Cereal City Buzz: Event Guide (Jan 14 – Jan 28)

 

Your bi-weekly roundup of what’s happening in Battle Creek, Marshall, and Albion.

 

Mid-January is often the quietest time of the year, but 2026 is keeping the energy up with a massive MLK Day celebration at the Arena, a "Fire & Ice" themed ball in Marshall, and lively folk music at the Franke.

Here is your guide to the next two weeks.

 

Week 1: Music, Balls & MLK Day (Jan 14 – 20)

 

The highlight of this week is Monday’s community-wide celebration at Kellogg Arena, but the weekend offers plenty of chances to dress up or dress down for live music.

 

• HDI Federal Center Food Truck Parking

  • When: Weekdays (Jan 14-16, 19-20) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Where: Champion Street Parking Lot

  • The Scoop: The trucks are rolling! A great way to support local business during the colder months.

  • City Calendar

• Can't Wait! 2026 Book Club

  • When: Wednesday, Jan 14 | Check Library for Times

  • Where: Marshall District Library

  • The Scoop: A special event for book lovers anticipating the year's biggest releases.

  • Marshall District Library

• Concert: Ember & Ash

  • When: Friday, Jan 16 | 8:00 PM

  • Where: The Franke Center for the Arts (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: Catch the fiery folk duo known for their captivating, high-energy performances. This is an intimate "Downstage Club" show, so tickets may go fast.

  • Franke Center Tickets

• Eastend's Ice Ball

  • When: Saturday, Jan 17 | Evening (Check link for time)

  • Where: Wagner Ballroom (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: A sparkling night of winter elegance, cocktails, and dancing to celebrate the Eastend Arts Center.

  • Choose Marshall Events

• 2026 MLK People's Belonging Ball

  • When: Monday, Jan 19 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • The Scoop: The city's premier Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Join the community for a full day of unity, music, and celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

  • Kellogg Arena Events

• Albion College Concert Choir

  • When: Tuesday, Jan 20 | 5:00 PM

  • Where: Goodrich Chapel (Albion)

  • The Scoop: Enjoy a powerful performance by the choral union in the historic chapel.

  • Albion Community Calendar

• City Meetings (Democracy in Action)

  • Battle Creek: City Commission Regular Meeting – Tuesday, Jan 20 @ 7:00 PM (City Hall)

  • Marshall: City Council Meeting – Tuesday, Jan 20 @ 7:00 PM

  • The Scoop: The first regular commission meetings of the new year cycle.

 

Week 2: Food & Governance (Jan 21 – 28)

 

The second week is lighter on entertainment, offering a perfect chance to recharge or try a hands-on cooking class at Turkeyville.

 

• Food Truck Parking Continues

  • When: Jan 21–23, 26–28 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Where: Champion Street Parking Lot

• Marshall DDA & LDFA Meeting

  • When: Thursday, Jan 22 | 4:00 PM

  • Where: Marshall City Hall

  • The Scoop: For business owners and residents interested in downtown development plans.

• Mommy & Me Pizza Making Class

  • When: Saturday, Jan 24 | Check link for times

  • Where: Cornwell's Turkeyville (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: A fun, hands-on culinary event for parents and kids. $25 for kids, $30 for adults—everyone makes a dinner pizza and a dessert pizza.

  • Turkeyville Events

• Civil Service Commission Meeting

  • When: Monday, Jan 26 | 9:00 AM

  • Where: Battle Creek City Hall

  • The Scoop: A public meeting regarding city employment and civil service regulations.

Save the Date

• ID Dance Competition (Zenith Tour): Coming to Kellogg Arena Jan 30 – Feb 1.

• Monster Truck Wars: Returning to Kellogg Arena Feb 7.

  Here are three FAQs tailored to the January 14–28 events to round out your article.

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  Frequently Asked Questions

   

  Q: Is the "MLK People's Belonging Ball" a formal black-tie event? A: No. Despite the formal name, this is a community-centered celebration held at Kellogg Arena. The focus is on unity, culture, and accessibility for all residents to honor Dr. King's legacy. You do not need a tuxedo or gown to attend—just come ready to connect with your neighbors.

   

  Q: Do I need to register for the Pizza Making Class at Turkeyville, or can we just walk in? A: You must register in advance. Because this is a culinary event where ingredients are prepped for each person (making both dinner and dessert pizzas), Cornwell’s Turkeyville requires a firm headcount. These classes are popular and often fill up, so grab your tickets online as soon as possible.

   

  Q: What is the difference between a "Downstage Club" show and a regular concert at The Franke? A: The Ember & Ash concert is part of the "Downstage" series, which creates a very different vibe from the main auditorium. It is set up like an intimate listening room or cabaret with tables and low lighting. It offers a unique, up-close experience with the artists, but it also means seating is more limited than a main stage show.