The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Photo by Ludington Area CVB
August 2022 Events Calendar
Browse by Week
Featured August Events
(Scroll down to see more events in August.)
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Manistee is home to several fishing tournaments that you can participate in or be a spectator at when the big one is brought in!
Each August, the "Two Lake Town" of Onekama near Manistee hosts it's annual Onekama Days celebration with fun for the whole family.
This service is provided to area residents each August in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
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.
The Scottville Harvest Festival and Scottville Summer Fest are now one event called the "Scottville 10 + 31 Celebration", held each August.
Friday Night Live now the Final Friday Experience is a street fair offering entertainment, music, food, demonstrations, and more.
Pentwater Homecoming is a summer celebration with numerous activities for the entire family including fireworks, concerts and more!
Summer’s coming to an end, so save some money while shopping during downtown Pentwater’s Sidewalk Sale Days!
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
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.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
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 harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
August 1-7, 2022
MAY 26TH-AUGUST 26TH; 2022
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.
Monday, August 1st, 2022
7-9pm
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Blue Water Ramblers with Michael Trixx Magic. Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022
10am-12pm
Children’s Pioneer Camp
Kids will learn about the pioneers during this hands-on experience at the Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Cost is $25 per child and reservations can be made by e-mailing Michelle at michelle@mchshistory.org.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022
6:30-8:30pm
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music featuring Third Coast Swings. Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022
7pm
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring Planet D Nonet. Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022
7-9pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert featuring the Planet D Nonet at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 4th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring Tom Zatarga. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 4th, 2022
7:30pm
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Featuring Encanto. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Thursday, August 4th, 2022
8pm
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Thursday, August 4th, 2022
7-9pm
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring Patty Pershayla & the Mayhaps. Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
THURSDAY, August 4TH, 2022
7PM
Roots on the River Concert Series
Live music featuring Plain Jane Glory. Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Friday, August 5th-Saturday, August 27th; 2022
Celebrating the Ludington State Park Art Exhibit
Artists will display their multi-media artworks celebrating the State Park. Ludington Area Center for the Arts– 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Submissions will be accepted from May 27th-July 29th at $5/piece with a limit of three submissions. For more information or to submit art, visit ludingtonartscenter.org/modes-of-abstraction.
Friday, August 5th-Sunday, August 7th AND Friday, August 12th-Sunday, August 14th; 2022
6th Annual Stratford “Off” the Avenue Theatre Festival
The Stage Left Theatre Company presents a classic production of Measure for Measure, preceded by a comedic adaptation of Tempest, entitled “Got Milk”. Friday/Saturday performances begin at 7pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Ludington Area Center for the Arts– 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
Friday, August 5th-Monday, August 8th; 2022
Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family.
Friday, August 5th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring Gordie Davidson. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Friday, August 5th, 2022
5-9pm
Party in the Park
Featuring live music by Taylor Scott Band and Nathan Walton & the Remedy. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Friday, August 5th, 2022
5pm
Major League Show Jumping Team Competition Horse Show
Flintfields Horse Park- 6535 Bates Rd., Williamsburg.
Saturday, August 6th-Sunday, August 7th; 2022
Copemish Heritage Days
Annual community festival featuring a parade, live music, 5k, and more. For the most updated information, visit copemishheritagedays.com.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
Teach a Kid Youth Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
8:30am
COVE Benefit Beach 5k/10k Run/Walk
Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
8:30am
#WillStrong Benefit Soccer Tournament
100% of the proceeds raised goes to the local Childhood Cancer Campaign. Bryant Soccer Fields- Corner of Bryant Rd. and Washington Ave. in Ludington.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
12-8pm
Annual Homecoming Jazz & 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.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
5pm
Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix Horse Show
Flintfields Horse Park- 6535 Bates Rd., Williamsburg.
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
6pm
West Shore Bank Rhythm & Dunes Concert
Your Generation, Decades Band. Free outdoor concert with a portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools. Waterfront Park- 319 S. William St., downtown Ludington.
Sunday, August 7th, 2022
4-8pm
Music in the Park
FREE music event at Lindsey’s Park- 310 E. Wilson Dr., Idlewild. Performer TBA. Field games for all ages, picnic tables provided or bring your own table/chairs. Some weekends will include pop-up shops and food vendors. BYOB.
August 8-14, 2022
Monday, August 8th, 2022
7-9pm
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring the Funtastix. Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Tuesday, August 9th-Saturday, August 13th, 2022
Western Michigan Fair
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022
10am-12pm
Children’s Pioneer Camp
Kids will learn about the pioneers during this hands-on experience at the Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Cost is $25 per child and reservations can be made by e-mailing Michelle at michelle@mchshistory.org.
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022
7pm
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring Robert Pacer’s Nature’s Brew. Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
6-8pm
Leo’s Classic Car Show
Car Show with music, ice cream, and cake. Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar- 2501 N. Wilson Rd., Mears. No pre-registration necessary. For more information, call (231) 873-4909.
Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
7-9pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert featuring the Robert Pace’s Natures Brew at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 11th-Sunday, August 14th; 2022
Pentwater Homecoming Celebration
Pentwater’s biggest event of the year includes fun for the whole family!
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
12-5pm
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.
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
3-6pm
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. The event is limited to 250 students. Safe Kids West Michigan will also be doing free car seat checks. Transportation is available for families outside of Ludington. Those in need should call Kerry at (231) 852-0996. Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf at 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring Third Coast Sings. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
7-9pm
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring Drew Hale. Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
THURSDAY, August 11TH, 2022
7PM
Roots on the River Concert Series
Live music featuring Ben Traverse. Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
7:30pm
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
8pm
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Friday, August 12th-Saturday, August 13th; 2022
The Fred Relays
A series of relays consisting of 200-mile, 100-mile, and 50-mile relays spanning the White Pine Trail from Belmont to Cadillac, Michigan. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com.
Friday, August 12th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring Cheryl Wolfram. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Saturday, August 13th-Sunday, August 14th; 2022
Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
4pm
Grand Prix Horse Show
Flintfields Horse Park- 6535 Bates Rd., Williamsburg.
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
5-9pm
Forest Trail Summer Sunset Music Series
Featuring The Ragbirds with Ben Traverse. 352 W. Forest Trail, Free Soil. For more information, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
8-10pm
Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
9-11pm
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Bon Voyage to Summer Theme with live music by Joey Mankus. $45/person. Visit ssbadger.com/trip-planner/shoreline-cruises-2022 to book tickets. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.
Sunday, August 14th, 2022
2pm
North American Youth Championship Final Horse Show
Flintfields Horse Park- 6535 Bates Rd., Williamsburg.
August 15-21, 2022
Monday, August 15th, 2022
7-9pm
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring the Benzie County Playboys. Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Monday, August 16th-Saturday, August 20th; 2022
Manistee County Fair
Fun for the whole family at the Manistee County Fairgrounds- 7587 1st St., Onekama.
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
10am-12pm
Children’s Pioneer Camp
Kids will learn about the pioneers during this hands-on experience at the Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Cost is $25 per child and reservations can be made by e-mailing Michelle at michelle@mchshistory.org.
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
7pm
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring the Paul Nelson Band. Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Wednesday, August 17th-Saturday, August 27th; 2022
Oceana County Fair
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
7-8pm
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington.
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
7-9pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert featuring the The Paul Nelson Band at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
11am-3pm
Living History Day
Special performances by Suzanne and Jim, musicians who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. Cost is $18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors, $14 for Children ages 4-13, and free for Children under age 4. Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
1-3pm
Ice Cream Social
The Ludington Senior Center hosts an ice cream social which is open to the public. Ice cream has been donated by House of Flavors. Suggested donation is $2 with proceeds to benefit improvements to the center. Customers may dine-in, drive-up, or sit outside to enjoy their treats and live music. 308 S. Rowe St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring Gabrial James. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
7-9pm
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring Plain Jane Glory. Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
7:30pm
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Featuring Sing 2. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
8pm
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Friday, August 19th-Sunday, August 21st; 2022
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.
Friday, August 19th-Saturday, August 20th; 2022
Frankfort Art Fair
Market Square Park on M-22, Frankfort. Free Benzie Bus Shuttle. Friday from 1-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Friday, August 19th-Saturday, August 20th; 2022
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.
Friday, August 19th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring CatBob & Eric Engblade. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Friday, August 19th, 2022
5-9pm
Party in the Park
Featuring live music by Distracted. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Saturday, August 20th-Saturday, August 27th; 2022
Cal’s Angels Annual “War on Wheels”
Cal’s Angels will have more than twenty cyclists riding from Michigan to Illinois this summer while raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research. The ride will encompass nearly one thousand miles and take cyclists from Mackinaw City, Michigan to St. Charles, Illinois. For more information or to make a donation, visit calsangels.org/event.
Saturday, August 20th-Sunday, August 21st; 2022
Michigan Free ORV Weekend
ORV without a permit all weekend on Michigan’s 4,000 miles of trails and sic scramble areas: Bull Gap, Black Lake Scramble Area, Holly Oaks ORV Park, The Mounds, Silver Lake State Park, St. Helen’s Motorsport Area.
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
MCE Equestrian Speed Show
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
9am-1pm
Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste & Pharmaceutical Collection Day
Manistee, Mason, & Oceana County residents have the opportunity to safely discard hazardous waste and pharmaceuticals.
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
10-4pm
Rubber Ducky Festival Arts & Crafts Show
Downtown Bellaire
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
10-5pm
Downtown Art Fair
The Open Space- 111 E. Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City.
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
12-3pm
Shaw Family Backpack Giveaway
Mike & Debbie Shaw will be giving away backpacks full of school supplies at Pathfinders Community Library- 812 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
12-5pm
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.
Sunday, August 21st, 2022
Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Sunday, August 21st, 2022
4-8pm
Music in the Park
FREE music event at Lindsey’s Park- 310 E. Wilson Dr., Idlewild. Performer TBA. Field games for all ages, picnic tables provided or bring your own table/chairs. Some weekends will include pop-up shops and food vendors. BYOB.
August 22-31, 2022
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
11:30am
Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Visit ludington.org for more information.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022
6:30-8:30pm
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music featuring Ravon Rhoden. Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
7pm
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring Eat-It-Up Quartet with Ellie Martin. Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Wednesday, August 24th, 2022
7-9pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert featuring the Eat-It-Up Trio at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 25th-Sunday, August 28th; 2022
Cedar Polka Festival
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.
Thursday, August 25th-Sunday, August 28th; 2022
5th Annual Shoreline Jazz Festival
Alexander Zonjic presents this world class jazz festival at Heritage Landing- 1050 7th St., Muskegon. For tickets or more information, visit zonjic.com.
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
12-5pm
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.
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
4-7pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Performer TBA. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
6:30-8pm
Ludington Slow Roll
The Shoreline Cycling Club is organizing this social ride with a relaxed pace. Riders will travel the alleys and back streets of town. The ride begins near the south concession building at the Stearns Park Beach. The ride coincides with the Sunset Beach Bonfire that begins at 8pm, so bring a chair and some refreshments and stick around after the ride.
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
7-9pm
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring Canopy Space. Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
8-10pm
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
8pm
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Friday, August 26th-Sunday, August 28th; 2022
Western Michigan Boat, RV, Outdoor, & Home Show
Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Friday, August 26th-Sunday, August 28th; 2022
Forest Trail Music Festival
Festival of live music, camping, craft vendors, food, tie-dye, yoga, and more! For tickets or more information, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
Friday, August 26th-Sunday, August 28th; 2022
Benzie Fishing Frenzy Pro/Am Sportfishing Tournament
For more information or to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments#/frankfort.
Friday, August 26th-Saturday, August 27th; 2022
Pentwater Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Pentwater.
Friday, August 26th, 2022
3-5:30pm
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Featuring The Ukes. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Friday, August 26th, 2022
4-7pm
Pentwater Gallery Stroll
Visit Pentwater galleries to browse art and enter to win prizes. Downtown Pentwater.
Friday, August 26th, 2022
5-9pm
Party in the Park
Featuring live music by Flexadecibel and Aaron Benjamin. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
9am-3pm
Custer VFW Car Show
Pre-registration is due by August 12th. Custer VFW Gold Post 5096- 2022 State St., Custer. For more information, call Ruth at (734) 770-6279 or Annette at (231) 233-0869.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
10am-3pm
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
Shop on the historic front lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. Eleventh St., Traverse City.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
10am-4pm
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.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
12-3pm
Shaw Family Backpack Giveaway
Mike & Debbie Shaw will be giving away backpacks full of school supplies at the West Shore Bank parking lot- 107 W. State St., Scottville.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
3-10pm
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Muskegon’s craft beer festival, the only beer fest to take place on a sandy beach, taking place on beautiful Pere Marquette Beach- 3510 Channel Dr., Muskegon. For more information, visit burningfoot.beer
Tuesday, August 30th, 2022
7pm
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring the Duffy King Coalition. Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Wednesday, August 31st, 2022
7-9pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert featuring the Duffy King Koalition at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
