Many Midland New Year’s Eve events to attend this weekend

A New Years Eve Celebration is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. Sip on sparkling soda, make unique New Years Eve crowns, and more as we celebrate the start of 2023. There will be a balloon drop at noon. A celebration kit is included with a child ticket (Public or Member), with materials needed to participate in hands-on activities during the event. Pre-registration is encouraged.

A Kiddie New Year’s Eve Party is set for 1-5 p.m at Midland Roll Arena. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this New Year’s Eve Party…but if you don’t want to stay up until midnight we have you covered! Enjoy a balloon drop, party hats, noise makers, games, prizes and more. Admission is $20, skate rentals are $5, skate assist rentals are $5, spectator fee is $10.

A New Year’s Eve Bash is set for 4-7 p.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Count down to the new year and enjoy a magic show, storyteller and more. Pizza and drinks will be available for $1 per slice and $1 per drink. Family Fun Night is  free for members and $6 for non-members.

Singer/songwriter Mio is set to perform 5-7 p.m. at at Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., Midland. The Fabulous Mr. E’s Piano Lounge is set to perform 8-10 p.m. For more information, call 989-486-9392 or visit facebook.com/mielementgraingrounds.

Midnight on Main is set for 8 p.m. at Dow Diamond. Food, drinks and alcohol will be provided. Jedi Mind Trip and Sound Productions will provide live entertainment. A ball drop and fireworks show will take place around midnight. This event is for ages 21 and up. Tickets range from $25 for general admission, $85 for a speed pass and $150 for a VIP dinner party.

A New Year’s Eve Late Skate is set for 9 a.m.-1 a.m. at Midland Roll Arena. There will be a balloon drop at midnight, hats, noisemakers, games, specials and prizes. Admission is $30 for all admissions, including adult spectators, $5 for skate and skate assist rentals.

Tuesday, Jan. 3

An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5-6:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Thursday, Jan. 5

The Fabulous Mr. E’s Piano Lounge is set to perform 5-7 p.m. at Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., Midland. For more information, call 989-486-9392 or visit facebook.com/mielementgraingrounds.

Comedy Night with Danny Browning is set for 8 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts’ Little Theater. Come for an evening of laughs from nationally touring comics. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 the day of. Content is rated PG-13.

Friday, Jan. 6

Kirk Brewster, the Front Porch Hillbilly, is set to play acoustic country 12-2 p.m. at Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., Midland. The Blues Doctor with his Hot and Blue Harmonica will play 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 989-486-9392 or visit facebook.com/mielementgraingrounds.

A Full Moon Stroll is set for 5-6 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Join an interpretive naturalist for a hike to enjoy this month’s full moon. Learn how the tradition of naming moons began and what makes each month special. Please wear dark colors and bring a flashlight.

Star Wars Trivia is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Coleman Area Library. Is the Force strong with you? Assemble your team and join us to test your Star Wars knowledge. This event is free and open to the public. Pizza and snacks will be provided or bring your own. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call the library at 989-465-6398 to reserve a spot or visit https://www.facebook.com/colemanarealibrary/events.

Saturday, Jan. 7

RANDOM will play rock and roll for the heart and soul 5-7 p.m. at Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., Midland. He Said She Said will play stylish guitar and vocals 8-10 p.m. For more information, call 989-486-9392 or visit facebook.com/mielementgraingrounds.

The Dad Joke Show 2.0 is set for 7-8:30 p.m. at Creative 360. The host for the evening’s groan-nducing festivities, David King, will be joined on stage by Dexter Brigham, Todd Little, John McPeak, Alex Rapanos, Carol Rumba, and Matt Schramm. The jokesters will share the best-worst and best-best jokes of the genre. Rated PG. Cost is $15 prepay, $20 at the door, BYOB.

Sunday, Jan. 8

Grace Shephard is set to play piano and sing favorites 2-4 p.m. at Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave., Midland. Ike Beehr and the Blues Guise will play rock and blues 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 989-486-9392 or visit facebook.com/mielementgraingrounds.

Thursday, Jan. 12

An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5-6:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Saturday, Jan. 14

A History Hike is set for 1-2:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Join CNC’s historical interpreter to hike the trails and explore the natural resources that brought people to the region. Participants will look for evidence of how nature has influenced history and guided the settlement of the area.
Meet at the Visitor Center. This event is free.

Monday, Jan. 16

A Family Snowshoe Hike is set for 4-5:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of exploration on snowshoes – no experience needed. The group will search high and low for signs of animals, exploring on and off trails. Please bring a sled to pull younger children. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Story Hour is set for 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. The hour will include a story, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Dress for the weather for this outdoor program. Program will move indoors if weather is poor. This event is free.

A Winter Social, hosted by The Arc of Midland, is set for 4-6 p.m. at Midland City Forest. Dress warmly and come out for sledding, hot chocolate, hot dogs and a campfire. There will be a limited amount of sleds available, so guests are asked to bring their own sleds. Questions can be directed to The Arc of Midland at 989-631-4439.

Stories by the Fire is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Drop by the Homestead and enjoy an early evening relaxing by the campfire and listen to tales of winters past. This event is free.

Friday, Jan. 20

A Broadway Flight Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Creative 360. The organization is pairing Broadway musicals and wine for a “balanced evening of smooth, live entertainment with a spicy finish!” Performers from the Great Lakes Bay Region will whisk audiences through a taste of four Broadway shows while they enjoy a coordinated selection of wines. Additional wines available for purchase. You may bring snacks. Cost is $20 prepay, $25 at the door.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Brunch History: Coffeehouse Culture is set for 10 a.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. Come for a lively conversation about coffee house culture – both its origins and local impact. Historian Wesley Reynolds will provide insight into the beginning of the “coffee house” as a place for social gathering and higher conversation. Renee Deckrow, owner of Live Oak Coffeehouse, and General Manager of Live Oak Daniel Terhune will be discussing coffee house culture and its impact on the modern Midland community. The lecture is free for museum members, $7 for the public.

A Broadway Flight Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Creative 360. The organization is pairing Broadway musicals and wine for a “balanced evening of smooth, live entertainment with a spicy finish!” Performers from the Great Lakes Bay Region will whisk audiences through a taste of four Broadway shows while they enjoy a coordinated selection of wines. Additional wines available for purchase. You may bring snacks. Cost is $20 prepay, $25 at the door.

Sunday, Jan. 22

A Snowshoe Sampler is set for 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Drop by to give CNC’s snowshoes a try, do a winter scavenger hunt or warm up by a campfire. Meet at the Homestead Cabin and enjoy a winter afternoon in the snow. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the event will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Monday, Jan. 23

A Senior Pancake Breakfast is set for 11 a.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Cost is $3 for members, $5 for non-members; pay in cash only on the day of the event. Register a spot at least a week in advance. Breakfast will be cancelled if Midland Public Schools closes due to weather. For more information, contact Amanda Ewald at [email protected] or 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Paint Your Pet is set for 7-9:30 p.m. at Creative 360. Join Creative 360’s Executive Director Laura Vosejpka for an evening of color and fun. You may choose to paint your pet any way you like. No, you do not need to be artistic. Send an image of your dog, cat, hamster, or horse to [email protected] by Jan. 19 and Creative 360 will transfer it to a 16 x 20 canvas or you may want to freehand it yourself; close-up images are best. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required by Jan. 19.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Sound Community Music Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse. This monthly music series features local classical and jazz musicians. The first hour is an opportunity for students, amateurs and professionals to share musical performances. The second hour spotlights professional musicians as they perform a full-length concert. The featured artists of the evening gratefully accept financial support from the audience in the form of donations. Contact Colin Wood ([email protected]) if you are interested in performing on the Sound Community Music Series.

Zehnder’s Snowfest is set for Jan. 25-Jan. 29 in Frankenmuth. Visitors can enjoy larger-than-life snow sculptures and detailed ice carvings. In addition, Zehnder’s Snowfest will have entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo and children’s activities. 

Thursday, Jan. 26

Adventures for Women: Snowshoe Hike is set for 5-6:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Enjoy an afternoon hike on snowshoes as we notice birds, animal tracks and other points of interest in the woods and fields. Beginner and experienced snowshoers are welcome. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Friday, Jan. 27

The Neon Ball is set for 8-10 p.m. at Creative 360. Join in for art, light, music, food and dancing all in the midst of the Bayliss Gallery filled with the glowing art of Mark Piotrowski and Josh Averill. The first drink is paid for and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. A cash bar will be available.
A limited number of tables for six or four are available for reservation. Call 989-837-1885 if you have questions. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $100.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Kids’ Day is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Midland Mall. This event will feature hands-on activities for the kids as well as an opportunity for parents to explore the offerings that the community has available – from schools to sports, health to 4-H. Masks are encouraged and appreciated. This event is free.

Monday, Jan. 30

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body is set for 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. This event is free. Reserve a spot at least one week in advance by contacting Amanda Ewald at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Planning for Pollinators is set for 6-7:30 p.m. at Dow Gardens. Transform your landscape into an sanctuary for native pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies. Join entomologist, Elly Maxwell, and plant curator, Jacob Burns, for a program that will touch on pollinator identification, plant selection, structural features, garden design, and care. Cost is $18. Capacity is limited, and registration is required. Learn more and register online at dowgardens.org/events/pollinators/