Muskegon County Calendar of Events February 3-10, 2020

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

Monday February 3:

Poetry Open Mic Night & Black History Month Calendar Awards
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of poetry at Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Read your own poetry, or read works from your favorite Black History/Black Experience/African American poet.  If you wish to share a poem/piece, please register by calling 231-722-8011, or by visiting HPL’s online events calendar. Walk-ins are also welcome!  Additionally, from 6:00pm – 6:30pm, those who have been selected for the annual Black History Month Calendar will be honored and the calendar will be distributed.  All ages welcome! This free event is brought to you through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore and our supporters.

Team Trivia Game Show
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Check out Trivia night at Racquet’s Downtown Grill located at 446 W Western Ave. 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.  call (231) 726-4007.

Tuesday February 4:

Live at the Library FREE: Don Hoogenstyn
6:30 pm
Cme to the North Muskegon Library located at 1522 Ruddiman for live music from Don Hoogenstyn!  Don is a teacher, lecturer, author, and composer and will present “Abe’s Faves,” celebrating the musical life of our 16th president.  Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided.  For more information call (231) 744-6080.

We Are Stars: FREE Show
7:00 pm
An event every week that begins at 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, repeating until March 26, 2020 January 14 – February 27, and March 10 – March 26, (no shows on March 3 and 5) come to the Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College located at 221 Quarterline Rd. for the free show, “We Are Stars!”  What are we made of? Where did it all come from?  Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins.  Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life.  Narrated by Andy Serkis.  This is a 35-minute presentation.  For more information call 231-777-0289.

Classical Night: Uecker Thielman Duo
7:00 pm
Visit Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St.for Classical Night featuring the Uecker Thielman Duo playing 4-Hand Piano!  Enjoy the music of Debussy, Barber, Dvorak, and Rubinstein.  The cover is $5. Come at 6:15pm to enjoy a dinner of roast pork loin with Carolina Gold Sauce, souffléd grits, greens, a glass of house wine and blueberry cobbler for only $17.  Be sure to RSVP to by calling (231) 894-5333.

Wednesday February 5:

Aromatherapy Meditation for Seniors
2:00 pm
Ravenna Public Library located at 12278 Stafford St. invites you to join them as you learn how to use both aromatherapy and meditation for inner peace. For more info. call 231-853-6975.

MCC Black History Month Celebration Film Festival: Imitation of Life
5:00 pm
Muskegon Community College located at 221 Quarterline Rd. will celebrate Black History Month 2020 with several events during the month of February.  All of the events, with the exception of the Love In Action Awards Dinner, are free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Trynette Lottie-Harps in the MCC Community Outreach Office at (231) 777-0559. The Black History Month Film Festival happens Wednesdays in February at 5:00pm in the Stevenson Center, Room 1300.  There will be free popcorn and a discussion following each film.  For more information, contact Mary Tyler at (231) 777-0327 or by email at mary.tyler@muskegoncc.edu. Tonight “Imitation of Life”, directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, Sandra Dee, John Gavin and Mahalia Jackson.

Ice Breaker Wednesdays: Weather Permitting
6:00 pm
Enjoy “Ice Breaker Wednesdays” at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. This is your chance to learn how to skate and cross country ski with free skate and ski lessons for beginners.  Whether young or old, all beginners are welcome to participate.  A $5 rink or trail pass is required for each activity.  Rental equipment is also available for $5 inside the lodge.  Lessons begin promptly at 6:00pm.  All participants should arrive early enough to purchase a pass and get equipment on.  For more information, visit www.msports.org.

Skate with the Jacks: Weather Permitting
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Skate with the Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey team at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. You can skate and play hockey with the hottest team in the USHL under the lights on 2 acres of outdoor ice rink and 1/4 mile ice skating trail through the woods.  A $5 rink pass is required for admission on to the ice. You can rent ice skates for $5.  Hockey equipment is available for rent for $3 for a stick and $1 for a helmet.  For more information, visit www.msports.org.

Thursday February 6:

Author Happy Hour with Laura Holmes
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to the Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St. for an Author Happy Hour with Laura Holmes and learn how to travel your way to happy!  There’ll be a Q & A, photos and book signings. Laura’s new memoir explores the lighter side of travel with doses of humor, adventure, and personal transformation.  Vacations need not be exclusive to the wealthy; regular people go on adventures, too!  ‘Travel Light’ proves that travel and new experiences will make you laugh and provide increased levels of happiness.  For overworked people around the world, tag along on this quest to achieve balance in life, work, and play.  Destination stories include Italy, Ireland, Spain, France, Alaska, Arizona and of course the author’s home state of Michigan.  Learn about Laura’s charitable partner, Planeterra Foundation. For more information, call the Book Nook & Java Shop at 231-894-5333.

Swing Dance Lessons at SE4SONS
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join Swing Dance Instructor, Becky Biesiada, at SE4SONS located at 2801 Lakeshore Dr. for a series of 3 classes in February.  This is a fun opportunity to learn something new!  Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour Deals. Variety of Swing Class Dates: February 6 ,13, 20 Class Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm Cost: $85 per couple/ $60 per single This is limited to the first 30 participants.  Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a Muskegon Country Club member to participate.  Call 231-755-3737 for reservations today.

We Are Stars: FREE Show
7:00 pm
An event every week that begins at 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, repeating until March 26, 2020 January 14 – February 27, and March 10 – March 26, (no shows on March 3 and 5) come to the Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College located at 221 Quarterline Rd. for the free show, “We Are Stars!”  What are we made of? Where did it all come from?  Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins.  Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life.  Narrated by Andy Serkis.  This is a 35-minute presentation.  For more information call 231-777-0289.

Scarf Tying Master Class
6:00 pm
Join the Montague Library located at 8778 Ferry St. for a Scarf Tying Master Class!  This is a fun session that teaches you multiple ways to tie and wear scarves so you can take your outfit from plain to fabulous. Owner of Posh by Pitkin, Amy Nordlund West, will provide tutorials on how to tie various styles of scarves including simple rectangles, oversize blanket scarves, square silks, and more.  Scarves to practice with will be provided, but be sure to bring your own.  For more information call (231) 893-2675.

Panelists & Films to Focus on Syrian Refugee Tragedy
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Syria: The Never Ending Refugee Tragedy,” a panel discussion and film presentation, will take place at Muskegon Community College’s Sturrus Technology Center.  The event, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by Holocaust and Genocide Studies – Muskegon and the MCC Center for Experiential Learning. For more information on the event, contact the MCC Social Sciences Department at (231) 777-0380.

Friday February 7:

Bubbles & Bold Reds Wine Tasting
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Enjoy the newest addition to SE4SONS located at 2801 Lakeshore Dr. wine tastings at their “Bubbles & Bold Reds Wine Tasting!”  This could be a great Valentine’s date or just a fun Friday.  Sample wines from Alliance Beverage, Imperial Beverage, Republic National Dist., Henry Fox, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, I-Lixir and A.H.D. Vinters.  The cost is $30 per person and includes tasting and light appetizers.  Call your friends and bring a group!  Stop in and purchase your tickets at the SE4SONS Bar any time during restaurant hours.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  For more information call 231-759-3405.

Bling Thing Fundraiser
February 7 – February 8
From 5:00pm – 8:00pm early sale with donation of minimum $10.00. Also enjoy wine and chocolate during the early sales. Join the Friends of Hackley Public Library at the Century Club Ballroom located at 356 W. Western Ave. for their annual “Bling Thing” fundraiser!  This is a sale of costume, vintage and fine jewelry as well as purses, scarves, jackets and other things with “bling!”  For more information call ​(231) 722-8002.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Hockey  -VS- Madison Capitols
Puck Drop 7:05 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. Catch a home at the Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave. as they take on the Madison Capitols.  It’s “Muskegon’s Got Talent Night!” Tickets range from $10 – $17.  For more information call (231) 724-5225.

White Lake Wanderland Winterfest
February 7 – February 9
White Lake Area invites you to join the festivities of their White Lake Wanderland Winterfest!  Winter Wanderland focuses on food and sports, encouraging people to wander Whitehall and Montague for the weekend.  For more information, visit www.whitelakewanderland.com.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
February 7
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 27 – March 8, enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park! They offer one of only four luge tracks in the United States.  Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon Luge track provides an Olympic thrill for first timers.  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.  Since 1984 our program has provided a “Olympic” type luge experience to tens of thousands of sliders visiting from across the globe. 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 February 8:

Bling Thing Fundraiser
February 8
10:00am – 2:30pm, join the Friends of Hackley Public Library at the Century Club Ballroom located at 356 W. Western Ave. for their annual “Bling Thing” fundraiser!  This is a sale of costume, vintage and fine jewelry as well as purses, scarves, jackets and other things with “bling!”  For more information call ​(231) 722-8002.

White Lake Wanderland Winterfest
February 7 – February 9
White Lake Area invites you to join the festivities of their White Lake Wanderland Winterfest!  Winter Wanderland focuses on food and sports, encouraging people to wander Whitehall and Montague for the weekend.  For more information, visit www.whitelakewanderland.com.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market located at 6401 Harvey St. offers 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 the website below.

Winter Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. invites you to their Winter Farmers Market!  Vendors will be there offering produce and other hand made goods. Come visit on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm.  For more information visit the website below.

Sculptit Super Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visit the Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster for the free family fun day, “Sculptit Super Saturday!” Imagine it, plan it, sculpt it!  Explore the art of making this Super Saturday as you create your own sculpture in the classroom.  For more information call 231-720-2570. Schedule: 10:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film 11:00am – 1:00pm – Tour “The Art of Making” with an MMA docent 11:00am – 2:00pm – Create your own sculpture in the classroom

Moonlit Trails & Winter Ales
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Gillette Nature Association at Hoffmaster State Park located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd. invite you to join them for “Moonlit Trails & Winter Ales!”  This will be a nearly full moon snow shoe hike, followed by drinks, dinner and a bonfire at Hoffmaster State Park.  If you don’t want to hike but would like to just hang out, that’s no problem!  Earth’s Edge will be on hand to talk about adventure gear, park staff will tell you about some exciting programs they have, and there’ll also be raffles.  Included in the $30 ticket price is a State Park Centennial Pint Glass, (1) drink ticket, guided hike, dinner and dessert.  Only 75 spots are available, so get your ticket today through Eventbrite.com.  For more information call (231) 798-3573.

Valentine’s Love A-Fair 2020
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The West Michigan Business and Craft Fair presents the “Valentine’s Love A-Fair 2020” at the Lakes Mall located at 5600 Harvey St. This craft show features over 50 booths of local handmade items.  Local small businesses will also be on hand with the perfect gifts.  For more information, e-mail commfair@gmail.com.

Sweet Soul Food Contest
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Create something sweet for Hackley Library’s Sweet Soul Food Contest located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Get your recipes out and find your best soul food dessert to compete for the best in the city.  Be sure to bring enough for attendees, plus the judge, to taste.  Register your dish by calling 231-722-8011, or at the HPL online events calendar.  Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place contestants in the adult category, as well as to the 1st place winner in the children’s category.  All ages are welcome to participate in this free event! Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore and library supporters.

John Proulx Trio, vocal jazz @TheBlock
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Come to The Block located at 360 W. Western Ave. for “John Proulx Trio, vocal jazz!” His piano playing is hot and swinging, and his voice recalls the smooth, mellow sounds of a young Chet Baker.  Grand Rapids native John Proulx has performed with Natalie Cole, Melissa Manchester, and Marian McPartland, and won a Grammy for his song “These Golden Years,” sung by the legendary Nancy Wilson.  Tickets are $25 – $35.  Students are $10.  For more information call (231) 726-3231.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
February 8
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 27 – March 8, enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park! They offer one of only four luge tracks in the United States.  Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon Luge track provides an Olympic thrill for first timers.  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.  Since 1984 our program has provided a “Olympic” type luge experience to tens of thousands of sliders visiting from across the globe. 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.

Black Tie for the Y Fundraiser
7:00 pm
You are invited to Harris Catering and Event Center (formerly the Verdoni’s building) located at 211 W. Seaway Dr. for the annual gala and auction, “Black Tie for the Y” to benefit LIVESTRONG with the Muskegon YMCA!  Get dressed up (black tie optional) and enjoy an elegant evening celebrating those touched by cancer in Muskegon, as well as your generosity to the work of the Muskegon YMCA!  Money raised for the YMCA will go directly toward LIVESTRONG with the Muskegon YMCA for cancer survivors. The evening includes a silent auction, live auction, raffles, hearty appetizers, hosted bar and dessert.  Reserve your spot by visiting the website below.  The cost is $100 per person. The night of the event, please check in upon arrival. Actual tickets will not be dispersed.  For more information call (231) 722-9622.

A King’s First Queen: Mother & Son Valentine’s Day Dance
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
AudioLife, LLC invites you to Bed Buggs Child Development located at 2244 Peck St. for “A King’s First Queen Mother & Son Valentine’s Day Dance!” This mother/son dance is for moms and sons of all ages, as well as grandmas, aunties, etc.  The V-Day Dance will be catered by Kuntry Cooking .  There will also be a live DJ, party games and a photo booth.  Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com and are $20 (for 2) and an extra $5 for each additional child.

Miss Shoreline Scholarship Competition
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Miss Shoreline Scholarship Competition takes place Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm at the Delta Marriott located at 939 Third St. in Downtown Muskegon!  M.S.S.C. is proud to welcome back Emily Krejci, the current Miss Shoreline, and current Outstanding Teen, Elly LeCursi.  This scholarship program is proud to be a local affiliate of the Miss Michigan and Miss America organizations.  For more information please email Maria Secord at secretary@misshoreline.org. The Shoreline’s scholarship program kicks off the year announcing an increase in scholarship funds from 2018 made in part by the generosity of sponsors such as Newkirk Electric, Subaru of Muskegon and The Mart Dock. Other sponsors include Thread West Michigan, GGTM Law, Figg’s Boutique, Gemworks and Sanborns Jewelry.

Sunday February 9:

White Lake Wanderland Winterfest
February 7 – February 9
White Lake Area invites you to join the festivities of their White Lake Wanderland Winterfest!  Winter Wanderland focuses on food and sports, encouraging people to wander Whitehall and Montague for the weekend.  For more information, visit www.whitelakewanderland.com.

The Swan Series: Beethoven the Revolutionary –
Marking 250 Years of Great Music
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The White Lake Music Society is pleased to offer a lecture featuring retired Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s violist, Robert Swan. This lecture will take place at the United Methodist Church located at 117 S. Division St. in Whitehall.  Admission is $7 at the door.  For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit www.whitelakemusic.org.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
February 9
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 27 – March 8, enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park! They offer one of only four luge tracks in the United States.  Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon Luge track provides an Olympic thrill for first timers.  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.  Since 1984 our program has provided a “Olympic” type luge experience to tens of thousands of sliders visiting from across the globe. 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 February 10:

Hackley Crafts: Black History Bracelet
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. to create your own bracelet in celebration of Black History Month!  To register for this free craft event, call HPL at 231-722-8011 or visit HPL’s online events calendar.  Registration opens 1 month before the class date.

Team Trivia Game Show
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Check out Racquet’s Downtown Grill located at 446 W. Western Ave. 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 info., call (231) 726-4007.

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Please visit our website www.visitmuskegon.org for a complete listing of events in Muskegon County!