area businesses. There are also free pumpkins for the children and complimentary Visit Muskegon postcards for the grownups (while supplies last).
🍁 Stamp your map at the designated stops and enter to win 2 round trip passes for the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry between Muskegon and Milwaukee. (For use in the 2020 season)
🍁 Check in on social media for chances to win weekly giveaways.
🍁 Start your journey, and pick up your map at either historic Depot:
* The Muskegon Union Depot, home to Visit Muskegon (Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau).
610 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 231-724-3100
* Chamber Train Depot, home to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
124 W. Hanson St., Whitehall, MI, 231-893-4585
#VisitMuskegon 🍁 #D2D19 🍁 #LiveWhiteLake

History for the Whole Family
October 5 @ 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.

AquatoberFest
October 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 5 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm, join Pigeon Hill Brewing Company aboard the Aquastar for AquatoberFest! Take in the fall colors and sunset as you cruise Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan while enjoying Pigeon Hill beverages, live music and light appetizers.  The cost is $35 per person and your ticket price includes your first beer.  Book your spot now at www.aquastarcruises.com.  For more information call Pigeon Hill at (231) 375-5184.

Comedian Chris Franjola
October 6 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Chris Franjola is a writer/comedian who can currently be heard hosting his highly successful podcast, Cover To Cover with Chris Franjola (over 700 5 star iTunes reviews & Top 50 iTunes Comedy podcasts) also he’s a frequent contributor on Heather McDonald’s wildly successful podcast, Juicy Scoop. Chris was also a writer and a regular performer on E!’s hit show “Chelsea Lately” for 8 years. Together with the talented writing staff, Chris wrote over 1500 episodes while performing on the show more than anyone else besides Chelsea Handler and Chuy. During his time on the show Chris created some of the show’s most memorable characters like Gay Caveman, Bieber Man, Johnny Depp, Seventeen Magazine Players and many more. He also starred on the critically acclaimed scripted comedy series “After Lately,” which aired for three seasons on E!, he was the host of the Sons of Anarchy aftershow Anarchy Afterword, airing live on FX. Last year Chris released his first comedy album “The Shallow End” which received rave reviews and stayed in iTunes Top 10 Comedy Albums for 5 weeks. Earlier this year Chris could be seen as a contributing panelist on The Josh Wolf Show on CMT and Funniest Fails on Fox. When he isn’t busy writing and acting, he’s performing stand-up on the road, headlining venues all over the country. Before Chelsea Lately, Chris wrote for other shows, including Family Guy, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the original Chelsea Handler Show. Chris can also be seen beginning in 2017 on the new Netflix show from the makers of Orange Is the New Black, GLOW.  Buy Tickets at http://backalleycomedyclub.com/muskegon.  $12 advance/ $15 Door