Muskegon County Calendar of Events 05/04/15-05/11/15
Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
05/04/2015 – 08/04/15 'Veterans' Stories'
The World War II experiences of a dozen Muskegon area World War II veterans, as told to Muskegon Community College students enrolled in the popular Intro to WWII course, will be shared in a special exhibit, "Veterans' Stories," from May 4 through August 4 at the USS Silversides Museum, located at 1346 Bluff St. Admission is $5 per person and is free to museum members.
Patterned after the work of famous oral historian, journalist and The Good War author Studs Terkel, the MCC students who each assigned a local veteran to interview. The students also produced historical content highlighting their research. The compelling exhibit represents the collective culmination of their semester-long projects.
For more information on the Veterans' Stories exhibit, contact Frank Marczak, associate director of the USS Silversides Museum, at (231) 755-1230.
05/06/2015 – Muskegon City Flea Market
The City Flea Market will open for the season Wednesday, May 6 from 6:00am-3:00pm. They are located at 700 Yuba Street. There are many booths of products you can only imagine! They are open every Wednesday through October 28.
05/06/2015 – Hero Mud Run Preview Event
Drop in to Pigeon Hill Brewing for runner information about the May 16 event at Muskegon County Fairgrounds, team or individual sign-ups and registration discounts. Learn more about the 3-6-8 mile options, the course and its 25 obstacles. Special discounts on site. Giveaways and drawings for merchandise. For more information, e-mail heromudrun@gmail.com.
05/07/2015 – Garden Bros. Circus
The L.C. Walker Arena and Event Center is pleased to announce the addition of Garden Bros Circus and their fun-filled, high-energy traveling circus for a one night only event on Thursday, May 7 with two shows slated for 4:30pm and 7:30pm. From the producers of Ice Capades, Stellar Entertainment Group Incorporated proudly presents Garden Bros Circus, a family tradition for over 100 years, which offers a real family adventure featuring one and a half hours of surprises with sound, lights, music, and special effects that blows everyone out of the water. The circus explodes with numerous attractions including high-flying daredevils, a BMX Extreme Stunt Team, flash mob dancers, pink poodles, clowns, the Human Cannonball, princesses, heroes, penguins, and much more. In addition, Garden Bros Circus consists of a Fan Zone with animal rides and activities where kids can also meet all of the characters involved in the show. Special tasty treats including cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, and snow cones will be available throughout the night.
Doors for both shows open an hour before beginning at 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. For tickets, fans can to go GardenBrosCircus.com and click on the "Get Tickets" tab on the homepage.
Fashion & Frolic 2015 "Fiesta de Mayo" will be a night of fun and entertainment including dinner, a Style Show with lovely fashions, a unique shopping bazaar of local vendors, and a huge Silent Auction. It's happening Thursday, May 7 at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. Doors open at 4:00pm. This fundraiser has donated over $184,000 to help numerous local organizations over the last 10 years. For more information, e-mail Marilyn Forton at fortonm@gmail.com or Betty Kinney at bettygkinney@hotmail.com.
05/07/2015 – Party in the Mark
Parties In the Park is throwing a beer tasting party so YOU can vote for this year’s beer line up. From 5:00pm-9:00pm, get samples of beer and vote for your favorites! Additional samples or full beers are available for purchase. Food is available for purchase from Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack, music by Plain Jane Glory. For more information, visit partiesinthepark.com.
05/07/2015 – Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Opening Event
You're invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art Thursday, May 7 at 5:30pm for the "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" opening reception. There'll be a Gallery Walk and Talk with Senior Curator E. Jane Connell and Curator of Education Cathy Mott at 6:00pm. Take Me Out to the Ballgame is comprised of a group of works from the MMA's permanent collection and features sports and leisure themed paintings and sculptures. For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
05/08/2015 – 05/09/15 52nd Annual Muskegon Y's Club White Elephant Sale
The Muskegon Y's Club White Elephant Sale will be held on May 8 from 9:00am-7:00pm and May 9 from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Folkert Community Hub, located at 640 Seminole Rd. For a $5 donation, Early Birds will be admitted at 8:00am Friday morning. Money raised will go directly to the YMCA and Camp Pendalouan. If you have items, gift certificates or cash you would like to donate to the cause, please call 231-727-9900.
05/08/2015 – High School Theater Festival
More than 200 students from seven area high schools will converge on Muskegon Community College's Overbrook Theater on Friday, May 8, for the annual West Michigan High School Theater Festival. The event, which runs from 8:30am to 2:00pm, involves a 25-minute performance by students from each participating school, followed by feedback from MCC Theater Instructors Tom Harryman and Sheila Wahamaki. Each school receives a recognition award at the festival's conclusion. A dozen current MCC students will serve as hosts for this year's participating high schools: Muskegon, Oakridge, Reeths-Puffer, Shelby, Spring Lake, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall. For more information, contact Sheila Wahamaki at (231) 777-0323.
05/08/2015 – 05/09/15 Threads of Friendship Quilt Show
The "Threads of Friendship" quilt show is happening from 10:00am-5:00pm, May 8-9 at Fellowship Reformed Church, located at 4200 E. Apple Ave. Enjoy more than 150 quilts, daily demonstrations, vendors, bed turnings, quilt raffles, challenge quilts, a boutique, silent auction and optional lunch. Admission is $5. For more information, visit Patchers at the Lakeshore on Facebook.
Friday, May 8, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day, the USS Silversides has got a sweet deal for you! "The Candy Bomber", is a documentary about Colonel Gail Halvorsen and the relationship he developed with the children of East Berlin by air-dropping candy. Enjoy this film in their theater at 11:00am and 2:00pm. There will be no additional charge to museum guests or members to watch the film. And after the movie, stop by the Gift Shop and purchase one of their new chocolate submarines! For more information, call 231-755-1230 ext. 225.
05/08/2015 – Buzz's Lakeside Inn Season Opening
Join Buzz's Lakeside Inn for their opening night Friday, May 8th from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. Dinner and live music provided by Buddy Popps from 8:00-10:00pm. They will serve dinner and drinks to kick off the season with you. www.lakesideinn.net
05/08/2015 – Watermark Live Spring Concert Series
Spring concerts at the Watermark 920 have been amazing! This month on May 8, you can enjoy Stella. Doors open at 6:00pm with music at 7:00pm. All ages are welcome! No cover charge. This is a FREE event, but if you bring an unopened jar of peanut butter to the door they will donate them to the Kids Food Basket. www.watermarkcenter.com
05/08/2015 – In Our Backyard Series: Life to Lyrics
In Our Backyard Series: Life to Lyrics is an evening with singer-songwriters at the Howmet Playhouse, Friday, May 8 at 7:30pm. Michigan is a hotbed of musical talent with so many professional musicians calling the Mitten State home. It is always a treat to sit back and listen to these wonderful musicians as they share their life experiences through song. During this special evening with Ralston Bowles, Karisa Wilson, Ruth Bloomquist, and Tommy Foster, these West Michigan musicians will share their songwriting processes and perform some of their favorite songs. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call (231) 894-4048.
05/08/2015 – Back Alley Comedy Club: Rich Guzzi
Come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center, Friday, May 8 at 9:00pm for The Extreme Comedy Hypnosis Show with Rich Guzzi! Doors open at 7:30pm. A full bar and food will be available. Tickets are only $10! Call 231-755-1258 for more information and ask for Todd or Mike.
05/08/2015 – The Ultimate Ladies Night Out: Men From Las Vegas
The L.C. Walker Arena and Event Center is pleased to announce the debut of the world famous Men From Las Vegas and their Ultimate Ladies Night Out theatre style production happening on Friday, May 8 from 9:00 – 11:00pm for a special Mother's Day show sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Straight out of Las Vegas, the Men From Las Vegas provide a live show designed to mesmerize with its cutting edge choreography, handsome men, and extravagant costumes. The group has performed in front of sellout crowds all across the United States and all over the world and is the perfect group outing to celebrate birthdays, bachelorettes parties, break-up parties, Mother's Day celebrations, or just a fun night out with great friends. These entertainers have been featured on multiple media outlets including MTV, and the E-Network and various reality television shows and billboards across the United States.
Doors for the event open at 7:00pm, and the show is for ages 18 and up. General admission tickets for the one night event are on sale for only $35, along with V.I.P. tickets available for $55 that guarantees ladies the best seats in the house. Tickets can be purchased at www.menfromlasvegas.com, www.lcwalkerarena.com, or by calling the L.C. Walker Arena Box Office at (231) 724-5225.
05/09/2015 – Spring into Lakeside
Spring Into Lakeside is May 9 from 10:00am-5:00pm with the All Day Shop & Hop, the "Spring is Buzzing Dog Parade", kids FREE crafts, activities and Sidewalk Chalk Contest. There'll also be a FREE kids' movie at Harbor Cinema. Visit your favorite Lakeside shop and purchase their "Stamp Special" for a chance to win a basket of goodies. There'll be music, freebies and fun, fun, FUN! www.lakesidedistrict.com
Shop & Hop: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
"Spring is Buzzing" Dog Parade: 10:00 – 11:30 am
(Information & Registration @ Sitting Pretty Pet Spa)
Pound Buddies: 11:00am – 1:00pm
(Visit adoptable pets @ Sitting Pretty Pet Spa)
Sidewalk Chalk Contest: 12:00 – 3:00pm
(Register @ Harbor Cinema)
Face Painting: 12:00 – 3:00pm
Free Movie: "Smurfs": 3:00pm
05/09/2015 – Baseball Super Saturday
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am–3:00pm for a "Baseball Super Saturday" Free Family Fun Day! The MMA has a great exhibition that celebrates America's favorite pastime, baseball! This Saturday will be full of home runs and no strikes. Super Saturday admission and activities are free.
10:00 am & 1:00 pm Film: The Sandlot
(101 mins.) Join an unruly group of boys as they learn, grow, and experience all things baseball during a summer of adolescent fun.
11:00 am–1:00 pm Guided Exhibition Tours
Tour Take Me Out to the BallGame with an MMA docent.
11:00 am–2:00 pm Make & Take
Design your own foam visor and baseball card to take home.
05/09/2015 – Saturday In The Park – McGraft Park
We are combining great music and helpful service organizations that will benefit the people of Muskegon. Some organizations featured will be: Muskegon Volunteer for Dental Care, Muskegon Area Transit System, The Health Project, Muskegon Community College, Free Cell Phones, etc.
05/09/2015 – Freedom Riders Film
Join The James Jackson Museum of African American History for "Freedom Riders" film on Saturday, May 9. Doors open at 2:00 and the film begins at 3:00pm. Admission is FREE, but donations are always appreciated. The museum is located at 7 E. Center Street, Muskegon Heights. For more information, visit them on Facebook.
05/09/2015 – Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fundraiser
Unruly Brewing Company has teamed up with local law enforcement officials to raise money for the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund and bring awareness to National Police Week. Owner Eric Hoffman said his business recently came up with an American red ale, appropriately named Valor Ale, as a way to support Muskegon County police. The brew was created with the help of several police officers in the area. On May 9, Unruly is hosting a fundraising event from 6:30-10:00pm at which time the beer will be served to the public. There'll also be live music and bag pipers. Donations to the memorial can be made online at mleom.org or at the event.
05/09/2015 – SJO SUPERCROSS EVENT
SJO Supercross event takes place at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds located at 6621 Heights Ravenna Road. 7:00pm Admission: $10 adults, $5 youth 11 and under. For more information: http://www.sjoproductions.com
05/09/2015 – Back Alley Comedy Club: Rich Guzzi
Come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center, Saturday, May 9 at 8:00pm and again at 10:30pm, for The Extreme Comedy Hypnosis Show with Rich Guzzi! Doors open at 7:30pm. A full bar and food will be available. Tickets are only $10! Call 231-755-1258 for more information and ask for Todd or Mike.
05/10/2015 – Mothers' Day Brunch at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference
Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-dat Mothers' Day Brunch at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, Sunday, May 10 from 11:00am-2:00pm. Adults 13 and over are $25 per person. For children 4-12, your age is your price! Children 3& under are free! Purchase tickets online or call 231-798-2161.
05/10/2015 – Mother's Day Tours – FREE
Mother’s Day, May 10, from Noon to 4:00pm, mothers get free admission and a carnation at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site! They are located at 484 W. Webster Ave. For more information, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org or call 231-722-0278.
05/10/2015 – Mother's Day Champagne Brunch
Sunday, May 10 is everyone's special day to spend with mom. This year join the Port City Princess for their annual cruise and dinner from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Mother's Day Brunch is $35.00 and for moms and kids under 10 years of age it's just $25.00 each. Call for reservations at 231-728-8387 or www.portcityprincess.com
05/10/2015 – Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center Open House
Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center invites you to visit them from 1:00pm-4:00pm to learn all about the facility, the birds, and what they do. Guests will also get to see the permanent resident birds, and touch real artifacts! In addition to the free handouts about preserving the environment for raptors and other conservation information, you can purchase T-shirts, raptor bookmarks, and notecards with photos of their ambassador birds. For more information, call 231-821-9125 or check them out on Facebook!
Ongoing Events:
Collector's Corner: Beatles Memorabilia
Beatles Memorabilia is the topic of the display in the Collectors Corner at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Featured are album covers from The Fab Four, fan club cards, a collectible plate, a Beatles themed Trivial Pursuit Game, beach towel and more. Figures of the four musicians and a yellow submarine are also included in William Stidham Sr.'s collection. The museum is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. For more information, call 231-722-0278.
"Armchair Archaeology: From Hobby to History" is on display at the Lakeshore Museum Center! The exhibit explores early archaeology practices and philosophies that would be considered controversial today and showcases the local men who did it right. The exhibit features ten Muskegon residents from the late 1800s to early 1940s who were working in the area to learn about who and what was living here before them. Artifacts on display from the local digs include pottery shards, arrowheads, projectile points, and tools. Visitors will have an opportunity to take a seat and spend some time reading books and journal articles written by and about the men featured in the exhibit. www.lakeshoremuseum.org
The Muskegon Museum of Art announces that Avian Avatars, an art installation of five colossal sculptures, each symbolizing a mythical bird, designed by The Myth Makers, artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, will arrive in Muskegon on April 27, 2015. The sculptures are crafted from maple saplings, wire ties, and found objects, and stand from 18 to 26 feet tall. Each of the sculptures will be installed in a different downtown Muskegon location for a full year. Avian Avatars is currently on display in the Garment District of New York City, from where it will travel directly to Muskegon.
Since the beginning of human history cultures have identified birds as mythic and transformational. Their seasonal plumage has indicated change, signaled migration and foretold impending weather events. The Phoenix, Garuda, Horus, Ra, Thunderbird and angel iconography all address transcendence and rebirth. "The world's most symbolic birds–the Raptor, Owl, Crow, Pigeon, and Falcon–are flocking to Muskegon, Michigan, to consider our changing world," state the artists.
Each bird in the installation represents a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraging the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world. The sculptures are also intentionally made not to be permanent. Typically, per the artists, they last four to five years in any installation.
Each monumental bird has something to say. They speak in different voices and from unique perspectives, but this gathering of Avian Avatars-The Realist, The Great Spirit, The Scold, The Tourist, and The Tastemaker-is meant to raise an alarm, speaking to modern humans who should heed their varied stories about the current human impact on their changing natural world.
Reading by Any Means Necessary
You're invited to the James Jackson Museum of African American History for the "Reading…by any means necessary" program, every Monday through Saturday from 2:00-5:30pm. The museum is located at 7 E. Center St. in Muskegon Heights. Call 231-739-9500 for more information.
Generational Walking Challenge: Weekly Stroll
Muskegon State Park is hosting a Generational Walking Challenge this spring beginning April 13. This weekly walk happens Mondays at 5:00pm at the Snug Harbor Day Use Area. At the end of 8 weeks, on May 29, participants can turn in their activity tracking form for a chance to win prizes. The grand prize for the family or group that logs the most minutes of activity is a 2-night stay at Muskegon State Park's Yurt (limit 7 people per team).
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park will host a completion celebration on Friday, May 29 at 5:00pm. Register today for Muskegon County's Generational Walking Challenge with your family and friends by emailing bucke1@michigan.gov. This program is funded by MRPA's Active Living Grant, in partnership with the Michigan DNR. Other partners include the Health Project, EcoTrek Fitness and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into all Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
Manierre Dawson: Engineering Abstraction
Manierre Dawson: Engineering Abstraction, an exhibition of works by a pioneer in American abstract painting with Michigan roots, will open at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Thursday, April 30 and run through August 9. Manierre Dawson was born Chicago in 1887 and lived there until moving to Ludington, Michigan in 1914 to run his family's farm. He painted and sculpted during his years there, until his death in 1969. muskegonartmuseum.org
Enjoy their bustling market opening their outdoor season on Saturday, May 2! Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Power of Produce will start up again Saturday June 6 – October 31, 2015, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with activities 10:00 – Noon on Saturdays only. This is a membership club for kids, ages 5 – 12 yrs. They learn about healthy eating and can purchase their own fresh produce. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com
Muskegon Heights Farmer's Market
The Muskegon Heights Farmer's Market will offer a variety of produce along with being a flea market. Starting May 2, the market will be open from 9:00am-1:00pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The market is located on the corner of Baker and E. Center streets.
Muskegon Historic Sites Open For Tours
The Hackley & Hume Historic Site, Fire Barn Museum and Scolnik House of the Depression Era will open for the season on Friday, May 1. The three historic sites, operated by the Lakeshore Museum Center, are open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. On Sundays, the three sites are open from 1 to 4 pm. The restored homes of Muskegon's most famous lumber barons, Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume, are featured at the Hackley & Hume Historic Sites. Built in the late 1800s, they feature lavish wood carvings, stenciling, stained glass windows, and period furnishings. They are two of the finest examples of Queen Anne Style Victorian homes in the country. The site is located at 484 West Webster Avenue at Sixth Street. Admission is $7 for adults and teens, $5 for seniors 65 and older. Visitors 12 and younger are admitted free. www.lakeshoremuseum.org
For more information about this weeks events please visit http://www.visitmuskegon.org/events-muskegon-michigan.
