Performances in West Michigan
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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 communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
The Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival is held at Dickson Township Park, Brethren, the third Saturday in June.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Each summer, the Ludington Lakestride offers three races: a 5k through Cartier Park, a 10k to Decker Road and back, and a half marathon.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.