After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Photo by Rahul Pandit on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in May.)
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
Each April, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) hosts an annual Earth Day event in Ludington.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
Performance of A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love & Murder
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays (AND May 17th) at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Muskegon Civic Theatre Performance of Guys & Dolls
Saturday at 7:30pm & Sunday at 3pm. Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
Ship Tours Begin
Boat tours of the SS City of Milwaukee and the USCGC Acacia ships begin. 99 Arthur St., Manistee. For more information, visit carferry.com.
Picture Perfect Weekend Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography- 114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used baby and kids’ items, spring and summer clothing, toys, books, and more. $2 entry fee (under age 12 free). Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Wellston Boosters Craft Sale/Seniors Bake Sale
Wellston Community Center- 1273 S. Seaman Rd., Wellston. To register, contact Denise at wellstonboostersassociation@gmail.com or (231) 330-2422.
Flea Market & Craft Show
Vintage finds, antiques, handmade crafts, and more at 10487 W. M-55, Wellston. To apply for a space, visit facebook.com or call (231) 862-3571.
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Brews & Beats on the Village Green
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider, food, live music, yard games and more! Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door which includes a tasting glass and six beer samples. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.
Ludington’s Got Talent
ALL ages are invited to apply to appear in this talent show. This is a fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum and will be held at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. It will take the place of the Local Masked Singer event. Apply at sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.
Black & White Gala
This fundraiser for programming at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts includes entertainment, music, dancing, auctions, food, and drink. For tickets and more info, visit ramsdelltheatre.org.
Indoor Sidewalk Sales
Shops will offer deals and giveaways on Saturday from 10am-6pm & Sunday from 10am-4pm. There will also be $5 Tunnel Walks (12+ only) on Saturday from 2-5pm & Sunday from 11am-2pm. The B50 Store will offer $5 mimosa kit or bloody marys. And the AAUW will host a used book sale. The Village
Mother’s Day Tea & Etiquette
kids and adults will learn some etiquette (from a professional etiqette coach) and enjoy brunch. Cost is $15 per person and are available on eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
Performance of Modern Warrior
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
West Michigan Symphony presents a performance of Dvořák Cello Concerto
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
Performance of Harvey
7:30pm each day with 1:30pm matinee on 5/17. Central Park Place- 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.
Mesick Mushroom Festival
Annual event for mushroom lovers. For more information, visit mesick-mushroomfest.org.
Newaygo Conservation District Native Plant Sale
Plants will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, we are not doing any preorders. Cash, check, and card payments will be accepted. Newaygo County Fairgrounds- 815 S. Stewart Ave., Fremont.
Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
260 St. Mary Pkwy, Manistee. For more information, call (231) 510-7452.
Spring Art Market
Denos Museum Center- 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City
Performance of Candelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Performance of Candelight Concert: Tribute to Fleedwood Mac
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Performance of Jazz Cantatas
Lars Hockstad Auditorium- 301 Seventh St., Traverse City.
Screening of “Old Heart”
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Performance of Harvey
7:30pm each day with 1:30pm matinee on 5/17. Central Park Place- 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Baldwin AmVets Blessing
1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin
Performance of Classic Seger: Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits Live
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
Performance of Classic Seger: Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits Live
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
Musical performance by Midtown Quartet
Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.
Thrift & Gift Crawl
Stay tuned for more info. takemetohart.org.
Tight Lines for Troops
Charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans.
Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Girls Rock
Celebration of women through music, poetry, and speakers. Hosted by Ludrock. Doors open at 6:30pm. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Musical performance by the Michigan Mandolin Orchestra
The Playhouse at White Lake- 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.
Performance of The Human Voice – A One Act Play in the Bohemian Social Club
Saturday at 8pm & 10pm and Sunday at 6pm & 8pm. City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Horse Shows
Mason County Saddle Club Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Annual Wine & Art Scholarship Fundraiser
Sponsored by Pentwater Women’s Club, fundraiser for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Includes silent auction, over 30 wines for sampling, hors d’oeurves, desserts, and raffle. Tickets are typically $25 in advance or $30 at the door and will be available from Port View- 560 S. Hancock St. and Jilly’s Gallery- 226 S. Hancock St. Event held at Park Place- 750 N. Rush St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwaterwomensclub.org.
Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin for this annual event.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
Kindergarten Round-Up at Spitler Elementary School
Families with children turning 5 on or before September 1st are invited to register from the upcoming school year. In order to register, parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, up-to-date immunization records, proof of residency, hearing/vision screening, and the parent or guardian’s photo ID. Children will receive a free goody bag and raffle entry. Contact the school at (231) 873-6237 for more information.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Mike Lenich in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids
Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Crystal Mountain Resort- 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville. For more information, visit crystalmountain.com.
West Shore Family Support Craft Fair
This show includes a variety of talented crafters & artists as well as food trucks. Rotary Park- Ludington Ave. & Lewis St., Ludington. For an application, click here.
Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org.
Win & Bette Matteson Annual Big Fish Contest
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/annual-big-fish-contest.
Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Parade at 10am beginning on 1st St. Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater.
Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
A Night of Fine Dining
Tickets include hors d’oeurves, two entree options, drinks, and dessert; along with speakers who will talk about the accomplishment of the fundraiser’s benefactor, Blue Hat Ministries. For more information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Fish on for Freedom
Veterans Fishing event on Lake Michigan in Ludington.
Friends of the Shelby Area District Library Plant Exchange
Bring plants to exchange (and leave a donation if you wish) or purchase garden items. Proceeds go towards maintenance of the library garden. Shelby Area District Library- 189 Maple St., Shelby.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring JD & the Bees Knees in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
West Michigan Symphony presents a performance of American Landscapes
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
NWMI Art & Culture Summit 2025
This vibrant, multi-venue festival takes place in the heart of downtown Traverse City, designed to foster meaningful connections among creative individuals. It features engaging keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and immersive art experiences. For tickets or more information, visit nwmiarts.org.
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Friends of the Shelby Area District Library Plant Exchange
Bring plants to exchange (and leave a donation if you wish) or purchase garden items. Proceeds go towards maintenance of the library garden. Shelby Area District Library- 189 Maple St., Shelby.
Waves & Wheels Safety Day
Various stations will teach biking and swimming safety. There will also be bike and bike helmet checks, skills course, water safety with the DNR and Coast Guard, free hot dogs, giveaways, and more. Loomis Street Boat Launch- 998 W. Loomis St., Ludington. For more information, visit chamber.ludington.org.
Paddle Antrim Season Kick Off Gathering
Kick-off the paddling season on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail with Short’s Brewing Company. Grab your paddle craft of choice and a life jacket for an hour-long paddle on Elk River followed by a gathering at Short’s Pull Barn. No registration required but all participants must fill out a waiver. For more information, visit paddleantrim.com. Elk Rapids Rotary Park- 305 US-31, Elk Rapids.
Ludington Area Volunteer Fair
Numerous non-profit organizations will have informational booths. There will also be door prizes and refreshments. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington.
Farm Market
Vendor Show at Tractor Supply Company- 4572 W. US-10, Ludington. To reserve a space, message Berrim Peterson on facebook.com.
NW Michigan Record Show
Dealers will be set up from across Michigan and Indiana selling new and used vinyl records. Also buying and trading. To reserve a table, contact Barry price on facebook.com.
Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs from Lakeside Wiener Wagon, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free ice cream sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, email Angela Taylor at ataylor@mccschools.org or call (231) 757-3713, ext. 131. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.
Corewell Health Ludington Plant Sale
This sale includes a variety of plants as well as hanging baskets and will be held in the circular drive next to the Corewell Health Ludington Medical Building- 7 Atkison Dr., Ludington. Proceeds benefit the Corewell Health Foundation.
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is typically $10 per person age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Breakfast includes blueberry pancakes with fresh locally made maple syrup, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, orange juice and coffee. There will also be raffles, 50/50 drawings, a large silent auction, and a bake sale all to benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Ludington.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Antiques & Vintage Sale
Items for sale on a “make a reasonable offer” basis. First Methodist Church of Scottville- 114 W. St., Scottville.
Vendor/Craft Sale & Flea Market
More than 30 booths of direct sales vendors, crafts, vintage items, and flea market items. First Methodist Church of Scottville- 114 W. St., Scottville. Register by messaging Dawn Quick on Facebook.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Craft & Vendor Market
Contact Jennifer Swanson on Facebook to reserve a space. Evangelical Covenant Church of Whitehall- 900 Warner St., Whitehall.
Blast Into Summer Party
Annual benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads. Admission is a cash donation or donation of a non-perishable food or hygiene item. Tropical or pyratical attire is encouraged. 50/50 raffle, live auction, and music by Two Dudes in Flip Flops. Sportsmans/The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Guided Hike
Beginning at the Warming Shelter at the Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull
Dead Sled at 9am, Transfer Sled at 12pm at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Cars & Coffee Car Meet
Free car meet with no registration or registration fees. All are welcome. At the Meraki Coffee Truck in the parking lot of Scotty’s Restaurant- 5910 W. US-10, Ludington. Food trucks will also be on site.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm. In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, food, horseshoe tournament, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain. For the most updated schedule of events, visit facebook.com.
Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass. Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 1pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.
Scottville Memorial Day Observance
VFW and Auxiliary Post 5096 Honors Ceremony at Mason County Central High School (300 W. Broadway St., Scottville) at 9am then to Riverside Park. Then to Custer and Free Soil Cemeteries and the Tpr. Paul Butterfield Memorial for prayers.
Ludington Memorial Day Observance
Fallen Hero Memorial Service at Mason County Courthouse (304 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington) at 9:45am. Parade traveling from the courthouse to Stearns Park (420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington) with 10:15am step-off. Ceremony at Veterans Mall in Stearns Park at 11am. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 12pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington.
Manistee Memorial Day Observance
9am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery- 1628 Maple Rd. 9:30am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Oak Grove Cemetery- 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr. 10am- Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets and ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music , kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.