Performances in West Michigan
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Knights of Columbus Fish Frys
Cost is $13 for adult meals, $5 for children ages 5-11, and children under 4 eat free. Meals included baked or fried fish, baked potato or french fries, and coleslaw, mac ‘n cheese, roll, non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Dine in or take-out available. St. Ann’s Senior Center- 690 9th St., Baldwin.
Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township
Cost is $15 for ages 9 and up and any donation for those under 8. Dine-in or take-out. Dinners include baked or fried whitefish, parslied red potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw, fried apples, and choice of delicious desserts. St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township.
Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals and $9 for kids meals with choice of fried fish, or grilled salmon (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, apple sauce, condiments and dessert). Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Ties & Tutus Daddy/Daughter Dance
Event includes dinner, photos, dancing, and a glow party. Tickets are $25/each and may be purchased at ticketstripe.com. Radiant Church- 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Ultimate Sport Show
Thursday from 1-8pm, Friday from 12-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Exhibitors will be at the show with the latest in outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. Tickets are $12 for those age 15 and up, $5 for children age 6-14, and for kids 5 and under. Devos Place- 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Visit showspan.com for more info.
Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals and $9 for kids meals with choice of fried fish, or grilled salmon (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, apple sauce, condiments and dessert). Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Finny Slam Ice Fishing Tournament
Hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions and named for local fisherman, Ray Finholm, who passed away in a boating accident. Prize includes a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Pike, Steelhead and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration
Parade starts at MiddleCoast Brewing Company- 329 E State St Unit # 2, Traverse City. For details, visit traversecity.com.
Family AfFair
Annual free event where area businesses and community agencies provide resources, information, and fun surprises to local families. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Food is available at family-friendly prices (cash only). Mason County Central School- 300 W. Broadway St., Scottville.
Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade runs down Western Avenue from 6th Street to 2nd Street in downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Polar Plunge Fundraiser
Annual fundraiser for Area 24 Special Olympics held at Little River Casino Resort- 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. Registration begins at 11am with the plunge at 1pm. For more info or tickets, visit plungemi.org.
St. Patrick’s Wee Parade
Costumes not required but encouraged. Parade lineup on 23rd Street in Manistee at 5:15pm!
Costume contest after the parade at Jailhouse Bar and Grill- 2707 Nelson St., Manistee. There will be corned beef and cabbage and drink specials available.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited for diapers & desserts. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 are available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request. Sponsored by Turf Care Moleman. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals and $9 for kids meals with choice of fried fish, or grilled salmon (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, apple sauce, condiments and dessert). Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Marvac RV & Camping Show
Friday from 11am-8pm, Saturday from 11am-8pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm. $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and children 12 and under. Purchase tickets by visiting showpass.com. Howe Ice Arena- 1125 W. Civic Center Dr.,, Traverse City.
Let’s Make Discory Disc Golf Tournament
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf hosts this fundraiser for Disc Golf for Kids and the Ludington No-Kill Animal Shelter at the Labrinth Course at West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Register at discgolfscene.com.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, and downtown Ludington is where you want to be for all the fun events!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.