Arts, Culture and Nightlife in Muskegon

Muskegon's coastal lifestyle offers an eclectic mix of restaurants and cultural venues in unique settings.  The community offers so much variety that Forbes magazine ranks Muskegon as number 10 nationwide for culture and leisure activities among cities its size.    


The beautiful Frauenthal Theater, a versatile and artistic venue, offers performances and is rented for weddings and receptions, parties on the stage, business meetings, and speaking engagements.

Grand Valley State University offers many performances, lectures, and concerts that are open to the public in Allendale and Grand Rapids.

While you visit Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, climb aboard and immerse yourself into the past aboard USS SILVERSIDES – a WWII submarine, and USCGC McLANE – a 1927 Coast Guard Cutter. Explore the decks and compartments and experience firsthand what it was like to serve on board these military vessels.

The Holton Historical Society Museum allows space to display photos, oral histories, and documentation of families and farms, and maps of the Holton area collected by members and donated by citizens.

Formerly the Muskegon County Museum, the Lakeshore Museum Center is made up of multiple sites and buildings. In addition to the natural and cultural history museum, it offers the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, the Archives and much more.

Muskegon Civic Theatre is the only community theatre in Muskegon County, and utilizes volunteers in all aspects of the performing arts.

The Muskegon County Museum of African American History provides local historical African American legacy information that will instill pride and motivation for young African Americans.

The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded on a tradition of aesthetic excellence, is committed to fostering the life-long study and appreciation of the visual arts by strengthening, preserving, and exhibiting its collections; offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary exhibitions; stimulating learning and creativity through diverse public and educational programming; and enhancing community involvement and support in a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment.

Muskegon Summer Celebration is an 11-day all star music extravaganza complete with family fun for all ages. Located on the beautiful shores of Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon, the Muskegon Summer Celebration is a tradition among locals and out of town guests alike.

The Taste of Muskegon is a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Proceeds to benefit Muskegon Main Street and the United Way of the Lakeshore, both nonprofit organizations.