Happy New Year! With the arrival of 2025, January offers a range of local events and activities to explore. From cultural celebrations to culinary experiences, the month presents opportunities for entertainment and community engagement. Here’s a look at what’s happening around town.
A Birding Trip to Thailand with Stan Lilley
Wednesday, January 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Library
Join Stan Lilley of the
Chippewa Valley Audubon Club as he shares pictures and stories from a three-week birding trip to Thailand where he saw more than 400 species of birds as well as many butterflies and mammals. The talk will take place in the Annex at Veterans Memorial Library.
Northern Kung Fu & Self-Defense Workshop
Thursday, January 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Mid Michigan College
Learn essential martial arts concepts and discover how the practice of martial arts can enhance physical and mental well-being. This workshop will cover: basic techniques like joint locks and evasive techniques; core principles that improve strength, balance, and agility; ways that martial arts can boost mental clarity, discipline, and confidence; basic breathing for general health and inner stillness. There is no cost for this exploratory session, and it is designed for all skill levels. Participants can
register for the workshop here. Additionally,
a full 6-week course in kung fu and self defense will be offered from January 13 to February 19 for those who wish to learn more in-depth tactics and techniques.
All Ages Board Game Night
Friday, January 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Pull out your favorite board game and bring a friend along for an evening of gaming and snacks at the
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. This event is open to participants of all ages and the museum will be open for play time as well. Admission is free for members or $10 for non-members.
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First Free Discovery Day at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Friday, January 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The inaugural Discovery Day at
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum takes place Jan. 17. This community-focused event invites all ages to visit the museum and enjoy its interactive and hands-on exhibits that spark creativity, imagination, and learning—admission is free thanks to the event sponsors, McGuirk Sand-Gravel and United Apartments.
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Photo courtesy Lee Ann Walker / Wild Daisy Creative
DIY Spa Products Workshop with Wild Daisy
Friday, January 17 at 6 p.m. at For Art’s Sake
Learn to make natural spa products such as fizzy mineralizing bath salts, coffee sugar scrubs, whipped body butters, and face creams in this workshop with Lee Ann from
Wild Daisy Creative. Participants will learn about the benefits of natural skin care and take home recipe cards along with their own handmade products.
Register here.
Wine and Watercolors
Saturday, January 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Ages 21 and up can bring a friend, a favorite wine, and their creativity for a relaxing paint-along watercolor workshop led by Cheryl Meyer. All instruction and art supplies will be provided to create a unique still-life composition. In the same vein, Art Reach will host their next monthly
Brews and Brushes event January 30.
Click here to purchase tickets for Wine and Watercolors or visit
Art Reach’s website to check out many other creative classes.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. CommUNITY Peace March and Vigil
Monday, January 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bovee University Center
Join others in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Jr. March on the campus of Central Michigan University. Participants are invited to march in unity and celebration of his enduring impact. The march begins at the Bovee University Center on CMU’s campus and continues down Washington, Bellows, and Main Street, ending at Town Center in Downtown Mt. Pleasant. All are welcome to take part in this event. Periodic street closures will occur during this time and all city offices will be closed.
Central Michigan University Men’s Basketball vs. Western Michigan University
Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. at McGuirk Arena
Cheer on the Central Michigan University Chippewas as they compete against Western Michigan University at McGuirk Arena. The game is a white out, which means attendees are encouraged to wear white to show their support of the home team. Purchase tickets
here.
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Courtesy Woodshop SocialChocolate ganache cake courtesy of head chef Alexander Frederick at Wood Shop Social.
National Chocolate Cake Day
Monday, January 27 All Day
Celebrate
National Chocolate Cake Day with a decadent treat. If at-home baking isn’t on the docket, chocoholics can visit
Wood Shop Social for a slice of their decadent chocolate ganache cake or stop by The Olive Garden for a serving of
chocolate lasagna with layers of cake, mousse, and wafers.
Guardians of the Road Virtual Meeting on Human Trafficking
Tuesday, January 28 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (virtual)
Hosted by
R.I.S.E. Advocacy, join the Human Trafficking Coalition online for a virtual workshop discussion. Officer Victor Jurkowski of the Michigan State Police will discuss the Truckers Against Trafficking organization and their impact on combating human trafficking through training, partnerships, and awareness in the transportation industry. Learn more and
register here.
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Photo courtesy Cody Utterback / Camille's PrimeCamille’s Prime is located at 506 W. Broadway Street in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Five Course “Comfort Foods” Wine Pairing Dinner
Thursday, January 30 at 6 p.m. at Camille’s Prime
Visit
Camille’s Prime this month for a five-course tasting event featuring comfort foods and wine pairings by wine expert Ernie Peters. Tickets are $60 per person plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are required. To purchase tickets, send a message to
the event page with name, phone number, and number of seats or call 989-775-2337. The five courses are: meatloaf; chicken noodle soup with house-made noodles; pork belly mac and cheese; prime beef Wellington; and sticky toffee pudding.