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Family-Friendly Events

September 2023

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.

Amber Elk Ranch

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in September:

May 27th-September 22nd, 2023

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, April 10th-Sunday, December 31st; 2023

#RunLudington Sesquicentennial 150-Mile Challenge
Registration includes a custom finisher medal mailed to you. Add a short sleeve ($15) or long sleeve ($25) performance tee to celebrate your miles and Ludington’s Sesquicentennial. Challenge: log 150 miles (walking or running) by the end of the year. For more of a challenge, log your 150 miles in 150 days. Cost is $25 per person. To register, visit runreg.com

Friday, September 1st-Sunday, September 3rd; 2023

Brethren Days
The village of Brethren hosts in annual festival with activities for the whole family.

Saturday, September 2nd-Sunday, September 3rd; 2023

Shoreline All Breed Youth Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, call Marcia at (231) 233-1700

Saturday, September 2nd-Sunday, September 3rd; 2023

Honoring Our Elders Traditional Pow Wow
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.

Sunday, September 3rd, 2023
8am-12pm

Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW Hall- 8440 US-31 North, Pentwater.

Sunday, September 3rd, 2023
10am-2pm

Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW Hall- 8440 US-31 North, Pentwater.

Monday, September 4th, 2023
9:15m

Holland Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
Bring the family, earplugs, and an appetite for big trucks, ice cream, and giveaways. Parade travels from Zeeland to Holland. Ice cream social following the parade. For more information, visit truckparade.org.

Friday, September 8th-Sunday, September 9th; 2023

Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival
Activities for the whole family. Downtown Silver Lake.

Friday, September 8th, 2023
4pm

Trout Unlimited Banquet
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. There will be live music, a food truck, open bar, adult/child casting contests, and a silent auction. Baldwin Canoe Rental- 9117 M-37, Baldwin.

Saturday, September 9th, 2023
9am-12pm

Oceana County Young Eagles Rally
Kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a free airplane ride with a local pilot. Flights are first come, first serve and a guardian must be present. Sponsored by EAA #772. Oceana County Airport- 1805 W. Baseline Rd., Shelby.

Saturday, September 9th-Sunday, September 10th, 2023

MIHA District 9 Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.

Saturday, September 16th, 2023
9am-3pm

New Era Fall Festival
Annual event featuring arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, an antique car show, and more. Visit neweramichigan.com for more information.

Saturday, September 16th,2023
10am-2pm

West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.

Saturday, September 16th, 2023
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.

Saturday, September 16th, 2023
12-10pm

Scottville Fall Celebration
Event includes family friendly activities, the Mason County Princess Pageant (1pm), and a performance by the Scottville Clown Band. Downtown Scottville, 100 Blocks of South Main & Blaine Streets.

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

MIHA District 9 Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
4-8pm

Date Night Drop Off
Children ages 3 and up can be dropped off to enjoy music, playtime, dancing, stories, crafting, movies, and more with Miss Melinda. Children should bring a sack dinner and water. Cost is $35 for one child, $50 for two children, $65 for three children, and $75 for four children. 50% down paid via Venmo, Paypal, Apple Pay, check, or cash is due no later than Wednesday, September 20th. Call (231) 631-7751 to make a reservation. United Methodist Church- 387 1st St., Manistee.

Sunday, September 27th, 2023
1pm

Blessing of the Animals at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
Blessing of the Animals, silent auction, and old fashioned games. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. Click here for more information.

Thursday, September 21st, 2023
3-5pm

Diapers & Donuts
Families are invited to receive free diapers and donuts from West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. Free car seat checks will also be offered.

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
10am-1pm

Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo
Speak with providers, sample products, and meet other moms. Open house format with kids activities available. Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart.

Sunday, September 24th, 2023
2pm

Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Enter by emailing missludington@gmail.com.

Saturday, September 30th, 2023
8am-12pm

Fall Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and furniture. For more information or to rent a table, visit facebook.com. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington. 

Saturday, September 30th-Sunday, October 1st; 2023

MIHA Regional District Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.

Current Events in West Michigan

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West Michigan Activities & Attractions

The Vogue Theatre in Manistee

The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.

West Michigan Lighthouses

A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.

Silver Lake State Park

The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.