Pentwater Homecoming is a summer celebration with numerous activities for the entire family including fireworks, concerts and more!
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Photo by Ludington Area CVB
(Scroll down to see more events in August.)
Pentwater Homecoming is a summer celebration with numerous activities for the entire family including fireworks, concerts and more!
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Summer’s coming to an end, so save some money while shopping during downtown Pentwater’s Sidewalk Sale Days!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The Manistee County Fair happens each August at the Onekama Fairgrounds along Portage Lake on M-22 with rides, food, entertainment, and more!
The Oceana County Fair is a five-day, fun-filled event held at the fairgrounds in Hart.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
This service is provided to area residents each August in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
The Suds on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival is held each August at Ludington's Rotary Park to benefit the United Way of Michigan.
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 Village of Brethren is located in Dickson Township about 15 miles east of Manistee. Brethren Days is held over Labor Day weekend.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
Each August, the "Two Lake Town" of Onekama near Manistee hosts it's annual Onekama Days celebration with fun for the whole family.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Western Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.
Western Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
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.
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.
Annual Old Engine Club Show
This annual 3-day show has different events each day including daily tractor pulls featuring antique tractors, garden tractors, and doodle bugs. Times are 9am-7pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am-6pm on Saturday. Daily events include tractor parades, large flea market, arts and crafts and swap meet. For more information, visit oldengineclub.org.
Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family.
Harbor Days Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids.
Joe Lancour Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble
Funds raised help Ludington High School seniors who want to continue their education. Lancour was killed while in combat in Afghanistan in 2007. Cost is $400/team of four or $100/individual. Check-in/registration is at 11am followed by a 12pm shot gun start. Register in advance by contacting Starla Owens-Murphy at (231) 613-0349 or fulfillingjoesdreams@gmail.com.
Big Red Classic Sportfishing Tournament
Doug & Shar Hekman Family Foundation tournament held in Holland. $10,000 1st Place Pro, $5,000 1st Place AM, $1,000 1st Place Big Fish *Payouts subject to change based on participation. For more information, visit bigredclassic.com.
Copemish Heritage Days
Annual community festival featuring a parade, live music, 5k, and more. For the most updated information, visit copemishheritagedays.com.
Downtown Ludington Sidewalk Sales
Downtown stores offer big savings throughout the weekend. Hours are Friday & Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Individual store hours may vary.
Teach a Kid Youth Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information, visit pentwaterpsa.org. To register, click here.
COVE Benefit Beach 5k/10k Run/Walk
Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
Idlewild Annual Blues Festival
Free live music event sponsored by the Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce at John Meeks Park- Martin Luther King & Idlewild Blvd, Idlewild. Includes food & craft vendors. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Annual Lost Boys Motorcycle Ride
Chapter 35-7 is hosting this CVMA sanctioned ride which begins and ends at VFW Post #4499- 1211 28th St., Manistee. The ride is open to all riders and also features food, live music, raffles, and prizes. Cost is $20/rider which will benefit local veterans in need. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Rubber Ducky Race
1000 rubber ducks will swim the River at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville. The owners of the winning ducks will receive cash prizes. Tickets will be on sale starting in late June at many local Scottville businesses. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com.
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.
Chicken Dinner
Take-out only chicken dinner. St. James Episcopal Church- 82 S. Wythe St., Pentwater.
Northwestern Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. 3606 Blair Town Hall Rd.- Traverse City.
C. Howard Hornung/Tom Thomas Memorial Concert
Performance by the West Shore Civic Band at Waterfront Park- 300 S. William St., Ludington.
Unity Christian Music Festival
Music festival featuring Christian arts at Heritage Landing- 1050 7th St., Muskegon.
Pentwater Homecoming Celebration
Pentwater’s biggest event of the year includes fun for the whole family!
Friday Night Live
Free event with live music, non-profit organization booths, and food. Front Street between Union Street and Park Street, Traverse City.
Sidewalk Sales
Visit local shops for specials and discounts. Hours are Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Downtown Manistee.
Hoxeyville Music Festival
Americana and Roots festival with two stages featuring national touring artists, and the best and brightest Michigan talent. 11130 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston. For tickets or more information, visit hoxeyville.com.
Wings Over Muskegon
The Yankee Air Museum, in conjunction with the Muskegon County Airport and F3 Airport host this aviation experience tour and air show. Flyable aircraft at the Yankee Air Museum will provide rides throughout the event with the air show occurring on July 8th-9th. Muskegon County Airport- 99 Sinclair Dr., Norton Shores. For more information, visit wingsovermuskegon.com.
Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a unique open water swim event to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that works to protect the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed. Registration is $45 and required. Register by visiting runsignup.com. For more information, contact Christine at ccrissman@gtbay.org. Greilickville Harbor Park- 13132 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City.
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.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
Shop on the historic front lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. Eleventh St., Traverse City. To register, visit downtowntc.com.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
This event is a celebration of Great Lakes surf culture and is open to all types of board sports disciplines that enjoy the surf. It includes music, various lessons, awards, giveaways, and more. Visit greatlakessurffestival.com for more information.
Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon
This event begins in downtown Ludington and ends at the beach. It includes biking, kayaking, and running.
Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Skate, Scootin’ Boogy Skate Competition
Skateboarders and scooterers under age 18 are invited to compete to win prizes from Gordy’s and Spindrift Cyclesports. Free registration and waivers at Gordy’s Skate Co- 104 W. Ludington Ave.; the Ludington Police Department- 400 S. Harrison St., or Spindrift Cyclesports- 102 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Drinks and snacks will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Skateboard and scooter competitions are separate. Age groups will go back to back per device, starting youngest to oldest. 90 seconds per run.
Not So “Hole-Y-One” Golf Fundraiser
Nine hole two person scramble to raise money for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the Pere Marquette Memorial Cross. Register for the scramble and dinner OR just dinner at zeffy.com. Lincoln Hills Golf Club- 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Back to School Backpack Bonanza
Mason County students in grades Kindergarten-12th grade (with a guardian) are invited to play a round of free mini golf and receive a free backpack and school supplies. There will also be free face painting and temporary tattoos. The event is limited to 425 students. There will also be face painting and balloon creations. Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf at 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Backpack Blowout
Children will receive free backpacks and school supplies. There will also be games, balloons, crafts, and dinner… all free of charge. Children must be present. Trinity Lutheran Church- 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era.
Manistee County Fair
Fun for the whole family at the Manistee County Fairgrounds- 7587 1st St., Onekama.
Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts to families with children age 3 and under at Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Sidewalk Sales
Visit local shops for specials and discounts. Hours are Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Downtown and Centertown, Grand Haven.
Rubber Ducky Festival Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit bellairechamber.org. Downtown Bellaire
Sidewalk Sales
Participating businesses will spill out onto the sidewalks with special offers and one-of-a-kind items. Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Downtown Grand Haven
Frankfort Art Fair
Market Square Park- 420 Corning Ave. Frankfort. Free Benzie Bus Shuttle. Friday from 1-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. Register here.
Community Cats TNR Benefit Sale
There will be a sale of a variety of donated items to help offset costs of spaying/neutering, health checks, and vaccinations for homeless cats in Mason County through Community Cats TNR. Mason County Fairgrounds 4-H Building- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
The Monster Fishing Tournament
Monster Ladies/Kids prelim on Friday. Weigh your best 5. $100/team. $10,000 Cash Purse (30 boat min). All Big Checks Doubled. All 333 Choice & Combo Prizes Awarded. Additional Cash Payouts Based on Registration. Sequestered Weigh In Day 1. $400 Entry. For more information, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Heaven on Hamlin Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography and held at Heaven on Hamlin- 3795 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
PSA/Bannink’s End of Summer Salmon & Trout Lines Down Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association and Bannink’s. Prizes include 1st Place for biggest salmon, 2nd Place for biggest trout (Either lake trout, brown trout, or steelhead), 3rd Place for combo weight (Either two salmon/one trout or two trout/one salmon, 4th Place for mystery weight (closest fish weighing to the picked weight from three-six pounds- can be either under or over weight. All entry fees must be paid by 7pm on September 2nd. For more information, visit nebula.wsimg.com or call Rob Bannink at (231) 327-0841.
Frankfort Collector Car Show
Mineral Springs Park- 630 Main St., Frankfort.
Arts & Drafts Festival
This annual event includes an art fair, Arts & Dash 5K, Arts & Wheels Car Show, a children’s activity, area and a beverage tent featuring live music. For details and to sign up for various events, visit facebook.com.
Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste & Pharmaceutical Collection Day
Residents of Mason, Manistee, and Oceana Counties may drop off hazardous waste at collection sites. Mason County: Mason-Lake Conservation District- 655 N. Scottville Rd., Scottville. Manistee County: Manistee Conservation District- 8840 Chippewa Highway, Bear Lake. Oceana County: Oceana Conservation District- 1064 Industrial Park Dr., Shelby.
Downtown Art Fair
To register, visit downtowntc.com. Downtown Cass St., Traverse City.
Suds on the Shore Craft Wine & Beer Festival
Benefit for the United Way of Mason County. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
PSA/Bannink’s End of Summer Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association.
Michigan’s Free ORV Weekend
Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Autocross Weekend
Preregistration suggested. Entries will be limited to 100 cars per day. For more info or to register, visit facebook.com.
Cars & Coffee
No registration fees or competition. Bring your prized vehicle. Coffee and food available for purchase at food trucks. Held in conjunction with the Furrin Group Auto Cross at West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Attendees will need to sign a waiver upon entry, even if not racing.
Cemetery Walk
The event begins with an overview and welcome speech by historical society members at the well house in the cemetery. Following the speech, guests will have the opportunity to walk the cemetery and learn about 10 different individuals buried there, and even see an artifact relating to that person at each gravesite. Pleasanton Township Cemetery- 8958 Lumley Rd., Bear Lake.
Oceana County Fair
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.
Americana Roots Music Day
Live music and demonstrations at Historic White Pine Village– 1687 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Visit ludington.org for more information.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Hudsonville Fair
5235 Park Ave., Hudsonville
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Includes live music. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Mason County Conservation District Annual Farm Tour
Event includes a bus tour to three Mason County farms and a catered dinner. The event is free and open to the public but donations are appreciated. RSVP’s are requested by August 23rd and can be made by calling (231) 757-3707 ext. 5 or by emailing andrew.booher@macd.org.
Live in the Plaza
Live music in Legacy Plaza-112 N. James St., Ludington.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Free outdoor movie and Baby Badger rides for kids from 7:30-8:45pm when the movie begins. Concessions available for sale. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Benzie Fishing Frenzy Pro/Am Sportfishing Tournament
For more information or to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments#/frankfort.
Cedar Polka Fest
Annual festival with fun for the whole family include live music, food, car show, 5k, and more! Visit cedarpolkafest.org for more information. Festival Grounds- 3075 E. Sullivan St., Cedar.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Grand Haven Free Fridays
Live music at 1 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven.
Log Cabin Concerts
Live music at the Log Cabin Theater- Corner of Panu & Walta Streets, Kaleva.
Evenings at the Light Station Concert Series
Live music at White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Pentwater Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Pentwater.
Forest Trail Music Festival
Annual music festival that also features camping, tie-dye, yoga, craft vendors, and more. Held on the edge of the Manistee National Forest- 352 W. Forest Trail Rd., Free Soil. Tickets range from $30-$75. For more information and tickets, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
Community Cats TNR Benefit Sale
There will be a sale of a variety of donated items to help offset costs of spaying/neutering, health checks, and vaccinations for homeless cats in Mason County through Community Cats TNR. Mason County Fairgrounds 4-H Building- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Pentwater Wooden & Classic Boat Show and Parade
Boat show on the water and on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Open to the public.
Summer’s Last Hurrah Craft & Vendor Show
Crafters, vendors, and food trucks. To register, click here. 960 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Annual festival featuring live music, food vendors, art displays, and beer from dozens of breweries. For tickets, visit burningfoot.beer. Pere Marquette Beach- 3510 Channel Dr., Muskegon.
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.
Horse Shows
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Craft Fair & Farmers Market
Cedar Polka Fest grounds- 3200 Sullivan St., Cedar. Go to cedarpolkafest.org to reserve a booth.
Annual Grant Fire Department Chicken Dinner
Tickets are $15 and include 1/2 BBQ chicken, baked potato, baked beans, dinner roll, corn on the cob, sweet & sour cabbage, dessert, and drinks. There will also be a classic car show. 835 W. Hoague Rd., Manistee.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
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.
Live in the Plaza
Live music in Legacy Plaza-112 N. James St., Ludington.
Slow Roll
Shoreline FORCE presents this free, family friendly, social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of Ludington. Ride begins and ends at the South Concession Stand at Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
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.
Log Cabin Concerts
Live music at the Log Cabin Theater- Corner of Panu & Walta Streets, Kaleva.
Muskegon Polish Festival
This festival is all about Polish traditions, education, music, and cuisine. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster, Muskegon. For tickets or more information, visit muskegonpolishfest.com.
Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival
Live music festival featuring 12 bands with food trucks, 5k & 15k races, and brew tent. Friday from 6-11pm and Saturday from 11am-11pm. Races are Saturday at 8am. Visit music-moves-me.org for tickets or more information. Arcadia Marine- 17073 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids.
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.
LaborFest
Car show, parade, live music, and food/beverage tent. First Street Beach, Manistee. Visit saltcityrb.com for more information or tickets.
“Honoring Our Elders” Traditional Pow-Wow
Native American social celebration with drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling, food, raffles, and arts and crafts vendors. Suggested admission is $5/person, $20 carload max. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Brethren Days
The village of Brethren hosts in annual festival with activities for the whole family.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
The Frankfort-Elberta area is host to several arts and crafts fairs through the summer months as well as a holiday fair in late November.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
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.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!