Event Calendar for Manistee, Mason, southern Benzie, western Lake and western Wexford counties and sometimes farther
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Email event items to us at any time for our online calendar. Our next printed calendar covers the month of March and the deadline is Feb. 12. Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead) before making plans to attend events. Despite our best efforts, human errors occur.
EVENT CALENDAR IMAGE: Your editor sledding down a snowy driveway after a snowstorm in January 2025. Photo: Pat Stinson.
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ONGOING EVENTS (Scroll for Daily Events)
Thru Jan. 31
Small is Beautiful Miniature Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St.
Local Artist Exhibit, Ludington
Free. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison.
Thru Feb. 6
Spectrum Art Exhibition, Frankfort
Free. A colorful exhibition of works using colors of the spectrum. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. oliverart.org
Andrew Jagniecki “Wild Impressions,” Frankfort
Free. Exhibition of the artist’s linocut, woodcut and intaglio prints in the Fisher gallery at Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. oliverart.org
Thru March 13
Winter Art Exhibition, Arcadia
Free. Arcadia Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lakes Rd. Opening reception Jan. 9, 5:30-7pm.
Feb. 1-27
Exhibition: “Art is Love, Actually,” Manistee
Free exhibit in the Hardy Hall gallery of Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St.. This exhibit explores the idea of art as an expression of love—romantic, platonic, familial, and universal—inviting viewers to consider how creativity connects us to one another. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, February 1, Noon-3pm, welcoming the public to celebrate the artists and their work. ramsdelltheatre.org
Feb. 6-28
Art Reprize Exhibition, Ludington
Free. A collection of artworks from Artprize 2025. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Opening reception Feb. 6, 4-7pm.
Echoes of Control ~ Narc Series, Ludington
Free. Artworks by Richelle Daniels that explore the experiences of victims of narcissistic abuse. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Opening reception Feb. 6, 4-7pm.
Feb. 13-March 6
Student Art Exhibition 2026, Frankfort
Free. Hundreds of works by talented students in grades K-12 from regional schools, in a wide variety of media. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Opening reception Feb. 13, 5-7pm.
Feb. 20-March 28
Image Makers: The Art of Illustration, Frankfort
Free. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.
JANUARY DAILY EVENTS
Jan. 21
Snowshoe Hike for Youth at Magoon Creek, Manistee
3-5pm. Snowshoes provided. Dress warmly or winter gear such as coat, boots, hat, gloves, snowpants can be provided if needed. Led by Kathryn Borowicz, Manistee Conservation District. Dial-A-Ride available to/from the events. Sign up at armoryyouthproject.com
Water, Data Centers & Democracy, Manistee
5:30-7:30pm. Free. Open to the public. Community conversation about data centers around the state and rapidly growing demand for more. Hosted by the League of Women Voters at West Shore Community College’s Manistee campus, 401 River St. at the corner of Washington, downtown.
Land Conservation , Ludington & Zoom
6-7pm. Free. Panel of conservationists discusses how to conserve the property you own: forest, riparian, agricultural, natural open spaces. Held at Ludington Library, 217 E Ludington Ave. Contact Mason-Lake Conservation District for details.
Trivia Night, Manistee
7pm. Bring friends and family. In the conference room of Manistee National Inn. Teams of up to 6 players welcome. Food and drinks available for purchase. Held at Manistee National Golf & Resort, 4797 Grant Hwy.
Jan. 22
Live in concert: Blackhawk, Cadillac
6pm-10pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
Jan. 23
Live in concert: That Arena Rock Show (70s & 80s rock), Cadillac
10am-9pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
Aging Well Forum, Onekama
11am. Free. All are welcome. Exercise and home safety to prevent falls are the topics led by Tonya Evans. Hosted by Near & Farr Friends. Catered lunch to follow. Held in the lower level of First Congregational Church at the corner of Zosel and Spring. This is an additional Near & Farr Friends’ offering made possible by a grant obtained by Pastor Alison Young.
Community Open House, Manistee
4-6:30pm. All are welcome to attend this Armory Youth Project event. Take a tour of the facilities, eat pizza with staff and experience a taste of a day at the Armory Youth Project, 555 1st St.. Sign up encouraged at armoryyouthproject.com but not required.
Jan. 24
Baldwin Dog Sled Derby, Baldwin
9am. Uptown Baldwin. A tradition since 1966. Family-friendly event with activities for kids, food & beverages, vendors.
Kafeeklatsch: Let’s Talk About Winter Experiences, Benzonia
11am. Free. A small, informal gathering facilitated by Jerry Heiman where participants share their stories and histories. Coffee and snacks. At Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum, Traverse Ave.
2nd Annual Chili Bowl Showdown, Beulah
12-3pm. $10. Vote for your favorite chili entries prepared by local cooks & businesses. Proceeds will support the Food Pantry in Honor. St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S Pioneer Rd.
Film screening of “Did You Guys Eat? ¿Ya comieron?”, Frankfort
4pm. Free. Stories of Michigan farms and the people who work them. Screening followed by Q&A with Director Stephany Slaughter. The Garden Theater, 301 Main St. Showing also in Manistee. See Feb. 7.
Lantern-Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking, Ludington
6-8pm. Free. Walk begins at the warming shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. Bonfires at warming shelter & amphitheater. Free cocoa & marshmallow roast at the amphitheater. Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116. Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry.
Jan. 29
Winter Grower Meeting, Scottville
9am-12pm. Free. Focuses on regenerative agriculture. Valuable insights & opportunities to earn Restricted Use Pesticide credits for private & commercial applicators. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 765 US-10. Contact Mason-Lake Conservation District for registration.
Meet Me at the Loaf, Cedar
5:30pm doors open. Program begins at 6:30pm. $20 per person, available online or at the Leelanau Historical Society Museum gift shop in Leland. Pre-selected storytellers will take the stage to talk about their recollections of Sugar Loaf, a former Leelanau County ski resort. Prizes from Boyne Mountain. Snacks, drinks, historical displays.
Jan. 30
Winter Guided Hike, Benzonia
3-4:30pm. Led by Manistee Conservation District Forester/Wildlife Biologist Josh Shields at the Misty Acres Trail, Borewell Preserve along North County Line Road. I.D. trees, shrubs, wildlife tracks and spot animal signs. If there’s enough snow, the MCD will provide snowshoes. Space is LIMITED. Sign up via the website. https://www.manisteecd2.org/events
Snowshoe Stampede 2026, Manistee
6:30pm. All proceeds benefit Stomp Out Cancer fund. The Inn at Manistee National Golf & Resort, 4797 Grant Hwy (US-31). Snowshoe along a lit trail. Food and drink available in the Lounge. Share stories and celebrate survivors and honor friends while supporting one another. Free snowshoe rentals. First come, first served. Details/questions: Kim, 231-239-1953.
Jan. 31
BRRRewfest, Ludington
1-6pm. $30 ADV, $40 at the gate. 11th anniversary of the winter craft brew festival, Legacy Plaza, 102 W. Ludington Ave. 20 Michigan breweries. Beer, wine, mead, cider. Product sampling, live music, food & merch. Entry fee includes seven drink tokens & commemorative tasting glass. More info HERE Tickets HERE
Great Arcadian Chili Cookoff, Arcadia
4pm. Free. Vote for your favorite chili available on a first-come, first-served basis. Voting closes promptly at 5pm. Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, 17191 Third St.
Ice Breaker Soup Dinner, Wellston
5pm. Free. Supporters of area arts & culture are welcome. Slide show/poetry reading about the joys/angst of farming by Z & N Farm’s Nicole Mezeske of Bear Lake. Buffet of soups made by board members. Attendees are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Hosted by the Arts & Culture Alliance at Woods Events Center, 17345 6th St.
Songs, Stories & Poetry Night, Manistee
7pm. Free. Donations appreciated. Hosted by Spirit of the Woods music organization at the Brown Township Hall, 8233 Coates Hwy. Those interested in parti
FEBRUARY DAILY EVENTS
Feb. 1
Opening Reception for “Art is Love, Actually,” Manistee
1-3pm. Reception for the public to meet the artists and view their work. Hardy Hall gallery at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St.
Feb. 2
Learn & Play Board Game Night, Frankfort
5-7pm. “Blood on the Clock Tower.” Space is limited! A game of murder and mystery, lies, logic, deduction and deception for 5-25 courageous players and one devious storyteller. Benzie Shores District Library, 630 Main St. Call the library or register online at: BSDLibrary.org
Feb. 6
Game Day, Onekama
11am. Free. All are welcome. With Dawn at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. Hosted by Near & Farr Friends.
Feb. 6-7
Kendell Marvel in concert, Cadillac
8:30pm. $20. Coyote Crossing Resort, 8593 S 13 Rd. just south of M-55. Tickets: coyotecrossingresort.com
Feb. 6-8
Midwest Kite Jam, Cadillac
Premier snowkiting weekend in the Midwest on frozen Lake Cadillac or Lake Mitchell, depending on conditions. Info: midwestsnowkitejam.com
Feb. 7
MUSH Sweetwater Challenge Sled Dog Race , Baldwin
Various times & events. Amateur in nature, emphasizing fun & family participation. Stearns Siding parking area, W. Wingleton Rd. at Stearns Rd. Info/register: https://tinyurl.com/mtrr3kd9
Benefit Breakfast Buffet, Arcadia
9-11am. $12 suggested donations will go towards replacing the ACC’s water tank. Buffet will include: scrambled eggs, pancakes with maple syrup and/or fruit sauce & whipped cream, sausage, ham, mini quiche & muffins, coffee, tea, OJ, water. Arcadia Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd.
Spirit of the Woods Annual Chili Feed & Winter Hike/Ski/Snowshoe, Wellston
10am hike. Chili & hot chocolate around 12pm at the heated trail shelter. $5 day use fee or use the federal annual Forest Pass, Interagency Pass or Interagency Senior Pass. Please bring a potluck side dish to pass. Big M Cross Country Ski Trails on Udell Hills Rd., east of Manistee. Meet where the trail crosses Madison Rd., at the corner of Madison & Skocelas Rds. Park on Madison Rd. Carpooling encouraged. RSVP to hike coordinator, Loren Bach, call or text (231) 510-1963 or email spw@northcountrytrail.org. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/groups/spiritofthewoods
Chocolate Pairing Event, Kaleva
12-4pm. $20. Grocer’s Daughter Chocolates of Empire will pair chocolates with a flight of 4 hard ciders or wines. Chocolates & drinks to take home will be available for sale. Northern Natural Cider House & Winery, 7220 Chief Rd.
Screening of the film Did You Guys Eat? ¿Ya comieron?, Manistee
2pm. Free. Stories of Michigan farms & the people who work them. Downtown campus of West Shore Community College, 401 River St.
Lantern-Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking, Ludington
6-8pm. Free. Walk begins at the warming shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. Bonfires at warming shelter & amphitheater. Free cocoa & marshmallow roast at the amphitheater. Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116. Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry.
Sisters of Soul Musical Tribute, Frankfort
7:30pm. Doors open 6:30pm. $25 general admission. $250 for a champagne table. At the Garden Theater, 301 Main St. With Jennie Rae of Barefoot. A tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. Experience an evening of soulful vocals, swinging jazz, and blues classics. featuring musicians Phil Tarczon, Jason Hargreaves, Eric Joslin, Carter & Logan Hargreaves, Markus Messina, Brian Ferriby & Phil Coryell.
Feb. 8
SOUPer Ski Sunday, Thompsonville
11am-1pm. $25 plus a canned food item for Benzie Area Christian Neighbors. Cross-country ski clinic at Crystal Mountain. For beginners wanting the basics and experts wanting pro tips. Warm up at a campfire following the clinic with soup, chili, beverages.
Feb. 12
The History of Crystal Highlands, Benzonia
4pm. Free/donations accepted. Presented by Anne Rogers of the Benzie Area Historical Society. Mills Community House, 6941 Traverse Ave.
Fire from the Gods: The Human Tour in concert with For the Fallen Dreams, Cadillac
7-10:50pm. $20. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
Feb. 13
Specialty Coffee Drinks, Onekama
11am. Free. At Lake & Latte, 4850 Main St. Learn about the variety of coffee drinks made by the barista. Hosted by Near & Farr Friends.
Candlelight Concert, Manistee
6:30pm. $25/person, $40/couple. Cocktail hour in Hardy Hall followed by solo guitar concert featuring classical guitarist/composer Mathew Cochran in the Theatre performing his own compositions. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Feb. 14
12th Annual Betsie Bay Frozen 5k, Frankfort & Elberta
10am. Cost. Runners’ package pick-up at Frankfort American Legion Post 221, 206 Main St. on Feb.13, 4-6pm & again on race day 1 ½ hours before the race. All participants receive a lightweight hoodie & finisher’s medal. Awards given to top place overall & top 3 in each of 15 age categories. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Benzie Area Youth Initiative. Info/register: https://bit.ly/3PvcFu4
Feb. 14-15
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend, Statewide
All fishing licenses waived in Michigan during this weekend. Regulations still apply. A Michigan Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks & boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends.
Feb. 20
Impact of Invasive Species on Parks, Onekama
11am. Free. All are welcome. An invasive species’ expert explains how public parks are impacted by invasives on our properties. Hosted by Near & Farr Friends at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.
Feb. 21
History of Crystal Highlands, Benzonia
4pm. $5 donation requested. Presented by Anne Rogers, a volunteer with the Benzie Historical Society’s archives. She lives in Crystal Highlands, a glacial moraine off the north shore of Crystal Lake, and has wandered the area since its inception as a community. Presentation held at the Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave. benziemuseum.org
Feb. 27
Aging Well Forum, Onekama
11am. Free. All are welcome. Carol King, M.D., presents “10 things I wish my patients knew.” Hosted by Near & Farr Friends. Catered lunch to follow. Held in the lower level of First Congregational Church at the corner of Zosel and Spring. This is an additional Near & Farr Friends’ offering made possible by a grant obtained by Pastor Alison Young.
Tikis in the Snow, Manistee
7:30pm. $25. Leave the cold behind and escape to the tropics for a winter luau. The ballroom will be transformed with tiki torches, swaying palms, and warm island ambiance. Enjoy delicious treats, tropical cocktails from the cash bar & high-energy Polynesian dance performances. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Feb. 28
Brown Town Skyline Rags, Manistee
7-10pm. Free. A full crew of Northern Michigan’s best singers and instrumentalists interpreting the songs of Bob Dylan. Brown Township Hall, 8233 Coates Hwy.
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Scottville
7:30pm. $20-25. Center Stage Theater at West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd. Tickets: www.westshore.edu/performing-arts/