Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Ashley Goodburne is the lead, Princess Winifred, in “Once Upon a Mattress” opening Thursday at Alpena Civic Theatre.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Classes can be viewed at artintheloft.org. Email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents its new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. The Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild (NEMAG) invites the community to their annual exhibit at the Besser Museum now through July 30, “Anything Goes.” The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Wendy Werth is the April Featured Artist at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, April 29

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at M. Briggs Center.

∫ TOPS #1614 Alpena welcomes new members who are looking for support in their weight-loss journey. Meetings are held every Tuesday morning at the First Presbyterian Church at 1600 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. Weigh-ins start at 9:45 a.m. and meetings start at 10:30 a.m. There is no obligation to join if you attend your first meeting. For more information, call 989-255-4787.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children newborn to age 5, and their caregivers, from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday.

∫ Potential homeowners can find out the steps they need to take to get closer to homeownership. Stop by the Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday for more information.

∫ Every Tuesday, practice ukulele at 10 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library, with ukuleles available for checkout, and players of all skill levels invited to join.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center offers quilting at 10 a.m. and Spitzer at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Presbyterian Church, Alpena. Visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook, or call 989-464-5313.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace, open to all skill levels, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies, and a project to work on. Space and guidance will be provided. There are three sewing machines on site for use. Registration is required by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL presents Hands-on Cooking with Jess Krawczak from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River St., Alpena. Krawczak will guide participants through the hands-on preparation of a mouthwatering dish while teaching about the use of spices. After cooking, participants will sit down together and enjoy dining on the freshly made dish. The $15 fee will cover all costs associated with the meal. Krawczak is a certified nutritionist, and owns Fresh Focus Nutrition and Wellness. She teaches a children’s culinary program at Art in The Loft, as well as many adult classes there. She has been a Pampered Chef consultant for over 15 years. She is a wife, and mother of two kids. She is a home-trained cook and loves to help others in the kitchen.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Let your curiosity take over and explore! Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 4 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly meeting is for those in the LGBTQ community, their families, and supporters, at Bay View Center, 710 N. 2nd Ave. If you have questions, call 989-340-0955.

∫ A women’s cancer support group meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the lobby of the Alpena Cancer Center. This group welcomes women with a past or present cancer diagnosis. This is a safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group.

∫ Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and BSA Scouts meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.

Wednesday, April 30

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

∫ Friends of the Library will have a used book store open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday on the third floor of the Alpena County Library. The public is welcome.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center exercise is from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

∫ Guys Like Us is a Wednesday morning coffee crew of men who are coping with cancer, meeting at 10 a.m., in-person at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday mornings for Open MakerLab.Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. A signed waiver is required. If you have questions, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ The Northeast Michigan Artists Guild will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville. Following the meeting, the exhibit titled, “It Figures,” will be put on display and will run through May 26. For more info, call Ellen at 989-916-5997, Karen at 989-766-9945 or email northeastmichiganartistsguild@gmail.com.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

∫ ALL offers pinochle from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center with Julie Byrnes.

∫ S.T.E.A.M. will meet at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Homeschooled and alternatively schooled youth are invited to participate in a weekly S.T.E.A.M. activity, intended for school-aged youth who are able to read.

∫ Circle of Hope is a women’s only cancer support group that meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday at Friends Together. This is a supportive, understanding group of women of all ages, all backgrounds, and all cancers. Unite with others, no matter where you are on your cancer journey. You are not alone. For more information, call 989-356-3231, or drop in. No pre-registration is required.

∫ Alpena Sportsmen’s Club is a nonprofit located at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena, open to members and non-members — everyone with an interest in shooting sports. Skeet and sporting clay shooting are offered from 5:45 p.m. until dark on Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.

∫ Hope Shores Alliance will host a Candlelight Vigil for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Alpena Community College. The vigil includes moments of silence, speeches from advocates and survivors, sound bath, and the lighting of candles to symbolize hope and resilience. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, show support, and commit to preventing sexual violence and supporting those affected by it. For more information, visit the Hope Shores Alliance Facebook page.

∫ Friends Together offers a cancer support group at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Alcona Elementary School, 181 N. Barlow Road, Lincoln. This group is for anyone facing cancer, no matter where you are on your journey. You are welcome to bring a support person with you.

∫ The Alpena City Band will hold its first rehearsal for the 2025 concert season at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Granum Theater at ACC. All interested musicians are welcome to attend.

∫ The Dancing with Joy recital will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Alpena High School’s Beck Auditorium. The 2025 recital theme, Movies and Musicals, features songs from musicals of yesteryear (e.g. “The Sound of Music”), children’s movies (e.g. “Enchanted” and more current films (e.g. “Unsung Hero”). Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family and are available at the door.

∫ Rich Rider hosts Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Black Sheep Pub, 113 S. 2nd Ave., downtown Alpena.

Thursday, May 1

∫ The annual National Day of Prayer is Thursday, and the Kiwanis prayer breakfast will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St., Alpena. Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and the event will begin at 6:45 a.m. Tickets are $10, with a limited number of tickets available at the door. Tickets are also available at the front desk of The Alpena News, 130 Park Place.

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for weekly storytime and craft.

∫ Join the Alpena County Girlfriends at 10 a.m. on Thursdays for coffee and conversation. This is a women-only group whose purpose is to make friends and socialize with women from Alpena County and the surrounding areas. Please contact Betty at 734-693-2869 for weekly location.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Join Harrisville Yoga instructor Liz McNicholas for Stretch and Strengthen, a free series of yoga classes at 1 p.m. at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville.

∫ Needles and Threads group is held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Thursday at the Grand Lake branch of Presque Isle District Library. Bring your latest knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, or other crafts. Call 989-734-2477, ext. 2.

∫ Gone to Pieces Quilt Guild will meet on Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 167 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a meeting at 6 p.m. Visitors are welcome. Call or text Ginny Roland at 512-718-9592.

∫ Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union will host a free seminar, “Spot it, Stop it: A Fraud and Scam Awareness Seminar” at 5:30 p.m.on Thursday at Alpena High School’s Wildcat Den.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, and May 8 through 11. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

∫ Thursday Eve Serenity Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St., Alpena. If a problem drinker has or is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help you. Meetings are anonymous and confidential. Call 989-354-5476.

Friday, May 2

∫ Join the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce for the next Good Morning Alpena breakfast on Friday and hear from the team at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m., followed by the program at 7:30 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River St., Alpena. The cost is $12 per person, and advanced registration is required to info@alpenachamber.com, or 989-354-4181. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Then at noon, Mahjong is played, and pinochle starts at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Presque Isle District Library’s Posen branch offers knitting and crocheting from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. All levels are welcome. Call 989-734-2477.

∫ On Fridays, Storytime and Craft for Kids meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center.

∫ Light of Hope Clubhouse will host a 30th Anniversary Celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday at 228 S. 3rd Ave., Alpena.

∫ The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night, with your choice of fish or shrimp, potato, coleslaw, roll, and drink. The fish fry is open to the public, and the cost is $12 for the fish dinner or $14 for the shrimp dinner.

∫ ALL hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Come brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing. Fabulous caller Dave Boggs, of Desert Aire, Washington, will be reviewing mainstream calls and teaching and reviewing plus calls.

∫ Make a Fascinator at Alpena County Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Participants (recommended for 8 to adult) will make a statement with a headband or ball cap they will decorate with a variety of art supplies inspired by Kentucky Derby fashion, while supplies last.

∫ Alpena Community College invites the public to the ACC Art+Design Student Expo from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Fine Arts Center. Refreshments will be served at this free event.

∫ The Detroit Lion Legends will take on the D.A.R.E ALL STARS at 7 p.m. on Friday at Thunder Bay Junior High School in Alpena.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, and May 8 through 11. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, May 3

∫ Thunder Bay Audubon Society will host a birding tour starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Alpena County Fairgrounds. Andrew Wolfgang will lead the tour. The group will meet at the west entrance of the fairgrounds and follow the bike path along the Thunder Bay River. Participants should wear clothing for the weather and comfortable shoes for walking. Bring binoculars and a water bottle. This event is open to the public. If you have questions, contact Karen Tetzlaff at 989-464-6573.

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. For more information, visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The Sunrise Side Co-op Market (indoor farmers market) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, with 40 vendors represented weekly for your bakery, farm products, wellness items and high-end gift needs, located in the blue marina building at 401 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ Join Great Lakes Great Responsibility for a cleanup on the north end of Northern Lights Arena, 751 Woodward Ave., Alpena. This event is in partnership with the Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority. They will be doing a waste collection that day at Northern Lights. Each year, over 22 million pounds of trash enter the Great Lakes. Take action to prevent trash on land from becoming marine debris and microplastics by participating in this cleanup. This is a rain or shine event. Cleanup materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gloves, buckets, and trash grabbers.

∫ Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) training will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in the Stillion Room at Alpena County Library, 211 N. 1st Ave. The cost is $10, which covers handouts and a TNR card. Registration is required to nemtnr@gmail.com. The training will cover the process of trapping, transport, and return of outdoor cats, volunteer opportunities with Northeast Michigan Trap, Neuter, Return, and much more.

∫ Bob’s Bullpen will host National Free Comic Book Day and their 10th Anniversary from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with sales, specials, a 20-foot Mario out front to take a picture with, free select comics for all ages, extended arcade time, and a prize raffle drawing for anyone who comes dressed up as their favorite character. Bob’s Bullpen is located at 125 N. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena.

∫ Glass artist and educator Beth Cox will lead a Fused Glass Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at Art in the Loft. Whether you are a repeat student or have never worked with glass, this class is a great workshop for all skill levels. Students (teens and adults) will create two or more vibrant fused glass art pieces, ornaments, or pendants. Feel free to bring images of inspiration or filter through supplies and see wherever your imagination takes you. All materials and tools will be provided. Projects will be kiln-fired off site and returned to the gallery for pick up. The cost for this class is $50 per student.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, and May 8 through 11. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

Sunday, May 4

∫ Alpena Peace Community will host A Walk For Peace from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. from the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. The route will proceed down the Maritime Heritage Trail, past the Labyrinth, turning left to cross the 9th Avenue bridge, left down Chisholm Street, through downtown, left onto 2nd Avenue, over the bridge, and left down the Maritime Heritage Trail along the Thunder Bay River, back to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The walk will take about 30 minutes, followed by a reception with light refreshments from 2:30 to 3 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Then, from 3 to 4 p.m., musical entertainment will be offered by Carole Cadarette and Eric Dunckel. Alpena Peace Community’s Mission Statement reads: “Believing that Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are the rights of ALL people, the Alpena Peace Community aims to provide community events that promote goodwill among ALL people.” For more information, visit Alpena Peace Community on Facebook, or email alpenapeacecommunity@gmail.com.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 2 p.m. Sunday, and May 8 through 11. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 2 to 3 p.m. every Sunday at St. Raphael Church in Mikado.

∫ Freedom Recovery Center and Vivero Industries present the second annual Battle of the Bands Rock Recovery concert on Sunday at the APlex. The event will feature five bands, with special guests Driving Dawn, guest speakers, a guitar raffle, and concessions. Admission is $10 per person for this all ages event. Proceeds will be donated to Freedom Recovery Center. Doors open at 3 p.m.