How about all that cold and snow? I wasn’t ready. What about you? No matter the weather, we aren’t going to be stuck at home this month. Opportunities in the February calendar include Snowfest, a showcase of the Art of Black Hair, beer at a museum, lectures, a murder mystery, library crafts, a fundraiser, comedy, a chili crawl, and a cello quartet. And don’t forget Valentine’s Day; there are a couple of items in the calendar specifically for couples. February along the Lakeshore offers a wide variety of things to do in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.
Week 1 (Feb. 1–11)
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“Darling, Just Trust the Process,” set for Feb. 1 at the Muskegon Museum of Art, showcases the creativity, rich history, and evolution of the art of black Hair.
‘Darling, Just Trust the Process’
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Thursday, Feb. 1, 6–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the MMA for an extraordinary evening celebrating the art of Black hair. “Darling, Just Trust the Process” will showcase the creativity, rich history, and evolution of Black hair. A discussion with a panel of local stylists will take place at 7 p.m.
Details:
https://muskegonartmuseum.org/darling-just-trust-the-process/
‘Noises Off’
Holland Community Theatre, 50 W. Ninth St., Holland
Feb. 1–17
Cost: $12.50–$20
Called “the funniest farce ever written,” “Noises Off”presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called “Nothing’s On.” Doors slamming, on- and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure into the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.
Details:
https://hollandcommunitytheatre.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events
Friday Matinee
Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven
Fridays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2–4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
These February film screenings kick off with “Green Book” on Feb. 2. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy during the film. After the movie, submit suggestions for future matinees. Registering for one event in the Friday Matinee series registers you for the entire month, so you don't miss out. Also showing are “Till” (Feb. 9), “Just Mercy” (Feb. 16), and “42” (Feb. 23). Registration is encouraged but not required.
Details:
https://www.loutitlibrary.org/calendar/#/events/AzG0VWjKdL/
Moonlight Night Hike
Crockery Creek Natural Area, 11071 Wren Drive, Nunica
Friday, Feb. 2, 7:30–9 p.m.
Cost: $5 (ages 12 and older)
Experience the park in a new way as you explore it by moonlight. If you’d like to use snowshoes (if conditions are favorable), please complete the snowshoe questionnaire when registering. Registration ends at noon on Feb. 1. An Ottawa County Parks login is required to sign up for the hike.
Details:
https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com
Holland on Ice — Snowmelt 5K
Downtown Holland; starts at Eighth Street Market Place outside of the Holland Civic Center,150 W. Eighth St.
Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m.; Holland on Ice festival begins Friday, Feb. 2, 4–7 p.m.
Cost: $40 adult run, $10 kids’ run
Downtown Holland and Holland Parks and Recreation are excited to announce plans for this first-ever event as part of the two-day Holland on Ice event. The course for this 5K will take advantage of Downtown Holland’s snowmelt system, allowing racers to compete in a winter race without worrying about snow and ice along their route. Children 7 and younger are invited to a Kids’ Mini Melt at 9 a.m. on race day. Participants are encouraged to stay for the festival following the race to watch professional ice carvers transform more than 10,000 blocks of ice into incredible works of art.
Details:
hollandonice.org
Snowfest 2024
Downtown Muskegon
Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by event
Junior Chamber International Greater Muskegon presents the 38th annual Snowfest, featuring activities that include the return of a Euchre tournament, ax-throwing, and snow volleyball. Additions include a bloody mary contest among local downtown bars and restaurants, and a disc golf putting tournament. The jam-packed Saturday also features popular events, such as the Battle of the Bowl soup and chili cook-off, a trivia-themed after-party, and the beloved cornhole tournament.
Details:
https://www.jcimuskegon.org/snowfest-2024
Post-it Pixel Mosaic Art
Herrick North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn how to create pixelated mosaic artwork using Post-It notes. Designed for ages 6–11, this program is great for budding artists and fans of books and games like Roblox or Minecraft.
Details:
https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/653bdee68708684100f79724
Reel Time Film Series — ‘Under the Same Moon’
Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
In this Mexican American drama (Spanish: “La misma luna”), single mother Rosario (Kate del Castillo) leaves her young son Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) in the care of his grandmother and illegally crosses the border into the U.S. The film is in Spanish and English, and is rated PG-13. It is the final film in the 2024 Reel Time Film Series.
Details:
https://www.cityofholland.com/1061/Reel-Time-Film-Series
Dinner and a Movie Night — ‘Rustin’
Momentum Center, 401 N. Seventh St., Grand Haven
Friday, Feb. 9, dinner 5 p.m., movie 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bayard Rustin was "the man behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's nonviolent tactics and the strategist for the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C.” The film is rated PG-13.
- The film also will be screened at Popcorn and a Movie, set for Monday, Feb. 12, at 5:30 p.m., at Momentum Center, 345 W. 14th St., Holland.
Details:
https://www.momentumcentergh.org/upcoming-events
Museum on Tap
Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St., Holland
Friday, Feb. 9, 7–9 p.m.
Cost: $35 in advance, $50 at the door
Proceeds from this beer-, wine-, and cider-tasting event will support programs and exhibitions at the museum. The event includes snacks, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries and special pop-up exhibit highlighting the history of brewing in West Michigan.
Details:
https://hollandmuseum.org/event/museum-on-tap-2024/
‘Faith, Freedom and the Founders: The Revolutionary Roots of Equality in America’
Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland
Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
In the current debate around the founding values of America, important facts about the founding citizens of this nation and Michigan have been lost, including their actions toward freedom and equality. In this inspiring talk, Dr. Anna-Lisa Cox will detail new historical discoveries that reveal the ways that people of faith and the churches of the Revolutionary War era were involved in moving those values forward, and how this past can give us hope for the future.
Details:
https://www.holland.org/faith-freedom-and-the-founders/
Bee School 2024
Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S. Church St., Zeeland
Saturday, Feb. 10, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $20–$65
Learn from seasoned local beekeepers and MSU educators about bee biology, integrated pest management, sustainable practices, pollinator initiatives, bee equipment, and more. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions provide you with all the education you need to start beekeeping and learn how to manage bee colonies successfully.
Details:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bee-school-2024
Slightly Scandalous — A Cole Porter Cabaret
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Sunday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Cost: $25–$35
The cabaret show is a fun and funny romp through relationships, careers, cats, and marriages. The songs are jazzy, and desserts and drinks sweeten the deal.
Details:
https://www.saugatuck.com/slightly-scandalous-a-cole-porter-cabaret/
Week 2 (Feb. 12–18)
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Enjoy the entertaining and informative Coffee with the Birds on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park in West Olive.
Spark! — Keeping the Light On: the Technology of Lighthouses
Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven
Monday, Feb. 12, 6:30–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
This educational program will shed light on the latest advancements in navigational aids and maritime safety. This session will explore the evolution of lighthouses, from traditional structures to modern technologically advanced beacons. From the early use of lenses and mirrors to the incorporation of electricity and automation, the lecture will highlight key milestones and innovations that have shaped lighthouse technology. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Details:
https://www.loutitlibrary.org/calendar/#/events/
‘A Peek at the Past: Your Little Piece of Historic Hamilton’
Trestle Stop Restaurant, 3366 M-40, Hamilton
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1:30—2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hamilton Community Historical Society presents an hour of sharing a piece of your Hamilton history. Please bring a small antique, a picture, or a unique family treasure, and briefly tell us what it means in your family’s history and how it connects with the history of Hamilton. Or just come to listen to the stories of others. Coffee, water, and cookies will be provided.
Details: Email hamiltonmichiganhistory@gmail.com
DIY Marbled Paper Bookmarks
Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 4–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Drop in anytime during the craft session to learn how to make marbled paper bookmarks. Be sure to dress for the mess. This session is suitable for ages 8–12.
Details:
https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/653bdf1d1be0d333008caaa5
The Story of Architect Gordon Lloyd
Pillar Church, corner of Ninth Street and College Avenue, Holland
Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Historian Paul Trap will present the story of how a bequest from an escaped slave led to the design of five churches by the noted Detroit architect. These include Grace Episcopal Church in Holland and All Saints Church in Saugatuck. According to Historic Detroit, Gordon Lloyd studied under his uncle Ewan Christian at the Royal Academy in London before moving to Detroit in 1858. He soon became one of the city’s leading architects, designing mansions for some of Detroit’s wealthiest elite. Other work included police stations, a university, and an insane asylum.
Details:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063661266620
Printmaking for Partners
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $140 per couple
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner, friend, or loved one by creating artwork together in this class that’s sure to be memorable. Enjoy an evening of printmaking, a specialty cocktail (or mocktail), and sweet holiday treats. All materials, supplies, and refreshments are included in the ticket price.
Details:
https://sc4a.org/event/printmaking-for-partners/
Valentine’s Date Night — Acrylic Pour Painting for 2
Armory 2 Art Studio, 1113 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 per couple
Have fun getting messy together. Participants will learn two basic pour techniques, then each will pour two 8-by-10 canvases and together pour one 20-by-20 premium gallery wrapped canvas. Light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy as you paint. All supplies and instructions are furnished. Aprons are furnished, but you may still want to wear old clothing. Limited seating.
Details:
https://visitgrandhaven.com/valentines-date-night-acrylic-pour-painting/
Collaborative Journalism as a Means to Counter Misinformation and Build Trusted Communities
Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St., Holland
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Although people around the world are very aware of misinformation's often devastating consequences, they often have fewer ideas about possible solutions. Join GVSU journalism professor Jeff Kelly Lowenstein for a discussion that will offer thoughts about the possibilities collaborative journalism presents to help counter misinformation and create trusted communities for people to receive and discuss accurate information. This program is part of the museum’s “Newsflash! The Story of Journalism in Holland” exhibition.
Details:
https://hollandmuseum.org/event/collaborative-journalism/
‘Klimt & The Kiss’ Screening
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Thursday, Feb. 15, 6–8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 18, 1–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a film screening of “Klimt & The Kiss,” an “exhibition on screen” about one of the world’s most iconic paintings, “The Kiss,” by Gustav Klimt. The film will also be screened 1–3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.
Details:
https://muskegonartmuseum.org/klimt-the-kiss-film-screening-2/
Coffee with the Birds
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Saturday, Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free (ages 10 and older)
Bring your bird questions, curiosities, and stories, and don’t forget your favorite mug. From local birding information and bird identification to natural history, the program is sure to be entertaining and informative. Registration is appreciated but not required.
Details:
https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com/24339
Saturday Play & Learn
Muskegon Museum of History & Science, 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon
Saturday, Feb. 17, 10–11 a.m.
Cost: Included with price of admission — Muskegon County residents, free; non-residents, $5
During this program, infants and toddlers ages 0 to 4 will be invited to enjoy a 15- to 20-minute organized story time followed by free play. Registration is required. Register
here.
Details:
https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/saturday-play-%26-learn/6207/
Murder Mystery Dinner — ‘Death of a Gangster’
Bella Maria’s Event Center, 513 W. Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores
Saturday, Feb. 17, 5–9 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person (adults only)
In this “married to the mob” event, you’ll never know who to trust. With two families merging, someone is bound to lose power, which means someone else will lose their life. Dress like the cat’s meow for this mafia wedding: flapper dresses, zoot suits, feather boas and headbands, pinstriped suits, or traditional wedding attire. The ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and the show.
Details:
https://www.visitmuskegon.org/murder-mystery-dinner-death-of-a-gangster/
Week 3 (Feb. 19–25)
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Loutit District Library in Grand Haven will supply recycled cardboard and tools and you supply the imagination for Spark! Cardboard Creations, Saturday, Feb. 24, at the library.
Lunch N’ Learn — Chee-Yun/The Seasons Reimagined
The Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Wednesday, Feb. 21, noon to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring a brown bag or purchase your lunch, then find a seat and enjoy an hour long informal conversation between West Michigan Symphony Director Scott Speck and classical violinist Chee-Yun on Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Capacity is limited and food is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP to secure your spot at this event.
Details:
https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/lunch-n-learn-chee-yun/
Celebrate Coopersville Gala Fundraiser
Baker Ford, 940 O’Malley Drive, Coopersville
Thursday, Feb. 22, 6–9 p.m.
Cost: $40
Come out for a night of fun that will benefit a great cause. The evening will include entertainment by the Main Street Dueling Piano Band, hors d’oeuvre stations, a cash bar, and more. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the North Bank Trail project.
Details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/930568975007477?D
The Future of Comedy with Mike Ball + Andy Beningo
Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland
Thursday, Feb. 22, 7–10 p.m.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of show, $30 VIP preferred seating (18 or older)
These two established comedians take the stage for a laugh-filled, adult show. Ball is a nationally touring headliner and producer of the award-winning comedy series “The Future of Comedy Show.” Beningo, hailed for his clean and “everyman” style, has been a crowd favorite to audiences worldwide.
Details:
https://parktheatreholland.ludus.com/php?show_id=200444982
Movie Morning — ‘Mulan’
Herrick North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Put on your comfy clothes, bring a pillow and blanket, and settle in for this Disney story of a young maiden who secretly goes to join the army in place of her father.
Details:
https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/653be4e28708684100f798aa
Spark! Cardboard Creations
Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven
Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Create a cardboard invention using Makedo tools. Library staff will supply the recycled cardboard and the tools; you supply your imagination. Great for families; best for ages 5 and older. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Details:
https://www.loutitlibrary.org/calendar/#/events/
Snow Much Fun Family Fest
Reeths Puffer High School, 1545 N. Roberts Road, Muskegon
Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hosted by the Muskegon County Safe and Healthy Task Force, Social Justice Commission, and community partners, this second annual event will feature activities for the whole family. More than 40 community organizations will be onsite, with experts to answer questions related to internet dangers, mental health, violence reduction efforts, first aid, physical activity, and much more. Get ready to ride this spring by bringing children’s bikes for a tune-up and learning the rules of the road with the Muskegon Bicycling Coalition, Muskegon Police, and Michigan State Police. And be sure to visit the Muskegon Area District Library’s outreach van.
Details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/935154424179802
Plaiderday Chili Crawl
Downtown Zeeland
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2–5 p.m.
Cost: $25
Nine downtown Zeeland businesses will host tasting locations for participants to try all types of chili. Try each one and vote for your favorite. Tickets to the crawl — which include a shirt — are limited.
Details:
https://allevents.in/zeeland/plaiderday-chili-crawl
Week 4 (Feb. 26–March 3)
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Hope College’s Great Performance Series presents the Galvin Cello Quartet for a concert on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts in Holland.
History Hounds Series: ‘Black Athletes at U-M’
Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven
Monday, Feb. 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
“Hail to the Victors: Black Athletes at U-M, with Rashid Faisal, University of Michigan — Dearborn” is a virtual presentation of the Historical Society of Michigan. African American athletes have been breaking barriers at U-M since Moses Fleetwood Walker joined the baseball team in 1882. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Details:
https://www.loutitlibrary.org/calendar/#/events/
Teen Embroidery Embellished Postcards
Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
Monday, Feb. 26, 6:30–7:30
Cost: Free
Come learn some basic embroidery stitches. Then put them into practice by adding embellishments to postcards. All materials provided. Registration is required, starting Monday, Feb. 12.
Details:
https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/653bc66f8c62833a00bc3173
‘Monster’ (film)
Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland
Feb. 26-March 2, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $7, $6
Lauded as “a masterclass in mystery,” this film follows a mother who demands answers from a teacher when her son begins acting strangely. The film is rated PG-13.
Details:
https://www.holland.org/event/monster-film/441/
Great Performance Series: Galvin Cello Quartet
Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland
Thursday, Feb. 29, 7:30–10 p.m.
Cost: $28 for adults, $23 for seniors, $14 for children
This ensemble — with members from China, Brazil, South Korea, and the United States — will travel to Holland for a single performance. Through its music, the quartet hopes to celebrate and convey the values of friendship, creativity, and resilience in an ever-changing world.
Details:
https://calendar.hope.edu/event/galvin_cello_quartet
Wildlife Encounter: Owls of Ottawa County
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Friday, March 1, 7–9 p.m.
Cost: $5
Did you know that seven species of owls can be found in Ottawa County? Find out where they can be found, what they sound like, how they hunt at night, and more. Afterward, venture into the park to see if you can encounter one. The program is geared for adults and older children, and includes a combination of a presentation and a guided hike.
Details:
https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com/
Mardi Gras Party
Modales Wines, 2128 62nd St., Fennville
Saturday, March 2, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $55
Join the Fennville, Pullman, and The Lakeshore Rotary Club for a night of fun. Get ready to let loose and celebrate in style. Be transported straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The party features lively music, dancing, Cajun cuisine, refreshing wine/soda/cider, and a silent auction.
Details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1558938424933297
Need suggestions for specific destinations or activities, check out these tourism resources for details:
Holland Area Visitors Bureau
Grand Haven CVB
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Saugatuck CVB
Allegan County Parks & Recreation