What to do in Mt. Pleasant this February

As February arrives, the local Mt. Pleasant community is brimming with events that embrace the season of love, food, and winter fun. Whether it’s surprising a sweetheart with a romantic activity, sharing a festive meal, or simply enjoying the cozy charm of the season, local restaurants and organizations have pulled out all the stops to make sure that February is filled with activities that will make hearts skip a beat.

Gallery Reception for Tina Vivian’s “Take Me To the River”
Thursday, February 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Through February 26, Art Reach of Mid Michigan will host local artist Tina Vivian’s gallery show entitled “Take Me to the River.” Free and open to the public, the exhibit features plein air pieces depicting scenes from nature preserves owned by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. Vivian is a local artist who received her BFA at Alma College and her MFA in printmaking at Central Michigan University.

Under the Big Top
Friday, February 7 at 5 p.m. at Morey Courts Recreation Center
Morey Courts Recreation Center will host this year’s “Under the Big Top.” This is a free, carnival-themed event packed with fun for all ages. With plenty of activities, local vendors, and a ringmaster extraordinaire, the evening will feature exciting performances, midway activities, games, and treats.

2025 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan
Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m. at O’Kelly’s Sports Bar & Grille
The 2025 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan will take place Saturday, February 7. Here's the schedule:

• 11 a.m.: Plunge check-in opens and pre-plunge party begins. Participants can turn in cash and check donations, receive incentives, and prepare to plunge.
• Noon: Pool plunge.
• After: After-splash bash. Lunch is included for all plungers who raise $150 or more. Plungers 21 and up who raise $100 will also receive two drink tickets.

Drinks and lunch will be available for purchase on-site for spectators. Those interested in diving or donating please visit classy.org. 

Courtesy Camille's PrimeGalentine’s Day Brunch
Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m. at Camille’s Prime
Camille's Prime will host its second annual Galentine's Day Brunch. Ladies are invited to grab their besties and celebrate the fabulous women and friendships that brighten their lives. The event features a four-course meal, with a fun brunch cocktail menu available. The cost is $30 per person. The menu consists of:

• Course 1: Orange Cake
• Course 2: Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites
• Course 3: Biscuits & Gravy
• Course 4: Chicken & Waffle

To book, call 989-775-2337 or message this page with name, number of guests, and a phone number.

Cold-Process Goat Milk Soapmaking Workshop
Saturday, February 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Instructor Samantha Falsetta of C+S Farm will guide participants through creating their own silky smooth soap using fresh goat milk from her farm. All ingredients, supplies, and instructions will be provided, and students will leave with a homemade one-pound batch of soap. Participants can choose from a variety of fragrances and colors for a personalized experience. Safety will be emphasized, as cold-process soap requires the use of lye. Students are asked to wear long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes. Sign up here.

Courtesy Folklor Wine & Cider
Folklore x PCC Wine Tasting Event
Saturday, February 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pleasant City Coffee
Pleasant City Coffee is hosting an evening of tasting and exploration with Folklor Wine & Cider. Winemakers Izabela Babinska and Derrick Vogel will pour a selection of their wines and ciders while discussing sustainable and regenerative growing practices in the Tip of the Mitt region. Tickets include appetizers and tastings of four to five wines and ciders. Attendees must be 21 or older. One ticket purchase is required per person and drinks cannot be shared. Purchase tickets here.

Five-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 11 at 6 p.m. at Summit Smokehouse and Tap Room
Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with a special five-course dinner, perfectly paired with five unique beers. 

• Course 1: Smoked Garlic Scampi Dip  

• Course 2: Smoked Ribeye Crostini  

• Course 3: BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf  

• Course 4: Smokehouse Shrimp Carbonara  

• Course 5: Chocolate Lava Cookie  

The cost is $40 per person or $75 for couples. Dinner only is $35, and beer pairings alone are $5. Those wishing to reserve a spot may call 989-783-9473 or stop in at Summit.

Painting with Pups
Thursday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Kids and HATS therapy dogs will team up to create unique Valentine’s Day paintings for participants to take home. The Mt. Pleasant painting event is open to kids of all ages. Plus, the event is included with admission or membership to the Discovery Museum, and donations of canned pet food or peanut butter are encouraged.

Girls Night Royal Icing Cookie Decorating Class
Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mid Michigan College CLAB 313
This class is ideal for beginner cookie decorators or anyone curious about cookie decorating. If you're new to sugar cookies or find royal icing tricky, this is the perfect class for you. This month's theme features fun Girls Night-themed cookies that taste delicious and claim to look even better once decorated. Ginger of Ginger's Cookie Jar provides all the supplies, including cookies, icing, sprinkles, and a box to take creations home. Sign up here.

Virtual Cooking Class for CMU Alumni
Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom
CMU's Chef David MIller will guide participants through the steps of crafting Strawberry Palmiers and a dreamy Love Potion #6. Participants will connect with others and create delicious treats together. Registration includes access to the virtual class, with an additional add-on ice cube tray to keep love potions cool. Register here by Monday, February 10.

Club Create of Mid Michigan
Thursday, February 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Club Create is a Michigan Arts Access program for adults with disabilities. Club Create provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to have hands-on experiences in the arts provided by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting, as well as have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Plein Air Painting at the Greenhouse
Friday February 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CMU Greenhouse
Cheryl Meyer will lead participants through the art of watercolor painting “en plein air” at Central Michigan University’s greenhouse, in a serene atmosphere away from the winter chill. She will also demonstrate how to capture the light and composition that makes plein-air painting so special. All painting supplies are provided, but students should bring a camp chair, preferably with a cup holder. This class is recommended for ages 16 and up. The Greenhouse is located between Brooks Hall and the Dow Science Building. Metered parking (using the Pango mobile app) is available in lots 15, 10, and 36. Otherwise, students may purchase guest passes online at www.parking.cmich.edu. Purchase tickets here.

Date Night Dinner at Buck’s Run
Friday, February 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Buck’s Run Golf Club
This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart to a special Beef Tenderloin & Lobster Dinner, including bubbly champagne and a scrumptious dessert. Also available is the $32.95 Prime Rib Special, as well as regular menu items. View Buck’s Run’s special Valentine's menu at bucksrun.com/valentines. Reservations are required. Call 989-779-9973 to secure your spot.

Date Night Dropoff at Mt Pleasant Discovery Museum
Friday, February 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mt Pleasant Discovery Museum
Drop off the littles at MPDM off for a kid-free night out. With dinner and play time fully covered for all participants, parents and caregivers can relax knowing their children will have fun and be well cared for. All ages are welcome, though they must be potty trained. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Register here.

Black Light Paint Party
Friday February 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Art Reach of Mid Michigan
There’s no need to be coupled up to join Deborah Clark for an exciting night of painting under the glow of black lights. Participants will wear neon face paint and create guided mushroom-themed paintings that glow under black light. Snacks and all supplies will be provided, while participants bring a drink of choice. Ages 21 and up. Register here.

Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club62nd Annual Rotary Club Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday, February 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Comfort Inn & Suites Conference Center
The Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant’s Annual Rotary Beef Tenderloin & Turkey Dinner Fundraiser is back for its 62nd year and promises to be as delicious as ever. There will be live entertainment with an all-you-can-eat buffet (dine-in only). Tickets range from $5 to $35 dollars depending on diners’ age. Tickets are available at the door, from any Rotary Club member, or through the Facebook event page.

Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Parks and RecreationDaddy-Daughter Date Night
Sunday, February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites
Celebrate special relationships at Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation's Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night. This memorable evening will feature music, dancing, prizes, and fun activities for young ladies of all ages and their fathers or another special escort.

• City Resident Early Registration: $32 per couple
• Non-City Resident Early Registration: $45 per couple
• At-the-Door Cost (space permitting): $48 per couple

The early registration deadline is Feb. 11 and can be done online here.

Family Reading Night
Tuesday, February 18 at 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church
Community members are invited to round up friends and family for a free Family Reading Night. Local author Dominic Thrasher and other guest readers will provide entertainment. Hot chocolate and cookies will also be provided.

Free for All: The Public Library
Wednesday, February 26 at 6 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema
Celebration Cinema will host a free advanced screening of Free for All: Inside the Public Library. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The film tells a story of revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is free, and the doors are open to all.

ONGOING EVENTS

Photo credit Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant. The Island Park Ice Rink is open for the 2025 winter season in Mt. Pleasant.
Island Park Ice Rink Now Open
The Island Park Ice Rink is open to skaters for the season. Located on the south softball field, the 54’ by 95’ rink is open daily at the Mt. Pleasant park, weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department. (Plus, find more information on the Island Park Ice Rink and other outdoor activities to enjoy here.)

Monday Night Open Gym at Morey Courts
Participants can attend open gym nights at Morey Gymnastics Center every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Whether you’re looking to practice skills, get active, or just have fun, all ages are welcome to enjoy fitness and gymnastics in a relaxed and welcoming environment.