Muskegon County Calendar of Events 1/20/20 – 1/27/20

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

Monday, January 20
*Visit Muskegon office is closed Monday, January 20:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Museum
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster Ave. will open their doors for free in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Visitors can enjoy the galleries, films in the auditorium, crafts in the classroom, and mini tours led by docents and Muskegon High School art students.  For more information call 231-720-2570.Schedule: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm – Film: “Black Man” by Jon Covington 10:00am – 1:00pm – Tours led by MMA docents 11:00am – 2:00pm – Craft in the classroom

Team Trivia Game Show
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill located 446 W. Western Ave. 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, January 21

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Interactive Movie: The Wizard of Oz
4:00 pm
Join the Norton Shores Library located at 705 Seminole Rd., for an interactive screening of the classic movie, “Wizard of Oz!”  You can take part in this action with props, sounds effects, and fun or just relax and enjoy the movie. This free event is for ages 11-18.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

We Are Stars Planetarium Show: FREE
7:00 pm
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, January 22

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Ice Breaker Wednesdays
6:00 pm
Every Wednesday, January 8 – February 26 at 6:00pm, 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.

The Winningest High School Football Team in Michigan
6:30 pm
Come to the Norton Shores Library located at 705 Seminole Rd., as local historian Ron Pesch, co-author of “100 Years of Muskegon Big Red Football,” shares the storied history of Muskegon High School’s Big Reds football program along with the team’s modern-day accomplishments.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

Thursday, January 23

Muskegon Civic Theatre presents: Fun Home
7:30pm
The Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “Fun Home” on the Frauenthal stage located at 425 W. Western Ave.! Tickets are $26.50.  For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.  Fun Home is refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

We Are Stars Planetarium Show: FREE
7:00 pm
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

Exhibit Tour: Cheers! A History of Brewing in Muskegon
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Check out the Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay Ave., for “Cheers! A History of Brewing in Muskegon” Exhibit Tour!  Join Michael Brower, co-founder of Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., and exhibit project manager, Aaron Mace, for a guided tour of their newest exhibit.  Get a deeper history behind many of the items on display, and learn even more about Muskegon’s brewing heritage. Tickets are $5, or free for Museum members.  Please RSVP via Eventbrite.com or by calling 231-722-0278.

Friday, January 24

The Alley Door Club: Root Doctor
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrating its 15th season, The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center located at 425 W. Western Ave., kicks off January 10, 2020 with live performances from an array of local bands!  Performing on select Friday nights through April, 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. Tickets are $10 per person.  Tables may be reserved at $75.00 for a 4-top or $115.00 for an 8-top.   For more information, call the Box Office at 231-727-8001.

Comedian Josh Blue
6:30pm & 9:30pm
Comedian Josh Blue will perform two shows at 6:30pm and 9:30pm at the Back Alley Comedy Club located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd.  Perhaps best known as the comedian who puts the cerebral in Cerebral Palsy, Josh Blue centers much of his self-deprecating act around his disability.  He exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the attention and endearment of the country as the winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing.  Having already established himself as one of the most sought after comedians on the college circuit, his weekly appearances on Last Comic expanded his fan base exponentially. Tickets are $20 General Admission or $25 VIP includes preferred seating and meet and greet.  For more information call (616) 570-8765 or visit the website below.

ESME, Classical Crossover @ The Block
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Visit The Block located at 360 W. Western Ave., second floor for “ESME, classical crossover!” This concert features West Michigan Symphony Associate Concertmaster Gene Hahn and Detroit Symphony cellist Jeremy Crosmer.  ESME (Eclectic String Music Ensemble) arranges and performs their own covers and mashups of classical and popular music from Ravel, Bach and Beethoven to Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Led Zeppelin.  Tickets are $25 – $35.  Students are $10.  For more information call (231) 726-3231.

Muskegon Civic Theatre presents: Fun Home
7:30pm
The Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “Fun Home” on the Frauenthal stage located at 425 W. Western Ave.! Tickets are $26.50.  For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.  Fun Home is refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
Friday * Saturday * Sunday
The Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. offers 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, January 25

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market located at 6401 Harvey St., 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.

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. For more information visit the website below.

2020 Muskegon Polar Plunge
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
It’s the 2020 Muskegon Polar Plunge at Fricano’s Muskegon Lake located at 1050 W. Western Ave. This event will benefit Special Olympics Michigan.  Registration takes place in the Hideaway Lounge from 12:00pm – 2:00pm Fricano’s. Participants will be bused down to Hartshorn Marina to Plunge from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and bused back to the Event Center for the Awards and After Splash Bash immediately following. Register to Plunge for free! Plungers must raise a minimum of $75 to receive the 2020 Polar Plunge Event T-shirt.  Individuals on a team need to average $75 per person to receive the T-shirt.  Additional higher level Polar Plunge incentive items are available the more money you raise!  For more information call (989) 774-3911.

Comedian Josh Blue
6:30pm & 9:30pm
Comedian Josh Blue will perform two shows at 6:30pm and 9:30pm at the Back Alley Comedy Club located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd.  Perhaps best known as the comedian who puts the cerebral in Cerebral Palsy, Josh Blue centers much of his self-deprecating act around his disability.  He exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the attention and endearment of the country as the winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing.  Having already established himself as one of the most sought after comedians on the college circuit, his weekly appearances on Last Comic expanded his fan base exponentially. Tickets are $20 General Admission or $25 VIP includes preferred seating and meet and greet.  For more information call (616) 570-8765 or visit the website below.

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
It’s the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off  located at 149 Shoreline Dr. Get free samples and vote for your favorite (while supplies last).  Get a bowl of your favorite for a donation to Pioneer Trails Camp. Also, “Pick your Pepper” for a sizzling hot deal of 15% – 25% off officially licensed products. The discount will be drawn at time of purchase and applied to regularly priced items. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Motorcycles, labor and select special orders are excluded.  For more information call (231) 722-0000.

Minecraft at Hackley Library: FREE
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library located at 316 Webster Ave., to play Minecraft!  Kick your creative mind into overdrive and craft something new on the Minecraft server.  This computer-based activity is open to the first 20 participants. Registration is required, so visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8014, or stop into Hackley Public Library to reserve your spot.  This free event is for ages 7-12.

Muskegon Civic Theatre presents: Fun Home
7:30pm
The Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “Fun Home” on the Frauenthal stage located at 425 W. Western Ave.! Tickets are $26.50.  For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.  Fun Home is refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
Friday * Saturday * Sunday
The Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. offers 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.

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Sunday, January 26

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Learn to Luge Weekends: Weather Permitting
Friday * Saturday * Sunday
The Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. offers 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, January 27

Wedo Robotics: FREE
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library located at 316 Webster Ave. for “Wedo Robotics!”  Explore LEGOs and coding with these special WeDo kits.  Instructors will be on hand to teach the group and guide individual learning for kids ages 7-14. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Art Exhibit: A House Divided
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“A House Divided,” an exhibition of artwork by Muskegon Community College art faculty member Erin Hoffman, will be on shown from January 21 – February 28 in the Overbrook Art Gallery! Overbrook Gallery located at 221 Quarterline Rd. hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Smash Wine Bar & Bistro: DIY Floral Workshop
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Chase away the winter blahs with a Do-It-Yourself Floral Workshop at the Smash Wine Bar & Bistro located at 415 W. Western Ave., in beautiful Downtown Muskegon!  This will be a fun night of flower arranging as you learn, step by step, how to create a beautiful floral arrangement that you’ll take home with you at the end of the night.  All supplies are provided, as well as lots of tips and tricks to arranging and keeping fresh cut flowers.  Make sure to come early for a bite to eat.  Happy hour is from 4:00pm – 6:0pm and “Manic Monday” drink specials are available all day including 1/2 off bottles of wine! Seating is limited and tickets are $59 (+tax) through Eventbrite.com.  The registration deadline is January 22 at 9:00pm.

Team Trivia Game Show
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill located 446 W. Western Ave. 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.