March Moments: Must-attend events around Mt. Pleasant this month

From celebrating community leaders to enjoying student performances, supporting literacy efforts, exploring new home trends, or joining in on St. Patrick's Day festivities, March promises to be packed with opportunities for fun, learning, and connection in the Mt. Pleasant area. Don’t miss out—check out these exciting events happening around town.

Home Builders Association of Central Michigan Home Show 2025
Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday March 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morey Courts
Join the Home Builders Association of Central Michigan for its annual Home Show event, highlighting the latest trends in home construction and design. Special guest Shane Duffy, co-host of HGTV’s “Build It Forward,” will share tips for homeowners and contractors. Founded in 1966, the association is part of the Michigan and National Association of Home Builders. It supports the building industry, promoting ethical practices, safe housing, and affordable solutions. This event is a great chance to connect with professionals and explore top home project services. For information on pricing, exhibitors, and sponsors, visit http://hbacm.com/#/events/home-show.

68th Annual Awards Banquet
Saturday, March 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Comfort Inn Conference Center
The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 68th Annual Awards Banquet. This event recognizes and honors exceptional individuals, leaders, businesses, and organizations who have shown outstanding service to the community. Highlights include the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, Eagle Awards for exceptional volunteers, and recognition of one large and one small business for their support of the Chamber and community. The banquet will feature a cocktail reception, cash bar, dinner, dessert, and entertainment. Business formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. This event offers an opportunity to celebrate local leadership and community dedication. While the deadline to purchase tickets has passed, visit the event website for more information. 

Courtesy Sleepy Dog Books
Sleepy Dog Books Foundation Golden Gala
Saturday, March 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Bovee University Center Rotunda
The first annual Golden Gala, hosted by the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation, will raise funds to support literacy initiatives for children in mid Michigan. By attending, participants will help this new nonprofit provide high-quality books to young readers in our community. The evening will feature live entertainment, a photo booth, and a selection of desserts. Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire and enjoy a signature chocolate martini, a nod to the event's Wonka theme. All proceeds will directly benefit children and families across the region. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.

Courtesy Linda Nemec Foster
Wellspring Literary Series: A Reading by Linda Nemec Foster
Monday, March 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
The Wellspring Literary Series, an annual reading series in downtown Mt. Pleasant, features poetry readings, musical performances, and complimentary food. The series highlights Michigan writers and writers with ties to the region. The evening will feature poet Linda Nemec Foster along with a CMU student poet, and a high school poet. Foster, a former Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, has published 14 poetry collections, including “Amber Necklace from Gdansk,” “Talking Diamonds,” “The Blue Divide,” “Bone Country,” and “The Lake Michigan Mermaid,” two of which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. This free event is open to the public.



Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Empowering Future Women Entrepreneurs to Overcome Gender Challenges
Thursday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Kiva at Moore Hall on CMU’s campus
Join CMU students and community members for an interactive event exploring gender challenges in business and the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership. Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios, gain practical tools to promote gender equality, and hear from a panel of accomplished women entrepreneurs from Detroit:  
  • Rachel Nelson, CEO & Principal Designer, Concetti (interior design strategy studio)  
  • Tina Kozak, CEO, Franco (integrated communications agency)  
  • Nikki Little, Chief Marketing Officer, Franco 
This event is an opportunity to connect, learn, and take action toward a more inclusive future in business. Refreshments will be provided. For questions, contact Dr. Elina Erzikova at erzik1e@cmich.edu. To register, visit https://shorturl.at/sqc85/.

Cemetery Walk
Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Commission on Aging
History lovers are invited to join librarian Christie Folsom and the Isabella County Historical Society for a presentation on Chippewa River District Library’s annual walk through Mt. Pleasant’s historic Riverside Cemetery. The Historical Society meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Commission on Aging and presents on a variety of topics.

Mid Michigan College’s College & Career Fair
Tuesday, March 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. (Harrison campus) and from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. (Mt. Pleasant campus)
High school students, community members, and current Mid Michigan College students are invited to discover pathways to higher education and career options. Participants will have the opportunity to explore academic programs, connect with industry professionals, and access resources to support future goals. To make the most of the event, register for a barcode in advance at StriveFair.com. Colleges will scan these barcodes to share more information and to provide attendees with personalized reports on the institutions they connected with. For more information and a list of good questions to ask during the fair, visit midmich.edu/admissions/events/college-fair.

Photo Courtesy Autumn Baker / Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
Vernal Pools, Coral Reefs of the Northern Forest with Autumn Baker
Wednesday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Library Annex
In conjunction with the Chippewa Valley Audubon Club, Autumn Baker from the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy will lead an insightful discussion on vernal pool ecology, conservation efforts, and opportunities to get involved. As program coordinator for the Vernal Pool Patrol, Autumn will discuss local preservation initiatives and highlight vernal pools in Isabella County. 

The Addams Family School Edition: Mt. Pleasant High School 2025 Musical
Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, March 16 at Mt. Pleasant High School
Experience the magic of live theater as Mt. Pleasant High School presents “The Addams Family: School Edition.” Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, this entertaining production features music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. This fun and family friendly performance showcases the incredible talent of MPHS students. For tickets, visit: https://mpfinearts.ludus.com/index.php

Finch Fieldhouse 75th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Michigan University 
Join students, alumni, and community members to commemorate 75 years of Finch Fieldhouse. This free event will feature historical exhibits, interactive displays, a souvenir program, a photo booth, exclusive giveaways for the first 200 attendees, and more. Attendees can enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and reconnect with alumni, former athletes, faculty, and friends. All are welcome to celebrate the legacy of this iconic landmark. Learn more at cmich.edu.

A Wee Bit Late Irish Festival at O'Kelly's Sports Bar & Grille
Saturday, March 22 beginning at 12 p.m. on through the evening at O'Kelly's Sports Bar & Grille 
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, Irish-themed food and drinks, and festive activities at O’Kelly’s. This year’s event features extended tent party hours opening at noon and moving indoors at midnight. Enjoy performances from bands and DJs, along with sponsor booths, vendors, and surprise entertainment. Additional details will be announced on their Facebook page.

Read more articles by Daria Blond.

Daria Blond is a native Metro Detroiter and CMU alumna who loves chasing Beaver Island sunsets. She has been writing ever since she could read and prefers to work remotely from the public library. When she's not writing, she's off doing things worth writing about. 
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