Downtown Ludington St. Patrick’s Day
Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, and downtown Ludington is where you want to be for all the fun events!
Photo by Eyestetix Studio on Unsplash.com
The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Egg My Yard
JCI Ludington (the Ludington Area Jaycees) will deliver/hide pre-filled candy and treat eggs in the evening of April 19th for a hassle free Easter Egg hunt on Easter morning. Children can enjoy, long distance relatives can send their love, and families can spend more time together while supporting the Ludington Area Jaycees community programs. Available to households in Mason County. Cost is $25 for 30 eggs, $45 for 50 eggs, and $65 for 70 eggs. Baskets are also available for $5 each. Reserve your items by clicking here.
Performance of The Addams Family
Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays (AND March 15th) at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse
Performances- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Fish Frys
Cost is $12 for adult meals, $5 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 eat free. Meals included baked or fried fish, baked potato or french fries, and cole slaw, mac ‘n cheese, roll with butter, non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Dine in or take-out available. St. Ann’s Senior Center- 690 9th St., Baldwin.
Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals with choice of fried perch, fried shrimp, or combo of perch/shrimp (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, Indian Summer apple sauce, condiments and homemade dessert). Kids meals are $9 with choice of perch, shrimp, combo perch/shrimp, with Mac & Cheese or fries; all with the same sides. Dine in or take-out available. Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township
Dine-in or takeout Fish fry’s at St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township. For more information, call (231) 873-5776.
St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Ludington
Includes a 5k, live music, and more.
Ultimate Sport Show
Thursday from 1-8pm, Friday from 12-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Exhibitors will be at the show with the latest in outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. Tickets are $12 for those age 15 and up and $5 for children under 15. Devos Place- 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
Finny Slam Ice Fishing Tournament
Hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions and named for local fisherman, Ray Finholm, who passed away in a boating accident. Prize includes a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Pike, Steelhead and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Family AfFair
Annual free event where over 60 area businesses and community agencies provide resources, information, and fun surprises to local families. This year’s theme is “Under Construction – Building Strong Families”. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Mason County Central School- 300 W. Broadway St., Scottville.
Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade runs down Western Avenue from 6th Street to 2nd Street in downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Polar Plunge Fundraiser
Annual fundraiser for Area 24 Special Olympics held at Little River Casino Resort- 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. Registration begins at 11am with the plunge at 1pm. For more info or tickets, visit plungemi.org.
Scottville Clown Band Performance
Clare Irish Festival Parade and Post-parade show at the Clare Moose Lodge- 1890 E. Ludington Dr., Clare.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration
Parade starts at MiddleCoast Brewing Company- 329 E State St Unit # 2, Traverse City.
St. Patrick’s Wee Parade
Costumes not required but encouraged. Parade lineup on 23rdst in Manistee at 5:15pm!
Costume contest after the parade at Jailhouse Bar and Grill- 2707 Nelson St., Manistee. There will be corned beef and cabbage and drink specials available.
Marvac RV & Camping Show
Friday from 1-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 12-5pm. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children 12 and under. Purchase tickets by visiting michiganrvandcampgrounds.com. Howe Ice Arena- 1125 W. Civic Center Dr.,, Traverse City.
March for Meals Walk & 5k
Registration ranges from $10-$40 and required. Register online at runsignup.com. Family and dog friendly. Benefit for Meals on Wheels. For more information, email Haley deVries at hdevries@mowwm.org. Millennium Park- 1400 Maynard, Walker.
Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, and downtown Ludington is where you want to be for all the fun events!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
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.