Muskegon County Calendar of Events Dec. 16- Jan. 6, 2020

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

Monday December 16:

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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.

Tuesday December 17:

Feeding the Soul of the City Concert Series: Peter Kurdziel
12:00 pm
A concert series offers half-hour lunchtime concerts that feature a variety of musical styles, held in the historic and beautiful St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 1006 Third St., in downtown Muskegon. The concerts are free and open to the public and light refreshments are provided. One can also bring a lunch to enjoy before or during the concert. A few minutes of prayer are held in the church shortly before the performance. For more information about the concert series or to make a donation, please contact St. Paul’s at (231) 722-2112.
December 17 Peter Kurdziel – “Christmas at the Organ” (organist)

Create a Christmas Painting
6:00 pm
You’re invited to the Art Creation Station located at 200 Holton Rd. to create a canvas painting for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season! You can select from one of two patterns, “Santa is Coming to Town” or “Happy and Bright Christmas Tree.” You can choose your canvas size; 8”x10”($15), 11”x14”($25), or 16”x20”($30). For more information e-mail katrina@artcreationstation.com or call the studio at (231) 719-8222.

West Michigan Junior Strings Winter Recital
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
This recital will be presented at Montague United Methodist Church located at 8555 Cook St., Montague. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend. This recital will showcase student progress, featuring solo performances and group pieces by these budding, young musicians. The West Michigan Junior Strings is a program of the White Lake Music Society, offering private study, group classes, and recitals. For more information please visit www.whitelakemusic.org.

Western Michigan Christian High School Christmas Collage
7:00 pm
Come to the Frauenthal Theater located at 425 W. Western Ave. to enjoy instrumental and vocal ensembles performing Christmas music. Tickets are $12.00 general admission. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Jazz at the Watermark
7:30 pm
Come to the Watermark 920 located at 930 Washington Ave. There’ll be food by Fatty Lumpkins and a cash bar. Led by Muskegon legend, drummer Tim Froncek, the Truth in Jazz Orchestra has been a Muskegon institution for the past 15 years! There is a $5 cover. Students are $2 with ID. For more information, check out their website at www.tijo.org.

Wednesday December 18:

Check out our website www.visitmuskegon.org for any new events!

Thursday December 19:

Muskegon High School Choir Caroling
5:30 pm
You’re invited to an evening of candlelit holiday caroling at St. Jeans Church located at 1292 Jefferson St., in downtown Muskegon. The Muskegon High School Choir invites you to bring hats, gloves, and coats to help children in the community. Donations are welcome but not required at this FREE community event.

Jazz Night Checkers Morton
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jazz Night with Checkers Morton at the beautiful Book Nook and Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague. For more information call 231-894-5333

Friday December 20:

Silverado
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silverado at the beautiful Book Nook and Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague. For more information call 231-894-5333

Black History Month Calendar Contest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Participate in Hackley Library’s annual calendar contest, where they’ll showcase artwork from all ages to celebrate African American achievements! Everyone is invited to submit drawings. To enter, draw a picture from African American history on your entry form which can be picked up at Hackley Library. The best pictures will be published in a free calendar which will be available throughout Muskegon. Don’t forget to pick up your free entry form at Hackley Library! All submissions are due at Hackley Library by Friday, January 10. They’ll announce the winners at the Awards Ceremony on February 3 during Open Mic Night. All ages are recommended to participate in this calendar contest. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Dr. Sketchy’s GR Cafe Pop-up Session
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
It’s Dr. Sketchy’s GR Cafe Pop-up Session at The Coffee Factory located at 930 Washington Ave. Enjoy coffee and art at this unique cafe pop up event featuring a three hour live figure drawing session. Tickets are $10 at the door, or $8 in advance through Eventbrite.com. For more information, call The Coffee Factory at (231) 747-9896.

Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room
5:30pm and 7:15pm
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay Ave. for the “Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room!” The mad minds are at it again, and this time they are testing your skills to see if you can escape the mad scientist lab in 60 minutes. This escape room will challenge your teamwork and problem solving as you try to get out before it is too late! Register at Eventbrite.com. The cost is $20. For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Saturday December 21:

Wonderland Distilling Co. Holiday Pop-Up Shop
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wonderland Distilling Co. located at 1989 Lakeshore Dr. is having a Holiday Pop-Up Shop! Calling all those who didn’t finish their holiday shopping and need a great gift at the last minute! Their tasting room isn’t open yet, but they’re opening up with a pop-up shop for a fun pre-sale. You can get a peek inside their space and purchase holiday gifts for your friends and family, including: Wonderland Distilling merchandise! – Gift cards! – Memberships to the Rocks Society and Single Barrel Club For more information e-mail allen@wonderlanddistilling.com.

Holiday Crafts at Hackley Library: FREE
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Come to Hackley Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. to create a Holiday Craft! Looking for a quiet and fun afternoon? Drop-in any time after 2:00pm at the Youth Services Department for holiday-themed crafts, perfect for a few last-minute decorations or gifts. All ages are welcome at this FREE event! For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Jay Owenhouse: The Authentic Illusionist
7:30 pm
Visit the Frauenthal Theater located at 425 W. Western Ave. for Jay Owenhouse: The Authentic Illusionist! Jay Owenhouse, a legendary escape artists and one of the most recognized illusionists in history, will perform in Muskegon for one night only in his new show “Dare To Believe!” You will experience a night of grand illusions with the most amazing magic in the world, Bengal tigers up close, dangerous escapes, and inspiring storytelling. Seeing Owenhouse live is an evening that will leave you breathless with a feeling of childhood wonder. VIP Gold Seat Tickets: The proceeds from this ticket go to help save Tigers and Cheetah from extinction through RareSpeciesFund.org As a thank you for your support, VIP Gold Ticket Holders receive the following: *Premium Seating*Souvenir lanyard and VIP Badge *VIP Backstage meet and greet with Jay and one of his tigers (only available 45 minutes prior to the show) * Free Souvenir Program Tickets: $79.00 VIP Gold Tickets $49.00 Reserved Seating VIP ticket holders should plan on being at the theater no later than 6:45pm when the doors open. Proceed to your reserved seats where you will receive your lanyard and be escorted backstage. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby. For more information visit the website www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tours
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Experience the Hackley & Hume homes located at 484 W. Webster Ave. decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. For more information call 231-722-7578.
Tour Dates:
• December 27 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• December 28 from 1:00pm -4:00pm

Sunday December 22:

Stroll through Hackley Park and enjoy the holiday decorations!

Monday December 23:

Christmas Eve at the Frauenthal
7:00pm
Experience Christmas Eve in the historic Frauenthal Theater located at 425 W. Western Ave. Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs led by some of the Lakeshore’s most inspirational musicians, then listen to a message that will draw you into the Christmas story like never before. This free event, happening December 23 at 7:00pm and December 24 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm, is hosted by Port City Church. For more information call (231) 767-5246.

Tuesday, December 24:

Christmas Eve at the Frauenthal
2:00pm and 4:00pm
Experience Christmas Eve in the historic Frauenthal Theater located at 425 W. Western Ave. Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs led by some of the Lakeshore’s most inspirational musicians, then listen to a message that will draw you into the Christmas story like never before. This free event, happening December 23 at 7:00pm and December 24 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm, is hosted by Port City Church. For more information call (231) 767-5246.

Wednesday, December 25:

Happy Holidays from Visit Muskegon

Thursday, December 26:

#VisitMuskegon on all social medias

Friday, December 27:

Learn to Luge Weekends
Friday
Enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr., North Muskegon! The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and speeds around 30 mph. THEY WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO LUGE: Their coaching staff enjoys sharing their knowledge of the sport with others and teaching new sliders steering and form techniques. While luge is referred to as the fastest sport on ice, their track is designed for the first time slider at slower speeds than an Olympic track where sliders can reach speeds of 90+ mph. The top speed on this track from the public start is approximately 30 mph on a “good ice” day, although to most new sliders this still feels like 90 mph! Each “Learn to Luge” sliding session is 2.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 30 participants which allows 3-5 runs depending on efficiency of group. EQUIPMENT: Participants are outfitted with elbow pads and a helmet. Participants will share an authentic luge training sled, handcrafted by the Gasser family, 3rd generation luge sled builders in Austria. PARTICIPANT AGE: All participants must be at least 8 years old at the time of their session. An instructor will explain the components of the sled and teach how to control the sled. GET SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE WINTER: The most strenuous part of the luge experience is carrying your sled to the top of the luge track. Sleds weigh between 25-40 lbs. and are transported up a flight of stairs to the top of the luge track by human power…you! Small children will most likely need adult help to get their sled back up the hill. If you have heart troubles or health issues that may be complicated by climbing stairs or participating in adrenaline pumping outdoor thrill sports, this activity may not be recommended. OTHER THINGS TO EXPECT: All participants must complete a waiver and provide proof of health insurance at check in for the luge session. Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian. After purchasing your tickets you will receive a downloaded waiver that can be filled out in advance of your visit. For more information call (231) 744-9629.

Saturday, December 28:

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tours
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Experience the Hackley & Hume homes located at 484 W. Webster Ave. decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. For more information call 231-722-7578.

Learn to Luge Weekends
Saturday
Enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr., North Muskegon! The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and speeds around 30 mph. THEY WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO LUGE: Their coaching staff enjoys sharing their knowledge of the sport with others and teaching new sliders steering and form techniques. While luge is referred to as the fastest sport on ice, their track is designed for the first time slider at slower speeds than an Olympic track where sliders can reach speeds of 90+ mph. The top speed on this track from the public start is approximately 30 mph on a “good ice” day, although to most new sliders this still feels like 90 mph! Each “Learn to Luge” sliding session is 2.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 30 participants which allows 3-5 runs depending on efficiency of group. EQUIPMENT: Participants are outfitted with elbow pads and a helmet. Participants will share an authentic luge training sled, handcrafted by the Gasser family, 3rd generation luge sled builders in Austria. PARTICIPANT AGE: All participants must be at least 8 years old at the time of their session. An instructor will explain the components of the sled and teach how to control the sled. GET SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE WINTER: The most strenuous part of the luge experience is carrying your sled to the top of the luge track. Sleds weigh between 25-40 lbs. and are transported up a flight of stairs to the top of the luge track by human power…you! Small children will most likely need adult help to get their sled back up the hill. If you have heart troubles or health issues that may be complicated by climbing stairs or participating in adrenaline pumping outdoor thrill sports, this activity may not be recommended. OTHER THINGS TO EXPECT: All participants must complete a waiver and provide proof of health insurance at check in for the luge session. Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian. After purchasing your tickets you will receive a downloaded waiver that can be filled out in advance of your visit. For more information call (231) 744-9629.

Holiday Hustle
8:30 pm
You are invited to the ballroom of the Hilt Building inside the Frauenthal Center located at 425 W. Western Ave. for Holiday Hustle! This is a community concert for youth and young adults to enjoy during the holiday season featuring Nique Got-It and Dolo 24. Tickets are $25. For more information call 231-727-8001.

Sunday, December 29:

Learn to Luge Weekends
Sunday
Enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr., North Muskegon! The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and speeds around 30 mph. THEY WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO LUGE: Their coaching staff enjoys sharing their knowledge of the sport with others and teaching new sliders steering and form techniques. While luge is referred to as the fastest sport on ice, their track is designed for the first time slider at slower speeds than an Olympic track where sliders can reach speeds of 90+ mph. The top speed on this track from the public start is approximately 30 mph on a “good ice” day, although to most new sliders this still feels like 90 mph! Each “Learn to Luge” sliding session is 2.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 30 participants which allows 3-5 runs depending on efficiency of group. EQUIPMENT: Participants are outfitted with elbow pads and a helmet. Participants will share an authentic luge training sled, handcrafted by the Gasser family, 3rd generation luge sled builders in Austria. PARTICIPANT AGE: All participants must be at least 8 years old at the time of their session. An instructor will explain the components of the sled and teach how to control the sled. GET SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE WINTER: The most strenuous part of the luge experience is carrying your sled to the top of the luge track. Sleds weigh between 25-40 lbs. and are transported up a flight of stairs to the top of the luge track by human power…you! Small children will most likely need adult help to get their sled back up the hill. If you have heart troubles or health issues that may be complicated by climbing stairs or participating in adrenaline pumping outdoor thrill sports, this activity may not be recommended. OTHER THINGS TO EXPECT: All participants must complete a waiver and provide proof of health insurance at check in for the luge session. Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian. After purchasing your tickets you will receive a downloaded waiver that can be filled out in advance of your visit. For more information call (231) 744-9629.

Monday, December 30:

FREE Family Movie Day: Ralph Breaks the Internet
3:00 pm
Bring the kids, friends, family and neighbors to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater for a Free Family Movie Day featuring “Ralph Breaks the Internet!” This is a great opportunity to experience the Frauenthal Center during Christmas vacation. No tickets are required for this event, sponsored by the Mart Dock. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

FREE Family Game Night at the Library
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to Ravenna Public Library located at 12278 Stafford St, 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 231-853-6975

Tuesday, December 31:

Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown: New Year’s Eve Ballroom Package
Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown has a fantastic New Year’s Eve Ballroom Package for 2020! It’s an all-inclusive package for 2 that includes:
• Overnight accommodations
• Champagne upon arrival
• Dinner buffet
• Open bar from 10:00pm – 1:00am
• Balloon drop
• Champagne toast and snacks at midnight
• Breakfast buffet New Year’s Day
• Late checkout of 1:00pm
• Photo booth with props
• Live Entertainment by Great Scott
Packages start at 359.99 + tax. Mark your reservation today at www.marriott.com/mkgde or by calling 231-722-0100.

Irish New Year at Unruly Brewing Co.
2:00 pm – 7:45 pm
It’s an Irish New Year at Unruly Brewing Co. located at 360 W. Western Ave.! They will have simulcasting from Irish bars in Ireland as well as Irish events and Happy Hour featuring $1 off all beers from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. For more information call (231) 288-1068.
The list of events is as follows:
• 2:00pm & 3:00pm – Arden Academy of Dance (Irish Dancers)
• 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Mona Shores Fiddlers
• 5:45pm – 7:45pm – The Barley Saints

Unruly Brewing Co. New Year’s Eve Bash
8:30 pm
It’s the Unruly Brewing Co. New Year’s Eve Bash located at 360 W. Western Ave. with Flexadecibel, Baccano, and Dean Martian! Baccano is going to kick things off, then Flexadecibel will funk you into the New Year! DJ Dean Martian will keep the party going into the night! This one’s gonna slap, so make sure you dress your best, and come prepared to get down HARD. The cover is $5. You must be 21 or older to attend. For more information call (231) 288-1068.

New Year’s Eve Party Package at the Shoreline Inn
6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The Shoreline Inn is offering an all-inclusive party for TWO that includes:
Overnight accommodations*Champagne upon arrival*Appetizers*Dinner Buffet*Open bar from 10:00pm – 1:00am*Champagne Toast*Midnight Snacks*Balloon Drop*Live entertainment by Pop Fiction*Late check out of 1:00pm*Breakfast buffet on New Year’s Day
Packages start at $399 plus tax. For reservations, please call the Shoreline Inn at 231-727-8483. You must be 21 years of age.

18th Amendment New Year’s Eve
6:30 pm
It’s an 18th Amendment New Year’s Eve! Get out your glad rags and get dolled up for a swanky New Year’s Eve party. Starting at 8:00pm, the Swing Operation will keep you dancing all night long before counting down into 2020 at midnight. You must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend this event. General Admission (9:00pm – 1:00am) $20 per person (available at the door or online) Entry begins at 9:00pm Includes access to party all evening, live music, roaring 20’s themed party favors, view of the Times Square ball drop live feed, and a champagne toast at midnight Dinner is NOT included. Pizzas and appetizers will be available for purchase.
Dinner Package (6:30pm – 1:00am)* Limited and must be purchased in advance*
$50 per person Buffet-style dinner with hors d’oeuvres and dessert, access to party all evening, live music, roaring 20’s themed party favors, view of the Times Square ball drop live feed, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dinner Menu Appetizers: Dessert: Drink Menu: Full cocktail menu available Limited edition 18th Amendment Champagne

Bella Maria’s New Year’s Eve Party
7:30 pm
New Year’s Eve beginning at 7:30pm, celebrate with Bella Maria’s Event Center with live music from the Westside Soul Surfers, a smokin’ 10-piece R & B, funk and soul powerhouse! Also included with your ticket are appetizers, a 5-star dinner buffet including Prime Rib, the Ultimate Dessert Bar and favors at midnight. Tickets are $75 per person. Call 231-563-6914 to reserve yours. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Wednesday, January 1 2020:

Happy New Year!

Thursday, January 2:

Planning a wedding? Muskegon Area Bridal Expo coming January 11, 2020 to the Frauenthal Center!

Friday, January 3:

Saturday, January 4:

Sunday, January 5:

Monday, January 6:

Our office will be closed December 23-January 1, 2020
Happy Holidays

Fruitport Area News Online

The Hometown Paper Reaching Fruitport and Sullivan Townships

Muskegon County Calendar of Events Dec. 16- Jan. 6, 2020