Muskegon County Events February 24 – March 2, 2020

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

Monday February 24:

Lakeshore Restaurant Week
February 21 – February 29
Lakeshore Restaurant Week is happening in the Muskegon Area February 21 – 29! Local restaurants will offer discounts and other promotions to entice couples and families to experience eating establishments that they haven’t tried before. For a list of participants visit www.muskegonlakeshorerestaurantweek.com

Black History Month: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library as they discuss the compelling book, “Becoming,” by Michelle Obama. Copies will be available behind the HPL reference desk one month before the discussion on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring copies back to the discussion. Call 231-722-8000 with any questions about this free Black History Month event.

Vietnam – Wrong Place, Wrong Time, Wrong War
6:00 pm
Join the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for the presentation “Vietnam – Wrong Place, Wrong Time, Wrong War.” This presentation by Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army Retired) Ron Janowski is $5.00 per person, or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. For more information call 231-755-1230.

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 25:

Feeding the Soul of the City Concert: GV Faculty Brass Quintet
12:00 pm
The Feeding the Soul of the City concert series offers half-hour lunchtime concerts that feature a variety of musical styles, predominantly classical, jazz, and folk/Celtic. They are held in the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon located at 1006 Third St.. 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. All performances are held from 12:15pm to 12:45. The annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” is held on a Sunday evening in December. (231) 722-2112.

Mardi Gras Dinner
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to the Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague for a Mardi Gras Dinner by Chef Heidi! Enjoy Poor-Man’s Jambalaya, Chicken & Shrimp Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice with Ham and Andouille, and King’s Cake for only $13. Please RSVP by calling 231-894-5333. Be sure to stay for lecture with Lazaro Vega on the History of Swing for $7.

White Lake Music Society’s Lecture Series: Music of the Swing Era
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2020 Lecture Series will feature engaging and stimulating presentations! The last Tuesday of the month, from January through March, will showcase a wide variety of expertise and talent. All presentations will take place at 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop. Admission is $7 at the door. For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit www.musicwhitelake.org.

Paczki Day
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Muskegon Polish Festival invites you to join them at the Polish Falcons Club located at 1014 Hackley Ave. for Paczki Day! Enjoy live music from the Dan Bizon Polka Band, polka dancing and, of course, 2 paczki from Ryke’s Bakery! There’ll be plenty of coffee and punch, too. Tickets are only $6 and may be purchased in advance by calling Joane Southland at 231-780-3162 or Barb Werner at 231-343-6445. There’ll be limited tickets sold at the door.

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.

Wednesday February 26:

MCC History Month Celebration: African American Read-In Chain
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Come to the Blue & Golf Room at Muskegon Community College located at 221 Quarterline Rd. as they celebrate Black History Month with an African American Read-In Chain! Students, instructors, staff and community members are invited to read aloud and listen to selections of prose and poetry from the body of African American literature. The Read-In is part of a national event sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. For more information, contact Theresa.Kanoza@muskegoncc.edu.

FREE Movie Time: Harriet
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Visit the Muskegon Heights Library located at 2808 Sanford St. to see the film telling the incredible true story of Harriet Tubman and her quest to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. This event is free! For more information call (231) 739-6075.

MCC Black History Month Celebration Film Festival: The Hate You Give
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

North Grove Brewers Benefit
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Check out North Grove Brewers located at 8735 Water St., Montague for a night of amazing food, live music and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Jaeger Foundation! The Jaeger Foundation provides funding, resources, and education for veterans and first responders to receive a service dog with as little red tape as possible. $1 from each beer sold from the special tap for the entire month of February will also go to the Jaeger Foundation Grant. Call (231) 894-0144.

Dining in the Dark
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. for “Dining in the Dark!” This popular event is an adventure in dining, featuring an amazing meal while eating completely in the dark. The cost is $45. This event will sell-out so purchase your tickets quickly at the City Clerk’s Office (933 Terrace St.) or at the Muskegon Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Please indicate any restrictions by emailing ann.meisch@shorelinecity.com.

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.

Thursday February 27:

Muskegon Civic Theatre Presents: Our Town
7:30pm
The Muskegon Civic Theatre located at 425 W. Western Ave. presents, “Our Town” on the Beardsley Theater stage! Described by Edward Albee as “…the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town tells the universal story of small town America and asks us to consider what is important in life. This American classic celebrates the beauty of life as it is played out against a simplistic back drop of daily rituals. The citizens of Grover’s Corners eat breakfast, work in town, do household chores, garden, gossip, got to school, attend choir practice, and admire the moonlight, providing us with a deeply moving glimpse into the concerns of all humankind. Tickets are $26.50 and available through the Frauenthal Box Office. For more information call 231-727-8001.

Dancing with the Local Stars
7:00pm
The 12th annual “Dancing with the Local Stars” charity event to raise money for local food pantries pairs local community stars with professional dancers for an exciting evening of entertainment! Performances will take place the evenings of February 27-29, with an additional matinee on Saturday, February 29. Tickets will be available beginning January 2 by calling 231-798-4244. Food-related charities are invited to request funds at www.womensdivision.org.

Brown Bag Film – Craft in America: Nature
12:00 pm
Join the Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster Ave. for the Brown Bag Film, “Craft in America: Nature!” “Service” documents the power of the handmade to inspire, motivate and heal. Featured artists include Ehren Tool, Peter Voulkos, Judas Recendez, women veterans working at Shotwell Paper Mill, and Caisson Platoon leather artists working at Arlington National Cemetery. (60 mins.) Auditorium doors open at noon. Free coffee and cookies will be offered. Brown Bag Film admission is free, but paid admission is required to enter the galleries. For more information call 231-720-2570.

FREE Knitting Circle
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster Ave. invites you to bring your knitting or crotchet project for a casual night of creating in the MMA galleries! Draw inspiration from their latest exhibitions, “Excellence in Fibers V” and “The Art of Making.” Light refreshments and soft music will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 231-720-2570.

MCC Black History Month Celebration: Love in Action Award Banquet
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Collegiate Hall at Muskegon Community College for the Love in Action Award Banquet! Black History Month closes with this annual awards dinner celebrating unsung community heroes who are nominated by their peers. Recipients give selflessly of their time and resources to those who normally can’t give back in return. Tickets for the banquet are $30 each or $180 for a table of six. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Thursday, February 13. Registration is required to attend. For more information, contact Sche Cornelius at sche.cornelius@muskegoncc.edu or call (231) 777-0532.

Friday February 28:

The Alley Door Club: That Beatles Thing
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrating its’ 15th season, The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center has live performances from an array of local bands! The Alley Door Club features live music from popular West Michigan bands in a fun environment which includes a cash bar and dancing in the Ballroom located on the 3rd Floor of the Hilt Building. The doors open at 6:00pm for Happy Hour ($1 off all drinks), with live music from 7:00pm – 10:00pm.

Chef Tim O’s No-Cook Fridays: Pork Marsala, Mashed Potatoes
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague invites you to join them for comfort food to start your weekend with chef and bartender Tim O’Connell’s ‘No Cook Fridays!’ The cost is only $10 to enjoy great food, live music and a full bar. Dinner is at 6:00pm and the music begins at 7:00pm. For more information, call 231-894-5333.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Hockey: GET JACK’D!
Puck drops @7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated 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 home games Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 at 7:05pm at the Mercy Health Arena as they take on the Fargo Force. Friday, it’s “Muskegon Fury Night,” and Saturday is “Dating Game Night!” Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.

City Center Arts Presents: Open Mic Night
7:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. presents Open Mic Night! Any kind of talent is welcome including songs, poems, readings, comedy, plays, dancing or whatever other skill you want to show off. Observers are welcome, too! Feel free to bring in your own food and drinks. Donations are encouraged, but not required at this free event. For more information call (231) 260-6697.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
February 28
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 29:

Dancing with the Local Stars
1:00pm and 7:00pm
The 12th annual “Dancing with the Local Stars” charity event to raise money for local food pantries pairs local community stars with professional dancers for an exciting evening of entertainment! Performances will take place the evenings of February 27-29, with an additional matinee on Saturday, February 29. Tickets will be available beginning January 2 by calling 231-798-4244. Food-related charities are invited to request funds at www.womensdivision.org.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Hockey: GET JACK’D!
Puck drops @7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated 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 home games Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 at 7:05pm at the Mercy Health Arena as they take on the Fargo Force. Friday, it’s “Muskegon Fury Night,” and Saturday is “Dating Game Night!” Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.

Giggle Giggle Quackle
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Bring the kids to TheBlock located at 360 W. Western Ave. for “Giggle Giggle Quackle!” The second show in the series continues to show what Farmer Brown’s animals will do in order to get what they want. Giggle Giggle introduces another music concept – ‘tempo’ – and asks children to move slow, medium, and fast as they learn what this term means and how it makes them feel. The Click Clack Mooscians gather again to perform with the telling of “Giggle Giggle Quack” book. Tickets are $10 for adults (14+), $5 for children (3-13) and children under 3 are free. For more information call 231-726-3231.

FREE Chicken Soup Writing Workshop
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Check out Fruitport Library located at 47 Park St., Fruitport for the Chicken Soup Writing Workshop! Have you ever read “Chicken Soup for the Soul?” Did you know that one of our Fruitport library patrons has been published in it several times? Join Julie as she teaches you what it takes to share pivotal moments in a concise and meaningful way. She will discuss her writing strategies and the publishing process. Bring your favorite pen or pencil as you start composing your own story during this workshop which is free and open to all ages. For more information call (231) 366-6107.

Black History Month: Jon Covington and the Men from the Documentary “Black Man”: FREE
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. hosts Muskegon’s native Jon Covington’s documentary “Black Man” comes to life in a live version! Unfolding past and present-day stories of African American men, this compelling event will showcase influential and universal stories from all walks of life. Don’t miss this riveting, free event suitable for all ages. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Leap into Leap Day at Hackley Library: FREE
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster invites you to join them for some “ribbiting” good fun as they celebrate Leap Day! Drop into Youth Services any time after 2:00pm to participate in frog themed crafts at this all ages. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Euchre Tournament
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Everyone is invited to the Polish Falcon Club located at 1014 W. Hackley Ave. for a Euchre Tournament! The cost is $25 per player which includes dinner and snacks. You’re guaranteed 6 games with a new partner every game and a 7th game for the top 4 players. Games will last no longer than 20 minutes. There’ll be cash awards for 1st and 2nd place with the payout depending on the number players. You’ll also enjoy 50/50 raffles, a silent auction and a cash bar.

The Kreellers
7:30 pm
The Playhouse at White Lake located at 304 S. Mears presents The Kreellers! Get ready for some Detroit Celtic Rock on the Westside! Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the show. For more information call (231) 894-4048.

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.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
February 29
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.

Sunday March 1:

4th Annual Chili Potluck at Pigeon Hill
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pigeon Hill is hosting their 4th Annual Chili Potluck in the taproom on Sunday, March 1 from 1:00pm-3:00pm! Prizes will be awarded to Judge’s & People’s Choice! In an effort to raise money for Kids’ Food Basket, they ask that everyone make a $10 donation to sample all of the amazing chili. You’ll go home with a full belly, don’t you worry! All donations will go directly to Kids’ Food Basket which provides sack dinners to over 750 kids with a sack supper EVERY weekday right here in Muskegon County. Due to space, they have a limit of 12 chili entries! If you’d like to compete in the chili competition, please call the taproom at 231-375-5184 or email alana@pigeonhillbrew.com to reserve a spot. A crockpot of delicious chili, a large serving utensil and an extension cord to plug in your crock pot is all that is required to participate! Pigeon Hill will supply the bowls, sample cups, spoons, tables, and voting materials. Everyone who submits a chili will receive a gift card to Pigeon Hill!

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
March 1
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 March 2:

PINTwood Derby Competition
March 2
Join Pigeon Hill in the taproom for their first ever PINTwood Derby Competition! This event is to bring out the kid in all of us, so get competitive, grab a beer and challenge your friends to the PINTwood Derby! They will have Derby Build-It Nights and practice runs Monday nights in March, as well as the first 2 Mondays in April. The big PINTwood Derby Competition will be April 18 at 1:00pm. Get all the details at Pigeon Hill’s Facebook page.

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.

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

Fruitport Area News Online

The Hometown Paper Reaching Fruitport and Sullivan Townships

Muskegon County Events February 24 – March 2, 2020