The MyNorth Weekly Calendar of upcoming Northern Michigan events highlights some of the amazing things going on across the North. Hand-picked by MyNorth Media’s Calendar Editor, Libby Stallman, there’s something for everyone.
February 10
Cabin Fever Artist Talk Series — For the third year in a row, Oliver Art Center will be presenting its Cabin Fever Artist Talk Series in conjunction with the annual Furniture, Fiber, Photography and Sculpture Exhibition. The third talk of the series will be Nick Preneta. Nick, winner of the Gold Prize at Oliver Art Center’s 2016 Juried Exhibition, will discuss the process he takes when creating work in his Northport studio. Nick has worked with wood since a very young age and attended Northern Michigan University. Nick’s talk will be Friday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. All lectures are free and open to the public.
National Writers Series — An Evening with John Donvan & Caren Zucker and Guest Host Cari Noga — Join authors in a conversation about their illuminating book of autism’s history. The tale begins in 1943 with the first diagnosis of autism and sweeps through the decades to the vaccine controversies that still persist today. The reader will learn of the heroic battles that autistic people and their advocates have fought to attain respect, dispel myths, and attend school. Admission: $15.50 General Admission; $25.50 Reserved Seating; $5.50 Students
Live Music: Jim Crockett Trio — Singer/songwriter Jim Crockett has been an icon of the Michigan music scene for many years. His “Manistee River Song” and “Last Believer” have achieved anthem status in the area and beyond. He has now teamed up with bassist Dennis Armstrong, and lead guitarist Ray Smith to deliver original folk, roots, and blues. Horizon Books in Traverse City, 8:30 p.m.
G-Snacks Acoustic at Nolan’s Cigar Bar — Check out the funky rhythms of G Snacks this Friday! Their instrumentally driven acoustic tunes will jazz up your evening. Don’t miss their stop at Nolan’s, as the band packs in the crowds up and down Front Street, 9 p.m.
February 10–11
Chocolate-Covered Boyne — Boyne City will celebrate everything chocolate. Businesses all over the Boyne Area will offer chocolate specials and in some cases, free tastings. Find a full list of specials here.
February 10–25
Outside Mullingar is the story of two lovelorn Irish farmers who haven’t a clue about love. Introverted and eccentric, these hopeless singletons must overcome a bitter land feud, familial rivalries and their own romantic fears to find happiness. This tenderhearted portrait uses humor and poetic prose to remind us it’s never too late to take a chance on love. $17 tickets available at MyNorthTickets.com.
February 11
8th Annual Winter Microbrew & Music Festival — Breweries, cideries, meaderies, and wineries showcase their selection of beverages. Enjoy great music, a silent disco and delicious local food during a cozy winter weekend in Traverse City. Heated tents and roaring bonfires fill the corner of Grandview Parkway and Union Streets. Early bird doors open at 3 p.m.; general admission 4–10 p.m. Tickets available at MyNorthTickets.com, 231.499.4968.
Winter Tracks & Signs Family Program — Join Melissa Hansen from Little Traverse Conservancy & learn about winter tracking. Walk as a group to Michigan Beach woods, explore & learn, then end up back at the library to make a craft. Charlevoix Public Library, 231.547.2651.
The Romance of the Stars — In the heart of winter and the approaching Valentine’s Day, Headlands will host special guests Laszlo Slomovitz and poet Jennifer Burd with their extraordinary project of setting the mystic poems of Rumi and Hafiz to song. “Tonight is an ideal date night for couples and individuals young and old, newly in love or celebrating the enduring romance of a fixed-star union.” Guests may bring snacks and beverages and arrive early to catch sunset at 6 p.m., or arrive 6:30–6:45 p.m. to park, get settled and wait for the show to begin. Plan to stay late, because the Moon will touch the heart star Regulus in the midnight sky! “This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment…”~ Rumi. Due to limited space, reservations requested, 231.348.1713.
Winterfest in Beulah —Families will enjoy a day packed with fun, food, and other unique winter activities including a chili cook-off, snowmobile poker run, annual children’s fish toss competition, children’s frozen turkey bowling, a Winterfest Parade, horse drawn wagon rides and a bonfire on the beach with fireworks in the evening over majestic Crystal Lake. Call 800.882.5801 for more details.
February 11–12
41st Annual VASA Festival of Races — There are XC ski events for casual touring skiers to elite professionals, with distances from 6 km to 48 km. For online registration, and much more event information check out the website. Traverse City, 231.938.4400.
February 14
POUR Public House Valentine’s Menu —POUR will be featuring a special menu with wine pairings included in the cost, as well as their regular menu. $35 per person for the 3-course prix fixe menu and $55 per person if you would like the wine pairings, as well. POUR will donate 10 percent of all sales for the evening to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan.
February 15
Bubba’s Watershed Fundraiser — Bubba’s Burgers in downtown Traverse City is holding a fundraiser to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay. From 4 p.m. until closing time, 30 percent of ALL proceeds will go to The Watershed Center. Get an extra 25 percent off all food items between 4–5:30 p.m. during “Bubba Time.” Bubba’s is located at 428 E. Front St. For more information, call Bubba’s at 231.995.0570.
