Things to do around Greater Lansing | February 2020

Greater Lansing local events, submitted via email, are collected here in a monthly package that may also appear in print (space dependent). LSJ staff provide basic edits and select events that meet basic standards. For more information, or to submit your local event, email events@lsj.com.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Pinewood Open

1 p.m. Registration, 1:45 p.m. racing, Columbus Hall, 5300 N. Grand River Ave.

This event is open to everyone with entry fees of $10 per person or families can enter up to 5 cars, max 2 cars per person, for $25. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Knights of Columbus “Coats for Kids” program. For more information contact 517-321-2209 or Chrisw789@gmail.com.

8th Annual Art & Craft Beer Fest

12-10 p.m., REO Town, Lansing

Art & Craft Beer Fest is an indoor festival hosted at three venues that features art demos, comedy, live music, short films & vendors. All venues are located on the main strip in REO Town, just a short walk from one another. There will also be 13 different seasonal and rare ciders from Virtue Cider and food vendors. Tickets on sale artandcraftbeerfest.com.

National Quilts of Valor Sewing Day

9 a.m.—3 p.m., University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing

Come join us as they award a QOV to a deserving veteran to begin their day of making quilts to award to military service persons. They will begin with the presentation at 9 a.m. and work until 3 p.m. All supplies and lunch are provided.

Sunday, Feb. 2

Groundhog Day Walk

2 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Meridian Township

Participants will learn that the Groundhog has many different names. Spend time on the trail learning about the habits of this true hibernating animal. $3 per person or $7 per family is due at the time of the program. For more information and to sign up, contact hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

The Science of Christianity

2 p.m., Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing

Mary Allice Rose, a former meteorologist, discusses the parallels of the study of science and the study of Christian Science in the one hour talk. Free admission, childcare and parking. This talk is sponsored by the Greater Lansing Christian Science Church. Learn more at ChristianScienceMidMI.org.

Thursday, Feb. 6

Ted Talks: How to Live Passionately No Matter Your Age

10:30 a.m., The Meridian Senior Center, 4000 N. Okemos Rd., Okemos

Author Isabel Allende is 71. Yes, she has a few wrinkles — but she has incredible perspective too. In this candid talk, meant for viewers of all ages, she talks about her fears as she gets older and shares how she plans to keep on living passionately.

Feb 7-8

Making Your Own Snowshoes

5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.—1 p.m. Saturday, Sleepy Hollow State Park

If interested please contact Denise Smith at 517-651-6217 or email smithd8@michigan.gov.

Feb. 7-9

Mid-Michigan Women's Expo

10 a.m.—6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.—6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.—4 p.m. Sunday

This year’s lineup features products, services and seminars that aim to provide a weekend of enjoyment, education and entertainment for women of all ages. Includes speed painting performances and a runway fashion show, as well as resources for health information and complimentary assessments. Admission at the door is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 14.  For more information, visit KohlerExpo.com.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Introduction to Dog Sledding Class

9:30-11:30 a.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Meridian Twp.

Participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and leave their own dogs at home. The fee is $15 per person and for adults only. Space is limited, so contact 517-349-3866 to register today.

Sunday, Feb. 9

6th Annual Chocolate Walk

12-5 p.m., Lansing's Old Town

Tickets are $25 each or $40 for a pair. Each ticket gets you one box and one chocolate at each location and can be purchased at otca.wildapricot.org/event-3652440. Tickets can also be purchased at a slightly higher price the day of the event at the OTCA office, 1232 Turner St.

Kaffee Haus and Winter Bazaar

11 a.m.—3 p.m., Lansing Liederkranz Club, 5828 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing

Kaffee Haus features brats, sauerkraut and German potato salad (take-outs available). Desserts as well as attic treasures and crafts will also be available for purchase. Lansing Liederkranz is a non-profit. Please contact Louise Lind 517-647-5572 with any questions.

Burning Desires: An Afternoon of Love Poetry 

2 p.m., UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Old Town Lansing

Doors open at 1 p.m. Valentine-themed event in celebration of the many aspects of love—comic, profound, tragic, erotic, neurotic and more. An open mic will follow with 14 participants invited to sign up to read “a love poem. Those wishing to read can throw their names in the basket by the door. Tickets are $10 general public, $5 students.

17th Annual Bridal Show

12-3 p.m., Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 South Bridge St., downtown Grand Ledge

Attendees have the opportunity to view the elegant Opera House as well as speak with some of Mid-Michigan’s finest wedding vendors. Open to the public. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, please contact the Opera House at 517-627-1443 or email gloh@gloperahouse.com.

Monday, Feb. 10

Hot Cocoa Bar

2:30-4 p.m., The Meridian Senior Center, Chippewa Middle School, 4000 N. Okemos Rd., Okemos

Free for members, $3 for non-members. Register by Wednesday, Feb. 5. Stop by and make your own hot cocoa concoction with a variety of flavors and toppings to choose from.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

An Evening with Civil Rights Activist Joanne Bland

6 p.m., East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd.

This special event will be hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, MSUFCU and the East Lansing Human Relations Commission. Suggested $10 donation at the door and tickets are available at the ELHCC. Community members must pick up a ticket prior to the program.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Festival of Listening

7-9 p.m., (Scene) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., East Lansing

Join for an evening of untranslated poetry in a variety of languages other than English. To read a poem, email cpoetry@msu.edu and indicate your name and the author, title and language of your poem. Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 9. Feel free to bring a dish to pass from the culture your poem's language represents. For more information, visit poetry.rcah.msu.edu or follow @centerforpoetry on social media.

Thursday, Feb. 13

American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology

7 p.m., MSU Engineering Building, Rm. 1145 

American Cosmic examines the mechanisms at work behind the thriving belief system in extraterrestrial life, a system that is changing and even supplanting traditional religions. Sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies. Visit religiousstudies.msu.edu for more information.

HERO Workshop: Wood Furniture Rehab

6-8 p.m., Neighborhood Empowerment Center, 600 W. Maple St., Lansing

Join Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP) and Off Skate Vintage for Furniture February! The first workshop in this three-art series covers the materials, tools and techniques to make common repairs to wood furniture, including scuffs, stains and loose legs. Free for Lansing residents.

Valentine Cookie Decorating

10:30-11:30 a.m., Williamston Area Senior Center, 201 School St., Williamston

Join the senior center to decorate Valentine cookies. At the end of the program, you are welcome to eat your cookies or take them home to enjoy with family.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Mobile Food Pantry

9-11 a.m., Penway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing

Free program to distribute fresh, non-perishable food items to the disadvantaged and vulnerable, including senior citizens and those on low or fixed incomes. Will remain open until food runs out. All participants must bring a valid state ID or license. Call 517-483-4347 for details.

7th Annual Tease-A-Gogo, Heart Breaker's Bash

9 p.m. Doors open, 10 p.m. show., The Avenue Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

Expect delicious food by Ruckus Ramen, drinks by The Avenue Cafe, a kissing contest with fabulous prizes and a free photo booth! Tickets are available for $15 in advance at teaseagogoheartbreaker.brownpapertickets.com or $18 at the door. 21 years and older. 

Sunday, Feb. 16

ConTempus Initiative (Re)IMAGINED Performance

3 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing

This concert will feature an eclectic collection of various solo and chamber music, open discussions and readings from literature that have inspired the compositions. Suggested donations of $10 will be accepted at the door. Learn more about the collective at contempusinitiative.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Lunch and Learn: Ride Sharing

11:30 a.m., The Meridian Senior Center, Chippewa Middle School, 4000 N. Okemos Rd., Okemos

As we age our faculties tend to weaken. The result of the need to give up driving can lead to lessening of independence. One of the Senior Center's members, Ralph Frisch, will lead a discussion on Uber and Lyft ride share services available to members of the community.

Friday, Feb. 21

Wake Up with Witwer

8-9 a.m., MorningLory Café and Bakery, 115 N. Bridge St., Dimondale

Hosted by State Representative Angela Witwer.

Feb. 21-22

Making Your Own Snowshoes

Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.—1 p.m., Sleepy Hollow State Park

If interested please contact Denise Smith at 517-651-6217 or email smithd8@michigan.gov.

Saturday, Feb. 22

30th Annual Walk for Warmth

9 a.m., Lansing Neighborhood Empowerment Center, 600 W. Maple St., Lansing

Funds will directly assists those who may not be able to heat their homes. There will be door prizes, silent auction, and 50/50 prizes. You can find more information about this event at cacs-inc.org/walk-for-warmth-2020 or contact us at (517) 393 - 7077.

Spaghetti Dinner and Queen of Hearts Kick-Off

5:30 p.m., Columbus Hall, 5300 N. Grand River Ave., Lansing

Features “Queen of Hearts Raffle” presented by the Queen of Hearts Committee. Advance tickets are available at the Columbus Hall for $12 or $15 at the door the night of the event. Proceeds benefit the St. Gerard School Computer Fund. For more information call 517 321 2209 or visit www.788.councilnet.us.

Feb. 22-23

Annual Greater Lansing Orchid Show

Saturday 12-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.—4 p.m., MSU Horticulture Department's Conservatory, 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing

Visitors can enjoy blooms and greenery, take classes on growing plants or browse the many gorgeous orchid plants offered for sale by specialized and knowledgeable vendors. Free, donations accepted. Child-friendly activities, free parking. Visit greaterlansingorchidsociety.com/GLOSShow.html for details. 

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Rejuvenating South Lansing

6:30-8:30 p.m., Alfreda Schmidt Center, 5825 Wise Rd., Lansing

Topics: Lansing for Lifetime-Age Friendly Lansing Action Plan and Upcoming 2020 Census. The complete information flyer is in the attachment of this email. For further information contact Jason Wilkes, Facilitator, RSL at rejuvenatingsouthlansing2019@gmail.com or 517-819-6111.

50th Annual Interfaith Day

9 a.m.—2:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing

For the Golden Anniversary there will be presentations by representatives from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Muslim and Baha’i faiths about how each of the faiths has changed or evolved in the face of social and technological changes. Tickets are $12, lunch included. For tickets, call 517-484-4817. Deadline for ticket requests is Monday February 17.

Ekphrastic Kentridge: A Writing Workshop

3-4:30 p.m., LookOut Gallery, Snyder Hall, 362 Bogue St., East Lansing

Free and open to the public. Join RCAH Professor and Center for Poetry Founding Director Anita Skeen. Wander through this exhibit, find a work that speaks to you, make quick notes on your responses, prepare to write, then write. Participants will be invited to create a piece of writing, then share it with the group if they so choose. Registration is required. Visit bit.ly/35STBN5 to register.

Counting Children: Science and Politics of the 2020 Census

12 p.m., 457 Berkey Hall

A discussion with PhD alumnus and census expert Dr. William O'Hare, President of O'Hare Data and Demographic Services, LLC. He is the author of the book, The Undercount of Young Children in the US Decennial Census. Visit sociology.msu.edu/events/census-lecture.html for details.

Livingston Fine Art Association Meeting

6:30 p.m. Doors open, 7 p.m. meeting, First Presbyterian Church, Howell

The speaker will be David Larwa, who specializes in Origami. David will discuss the history, art & design of origami. A short business meeting and a discussion of members art work will follow. All artists or those interested in the arts are invited. Learn more at livingstonfineartassociation.com or their Facebook page.

Biology on Tap

Doors open 7 p.m., Event begins 7:30 p.m., The Loft

There are tons of tiny organisms all around us, but what does understanding their biology do for us? Dr. Morris and Dr. Ryser tell us about how these microbes impact our everyday lives. Free event. There will be some fun trivia, a raffle and prizes. All ages welcome, however talks are geared for adults, not children.

Feb. 25-26

HERO Workshop: Home Buyer Education

5:30-8:30 p.m., Neighborhood Empowerment Center, 600 W. Maple St., Lansing

$20/person – must attend both evenings to receive certificate. Learn how to buy a home and prepare for home ownership.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

Six Voices in Winter, A Poetry Reading

6:30-8:30 p.m., Okemos Library, 4321 Okemos Rd.

Six female poets will present Six Voices in Winter - a poetry reading to entertain and warm the heart on a cold February night. The group will add coffee, conversation and audience participation for a night of fun and ideas.

Coffee & Conversation: Census Edition

4-6 p.m., Foster Coffee Co., 196 Albert Ave.

The East Lansing Human Relations Commission is excited to partner with the East Lansing Census 2020 Complete Count Committee to co-host a Coffee & Conversation event to discuss and share information on the US Census Bureau's decennial census. Open to all community members.

Meridian Township Democratic Club Meeting With Guest Speaker

6 p.m. Social, 6:30 p.m. meeting, Henry's Place, 4926 Marsh Rd., Okemos

The speaker will be Terry Link, Executive Director of the Peace Education Center at MSU. Terry will discuss the Center’s mission, programs, initiatives, and promotion of nonviolent solutions to conflicts. This meeting is open to the public and held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, Feb. 27

Pottery Class at Art Unlimited

2 p.m., Art Unlimited

They will meet at Art Unlimited and you can choose your own piece and pay at the venue. Let senior center staff know you will be joining by Friday, Feb. 21.

Meditation and Consciousness: Secular Techniques for Mastering Anxiety and Distraction

7 p.m., MSU Union, Lake Michigan Room

Meditation workshop on nature.

Spaghetti Diner Fundraiser

5:30-7:30 p.m., Marble Elementary School Cafeteria, 729 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing

The fundraiser is in support of the tradition of taking their 4th grade classes to tour Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island each year. Please consider attending or ordering take-out to support 4th grade students learning Michigan history. Go online to register at squareup.com/store/spaghetti-dinner.

Friday, Feb. 28

Ladies Night

6-8 p.m., Okemos Family Chiropractic, 2199 Jolly Rd, Ste. 140, Okemos

Join the ladies of Okemos Family Chiropractic for a Ladies Night! All are welcome! There will be games, vendors, shopping opportunities, new patient deals and more. We will also be accepting donations for Hannah's House.

Brew & View

8 p.m. Movie, 10 p.m. music, The Avenue Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

The movie will be Coming to America, followed by live music from James Gardin Free and open to all 21 and over. Eats and drinks will be available for purchase. Before the movie there will be a showing of Pendulum and Hit, the second and third place winners of the 2019 Fortnight Film Contest.

LCC Jazz Band

7:30 p.m., Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing

Free event. With over 20 band members, you’ll enjoy the big-band jazz sound as LCC’s ever popular Jazz Band features selections by Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli (A Night in Tunisia) and more. Visit www.lcc.edu/showinfo for more information.

Saturday, Feb. 29

Leap Into Nature

2 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Meridian Township

Participants can enjoy learning about the reason for Leap Year through hands-on activities and a guided nature walk. The fee is $3/ person or $7/ family and is due at the time of the program. For more information and to sign up, contact hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

DAR Applications/Supplement Workshop

1-4 p.m., Haslett Public Library, 1590 Franklin St., Haslett

The Lansing Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a workshop for members and ladies who can trace their lineage to a Revolutionary War Patriot and are interested in membership. Please bring a laptop or tablet with you, and you will receive help on tracing your ancestor.

7th Annual Soup Cook Off

12-2 p.m., Millville UMC, 1932 N. M-52 Stockbridge

Donation of $5 for a bowl of soup or five samples. Monetary dontations will go to Lansing City Rescue. Call 517-851-7853 for more information. 

Feb. 29-March 1

JSO and the Jackson School of the Arts present: The Music of Harry Potter

7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, The Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 N. Mechanic St.

Explore the world of Harry Potter through sound. This interactive experience will feature some of your favorite characters from the movies. Be sure and come dressed as your favorite witch or wizard. More information and tickets are available at www.jacksonsymphony.org.

Sunday, March 1

La Batterie

3 p.m., Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing

Free event. Col. Mike Daniels’ annual drum extravaganza hits the stage in Dart Auditorium. The concert features The Bash Battalion and many other musicians and bands from the area. Visit www.lcc.edu/showinfo for details. 

Monday, March 2

Wake Up with Witwer

8-9 a.m., The Brew Cafe, 610 N. Creyts Rd., Lansing

Hosted by State Representative Angela Witwer.

Thursday, March 5

Scrabble Hour

6:30-8:30 p.m., East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd., East Lansing

Bring a scrabble set and/or laptop or tablet. Drop in and enjoy a game or two with fellow Scrabblers. Occurs the first Thursday of each month. Additional dates include March 26 and April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Okemos Public Library. 

Friday, March 6

Mason Orchestral Society Concert

7:30 p.m., Martin Luther High School, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing

Admission is free; a donation of $10 is suggested. Doors open at 7 p.m. Guest violin soloist Eric Yun, this year’s winner of the Mason Orchestral Society’s Pat Clark competition, will perform as well. For more information, please go to masonorchestras.org.

Saturday, March 7

Red Cross Blood Drive

8 a.m.—1:45 p.m., St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing

Blood Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs., be in good health, provide a Donor Card, or ID upon donation. Call 1-800-RedCross or visit redcrossblood.org with Sponsor Code "St.  Gerard"  to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

March 7-8

Friends of Okemos Library Sale

9 a.m.—5 p.m., Okemos Masonic Center, 2175 Hamilton Rd., Okemos

An early sale for members of the Friends of Okemos Library will be held March 7 from 8:30 to 9 a.m. with the public admitted at 9 a.m. Most items priced from 50 cents to $2. On March 8, all remaining books will sell for $4 per bag. Contact the Okemos Library at 347-2021 for additional information.

Wednesday, March 11

Wake Up with Witwer

8-9 a.m., Flour Child Bakery, 323 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge

Hosted by State Representative Angela Witwer.

March 12-15

24th Annual Lansing Home & Garden Show

MSU Pavillion

Stunning gardens, extensive landscaping projects and the largest Standard Flower Show in Michigan surround exhibits featuring new construction, remodeling, kitchens and baths, retail garden centers an more. Free seminars on the Garden Stage, Home Stage and Cooking Stage offer fantastic classes on the hottest topics. Visit LansingHomeShow.com for details. 

Thursday, March 12

S.A.F.E. Encounters with Law Enforcement Forum

5:30 p.m., Dwight Rich School of the Arts, 2600 Hampden Dr., Lansing

Presented by the Greater Lansing Area Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. Light refreshments at 4:30 p.m. Join the community to talk about legal rights of interrogation, building good relationships with law enforcement and more. RSVP at Eventbrite.

March 14-15

LEGO Palooza 2020

Saturday 10 a.m.—5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.—5 p.m., Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing

This fundraising event takes over your Science Center for a full weekend of special LEGO-themed activities and challenges. Unleash your imagination during their annual FUNdraiser.

Sunday, March 15

An Afternoon with Thomas Lynch

2-4 p.m., UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing's Old Town

The Michigan poet/essayist/funeral director internationally known as a writer and storyteller of the Irish-American experience will give a reading. After, the audience may purchase his books and have them signed. For more information, contact Ruelaine Stokes at 517-267-0410 or ruestokes@gmail.com.

Saturday, March 21

Green Space Wedding & Event Open House

1-4 p.m., Woldumar Nature Center

Meet and greet some of the most talented event vendors around Mid-Michigan, tour our facilities, and enjoy some complimentary refreshments. The barn will be stylized, giving you inspiration for hosting your own special event with us. Please RSVP by emailing rentals@woldumar.org or call 517-322-0030 ext 3.

Monday, March 23

Wake Up with Witwer

8-9 a.m., Fay's Willow Tree Coffee and Bakery, 107 N. Main St., Olivet

Hosted by State Representative Angela Witwer.

March 27-29

Heart of the Home Art Show

Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.—6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.—4 p.m., Howell High School Commons, 1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell

There will be about 30 local artists showing and selling their original art works. There is no admittance fee for the show. For additional information, visit them on Facebook or call 517-223-3900.

Thursday, April 9

Forest Paths Distinguished Speaker Series

4-5 p.m., Michigan State University, Engineering Bldg., 428 S. Shaw Ln., Rm. 1345, East Lansing

Forest Industry Consultant Donna Cassese will present "Almost Anything Made From Petroleum Can Be Made With Wood." Donna has given a TEDx talk on her unique and innovative applications of wood and the paper process. Free and open to the public. There will be a reception directly after the presentation.

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