Cereal City Buzz: Event Guide (Dec 31 – Jan 14)

Welcome to the big transition! We are closing the book on 2025 with a bang—whether you want a high-energy casino party, a cultural celebration, or a quiet night with fine wine. Then, we ease into January with blues jams, gymnastics showcases, and Irish folk tunes.

Here is your guide to the next two weeks in the Cereal City.

 

Week 1: New Year's Eve & The First Week of 2026 (Dec 31 – Jan 6)

 

The focus this week is squarely on Wednesday night. From the massive party at FireKeepers to the community-focused Pow Wow, there is no excuse to stay home (unless you want to!).

 

• HDI Federal Center Food Truck Parking

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Where: Champion Street Parking Lot

  • The Scoop: Grab one last lunch of 2025 from local trucks before the holiday break.

  • Check City Calendar

• Noon Year's Eve

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31 | Daytime (Check museum for hours)

  • Where: Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum (Albion)

  • The Scoop: The perfect countdown for the little ones who can't stay up until midnight.

  • Visit Kids 'N' Stuff

• NHBP NYE Sobriety Pow Wow

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31 | 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • The Scoop: A powerful, alcohol-free way to welcome 2026. Enjoy traditional drumming, dancing, and community fellowship.

  • Event Details

• New Year's Eve with Haute Chile

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31 | Doors at 9:00 PM

  • Where: FireKeepers Casino Hotel

  • The Scoop: The Event Center hosts the high-octane band Haute Chile for a massive dance party complete with a midnight balloon drop. If you're feeling lucky earlier in the day, check out the $50,650 Hot Seat Giveaway running from 10 AM to 4 PM.

  • FireKeepers Entertainment

• New Year's Eve at Villa on Verona

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31

  • Where: Villa on Verona (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: An elegant, boutique hotel party featuring beer, wine, and spirits for those seeking a more intimate vibe.

  • Villa on Verona Events

• Saucy Snowman Paint n' Sip

  • When: Saturday, Jan 3 | 6:00 PM

  • Where: The Busy Paintbrush (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: Relax after the holiday chaos. Bring your favorite beverage and paint a winter-themed masterpiece.

  • The Busy Paintbrush

• Blues at the Bohm: Keith Scott Blues Band

  • When: Monday, Jan 5 | 7:00 PM

  • Where: Bohm Theatre (Albion)

  • The Scoop: The 2026 Blues season kicks off with Chicago veteran Keith Scott. Stick around after the show for the community blues jam.

  • Bohm Theatre Calendar

 

Week 2: Getting Back in the Swing (Jan 7 – Jan 14)

School is back in session, and the community calendar picks up with major sporting events and concerts.

 

• Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge

  • When: Friday, Jan 9 – Sunday, Jan 11

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • The Scoop: This isn't your standard meet. Athletes compete on an elevated podium—just like the Olympics—providing a unique experience for gymnasts and spectators alike.

  • Kellogg Arena Events

• Irish Pub Night featuring "The Lash"

  • When: Saturday, Jan 10

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

  • The Scoop: The Franke Center transforms into a pub for the night! Raise a glass and enjoy high-energy Celtic folk music from The Lash.

  • Franke Center Tickets

Save the Date

• Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues: Coming to downtown Marshall Jan 30–31. Features ice sculpting, tastings, and a concert by blues master Albert Cummings.

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