Experience intimate concerts, hit plays, local dinners, a massive festival, St. Patrick’s Day fun and more at these Northern Michigan events in March.

WINTER CONCERT | March 1

The Northern Michigan Brass Band is a 28-piece, British-style brass band, and they’re playing everything from traditional marches to toe-tapping arrangements. The band’s winter concert at First Congregational Church of Charlevoix will open with Fanfare and Festival Overture On A Disney Theme by Brad Kelley arranged expressly for the band by the composer from his original version for orchestra. 

MAMMA MIA | March 1 & March 6–7

West Shore Community College’s Theater Department presents Mamma Mia! ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.

LIVE IN THE YURT: IAN LINK | March 5

Ian Link, an emerging musician fresh out of Detroit, is known for his bluesy folk ballads that are reminiscent of Hank Williams and Bob Dylan. Beneath the dust of his old-time Americana influences are original songs with a unique outlook on love, loss and the modern world. See him live at The Little Fleet in Traverse City.

SENSORY WINE WORKSHOP | March 5

Are you curious, but sometimes intimidated by all things wine-related? This easy, breezy workshop is for you. You’ll be focusing on how to taste and experience wine to its fullest potential, with delicious food pairings, at Rove Estate in Traverse City.

MAGICAL KINGDOM ON ICE | March 6–7

Traverse City Figure Skating Club presents Magical Kingdom On Ice at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City. Don’t miss this magical production featuring amazing local talent, choreography and costumes. Dress as your favorite Disney character and sing along with your favorite songs!

PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER | March 6–7 & 13–14

Join Traverse City West Senior High School Theater for an extravaganza that relies on suggestion, storytelling and your own imagination. Elice’s script, jam-packed with poetry, fart jokes, gentle lyricism and numerous nods to pop culture, is a coming-of-age adventure story about how a nameless orphan—inspired by a remarkable and ambitious girl—became the celebrated hero that is the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.

LIMERICK | March 7

Limerick is a traditional Irish band based in Lansing that also incorporates the sounds of bluegrass and Americana music. Multi-instrumentalists Vincent Shaw and Steven Glynn sing while playing everything from mandolin, tin whistle, guitar and banjo, while Sarah Patterson plays fiddle and Tim Patterson holds down the bass. Catch the band in Petoskey at Crooked Tree Arts Center. 

PUNCH NEEDLE WORKSHOP WITH GWEN PERENCHIO | March 7

In this class at Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids, you will learn the basics of punch needle stitches, how to change colors, how to fix mistakes, the right kinds of materials to use and how to create a finished project. Teacher Gwen Perenchio started Bella Filato Studio as a creative outlet when she had her first son in 2015. It remained a side project for a couple of years and finally became her full focus in 2017.

WINTER WINE WALK | March 7

Enjoy three wine stations and light snacks while you snowshoe in and around Otsego Resort in Gaylord, ending your journey at the beautiful River Cabin.

TIPSY TROLLEY BAR CRAWL – IRISH EDITION | March 7

Join St. Ignace for another Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl. Tickets include a wristband, a bar crawl T-shirt, two $3 drink tokens and $10 free slot plays at Kewadin Casino. Stops include the casino, The Club at Breakers, The Driftwood, B.C. Pizza, Village Inn and Fred’s Pub.

HELL ON HEELS PRESENTS ’90S DRAG REVIVAL | March 7

Hell on Heels at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor is lots of fun for everyone. The theme of the March 2020 edition of this lip-syncing, dancing and singing adventure will be ’90s Drag Revival. It is guaranteed to be filled with loads of comedy and just the right amount of crassness. Drag queens have been a huge part of our culture for decades. Let us show you why!

SWINGING INTO SPRING | March 8

The term “swing” refers to a popular style of music that flourished from 1935 to 1946. The Encore Winds will present guests with music that features strong emotions, rhythms and singable melodies that reflect the mood of this period. The concert is at Central High School Auditorium in Traverse City.

A MAGICAL FEAST WITH BEN WHITING | March 12

Fight the winter blues with an evening of magic and laughter presented by the sensational Ben Whiting, paired with a delicious four-course dinner at The Franklin in Traverse City. Known internationally for his humor, originality and ability to connect with his audiences, Ben will combine these skills with world-class sleight of hand and mind reading to offer you an entertainment experience second to none.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY – EAT DESSERT FIRST | March 12

The package offers six scrumptious dessert and cocktail pairings served as flights, so guests can explore the wide range of treats offered at 123 Speakeasy and Sweet Tartlette in Traverse City. Discover a new favorite or try an old standby in a new way; combinations will include smokey, sweet and savory flavor profiles, so there is sure to be something for confectionary connoisseurs and bon bon beginners!

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER | March 13

Lucky you! You’ve been invited to the Dunn Speakeasy at Otsego Resort in Gaylord for the wedding of the year. In this “married to the mob” event, you’ll never know who to trust. With the two families merging together, someone is bound to lose power, which means someone else will lose their life. Get on the trolley and solve this case with your fellow detectives. Dress like the cat’s meow for this mafia wedding!

SPRINGING INTO FLOWERS | March 13

The Inn at Bay Harbor is welcoming spring with award-winning Northern Michigan floral designer and owner of Sweetwater Floral, Kalin Sheick. Celebrate the season of blooms and create your own floral centerpiece, plus enjoy fireside wine tasting, a lunch and afternoon tea with Kalin. Lodging packages available here.

LEGEND OF KNOCKGRAFTON | March 14

This charming original ballet is an adaptation of an old Irish legend about Lusmore, a poor hunchback who sells fine baskets in the region of Knockgrafton. Because of his grotesque shape, the townspeople are frightened by his appearance and ridicule him. Join the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theater for a tale of friendship, spite and adventure at Milliken Auditorium in Traverse City. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

MADE IN MICHIGAN FUNDRAISER | March 14

Join Gopherwood Concerts at Cadillac Elks Lodge for this great night of local music and silent auction items that help the non-profit continue to bring you world-class musical entertainment. Each year this event is described by many as their favorite of the year. Proceeds go toward improving sound and lighting infrastructure as well as helping keep ticket prices as low as possible. 

11TH ANNUAL BREW-SKI FESTIVAL | March 14

Join Boyne Highlands Resort for the 11th Annual Brew-Ski Festival, bringing together snow, craft beers and entertainment, with fun on tap from morning through midnight—and beyond. Hit the slopes, share laughter with friends and visit the sampling bars where brewery representatives from more than 150 breweries share their enthusiasm about more than 200 brews.

WINE & WHISKEY | March 14

This St. Patty’s Wine & Whiskey tour is the best of both barrels: an exclusive tasting experience at Traverse City Whiskey Co., Left Foot Charley and Rove Estate. You will enjoy a unique experience while sipping on craft adult beverages. 

WINTER CONCERT II | March 15

The Northern Michigan Brass Band is a 28-piece, British-style brass band, and they’re playing everything from traditional marches to toe-tapping arrangements. The band’s winter concert at First Congregational Church of Charlevoix will open with Fanfare and Festival Overture On A Disney Theme by Brad Kelley arranged expressly for the band by the composer from his original version for orchestra.

BLACKTHORN CELTIC BAND | March 15

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day early with Blackthorn at AuSable Artisan Village in Grayling. Detroit-based Celtic band Blackthorn has played throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs and reels and ancient airs combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER | March 17

The Women’s Resource Center is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration with plentiful appetizers, desserts, exciting auction items, a cash bar, a 50/50 drawing and other fun happenings at the Inn at Bay Harbor. Proceeds support Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan programs and services.

COLORING BETWEEN THE WINES | March 18

Grab a friend and unwind after a long day at work at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City. They’ll provide the food, drinks, coloring supplies and a frame for your art. You bring your creativity, appetite and humor! Coloring activities also increase mental performance as they train your brain to focus while improving your fine motor skills.

LIVE IN THE YURT: POLITICAL LIZARD | March 21

Political Lizard, started by Caleb Waldvogel and Jenna Olson, first entered the music scene in May 2018. Beginning to write and perform music at local venues soon created quite a buzz in Grand Rapids and beyond. In the fall of 2018, John Bomer and Miles Ferguson joined the band, transitioning the sound from acoustic folk to soft rock and releasing their debut album “Joy the Dog” in 2019. See the band live in Traverse City at The Little Fleet.

JABO BIHLMAN | March 21

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons presents Emmy award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter Jabo Bihlman for one night only at Kirkbride Hall with special guest Medicinal Grove. Soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Spark in the Dark.

SIPS, CHIPS & DIPS | March 21

Participating wineries pair everyone’s favorite everyday snacks with Leelanau-grown wines. This is a fantastic way to try lots of your favorite munchies and see how great they taste when complemented by wine. Tickets include a snack-and-wine pairing at more than 20 wineries along with a fun souvenir wine glass.

WILD GAME DINNER | March 21

Experience a memorable evening with a private chef-prepared, wild game-based dinner in the Pontresina at Otsego Resort in Gaylord while you take in the view over the Sturgeon River Valley.

PETER MULVEY | March 23

Peter Mulvey has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur and almost-poet since before he can remember. Mulvey spent a semester in Ireland and immediately began cutting classes to busk on Grafton Street in Dublin and hitchhike through the country, finding whatever gigs he could. Since the early 1990s, he has developed a strong national following in the indie folk/rock scene through his relentless touring and critically acclaimed albums. Catch him at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor. 

CECIL B. DEMILLE “KING OF KINGS” ACCOMPANIED BY ANDREW ROGERS | March 27 & 28

King of Kings is a 1927 American silent epic film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille, depicting the last weeks of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion and starring H. B. Warner in the lead role. The film will be accompanied by Andrew Rogers on the mighty Wurlitzer theater organ at Music House Museum in Williamsburg.

LIVE IN THE YURT: SPIRITS RISING | March 28

Spirits Rising is the dynamic musical duo of singers and songwriters Alice Sun and Joe Reilly. Drawing on their Native American heritage (Powhatan and Cherokee respectively), their songs include traditional indigenous musical elements as well as notes of jazz, folk, blues, hip-hop and rock. They’ll be at The Little Fleet in Traverse City.

GRANT PEEPLES A PURE STORYTELLER | March 28

Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor welcomes the very talented and politically attuned Grant Peeples for an evening of music, wit and wisdom from one of today’s most talented and progressive social commentators. Grant’s music, his humor and his thinking are progressive and uncompromising.

ILLUSTRATING MICHIGAN BUTTERFLIES WITH DANI KNOPH | March 28

Learn about Michigan butterflies, and types of native plant species to add to your backyard in the spring to attract caterpillars and butterflies. Dani will discuss butterfly anatomy and ways to make the drawing process easy on the eye. Then explore the painting process with watercolor. Students will return home with their own Michigan butterfly illustration. Open to artists of all skill levels. Students bring their own art supplies. The workshop is at Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids. 

Photo(s) by Boyne Highlands Resort