It’s a new year, and you can kick off 2026 with plenty of fun activities happening around Northern Michigan this weekend.
Here’s what we recommend:
Explore new reads
If you have reading goals this year, or are just looking for a fun way to pass a chilly winter day, then you can find some extra literary motivation by joining the Indian River Area Library’s Winter Reading Olympics.
This all-ages reading program takes place Jan. 2-31.
The program will include fun reading prompts and activities all month long. If you turn in your program bookmark by Feb. 7, you will be entered in a prize drawing.
Find out more at indianriverlibrary.org.
Enjoy nature by candlelight
Join Charlevoix Recreation and Visit Charlevoix at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2 for a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba.
Participants can snowshoe, hike or cross country ski on the lit trail, which is about a mile long. The free event takes places between 5-8 p.m., and guests should dress appropriately for the weather.
For more information, visit visitcharlevoix.com/events/candlelighthike.
Cheer on the Lakers
Start off 2026 by rooting for the Lake Superior State University Lakers during a home hockey game against Northern Michigan University at 6:07 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3.
There will be another game at 6:07 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4.
As of Dec. 29, the team is 6-12-1.
For more team info or to buy tickets, visit lssulakers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey.
Join Poses and Pints Yoga
Combine tasty drinks with exercise at the Poses and Pints beginner-friendly yoga class from 12-1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4 at Elder Piper in Petoskey.
The class is led by Laura Diedrich, a certified yoga instructor and craft beer fan. Participants should bring their own yoga mat, blanket or towel. After the class, the taproom will be open for anyone who wants a beer, cider or non-alcoholic beverage.
Tickets are $20 and includes the class and a drink token.
To find out more, visit elderpiperbeer.com.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 4 fun things to do this weekend in Northern Michigan
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
