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 May and the deadline is April 16. Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead) before making plans to attend events. Despite our best efforts, 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 April 10
The Language of Women Art Exhibition, Manistee
Free. Works by women (or anyone who identifies as a woman) artists will be featured. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Opening reception Mar. 8, 12-3pm.
Thru April 18
CONSTRUCTed: Works in Wood, Paper & Fiber, Frankfort
Free. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Opening reception March 14, 5-7pm.
Thru June 12
Spring Art Show, Arcadia
Free. Arcadia Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd.
April 3-25
Modes of Abstraction, Ludington
Free. Annual abstract art exhibition. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Public reception: April 3, 4-7pm.
April 4-May 8
Bloom: A Celebration of Spring Art Exhibition, Frankfort
Free. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.
April 17-24
Manistee Student Art Exhibition, Manistee
Free. Artwork by middle & high school students will be featured. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Public reception April 17, 5-7pm.
April 17-May 29
Waterborne: Great Lakes Past and Present as Seen Through the Artist’s Eye, Elberta
Free. Maritime history and culture of the Great Lakes through the works of regional artists. Historical & contemporary photos, paintings, sculpture, crafts & artifacts. Bridges the worlds of art galleries & historical museums. Elberta Labor Heritage Center, 704 Frankfort Ave./M-22. Public reception April 17, 5-7pm.
April 25-May 30
Local Color A to Z Art Exhibition, Frankfort
Free. Group show of works by the Lakeshore Artist Alliance in oil, acrylic, watercolor & mixed media. Public reception: April 25, 5-7pm.
SAVE THE DATE
Future events listed here have April registration/ticket or discount deadlines.
May 16
Annual Gala, “Celebrating Broadway Musicals Throughout the Decades,” Manistee
5pm. $125. Ramsdell Regional Art Center fundraiser. All tickets include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, entertainment, auction, two cocktails and an evening champagne toast. Deadline to buy tickets is April 30. Info/tickets: RamsdellTheatre.org/gala
May 23
19th Annual Beer & Brat Festival, Thompsonville
4-8pm. Advance general admission tickets thru April 3: $30, April 4 – May 22: $40, May 23 (Day-Of): $55. VIP tickets also available. Live entertainment & samples of Michigan’s finest beers, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor & gourmet brats. Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2dv2npcm or call 866.585.7029.
APRIL DAILY EVENTS
GLOBAL ASTRONOMY MONTH … Learn more at: https://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/programs/global-astronomy-month
6
West Shore Community College Wind Symphony & Drumline, Manistee
7:30pm. Free. Manistee High School auditorium, 525 12th St.
7
Mobile Food Pantry, Scottville
10am. Free. Drive thru. Crossroads Church, 1463 E US-10.
Spring Clean Fabric/Yarn Sweep, Manistee
5-6:30pm. Mastee Public Library – Main Branch meeting room, at Maple and First streets. Bring your unused yardage and scraps (over 2inches) as well as leftover yarns and unused craft supplies to share with others during this fiber arts meet up.
8
Intro to Michigan Turtles, Wellston
11am. Little River Band Wildlife Technician Maille O’Toole will teach kids all about Michigan’s native turtle species. No RSVP needed. Manistee Public Library – Wellston branch, 1451 Seaman Rd. Questions: 231-843-4013.
9
“The History of Church in Benzie County,” Benzonia
4pm. $5 donation suggested. What do Morgan School and Church, Benzie Area Christian Neighbors & the Congregational Christian Assemblies have in common? Find out with Rev. Dinah Haag. Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.
10
Near & Farr Friends, Onekama
11am. Deanna Marsh, of Northern Spice Co. and Manistee’s DDA, will talk about her store and Downtown Development Authority plans. Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.
Andrew Dost’s Birthday Bash, Frankfort
7pm. $27.Metal Bubble Trio & Little Dipper in concert. The Garden Theater, 301 Main St. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4cvmknc9
10-12
Ten-Minute Play Festival, Ludington
7:30pm Friday & Saturday, 2pm Sunday.$25 ADV, $30 DOOR. Eight short plays by Michigan playwrights. Cash bar Friday. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Tickets: www.ludingtonartscenter.org
11
Rust Remover Open Disc Golf Tournament, Beulah
Info/register: discgolfscene.com
6th Annual Ace Race Disc Golf Tournament, Manistee
9am. First Street Beach Family Disc Golf Course. Info/register: discgolfscene.com
Wildlife Baby Shower, Beulah
1-3pm. $5 donation or purchase items from the Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund wish list at Amazon and/or Walmart or bring paper towels, medium or large nitrile gloves, Clorox wipes, unscented baby wipes. Featuring games, crafts, an ambassador animal, silent auction, face & arm painting & $1 off your first beer. Five Shores Brewing, 163 S Benzie Blvd. Proceeds benefit Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund which offers wildlife education, restores habitats and rehabilitates injured animals.
In concert: Nick Veine presents “An April Serenade,” Manistee
6-8pm. Free. Part of the Hardy Hall Series at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St.
In concert: Subliminal Verses (Slipknot tribute), Cadillac
7-11pm. $24.60. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
12
Ecstatic Dance, Benzonia
10am-Noon. With Northern Michigan Ecstatic Dance . Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, Ludington
1-4pm. Free. Sexual Assault Awareness Walk & Educational Event organized by STRIVE team partner of COVE & LRBOI Victim Service Program. Men and allies of survivors of sexual assault show their support by literally walking a mile in high heels. The event will begin with registration at KRAVE Frozen Yogurt & Drink Shoppe, 103 E Ludington Ave.
ARTiFACTORY 2026: the Power of the American Flag, Frankfort
2-4pm. Free. The community is invited to a special showcase event. ARTiFACTORY participants will have the opportunity to read their original poems aloud and share their artwork with friends, family, and the public. Light refreshments will be served. Every poem created during the program will be published in a 2026 ARTiFACTORY Chapbook. This commemorative collection will be available for purchase, providing a lasting tribute to Benzie County’s perspective on the American spirit during this historic year. The celebrated ARTiFACTORY 2026 chapbook will be available for purchase after the readings. More info: oliverart.org
13-20
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK … Learn more at: https://idsw.darksky.org
14
Communication Skills Workshop, Frankfort
10:30am. Free. Dr. Remington Rice helps build stronger, more effective communication skills. How to listen with focus, ask better questions. Benzie Shores District Library, 630 Main St.
Bees Knees Book Club, Beulah
5-7pm. Laid-back no-pressure gathering of book lovers. No assigned books or schedules. Just good company & lively conversation about whatever you are reading or want to recommend. St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S Pioneer Rd.
Secrets of the Morel Master, Frankfort
6pm. Free. National Morel Hunting Champion Anthony Williams will share his tips and tricks. Fun, informative. Leave with the confidence to hone your morel hunting skills. Benzie Shores District Library, 630 Main St.
In concert: Ashes Remain with Stephen Stanley, Cadillac
7-11pm. $30.75. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
West Shore Community Concert Choir, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd.
16
West Shore Community Concert Jazz Ensemble I & II, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd.
17
Near & Farr Friends, Onekama
11am. Freshwater Reporter’s North Shore Dispatch columnist Mark Banaszak and librarian Katrina Stierholz will present a “nature and observation book tasting” and suggest outdoor observation activities based on the documentary film, “Observer” (2025). Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.
“Souper” Friday, Copemish
5-7pm. Suggested donation: $15. Fundraiser to benefit the Marilla museum. Soup, salad, bread, dessert & tour of the museum. Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place, 9991 Marilla Rd. No registration required.
Contra & Square Dance to Louise Brodie & Friends music, Community Emergency Fund, Benzonia
6:30-9:30. Free will donation to help community families in need. Caller Pat Reeser will be on hand. Snacks provided. Snacks courtesy of Llama Meadow Eco Farm. Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.
13th Annual League of Women Voters’ Pictionary Olympics, Manistee
7pm. $140/team of 4 players, $10/person for nonplaying spectators. Fundraiser. A “People’s Choice” award for the best team costumes. Snacks provided & cash bar available. A 50/50 drawing during the evening. Info/registration: www.lwvmanisteecounty.org
In concert: Whey Jennings, Cadillac
7-11pm. $24.60. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
17, 18
Pick Up Seedlings, Manistee Conservation District, Bear Lake
2-6pm Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday, both at 10417 Milarch Rd.
18
Lake Ann Open Disc Golf Tournament, Lake Ann
8am. PDGA-sanctioned singles, 2 rounds of 18. Almira Township Park, 7276 Ole White Dr. Info/register: discgolfscene.com
Guided Bird Walk, Onekama
8:30am. Free. Learn about spring migration, bird identification, and local habitats with Dr. Brian Allen. North Point Park, 8999 Greenway St. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/2dze7utp
Ludington Lake Jump
8:45am-1pm. Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. This year‘s jump benefits West Shore Amateur Hockey Assoc. Stearns Park Beach, 421 N Lakeshore Dr.
Quarter Paddle Auction, Brethren
12pm. $5/paddle. Proceeds benefit Brethren Boosters scholarship awards for KND graduating seniors. Concessions available. Brethren High School, 4400 N High Bridge Rd.
Girls Rock 2026, Ludington
6:30pm doors, 7pm show. Female musicians & artists of all ages perform in a fundraiser to support LACA. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St.
In concert: Willy Porter, Cadillac
7-9pm. $14.38-28.29. Gopherwood Concert Series. Cadillac Elks Lodge, 122 S Mitchell St. Info/tickets: gopherwoodconcerts.org
In concert: Sanctus Real, Cadillac
7-11pm. $30.75. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
19
Sunday Fun Day, Manistee
All day events benefit Rockhounds Baseball Club. Have lunch or dinner at TJ’s Pub (399 River St.) & 10% will go to Rockhounds. Make a purchase at Alpine Chocolate Haus (378 River St.), mention Rockhounds & they will donate up to $5/sale. 4pm. $10/adults, $5/kids for “You Gotta Believe” movie at the Vogue Theater (383 River St.) All ticket sales go to Rockhounds.
2nd Annual All Jazzed Up Paddle Auction, Manistee
10am: Doors open. Auction: 11am-4pm. $5/paddle. Proceeds benefit the Mariners band students. Boxed lunches & light concessions available. Live performances by the Mariners Jazz Band. Manistee Middle and High School Commons, 525 12th St.
In concert: Exhorder with Skinlab, Cadillac
7-11pm. $24.60. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
20
Waking Up the Garden, Frankfort
5:30pm. A presentation of Plant It Wild! with Cheryl Gross who will explain the essential first steps to take after a long winter, what to clean up, what to leave and how to get your soil and beds ready for panting. Benzie Shores District Library, 630 Main St.
20-26
Downtown Ludington Restaurant Week
Participating restaurants will have exciting specials, showcasing the best of their culinary creations.
21
Bee Roll Movie Club, Beulah
5:30-7pm. Laid-back no-pressure gathering of movie lovers. No assigned films or schedules. Just good company & lively conversation about whatever you have seen lately or classics you want to discuss. St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S Pioneer Rd.
22
EARTH DAY ... More info: https://www.earthday.org/
Old-time Movies of Lake County, Baldwin
6pm. Free. Lake County Historical Museum, 915 N Michigan Ave.
Prairie Prophecy movie, Frankfort
7pm. Free. Documentary about Wes Jackson, an American geneticist who co-founded the Land Institute which develops perennial grain crops, builds resilient farming systems and supports innovations that help reverse agriculture’s contribution to climate change. Presented by Elberta Labor Heritage Center/WUWU Radio at the Garden Theater, 301 Main St.
24
Community Advocacy & Regional Policy Landscape, Manistee
Time TBD. Must register. (See below.) A session of the 2026 State of the Community event. Dakota Baker, with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, will present on key policy issues impacting northern Michigan: how to connect local voices to state leaders, priorities shaping workforce and housing, regional partnerships that drive collaboration, and what to expect in the year ahead. At Little River Casino Resort. https://tinyurl.com/vmxwtsrd
Near & Farr Friends, Onekama
11am. Lunch & Aging Well Forum. Ashley Gutowski & Charone Sexton will discuss end-of-life decision making, care & advanced directives. First Congregational Church, 4920 Spring St.
Arbor Day Celebration, Arcadia
5:30pm. Free. Recognition of tree volunteers, tree-themed poetry by the Girl Scouts, Arcadia Garden Club to speak about planned Grebe Park improvements, ceremonial tree planting. Grebe Park, 16966 First St.
Ludington’s Got Talent
6-8pm. $20/adults, $10/kids. Talent show of all ages. Every ticket sold & donation made goes toward Sandcastles Children’s Museum’s Roof Restoration Fund. Family-friendly event. Guests to enjoy a popcorn bar & beverages. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St.
In concert: Green Jelly & Esham, Cadillac
7-11pm. $24.60. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
24, 25
Mason-Lake Conservation District Tree, Shrub & Plant Sale Pick Up, Ludington
2-6pm, Friday. 9am-12pm, Saturday. Mason County Fairgrounds, 5302 US-10.
25
Manistee National Forest Trail Cleanup, Harietta
All day. Come when you can. Leave when you must. Help clean the riding (snowmobile, ATV, Jeep) trails. Clean whatever site you wish, then head to Lost Pines Lodge, 3846 W 38 Rd, with your trash and throw it in the dumpster. Meet for food & drinks at 6pm inside the lodge.
Old ‘Brose Scramble Disc Golf Tournament, Beulah
One round singles tournament. Info/register: discgolfscene.com
Sportsman’s Yard Sale, Kaleva
9am-3pm. Free to attend. New & used, camping, hunting, fishing, boating equipment. Sponsored by Big Bear Sportsman’s Club. Kaleva VFW, 13300 9 Mile Rd.
Mason-Lake Conservation District Tree, Shrub & Plant Sale Pick Up, Baldwin
10am-12pm. Wenger Pavilion, 876 Michigan Ave. (behind Jones’ Ice Cream)
AFFEW’s Earth Day Celebration, Ludington
10:30am-4pm. Interactive, in person, all-day event. Variety of speakers & info booths representing the community & our partners. Activities for kids, a guided hike & many fun events, including tours of U Dig It Community Garden located behind the church. Ludington United Methodist Church, 5810 E Bryant Rd. affew.org
Crowns & Capes Party: Where Princess Magic meets Superhero Power, Manistee
1-3pm. $20. Meet Moana, Tiana, Elsa, Ariel, Captain America, and Spiderman. Dress as your favorite prince, princess, or superhero. Each young participant must be accompanied by an adult princess, prince or superhero. Enjoy an activity with our characters. Say the Superhero Oath. Have your picture taken. Finger foods/drinks included. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts ballroom, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Quarter Paddle Auction, Onekama
2:30pm Doors, 4pm Auction starts. $5/paddle. No bid over 4 quarters. Proceeds benefit the Onekama Lions Club. Food & cash bar available. Onekama Lions’ Den, Manistee County Fairgrounds, 7587 1st St.
In concert: Twiztid, Cadillac
7-11pm. $29.50. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
26
Gun Show, Kaleva
9am-3pm. Sponsored by Big Bear Sportsman’s Club. Kaleva VFW, 13300 9 Mile Rd.
28
Weed the Park, Ludington
6-8pm. Free. Volunteer to help AFFEW remove invasive plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Bring garden gloves, water. Meet at the gazebo at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake. Cartier Park, 1254 N. Lakeshore Dr.
29
Guided Bird Walk, Onekama
8:30am. Free. Learn about spring migration, bird identification, and local habitats with Dr. Brian Allen. North Point Park, 8999 Greenway St. Registration required: tinyurl.com/2dze7utp
An Evening with Matthew Burtner, Frankfort
6-8pm. Emmy Award–winning composer’s work bridges music, science, technology and ecology. Known globally for transforming environmental data—such as the rhythms of glaciers, wind, & water—into immersive musical experiences. Hosted by Elberta Labor Heritage Center/WUWU Radio at the Garden Theater, 301 Main St.
30
Coffee with the Councilors, Ludington
12pm. Free. Learn about city updates, share ideas & connect with city council members. Book Mark, 201 S Rath Ave.