Good morning, Marquette.

Marquette’s Donut Dash returns on August 3 with 5K races and 1-mile fun runs for citizens and first responders to support the Central U.P.

CISM team — the event is sponsored by the Ben Lauren Memorial Foundation and offers virtual options and awards for top runners.

The U.P. State Fair is set for August 11–17, and crews in Escanaba are upgrading the fairgrounds with new LED lights, rebuilt livestock barns, and marked vendor spaces on the midway (efforts led by Operations Manager Matt Valiquette).

The enhancements aim to improve the fairgoer experience as summer events build a busy lead-up to the fair.

The 65th annual Art on the Rocks will take place this weekend at Mattson Lower Harbor Park with over 100 juried artists from across the U.P. and the country displaying and selling art in 14 categories — including painting, drawing, woodworking, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, glass and jewelry. The event will be held on Saturday with sessions from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

MSP is hosting its first-ever community blood drive today from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the U.P.

Regional Blood Center inside the old Office Max building on 1400 W. Washington Street in Marquette—first responders and the public are urged to donate blood, with each pint saving three lives—with Texas Roadhouse rolls offered to donors.

Tomorrow, the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee will hold its 31st annual Garden Tour with stops at Carp River Gardens, Marquette Yacht Club Rain Garden, and Blackrocks Brewery Gardens.

The self-guided tour runs from 1 to 7 p.m. rain or shine with tickets at $15 and free admission for children under 12 — funds will support local garden care.

The Michigan Department of Treasury introduced its MiABLE disability savings account program in Marquette on Monday, offering people with disabilities a way to save money without losing benefits—eligible individuals under age 26 can deposit up to $19,000 a year.

UP North Advocacy is touring the area to promote three ballot initiatives—one to fund schools by charging a 5% surtax on incomes over $500,000, another to limit corporate spending in campaigns, and a third to allow ranked choice voting.

Group spokesman Kalvin Carter said the proposals aim to shift power from wealthy interests to everyday voters.

On Tuesday, the Marquette Board of Review granted property tax exemptions to residents who met poverty guidelines—allowing those in financial duress to be relieved from paying property tax.

Queen City Half Marathon and 5K

8:00 – 11:45 AM — Queen City Running Co. — Check website for registration fees — Experience a fast and scenic course in the charming city of Marquette.

Sip & Stretch Yoga Session

10-11 a.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $15 includes first beverage — Unwind with yoga while sipping your favorite brew in the Biergarten.

The Boston Imposters Concert on the Steps

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Peter White Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a night of acoustic folk music with husband-wife duo The Boston Imposters.

Donut Dash 5k

10 AM — Provisions MQT — Registration fee applies — Participate in a fun run supporting local community initiatives with a sweet twist.

Chanteymen & Windmill Music Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $10 — Get ready to have your socks rocked right off with live music from Chanteymen and Windmill Music.

3rd Annual Marquette County Fair Fun Run

2-3:30 p.m. — 715 M-553, Gwinn, MI — Registration fee applies — Participate in a spirited run to celebrate community and health at the Marquette County Fair.

HarborFest

All day — Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park — Free admission — Celebrate the end of summer with family fun, tasty food, and live music while supporting local charities.

Wildcat Gold Release & NMU Alumni Happy Hour

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Blackrocks Brewery — Cost information not provided — Celebrate the yearly release of a collaborative lager while supporting NMU students' outdoor recreation access.