Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in April.)
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
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.
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.
Communities in Mason, Oceana, and Manistee counties sponsor many Easter events and egg hunts for kids in the spring.
AFFEW Native Plant Sale
The 2023 sale will be online only. Garden & Single Species flats plus individual Quart & Gallon plants may be ordered by visiting affew.org.
Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township
Dine-in or takeout Fish fry’s at St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township. Cost is $13 and includes choice of fried or baked fish, vegetable, potatoes, cole slaw, dinner roll, and choice of dessert. For more information, call (231) 873-5776.
Opening Day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
Silver Lake State Park.
Craft Supply Sale
Lunch available for purchase. Wagoner Community Center- 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee.
The Met Opera Series
Featuring Falstaff by Verdi. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Free Zoom Educational Series
Topic: Invasive Species Management in and around the Ludington State Park with presenters Bri Jasinski of the Mason-Lake Conservation District, Sara Bolan of AFFEW, and Jim Gallie, Ludington State Park Manager. Register at friendsofludingtonstatepark.com to receive Zoom code.
School-Wide Open House at Covenant Christian School
Students eligible for enrollment range from 3 years old through 8th grade. The event includes a school tour, teacher talks, enrollment packets, and more. Covenant Christian School- 2980 W. US-10, Ludington.
Performance by Comedian Dave Landau with Special Guest Derek Richards
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
AFFEW Native Plant Sale
The 2023 sale will be online only. Garden & Single Species flats plus individual Quart & Gallon plants may be ordered by visiting affew.org.
Scottville Elementary School Kindergarten Round-Up
Children who will turn 5 on or before September 1st, 2023 are invited. Bring the child’s birth certificate and proof of address to register them. Scottville Elementary School- 201 W. Maple St., Scottville.
LaborFest 2022
Car show, parade, live music by Here Come the Mummies, and food/beverage tent. First Street Beach, Manistee. Visit manisteelaborfest.com for more information.
Hart Community Performing Arts Series
Featuring Peter & Will Anderson. Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.
AFFEW Native Plant Sale
The 2023 sale will be online only. Garden & Single Species flats plus individual Quart & Gallon plants may be ordered by visiting affew.org.
Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden, & Boat Show
70+ distributors, outdoor displays, seminars, DIY sessions. For tickets or more information, visit muskegonhgs.org. VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center- 460 W. Western Ave., Downtown Muskegon.
Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo
Moms are invited to meet those who can support them during the early stages of parenthood. Talk to providers, sample products, and meet other moms. Open house format with kids activities available. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
The Met Opera Series
Featuring Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
West Shore Community College Wind Symphony & Drum Line Performance
Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee. For tickets, visit westshore.edu.
West Shore Community College Concert Choir Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. For tickets, visit westshore.edu.
Performance by 2B1 World
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. For tickets, visit westshore.edu.
Great Lakes Environmental Festival
The mission of this film festival is to encourage people to think about ecology and the present condition of the Great Lakes region. Students will be encouraged to use their 60-second presentation PSA to promote environmental improvement and demonstrate how practical solutions to environmental problems have evolved. Additional events will be scheduled. These, along with event locations, are to be announced. For the most updated information, visit glef.us.
Performance by the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
The Masked (Local) Singer Fundraiser
This fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum will include local “celebrities” singing while in costume and judges guessing who they are. Attendees will also vote for their favorite contestant. Tickets are $50 each or $200 for a VIP table for two people. All tickets include dinner, dessert, and one voting ticket. A cash bar and complimentary non-alcoholic drink choices will be available. Additional votes are $5 each. VIP seating is for the performance only and includes table service, premium beverage, swag, and a chance to ask a singer a question. For tickets, visit sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com or stop by the museum during open hours. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
AFFEW Native Plant Sale
The 2023 sale will be online only. Garden & Single Species flats plus individual Quart & Gallon plants may be ordered by visiting affew.org.
Annual Spring Tree Sale Pickup
Sponsored by the Mason-Lake Conservation District. Pickup hours are Friday from 2pm-6pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm at the Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, AND Saturday from 10am-12pm behind Jones’ Ice Cream- 858 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Ludington Lake Jump
Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Registration at 10:30am, jump at 11am. Stearns Park, Ludington.
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.
AFFEW Earth Day Events
Presentations, informational booths, kids activities, and more. Free and open to the public. United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5810 W. Bryant Rd., Ludington.
MCE Athletic Boosters Auction
$10 per person includes a bidding number, taco bar & dessert, water & coffee. You may also bring your own beverage. Benefits Mason County Eastern Schools Athletics. Sherman Township Town Hall- 3975 S Tyndall Rd., Branch Township.
Performance by the Earthwork Collective
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Free Zoom Educational Series
Topic: State of the Ludington State Park with Jim Gallie, Park Manager. Register at friendsofludingtonstatepark.com to receive Zoom code.
Ludington Preschool Round-Up
Families with children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1st, 2023 are invited to learn about preschool programs and the enrollment process, and meet the staff. Enrollment requires a driver’s license, and the child’s birth certificate and proof of immunizations. Ludington Elementary School- 5771 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Annual Spring Tree Sale Pickup
Sponsored by the Mason-Lake Conservation District. Pickup hours are Friday from 2pm-6pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm at the Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, AND Saturday from 10am-12pm at Wenger Pavilion behind Jones’ Ice Cream- 858 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Lakeshore Bowl for Kids Sake
Fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sister of the Lakeshore. Dress/Theme is Superhero vs. Villain. Cost is $25/person. Each bowler that raises $75 will receive a t-shirt. For more information or to register, visit bbbslakeshore.org. Northway Lanes & Billiards- 1751 Evanston Ave., Muskegon.
Interlochen Center for the Arts Contemporary Dance Performance
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
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.
The Met Opera Series
Featuring Champion by Terence Blanchard with Libretto by Michael Cristofer. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
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.
COVE Birthday Bash- Lake County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Pompeii’s Pizza- 751 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Dancing with the Local Stars Fundraiser for the Ludington Robotics Team
Local, celebrity dancers and their partners will be competing against each other for one of three trophies: Judges’ Choice, Most Entertaining, and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice award goes to the couple who receives the most public votes – $1 equals 1 vote. Couples dancing include Dean and Andrea Raven, Dann and Julie VanDyke, Perry and Wendy Merrilat, Jamie Adam and Tom Buchanon, and Chris & Jenna Simpler. Tickets are $75 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres with a cash bar available. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.
Lenten Fish Frys in Baldwin
Fish frys at St. Ann’s Senior Center- 690 9th St., Baldwin. Cost is $10 for Adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12, and Kids under 4 are free. Dinners include Cod and Pollock baked or fried, dinner roll with butter, french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, mac and cheese and a dessert.
Victory Early Childhood Center Great Start Readiness Preschool Program Registration
Families with children who turn 4 on or before September 1st, 2022, are invited to register for the Great Start Readiness Preschool Program at the Mason County Central High School Cafeteria- 300 W. Broadway St., Scottville. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their 2021 income tax W2 form or other current income verification. Families with children turning 4 between September 2nd-December 1st, 2022, and those interested in the Center’s tuition-based program, should call Victory Early Childhood Center at (231) 843-2410.
Kindergarten Round-Up at Spitler Elementary School
Families with children turning 5 on or before September 1st, 2022 are invited to register from the 2022-2023 school year. Registration forms will be available at the Spitler Elementary School office or the Central Business Office beginning on Monday, April 4th or register online at hartschools.net/spitler. 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. Contact Principal Andrea Degen at adegen@hart.k12.mi.us or (231) 873-6340 for more information.
Mason County Eastern Athletic Boosters Auction
Admission is $10 per person or $5 per person who already donated to the auction. Tickets include a taco bar, coffee, and water, and attendees are welcome to BYOB. The event includes a silent auction, live auction, 50/50 drawing, mystery prize (valued at $200), and more. Some auction items of note include a fishing charter, paddle board, handmade wooden American firefighter flag, and several quilts. Sherman Township Hall- 3854 E. Main St., Fountain.
Infant & Maternal Health Fair at Baker College
Experts in child passenger safety, safe sleep, infant health, and pregnancy support will be on hand to help families stay safe and healthy. Those planning to attend should complete the survey attached to the registration link for a chance to win prizes. Register at docs.google.com. Baker College- 1903 Marquette Ave., Muskegon.
Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, toys, maternity-wear, etc. $1 suggested donation for entry. Faith Covenant Church- 475 8th St., Manistee.
Wellston Boosters Craft Sale/Seniors Bake Sale
Wellston Community Center- 1273 S. Seaman Rd., Wellston.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Communities in Mason, Oceana, and Manistee counties sponsor many Easter events and egg hunts for kids in the spring.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
