Traverse City Art Fairs & Craft Shows
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Photo by By Bailey Burton 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.
Ship Tours Begin
Boat tours of the SS City of Milwaukee and the USCGC Acacia ships begin. 99 Arthur St., Manistee. For more information, visit carferry.com.
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. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Ludington’s Got Talent
ALL ages are invited to apply to appear in this talent show. This is a fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum and will be held at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. It will take the place of the Local Masked Singer event. Apply at sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.
Mother’s Day Tea & Etiquette
kids and adults will learn some etiquette (from a professional etiqette coach) and enjoy brunch. Cost is $15 per person and are available on eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
Mason County Agriculture Night
This event celebrates the strong agricultural roots of the area. You’ll find FREE hotdogs from Lakeside Weiner Wagon & Sanders of Custer; interactive games & informational booths from area businesses & our farming agricultural community; FREE ice cream- thanks to Mason County dairy farmers; equipment displays; wagon rides; free books from the WSESD Book Bus; and more. Mason County Central Schools- 300 W. Broadway, Scottville. For more information, email cmayer@mccschools.org.
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is typically $10 per person for those age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Substantial bake sale, silent auction, 50/50 drawings, and exceptionally fluffy pancakes, including regular, blueberry, and chocolate chip options. The menu will also feature sausage from Sanders Meats, Indian Summer juice and apple sauce, and premium maple syrup from Kistlercrest Farms and Maple Haus. Proceeds benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Scottville.
Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Spring Hike
Starting at the State Park Amphitheatre, The walk covers about a mile and a half, with easy terrain and views of the park’s diverse landscape. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Wag & Walk
The new self-paced event hosted by Friends of Ludington Police invites participants and their pets to walk as much of the roughly 1.25-mile loop through the Ludington Avenue and James Street business districts as they wish. Along the way, walkers can stop at participating businesses to pick up a bag of dog treats. The walk begins and ends at Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington. Register at friendsofludingtonpolice.org.
Girls Rock
Celebration of women through music, poetry, and speakers. Hosted by Ludrock. Doors open at 6:30pm. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Horse Shows
Mason County Saddle Club Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Guided Hike
Two volunteer hike leaders will guide the group. No prior hiking experience is necessary, as the pace and distance will be adjusted based on participants’ preferences. The event is free to join—meet at the parking lot near the Skyline Trail. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
Kindergarten Round-Up at Spitler Elementary School
Families with children turning 5 on or before September 1st are invited to register from the upcoming school year. 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. Children will receive a free goody bag and raffle entry. Contact the school at (231) 873-6237 for more information.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Mike Lenich in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Beginner Friendly Fishing
Free event. Bringing your own fishing pole is encouraged, but a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bait will be provided. All participants aged 17 or older must have a valid Michigan Fishing License. Ludington State Park Amphitheater and walking to the Sable River Trail. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org.
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.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Registration at 11am with horse pull at 12pm. In addition to the pull, there will be food & drinks for sale and a kids bouncehouse. Fountain Hardware- 4932 N. Foster St., Fountain.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music featuring Yard Sale Underwear, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring JD & the Bees Knees in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Waves & Wheels Safety Day
Various stations will teach biking and swimming safety. There will also be bike and bike helmet checks, skills course, water safety with the DNR and Coast Guard, free hot dogs, giveaways, and more. Loomis Street Boat Launch- 998 W. Loomis St., Ludington. For more information, visit chamber.ludington.org.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.