Calendar image is a photo of white lab named Marley at the edge of an orange dock at the lake's edge. The lake is still and the sky is gray blue clouds with a tinge of orange reflected in the water. Photo by Dennis Baut, taken at Bar Lake, Manistee.

Event Calendar-Manistee & Mason

Event Calendar for Manistee and Mason counties — and sometimes beyond. Tell them you saw it in the Freshwater Reporter! 

PHOTO:  Marley listens to geese honking near the opposite shore of Bar Lake, north of Manistee. Photo by Dennis Baut.

Email event items to us at any time for our online calendar.  Our next printed calendar covers Jan. 8 – March 11 and the deadline is Dec. 23.  Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. If your event isn’t listed on our calendar, you didn’t email it to us!

ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead) before making plans to attend any of these events. Despite our best efforts, errors may occur. 

Advertisement for Brown's Poplar Ridge Orchards is in the shape of a barn. The roof sign says Farm Market. Beneath it are drawings of a tomato and carrot with the caption Fresh produce. Next to it are drawings of ice cream cones and the caption says ice cream. Beside it is a drawing of a pitcher with golden contents and the caption says honey and syrup. A drawing of a slab of raw beef has the caption meat. Beside it is a glass quart of white milk with the caption dairy. Last is a drawing of a slice of cherry pie with the caption Bakery. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 12482 Milarch Road, Bear Lake, north of South Shore Drive. Phone 231-889-3513. Follow them on Facebook.Advertisement for Saint Ambrose Cellars has their logo at the top of a bee with a golden halo and outstretched wings. Inside the logo it says mead, beer, music. The logo is superimposed on a photo of the grounds of the meadery and winery, with a red barn on one side and the meadery on the other. A message beneath the photo says: Mead, beer, wine, food, live music, disc golf, indoor/patio seating. open 7 days a week. Beneath those words is a Q.R. code that people with smartphones or devices can use to be taken to the event schedule and daily specials of the meadery located at 841 South Pioneer Road in Beulah. Phone number is 231-Image for the Gasoline Refind ad shows a photo of the front of the store looking at the red screened door on the porch with found objects. Ad reads Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus Fridays from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Vintage Shopping. Shop in store or shop online. www.gasolinerefind.com. 231-238-3891. Google it. Picture of a retro looking pig's comic book face. Owners Lynn and Scott Brown written above it. Located at Erdman Road, Bear Lake, between Potter and 13 mile roads.

EVENT CALENDAR 

Click on the links in GREEN to be taken to the hosting organization’s website or for ticket information.

ONGOING EVENTS (Scroll below for Daily Events)

Now thru Nov. 23

Regional High School Art Exhibit, Ludington
Free. At Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St.

Poets’ Homes Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. A collaboration between ceramic artist Karen Antrim & pastelist Frank Galante. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St.

Now thru Nov. 30     

Resonance and Rhythm Art Exhibition, Frankfort
Free. Art works by Christy DeHoog, Jon DeHoog, Michelle Newman & Joan Richmond. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Opening reception Oct. 25, 5-7pm.

Now thru Dec. 9

Paws for Pubs, Manistee
8th annual event. $1 or $5 “paws” available for purchase at  many local establishments. Funds benefit animals under the care of Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bounty Animal Shelter.

Now thru Dec. 14

12″ x 12″ Community Art, Manistee
Free. Hardy Hall, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple. Hours: Noon to 3 p.m. Reception: Friday, Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m.

Now thru Dec. 23

Winter Artisans Market, Frankfort
Unique, handmade gifts from regional artisans. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.

Now thru Jan. 3

Fall Art Show, Arcadia
Free. Works by local artists. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd.

Now thru Jan. 31

Small is Beautiful Miniature Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St.

Nov. 24 – Dec. 16

Art of Giving Holiday Market, Ludington
Free. Artworks by local artists for sale. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 31

Sparkle in the Park, Bear Lake
5-10pm, Free/donations gladly accepted. Drive through 50 or so Christmas displays with over 80,000 lights. Hopkins Park Campground, 7727 Hopkins Dr. (just off US-31).

Nov. 29 – Dec. 15

5th Annual Festival of Wreaths, Ludington
Free. Silent auction fundraiser. Bid on artist-made wreaths on display at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St. Bidding is online at ludingtonartscenter.org.

Dec. 6 – Jan. 3

ARTventure: Winter Members Show, Frankfort
Free. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Opening reception Dec. 6, 5-7pm. Artist talk Jan. 3, 1-3pm.

NOVEMBER DAILY EVENTS

NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. Read Valerie Chandler’s November 2022 story, “Celebrating Notable Native Americans”. 

It is also HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS MONTH. Learn more at: What You Need To Know

16

American Legion Craft & Vendor Show, Ludington
10am-2pm. Lunch available for purchase. 318 N. James Street  

Boutique Pop-up & Fashion Workshop, Onekama
3-5pm. With the Bewitching Bluejay. Morgan Leigh Kelsey will teach the mystical elements of adornment. Second-hand fashions of all sizes. Wine, cider and cheese. At Patina Gallery, 4850 Main St.

Wreath Workshop, Arcadia
3:30pm. $50.  Hosted by Mary of Merry Millers Flower Farm and Nicole of Z&N Farms. Pleasant Valley Community Center, Glovers Lake Road.  Tickets at: https://marymillersflowerfarm.com/workshop

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under Untamed Tour, Manistee
8-10:30pm. $25-45. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. Tickets: lrcr.com

17

Ludington State Park Guided Hike, Ludington
2-4pm. Meet at amphitheater parking lot. Hike will be in the open, southern part of the park. Led by Friends of Ludington State Park.

Live Music Fundraiser with WSN, Benzonia
4-6pm. Free will donation. Inaugural concert fundraiser at Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave., upper level.  Featuring musicians Mary Sue Wilkinson, Patrick Niemisto and Chris Skellenger. 70% of proceeds will go to the Benzonia Area Community Emergency Fund.  The fund assists families and individuals who have fallen on hard times and could use help with a one-time housing, medical or utility expense. Live monthly concerts are held to raise funds. 30% of collected funds will go to the costs of maintaining the Mills Community House.

20

Classics at the Vogue Theatre, Manistee
10am & 7pm. $2/ticket. Steve Martin stars in “Three Amigos” (1986) at the Vogue, 383 River St.  In this comedy western, three out-of-work silent-movie actors are accidentally drawn to a Mexican village that is being harassed by a gang of outlaws. The three–-‘Ned Nederlander’, ‘Lucky Day’, and ‘Dusty Bottoms’–-play “Lone Ranger” types in their movies, but must play their parts for real now. Also starring Chevy Chase and Martin Short. Run time:  1 hr 55 min.

Seed-Beaded Loop Earrings, Benzonia
5-7pm. $30 Art Guild of Grow Benzie presents a celebration of Indigenous art with Ojibwe Native Neezho-Nimkee Kway who will teach attendees how to make their own hoop earrings using seed beads. Pre-register by calling/texting 231-218-0655. November is Native American Heritage Month.

23

Christmas Shoppe Arts & Crafts Show, Scottville
9am- 3pm. Free. Mason County Reformed Church, 45 S. Amber Rd.

2nd Annual Christmas Artisan’s Market, Onekama
10am-3pm. Free. Artworks by local artists & students, bake sale, book fair, kids’ crafting, gift wrapping & more. Onekama School, 5016 Main St.

Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents Tosca (Puccini), Manistee
1pm, $15-25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

The Petersens: American Roots and Christmas, Ludington
7:30pm. $30-40. #1 show in Branson, MO. Peterson Auditorium, Ludington High School, 508 N. Washington Ave. Tickets: www.westshore.edu/performing-arts/

24

Scottville Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors, Scottville
12-2pm.  Mason County Central High School cafeteria at 210 W. Broadway.

Daniel Ball & Friends Christmas Concert, Ludington
3-5pm. United Methodist Church of Ludington , 5810 Bryant Rd.  

Celebration of Lights, Onekama
6pm. Outside the Farr Center,  5283 Main St (M-22). Refreshments indoors immediately following. Donate to light the night on behalf of favorite teacher, departed family member or friend, or purchase as a gift. Recipient’s name will be rea aloud during the ceremony. Donation envelopes available at the Onekama Post Office and Onekama Public Library.

27

Classics at the Vogue Theatre, Manistee
10am & 7pm. $2/ticket. Steve Martin stars in the comedy adventure “Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), also starring John Candy and Kevin Bacon. Showing at the Vogue, 383 River St. All Neal Page wants to do is get home for Thanksgiving. When bad weather cancels his flight, he decides on other means of transportation. As well as bad luck, Neal is blessed with the presence of Del Griffith, shower-curtain-ring salesman and all-around blabbermouth who is never short of advice, conversation, bad jokes or company.

28

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Frankfort
11am-1pm. A holiday meal with all the fixings. Dine in or takeout. Perks of Frankfort, 429 Main St.  To arrange a meal delivery within an 8 mile radius of downtown Frankfort, call 231-882-5144 or email mekasmarketingevents@gmail.com no later than November 27.

Free Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Ludington
12-2pm. Radiant Church, 409 S. Washington. For any Mason County resident. Delivery available for those who are housebound.  To register to volunteer for prep work,  food delivery, clean-up or greeting, go to: https://radiantcoast.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2530383    Bakers are needed for desserts. Drop them off at the church’s Student Center in the basement by 11/24. Pumpkin and fruit pies are preferred.

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Bear Lake
12:30-3pm.  Bear Lake Community Church (formerly Bear Lake United Methodist),  7861 Main St.

Free Thanksgiving Meal, Manistee
2-5pm. Jailhouse Bar & Grill, 2707 Nelson St. For anyone needing a hot meal, or those who prefer not to cook or be alone on this holiday. Contact Kari for donations: 231-723-4868.  If you need special diet or other accommodations, please call ahead.

Nov. 30

SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Santa’s Winter Workshops, Bear Lake
Workshops open 9am-Noon. $5-$40. Located in the first greenhouse of Pleasanton Greenhouses, 14758 Pleasanton Hwy (US-31). Kids’ Santa Cup Centerpiece: $5. Swag-making: $15. Table Centerpiece: $22. Make-and-Take Wreath: $25 or $35. Porch Gnomes: $40.  Sign up on the website:  https://pleasantongreenhouses.com OR call 231-864-3517.

30th Annual Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair, Frankfort  
9am-3pm. Free. Frankfort High School, 534 11th St.

Christmas Craft Show, Manistee
9am-3pm. Free.  VFW 4499, 1211 28th St.

Empire Artisan Marketplace, Empire
10am-4pm. Free. Handcrafted gifts, local artisans, food vendors. Find a gift and support the Friends of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Empire Township Hall, 10088 Front St.

Small Business Saturday, Ludington
10am-8:30pm. Shop your local small businesses downtown.

Pottery Pop Up, Onekama
11am-2pm. Free. Mingle with the artists, shop & enjoy a mimosa & brunchy snacks. Patina Designs, 4850 Main St.

Native American Heritage Day, Manistee
12-6pm. Public invited. Drumming.  Dancing with explanations of each dance. Intertribal dancing with an
invitation to community members to join in. Craft vendors. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. (M-22)

Aglow on the Avenue Vendor Show, Ludington
4-7pm. Free. Legacy Plaza, 100 N. James St.

Aglow on the Avenue Parade, Ludington
6-8pm. Free. Parade travels down Ludington Ave., starting at Lewis St. & moving east to Harrison. Downtown Ludington, 100 Ludington Ave. Also a tree lighting. Coincides with Small Business Saturday.

Joyfest Pioneer Holiday Dinner, Copemish
6-8pm. $50 suggested min. donation. Annual event hosted by the Marilla Historical Society on the museum grounds, 9991 Marilla Road. Tours of buildings, festive ambiance, 4-course dinner & a hammered dulcimer performance. Must pre-register at: marillahistory.org or by emailing marillamuseum@gmail.com or calling 231-379-0040.
 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Benzonia
6pm, $10 suggested donation. Hilarious contemporary Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson tells the story of a church struggling to host their annual Christmas pageant and faced with having to cast the worst kids in town, the Herdmans. At Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.

DECEMBER DAILY EVENTS

3

GIVING TUESDAY
Ninth annual event to support your favorite charities, nonprofits and other causes.

4

25th Annual Live Auction Gala, Ludington
6-8:30pm. $50. Food, cash bar, auction. Lincoln Hills Golf Club, 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: www.bidpal.net/ludingtonrotary2024

 National Writers Series, Traverse City & Livestreamed
7-9pm. In-person tickets: $17-$27, $15 virtual. Doors open 6pm for live music. Livestream begins at 6:50.  Author of “Fighting Words”, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a two-time Newberry Honor winner and NYT bestselling author.  Exploring the stigma around child sexual abuse. Intense tale told with compassion and humor. Presented in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center of TC. Tickets: https://nationalwritersseries.org/kimberly-brubaker-bradley/

5

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee
Many family-friendly holiday activities in various locales. Info: manisteesleighbellparade.com

Madonnativity, Frankfort
7pm. $15-$30 tickets HERE. Mashup Rock & Roll Musical presents their next original musical, Madonnativity. The story: A troupe of traveling actors aim to put on an inclusive holiday show. Unfortunately, everything seems to be going wrong–from the sets not showing up to failed relationships; it will take a miracle for this show to go on. A fun and family-friendly comedy featuring music from Michigan’s own Madonna. Exploring community and connection, even in the darkest times. The show will also travel to Elk Rapids and Traverse City.

6

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee
Many family-friendly holiday activities in various locales. Info: manisteesleighbellparade.com

Two-Day Christmas Cookie & Vendor/Craft Sale, Scottville
Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat: 9am-2pm. Free. Scottville United Methodist Church, 114 W. State St.

Live in Concert:  Joshua Davis, Traverse City
7:30-9pm. Tickets: $35 ADV/$40 DOOR. Doors open at 7pm. At The Alluvion, 414 E. 8th St. Tickets: https://mynorthtickets.com/events/alluvion-presents-joshua-davis-12-6-2024

6, 7, 8

Manistee Civic Players present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Manistee
$10-$40. Fri/Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 2pm. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

7

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee
Many family-friendly holiday activities in various locales. Info: manisteesleighbellparade.com

Holiday Craft Bazaar, Manistee
9am-3pm. Homemade crafts, food & raffles. Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Pkwy.

2nd Annual Mistletoe Mania Craft Show, Irons
9am-3pm. Free. Skinner Park, 5074 W. 10 ½ Mile Rd.

Holiday Art Show, Lake Ann
10am-4pm. Almira Township Hall, Maple and First streets.

Two-Day Christmas Cookie & Vendor/Craft Sale, Scottville
Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat: 9am-2pm. Free. Scottville United Methodist Church, 114 W. State St.

Pet Photos with Santa, Onekama
1-3pm. No appointments. Sign in and wait in car. At Patina, 4850 Main St. Fundraiser for Homeward Bounty Animal Shelter, Manistee.

The Haunting of Ebenezer, Manistee
2pm. $15. A modern musical folk retelling of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

Santa’s Workshop at the Garden, Frankfort
4-5:30pm. Free. Hot chocolate, crafts & story time with the elves, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Garden Theater, 301 Main St.

Community Tree Lighting, Frankfort
6pm, Free. Rotary Park, 517 Main St.

8

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee
Many family-friendly holiday activities in various locales. Info: manisteesleighbellparade.com

Kaleva Christmas Marketplace, Kaleva
12-4pm. Shop at the Kaleva Art Gallery (14449 Wuoski Avenue) for handmade items, then head to the Bottle House Museum (14551 Wuoski)  to check out the Finnish history and customs and gather some gift ideas. Maple Grove Township Community Center (9213 Aura St.) will have tables of products for sale from area businesses. Get your Kaleva Passport stamped at all three locations to be entered into the 4pm raffle drawings for prizes such as gift certificates, an adult hair cut from Krista Fink and a 3 Sisters Tavern pizza.

Pet Photos with Santa, Onekama
1-3pm. No appointments. Sign in and wait in car. At Patina, 4850 Main St. Fundraiser for Homeward Bounty Animal Shelter, Manistee.

Cartier Mansion Holiday Tour, Ludington
1-4pm. $20. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the mansion. Profits to be donated to Mason County Mutts. Carson the Butler will greet you. Fill a stocking from the onsite workshop to b a Secret Santa for a Mason County shelter pet. Tour both the Cartier Mansion, 409 E. Ludington Ave. and The Ludington House Bed & Breakfast, 501 E. Ludington Ave.

Haunting of Ebenezer, Beulah
4-5:15. $30. Tickets HERE. St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S. Pioneer Rd.  Acoustic concert retelling of the Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”, with 16 original Americana songs.

8-14

Holiday Family Fun, Frankfort
Variety of family activities with holiday crafts, food & performances. Workshops in pasta making, creating holiday cards & ornaments take place all week. Also holiday choral & piano concerts. Visit oliverart.org for information.

9

WSCC Wind Symphony and Drumline, Manistee
7:30pm. Free. Manistee High School, 525 12th St

10

WSCC Concert Choir, Scottville
7:30. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd.

Holiday Band Concert  of 7th-12th Grades, Manistee
7:30-9 p.m. Manistee Middle/High School Auditorium, 525 Twelfth St.

11

Food Bank Distribution, Manistee
11am. Free. No I. D. or proof of income required. First Baptist Church, 1201 Lakeshore Rd.

Ladies Night, Manistee
4-8pm. Downtown merchants open their doors with treats and specials

Holiday Band Concert of 5th & 6th Grades, Manistee
7:30-9 p.m. Manistee Middle/High School Auditorium, 525 Twelfth St.

13

Festive Piano Concert with Kit Holmes, Frankfort
6pm.$10 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. Tickets at oliverart.org. Contemporary/traditional holiday tunes
by award-winning, Manistee-based songwriter Kit Holmes. Sing along to familiar favorites.

13, 14, 15

Manistee Civic Players present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Manistee
$10-$40. Fri/Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 2pm. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

14

Mason County Central High School Christmas Expo, Scottville
9am-3pm. At 210 Broadway.  100+ vendors selling their products all in one location. Featuring pictures with Santa and Sparty — MCC’s Mascot — concessions and a bake sale. 

Guided Birdwatching Hike, Thompsonville
10-11:30am. Art Park admission: $10 adults, $5 kids over 5 or $20 for families. Led by Angie Quinn. Meet at Mich. Legacy Art Park Trailhead, ¼ mile from parking area, rain or shine. Bring binoculars if available. Check Facebook 1 hour prior for severe weather cancellation. Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.

Taste of Finland, Kaleva
12-4pm. Free. Bottle House Museum, 14551 Wuoksi Ave. Info: kalevamichigan.com/upcoming-events

Scottville’s 5th Annual Christmas Parade, Scottville
6-9pm. Parade starts at 6pm on Beryl Street at the MCC Middle School. It winds through the city and ends on South Main Street. Bring the kiddos down to help Santa light the tree, enjoy cookies, cocoa, to-go crafts and more. Contact Kelse Lester or Katrina Skinner for details on participating or donating to this event.  Email: Clerk@cityofscottville.org  or call 231-757-4729.

Live in Concert:  May Erlewine and The Motivations Dance Party, Traverse City
7:30-10pm. Tickets: $40 ADV/$45 DOOR. Doors open 7pm. Get ready to boogie. Dance-floor style show with very limited seating at the back of the room — first come, first served. At The Alluvion, 414 E. 8th St. Tickets: https://mynorthtickets.com/events/alluvion-presents-may-erlewine-the-motivations-dance-party-12-14-2024 

Home Free’s “Any Kind of Christmas” Tour, Manistee
8-9:30pm. $40-80. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. Tickets: lrcr.com

15

Christmas Sing-Along Concert, Manistee
4pm. Free. The Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St. Local musicians hosted by OKM Pres. Ken Cooper on mandolin.
Sing songs that celebrate the season.

18

National Writers Series Football Book Event, Traverse City AND Livestreamed
7pm in person. 6:50pm Livestream begins. 6pm Cash bar & live music in the upstairs lobby of the City Opera House, 106 E. Front St.  Author Bill Morris of “The Lions Finally Roar”. If you love success stories, you’ll have a wonderful experience during this conversation about how the Lions came to be. Wear  your Lions’ gear to this event. Tickets:  https://nationalwritersseries.org/bill-morris

19

WSCC Jazz Ensemble I & II, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd.

20

Live in Concert: Drew Hale, Traverse City
7:30pm. Tickets: $20 ADV, $25 DOOR. Doors open 7pm. Special musical guests join Drew. At The Alluvion, 414 E. 8th St. Tickets: https://mynorthtickets.com/events/alluvion-presents-the-drew-hale-band-12-20-2024

Holiday Gala, Frankfort Garden Theater, 301 Main St. Info:
Details to Be Announced: https://gardentheater.org

21

Winter Solstice Luminaries in the Cemetery, Kaleva
4pm. Free. Kaleva St. across from Maple Grove Cemetery. Info: kalevamichigan.com/upcoming-events

The Haunting of Ebenezer, Frankfort
6pm. $25, $20/members. A modern musical folk retelling of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Tickets: oliverart.org

31

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, Ludington
9pm. Street party with live DJ, bar, live music in the pavilion, ball drop & fireworks at midnight. Downtown Ludington, 100 Ludington Ave.