National Asparagus Festival in Oceana County
The National Asparagus Festival is held in early June in Hart and Shelby, Michigan. The event includes a parade, pageant, and more.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
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.
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 Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. For more information visit slsdjeepinvasion.com.
Pentwater Start of Summer Party
Village Marina- 65 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Call (231) 869-8301 for more info.
Food Truck Ralley
Over 20 food trucks along with cash bar and music by the Scottville Clown Band at the Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon.
Free Car Seat Checks
Safe Kids West Michigan is hosting free car seat checks at The 10 Spot- 5762 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Performance of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
Thursdays-Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm AND 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
White Lake Area Sportfishing Association Kid’s Fishing Contest
Held in conjunction with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, this event has three age groups: 3-6, 7-10, and 11-16. Registration forms will be available at sign-in from 7am-10am at the main pavilion.
Fishing supplies (bait and fishing poles to borrow) will be available on a first come first served basis. Contestants need to be in line for Weigh-In by 12pm. Goodrich Park- 100 N. Lake St., Whitehall.
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend
All fishing licenses waived in Michigan during this weekend.
Michigan Free ORV Weekend
ORV riders may ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
National Asparagus Festival
Annual event has fun for the whole family. Downtown Hart.
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean up at Stearns Park Beach.
Lake Michigan Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Lake Michigan Carferry cruise along the Ludington shoreline. Tickets include food and live entertainment and a cash bar is available. Shoreline cruises will sail rain or shine. Children 4 & Under are free. No passes will be accepted for this event. Tickets are non-refundable. 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children age 3 and under are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and desserts at New Era Reformed Church- 4775 1st St., New Era.
Summer Youth Nature & Garden Program
The U Dig It Community Garden, AFFEW, and Lakeshore Food Club are hosting a highly interactive, hands-on program covering organic gardening, nature, and art experiences for kids ages 9-11. The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Julia Chambers at president@affew.org or (231) 690-9561.
Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon, 5k, and 10k
Annual race through the beauty of nature in Ludington.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the William B. Bolton Airport- 13264 S. Benzonia Trail, Empire. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. For more info, visit chapters.eaa.org.
White River Light Station Celebrates 150 Years
The celebration includes entertainment, a special ceremony and state tribute, food, drinks, a silent auction and raffle, lighthouse tower climbs, and lawn games. Free air-conditioned bus transportation will be provided from Fruitland Township Hall- 4545 Nestrom Rd., Whitehall. For more information or VIP Tickets, visit splka.org.
Special Needs Barn Dance at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. For more info, visit circlerockingsfarm.org.
Irons Annual Flea Roast & Ox Market
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Grand Haven Art Festival
Friday from 3-7pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10am-5pm. Art show, live music, kids activities, and more. For more information, visit grandhavenchamber.org. 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven.
Teach a Kid Youth Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information, visit pentwaterpsa.org. To register, click here.
Lakeshore Art Festival
The event includes fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, a Children’s Lane, street performers, multiple interactive art stations, and more. Downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.
National Cherry Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including concerts, parades, fireworks, and an air show. For more information, visit cherryfestival.org. Festival Grounds- 521 S Union Street, Traverse City.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Times are age 10 & under: 5:30-6:15pm and 11–16 years old: 6:30-7:45pm. Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
The National Asparagus Festival is held in early June in Hart and Shelby, Michigan. The event includes a parade, pageant, and more.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
Ludington’s Gus Macker Basketball Tournament’s location is premium. Hoops are placed in Stearns Park, with Lake Michigan just steps away.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival is held at Dickson Township Park, Brethren, the third Saturday in June.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
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.
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
There’s so much to do in Silver Lake! From hitting the dunes to camping out at the state park — it’s an outdoor adventure for everyone.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.