Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
(Scroll down to see more events in July.)
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Ludrock Nation is an organization presenting events: Ludrock, Girls Rock, Ludrock All Stars, Night of Fright to benefit other non-profits.
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.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
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 Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
This nationally renowned festival includes eight days of air shows, concerts, parades, food tastings, arts/crafts show, and fireworks.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck's takes place each July in Ludington.
Kaleva Heritage Days is a festival which includes softball tournament, car show, pony rides, parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Learn about the annual Young Eagles Rallies in Mason and Oceana Counties and find information about flights at the Mason County Airport.
The annual Manistee National Forest Festival in July features fireworks, parades, and family entertainment in Manistee, Michigan!
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Annually, late in July, the Village population soars with attendees and participants in the annual Arcadia Daze celebration.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
The Ludington Area Jaycees annual Freedom Festival is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.
National Cherry Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including concerts, parades, fireworks, and an air show. For more information, visit cherryfestival.org. Festival Grounds- 521 S Union Street, Traverse City.
West Shore Art Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Sponsored by Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
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 Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Hart Sparks Celebration
Free kids activities from 6-9pm, food trucks, vendors, and live music from 6-10pm, and fireworks at Dusk.
Scottville Clown Band Patriotic Concert
Scottville Community Center- 105 Green St., Scottville, 7pm
Charlies Party in the USA Boat Parade
Boat Parade beginning at Charlie’s Marina- 233 6th St., Pentwater.
Pentwater Fireworks
At Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Event includes Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Fun Run at 1:30pm, Parade at 2pm, and Fireworks at Dusk. Downtown Ludington.
Hesperia Family Fun Fest
This annual event includes an arts & crafts fair, food trucks, foam party, duck race, live music, and much more. For information, visit facebook.com or email hacc1866@gmail.com.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Luther Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including live music, fireworks, 5k run/walk, kids games, rodeo, and more. Downtown Luther. For more information, visit facebook.com/lutherloggingdays.
U-Dig It! Youth Summer Program
The U Dig It Community Garden, AFFEW, and Lakeshore Food Club are hosting a highly interactive, hands-on program covering organic gardening, nature, and art experiences for kids ages 9-11. The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Julia Chambers at president@affew.org or (231) 690-9561.
Independence Day Bike Parade
Registration/Line-up at 9:30am, Parade at 10am. Charles Mears State Park– 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwater.org.
White Lake Area Fourth of July Celebration
Parade begins at 10am traveling from Whitehall City Hall (7525 Highland Rd., White Lake Charter Township) to Montague City Hall (8778 Ferry St., Montague). Fireworks at Dusk over White Lake. For more info or a parade entry form, visit facebook.com.
Art in the Park Arts & Crafts Fair
On Betsie Bay- 501 Main St., Frankfort.
Thunder over the Dunes Fireworks
Over the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Parade, sandcastle sculpture contest, arts & crafts far, rides, and Carnival food. Frankfort Open Space- 800 Main St., Frankfort. For more information, visit Facebook.com.
Lakeshore Animal Friends Benefit Yard Sale
Brand new items, clothing for all ages, toys, furniture, and more. Proceeds help cover costs associated with spay/neuter and helping home animals. Hamlin Township Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 7th, same times. For questions, contact John at (231) 757-2951. Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington.
Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit
All vehicles are welcome to enter with multiple awards and trophies to be given out. Winners are chosen by public vote and by the Board of Directors. Categories include: motorcycles, trucks, jeeps, and tribute vehicles. Event also includes silent/live auctions, raffle bags, and door prizes. All proceeds go to Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. For more information or to register, visit lighthouseforveterans.org/car-show. Hot Rod Harley Davidson- 149 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Manistee World of Arts & Crafts Show
Armory Youth Project- 555 1st St., Manistee. To register, contact Dianna at (231) 299-1205 or funddevelopment@armoryyouthproject.com.
Stony Lake Sparkler 5k
Starts at Stony Lake Inn- 4722 Scenic Dr., Shelby.
Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Times are age 10 & under: 5:30-6:15pm and 11–16 years old: 6:30-7:45pm. Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
Food Truck Ralley
Over 20 food trucks along with cash bar and music by the West Side Soul Surfers at the Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon.
Block Party
Portage Ave., Onekama. For more information, visit onekama.info.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. WMOEC Ground- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Cannabash
Annual festival that includes food, vendors, music spanning all genres, and Michigan’s finest buds and brews. 8330 M-37, Baldwin. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Bear Lake Days
Annual festival in Bear Lake with fun for the whole family.
Merchants and Makers Market
Shop over 100 booths while enjoying live music and enjoying a variety of food trucks. Chinook Pier- 301 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven. For more information, visit merchantsandmakers.com.
Pentwater Juried Arts & Crafts Fair
The Pentwater Junior Women’s Club hosts this one-day, juried, high-traffic arts and crafts fair, which has had an excellent reputation for high quality since 1964. For an application or more information, visit pentwaterjrwomensclub.com/artscrafts.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids.
Mason County Garden Club Garden Walk
Tour 7 gardens, with 2 clusters that allow real walking. There will also be live music by the String Alongs Ukelele Group and a local artist at several of the garden sites. Tickets are $15 each or 2/$25. Tickets will be sold by members ahead of time OR the day of walk at each garden and Rotary Park- Corner of Ludington Ave. & Lewis St., Ludington.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
National Baby Food Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Main St., Fremont. For more information, visit fremontcommerce.com.
Muskegon Bike Time
Annual celebration of motorcycles which includes concerts, entertainment, and food. Wednesday from 4-11pm, Thursday-Saturday from 9am-11pm, and Sunday from 9am-3pm. For more information, visit muskegonbiketime.com.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts to families with children age 3 and under at Crossroads Church of op by Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church- 5940 E. Sugar Grove Rd., Fountain. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Beach Photos with Santa
Get a photo with Santa on the beach for $30. Proceeds benefit the Oriole Giving Tree Project, an organization that supports Ludington students/families in need during the holidays. Meet at the West end of Ludington Avenue, Ludington. Schedule your appointment online by clicking here.
Silver Lake Sand & ORV Show
This show is part of the Heroes on the Dunes event and is open to all off-road vehicles. Volunteers of the Heroes on the Dunes event get free vehicle entry and others pay $20 for advance registration or $25 for same-day registration. There will also be crafters/vendors on-site selling their items. For more information or to register your ORV, visit facebook.com.
Muddy Fox Trot
Family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Mears Arts & Crafts Fair
To register, visit goldentownship.org. Downtown Mears.
Walk the Beat Music Festival
Free music festival with 18 venues in Whitehall and Montague featuring 36 musical acts, $5,000 grand prize raffle, $4,000 in free door prizes, and a community pig roast and jam session at 5:30pm in Goodrich Park- 100 Lake St., Whitehall. For more information or a pdf map, visit walkthebeatwhitelake.org.
Smoke on the Water Music Festival
Live Music, Beer Tent, Artist/Vendor Section and Cannabis Vendor and Consumption Area. Tickets are generally $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Special VIP Experience for $55 in advance or $75 at the door. For the most updated information, visit saltcityrb.com. Lions Pavilion- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Buccaneer Bash
Food trucks, silent & live raffle items, live music featuring Jimmy Dodson & Kenny Howell from 4-6pm and RPM from 6-9pm, and prizes for best Pirate Attire. $5 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ludington Boat Club- 502 Lake St., Ludington.
Kaleva Heritage Days
Annual festival with an arts & crafts show, fireworks, parade, car show, and more. Kaleva Roadside Park.
Muskegon County Fair
This annual fair includes fun for the whole family including kids games, petting zoo, auctions, Midway, food, and more. For for more info, visit muskegonfairgrounds.com.
Cars & Coffee
No registration fees or competition. Bring your prized vehicle. Coffee and food available for purchase at the 10 Spot food trucks. Mini cruise through the Ludington beach at 1pm. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music featuring M&M & the Byrds at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Congregational Summer Assembly Arts & Crafts Fair & Cottage Treasures Sale
Assembly Ball Field- 2128 Pilgrim Hwy, Frankfort. Arts & Crafts Fair from 9:30am-3pm and Cottage Treasures/Rummage Sale from 9am-1pm (inside the building). For more information, email CSAArtfair@gmail.com.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Includes live music. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.
Baldwin Troutarama
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Baldwin.
Live in the Plaza
Live music in Legacy Plaza-112 N. James St., Ludington.
Ludington Slow Roll Ride
Social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of town. Begins and ends near the south concession building at Stearns Park Beach-420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. Rain location is 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Pentwater Gallery Stroll
Galleries open their doors for visitors. Includes refreshments and a drawing for a $25 Gift Card to any of the participating galleries. Downtown Pentwater.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Folk Fridays Concert Series
Live music at the Lake County Historical Museum- 915 N. Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Evenings at the Light Station Concert Series
Live music at White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
Hart Historic District Concert Series
Live music at Hart Historic District- 570 E. Lincoln St., Hart.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Arcadia Daze
Annual festival in Arcadia with fun for the whole family.
Dunesville Music Festival
A family friendly, intention oriented music festival featuring Michigan music, craft, artists and vendors. Harmony Pines- 4846 N Hulbert Rd., Interlochen. For more information or tickets, visit dunesvillemusicfestival.com.
Muskegon Open Pro/Am Fishing Tournament
Pro/Am/333 event with a Ladies Prelim and Ladies/Kids fish. For more info, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournament.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Annual Festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Grand Haven. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org.
Ladies Classic Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. Visit pentwaterpsa.org for more information or to register.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. Dead Sled at 9am, Transfer Sled at 1pm. WMOEC Ground- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Strut Your Mutt 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Pet Stroll/Walk Fundraiser
Oceana County’s LASSI (Local Animal Shelter Support, Inc.) is sponsoring this event to help support animals staying in the Oceana County Animal Shelter. Registration is $30 which includes a T-shirt and medal, and those with dogs will receive a doggie bandanna and doggie bag. Up North Farm Market- 3890 Monroe Rd., Hart. Register at adventuresignup.com.
Craft & Vendor Show
For more information, visit facebook.com. Muskegon County Fairgrounds- 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd., Fruitport.
Ludington Coin Club Coin & Stamp Show
Free admission. Door prizes and raffle prizes. Hamlin Town Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.
Crooked Tree Art Fair
Crooked Tree Art Center- 322 Sixth St., Traverse City
Manistee Summer Festival
Event includes live music, food trucks, yard games, and a beer tent. 100% of proceeds from the beer tent benefit the Stomp Out Cancer Fund. Free admission for all. 250 Duffy Park, Manistee.
West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert
Free outdoor concert. A portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., downtown Ludington.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Live music at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton. Open to the public.
Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.
Cruise-In Car Show
Street Rods, Muscle Cars, Trucks, Cycles, Customs, all welcome. Includes music, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and food. Prizes awarded at 1:30pm. Downtown Grand Haven.
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music in Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music at Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Come “Home for the Holidays” during the Christmas season in Hart with events scheduled in November & December.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
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.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.