Are you looking for new ways to experience culture right here in your own backyard? Are you new to the Alpena area and looking for fun, creative experiences specific to Alpena? Here are a few must-see places to get involved in Alpena culture, listed alphabetically:
Alpena Civic Theatre
For over 50 years, Alpena Civic Theatre has been offering spectacular live performances on select weeknights and weekends. Musicals, dramas, comedies; this all-volunteer cast has something for everyone! Alpena Civic Theatre currently just wrapped up “House Salad, No Dressing”. For a list of upcoming shows please see their website at www.alpenacivictheatre.com.
Located at: 401 River St. Alpena, MI 49707 (989) 354-3624 Season tickets available, please call for details.
Musicals: $14.00 /All other shows: $12.00/Students: $8.00
Hours of Operation: Evening shows begin at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm
Creating art is fun and easy at Art in the Loft workshops!
At the top of the 3rd floor in Alpena’s Center Building lies Art in the Loft Gallery 109, the region’s largest fine arts center. Featuring works from talented local and regional artists, you’ll find artwork in various mediums at reasonable prices. Art in the Loft holds different workshops throughout the year that vary in nature from special events, culinary workshops, jewelry crafting, and painting; from beginner to professional levels. Coming April 7th, Art in the Loft will be displaying its 14th annual Young Artists Exhibit along with workshops every Saturday in April to allow your young artist’s imaginations come to life! Check out the schedule >>HERE<< and reserve your child’s spot today!
Located at: 109 N. Second St. Suite 300, Alpena, MI 49707 (989) 356-4877
Join their emailing list for workshop updates:
ga********@ar**********.com
Hours of Operation: Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12pm-4pm
Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan
Formerly known as the Jesse Besser Museum, this Regional AAM Accredited Museum is a cultural mecca for the city of Alpena. Learn about the early settlers, the Native Americans, and experience unique walk through exhibits; or sit in the planetarium and dream under the stars while you learn about our solar system and the celestial bodies above! Currently displaying Dali & Dante, an exhibit of 40 illustrations by Salvador Dali of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy until October of this year!
Located at: 491 Johnson St. Alpena, MI 49707 (989) 356-2202
Adults-$5.00/Youth and Seniors-$3.00
Planetarium Admission: Adults-$3.00/Youth and Seniors-$2.00
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm.
Thunder Bay Arts Council & Gallery
The Thunder Bay Arts Council now has a gallery located conveniently in downtown Alpena! Exhibits change every six weeks and feature local artists as well as the promotion of local art-related events. See www.alpenatbarts.org for a complete showcase series listing.
Located at: 127 W. Chisholm St. Alpena, MI (989) 354-2586 for Gallery, (989) 356-6678 for Council
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Explore the Sanctuary of the Great Lake’s maritime history!
You can find the country’s only fresh water marine sanctuary right here in Alpena! Preserving over 200 historic shipwrecks in and around the Thunder Bay, this marine sanctuary offers glass bottom boat rides, a maritime history museum complete with gift shop, and a high-definition theater which shows a variety of different films about our shipwrecks and great lakes history. Bring the kids and explore the ship that looks (and feels!) like it is fighting an infamous great lakes storm! You will be sure to find yourself immersed in the heritage center’s maritime history, you will not want to miss out on this Alpena treasure!
500 W. Chisholm St. Alpena, MI (989) 356-8805
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
FREE admission to Maritime Heritage Center
Glass Bottom Boat: Please call 888-469-4696 or go to alpenashipwrecktours.com for boat schedules and fares. Seasonal Operation.
Catch a play at Thunder Bay Theater in Alpena’s historic downtown district!
This fun-loving live performing arts center is the only year-round professional theatre in the area and offers theatrical performances every Wednesday-Sunday at select times. Incorporating community talent with professional actors, TBT also offers drama workshops and touring children’s shows. Currently featuring “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”, a fun-loving show on love and marriage featuring pop-hits from the 1960’s! For a list future upcoming shows please see their website at www.thunderbaytheatre.com.
Located at: 400 N. Second Ave. Alpena, MI 49707 (989) 354-2267, group rates and ticket packages available. Call for details.
Adult: $15.00/Youth:$8.00/Military: $13.00
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6pm (box office), Evening shows start at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees start at 2pm.
420 N. 2nd Ave. Alpena, MI 49707
989-340-2288 
