This weekend we’re making time for Ludington BRRRewFEst, celebrating the darkest night of the year and more fun happenings. Don’t miss out on these events in Northern Michigan.

Find more events year-round in MyNorth’s Calendar.


January 28:

Winifred Haun & Dancers “Promise”: Peterson Auditorium Dance works with a strong technical base that reflects the complexity of the human condition. West Shore Community College, Ludington .231.843.5507, mynorthtickets.com

Ludington BRRRewFest: 30-plus brewers from throughout Michigan showcasing their best for an afternoon of brews, live music and more at Ludington’s Rotary Park. 800.542.4600

Darkest Night of the Year at The Headlands: January’s new moon carries the promise of deep darkness for finding the stars and constellations that are used to determine the celestial new year, not only in the Chinese Calendar, but in the Native American and Christian cultures as well. Get together at the Headlands just before sunset to learn about different traditions, craft your own start calendar, celebrate the year of the rooster, and follow it all up with winter stargazing. 231.348.1713

Snowshoe by Torchlight: Snowshoe by torchlight, then come in from the cold for a cup of hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies and warm-up by the fire in the main lodge. Sponsored by Bearcub Outfitters to promote all that Camp Daggett offers children and community. Buy raffle tickets for Bearcub products with all proceeds going to Camp Daggett. Admission is free, donations are encouraged and snowshoes are available for all ages. 5–9 p.m., Petoskey, 231.347.9742

Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference: This conference helps to build a local, vibrant agriculture community and equips small farmers with the tools to be successful and a forum for the open exchange of ideas. Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology, 231.622.5252

Traverse City VEX IQ Qualifying Tournament: This State Championship qualifying event will be hosted at Central High School and features elementary and middle school teams. Qualification matches begin at 10 a.m. and finals begin at 3:15 p.m. Come check out the students from the region and their custom-built robots. 231.933.3500

January 29:

Michigan Legacy Art Park Snowshoe Tour: Led by special guest guides: Aimé Merizon of the Benzie Conservation District; Kama Ross, regional forester; and Linda Thomasma, wildlife biologist. These expert nature guides will demonstrate tree identification and animal tracking for more ways visitors can enhance their Art Park experience, 2:30 p.m. Tours last about an hour and a half. Meet at the Art Park trailhead. Be prepared for current winter conditions. Bring your own snowshoes. Limited snowshoe rentals are available at Crystal Mountain at the Park at Water’s Edge. Reservations are not required. $5 fee per adult; complimentary for youth 17 and under with paying adult. 231.378.4963

January 31–February 3:

Special Olympics Michigan: Shanty Creek hosts many of the Michigan Special Olympics Winter Games on the slopes at Schuss Village. Spectators welcome! 800.678.4111

February 1:

Poetry Appreciation with Tanya Muzumdar: Learn to appreciate poetry as a diverse literary art form through close readings and discussion of the work of classical and contemporary poets. 11 a.m.; Petoskey Library. 231.758.3100


More Awesome Happenings: