Good morning, Marquette.

AAA spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland said over 2.5 million people will travel 50 miles or more for Independence Day, and Mackinac Bridge Director Kim Nowack expects northbound traffic to peak on Thursday with 25,000 vehicles.

Drivers are advised to plan their transit to avoid rush-hour backups.

Marquette Trails Festival returns for its 12th year tomorrow, featuring bike races around Rippling River Campground, NTN South Trail Network and Marquette Mountain.

Sponsored by Embers Credit Union, the event raises funds for NTN and invites racers and volunteers+ to register early.

Contractors have updated progress on Bayfront construction to prepare for America250 events, and work will continue over the coming weeks to improve local waterfront spaces before the celebration begins.

Partridge Creek Farm opened its West End Farm Stand for the summer season to offer fresh produce and community skill share events (open every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) through mid-October as it accepts SNAP benefits.

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter paused intake after receiving 16 large dogs on Tuesday from an alleged neglect case; the shelter reached capacity and will not accept any new dogs or cats until further notice.

Locals are encouraged to adopt and help free up space.

Freedom Fest 2026 will take place at Mattson Lower Harbor Park from Thursday, July 2nd through Saturday, July 4th.

The family-friendly event features food vendors and local bands with start times at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and 12:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; volunteers are needed (contact Geno Angeli).

Today at Blackrocks Brewery the Marquette Arts & Music Wellness Lions Club celebrates its one-year anniversary with free music from seven members; donations collected will support mental health and help Northwoods Airlifeline (transporting sick children).

The ninth annual Fresh Coast Plein Air Festival returns to Presque Isle this weekend from Friday to Sunday.

Over 60 painters, including artists from out of state, will join a Dusk till Dark session, Saturday competition, and Sunday showcase with prizes up to $3,000, organizers said.

Tickets for the 17th Annual U.P.

Fall Beer Festival went on sale at 10 a.m. today on MiBeer.com for the Sept. 12 event at Mattson Lower Harbor Park along the Lake Superior shoreline — general admission costs $55 in advance, with VIP access available.

The Marquette Arts and Music Wellness Lions Club celebrated its one-year anniversary today with a ribbon cutting at Blackrocks Brewery — the event featured live music, local art and fundraising with proceeds benefiting the club and Northwoods Air Lifeline.

The NMU Alumni Relations office is hosting Summer Alumni Happy Hours this week with the first event today at the T-Bar at Marquette Mountain and more gatherings planned for July at the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay plus August at Blackrocks Brewery, as explained by Kylie Bunting on Mark + Walt in the Morning.

On June 24, Jordan Jarvi (of Active's Ishpeming clinic) explained on Mark and Walt in the Morning how physical therapy can reduce headache and migraine pain by addressing muscle tension and restricted motion, noting that treatments vary for each patient.

Gwinn 4th of July Celebration

Fireworks July 4 — Peter Nordeen Park — Celebrate our 250th with festivities and a parade.

Youth Sailing Lessons 2026

10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. or 2 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. — Marquette Yacht Club — $225 per week — Learn to sail or improve your skills with fun lessons for kids ages 8-17.

Marquette Farmers Market

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Marquette Commons — Free entry — Discover vibrant native plants while supporting local vendors at this enchanting market.