Annual Tree & Plant Sales
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
West Michigan Guides Stock Photo
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.
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 9-12. The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Julia Chambers at president@affew.org or (231) 690-9561.
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.
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.
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.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
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, contact Angela at (231) 757-3713.
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is $12 for ages 13 and up, $8 for those age 7-12, $6 for ages 3-6, and under 3 eat free. Substantial bake sale, silent auction, 50/50 drawings, Proceeds benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Scottville. Visit facebook.com for more info.
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
Manistee VFW Post 1211 28th St., Manistee. For more information, call (231) 510-7452.
Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
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.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children age 3 and under are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and desserts sponsored by Tanya Lesinski, CFP, AAMS. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 will be available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Baldwin AmVets Blessing
1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
MCE Equestrian Speed Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Pere Marquette XC 5k
An off-road/cross country style running event which is part of the Run Ludington race series.
Ludington Breakwater Light Opens for the Season
Ludington.
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.
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.
Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass (cash only). Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 12pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
Northwood Signs/Speedy Car Wash/Dune Side Auto Glass- 4935 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Ludington Memorial Day Observance
Ceremony at 11am at the Veterans Mall in Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 12pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington. For more info, contact Michelle at (231) 690-5845.
Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Waves & Wheels Safety Day AND Book Ride & Bike Rodeo
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. Families are also invited to a bike rodeo and then to walk or bike ride the trail while enjoying a story. Free books on a first come, first serve basis. Loomis Street Boat Launch- 998 W. Loomis St., Ludington. For more information, visit chamber.ludington.org.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at the Muskegon Farmers Market
Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 Western Ave., Muskegon.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
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.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.