Horse Shows at Ludington’s Mason County Fairgrounds
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
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.
U-Dig It! Youth Summer 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.
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.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Free Car Seat Checks
Safe Kids West Michigan is hosting free car seat checks at The 10 Spot- 5762 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Horse Shows
Harbor Classic Quarter Horse Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Parade, sandcastle sculpture contest, arts & crafts far, rides, and Carnival food. Frankfort Open Space- 800 Main St., Frankfort. For more information, visit Facebook.com.
Hart Sparks Celebration
Free kids activities from 6-9pm, food trucks, vendors, and live music featuring Nautic Bound from 7-10:30pm, and fireworks at Dusk.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Pentwater Fireworks
At Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Event includes Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Fun Run at 1:30pm, Parade at 2pm, and Fireworks at Dusk. Downtown Ludington.
Luther Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including live music, fireworks, 5k run/walk, kids games, rodeo, and more. Downtown Luther. For more information, visit facebook.com/lutherloggingdays.
Independence Day Bike Parade
Registration/Line-up at 9:30am, Parade at 10am. Charles Mears State Park– 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwater.org.
White Lake Area Fourth of July Celebration
Parade begins at 10am traveling from Whitehall City Hall (7525 Highland Rd., White Lake Charter Township) to Montague City Hall (8778 Ferry St., Montague). Fireworks at Dusk over White Lake. For more info or a parade entry form, visit facebook.com.
Hesperia Family Fun Fest
This annual event includes an arts & crafts fair, food trucks, foam party, duck race, live music, and much more. For information, visit facebook.com or email hacc1866@gmail.com.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie featuring Tangled on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
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.
Thunder over the Dunes Fireworks
Over the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Stony Lake Sparkler 5k
Starts at Stony Lake Inn- 4722 Scenic Dr., Shelby.
Shelby Chainsaw Carving Festival
Event includes live demonstrations, auction to bid on carvings at 6pm, food trucks, family fun activities, vendors, and more. 218 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby.
Bear Lake Days
Annual festival in Bear Lake with fun for the whole family.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 7th, same times. For questions, contact John at (231) 757-2951. Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington.
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.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington
Baldwin Troutarama
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Baldwin.
National Baby Food Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Main St., Fremont. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie featuring The Goonies on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Muddy Fox Trot
Family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Buccaneer Bash
Food trucks, ice cream, live auction, live music, and costume prizes. $5 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ludington Boat Club- 502 Lake St., Ludington.
Kaleva Heritage Days
Annual festival with an arts & crafts show, fireworks, parade, car show, and more. Kaleva Roadside Park.
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.
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.
Arcadia Daze
Annual festival in Arcadia with fun for the whole family.
Dunesville Music Festival
A family friendly, intention oriented music festival featuring Michigan music, craft, artists and vendors. Harmony Pines- 4846 N Hulbert Rd., Interlochen. For more information or tickets, visit dunesvillemusicfestival.com.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Annual Festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Grand Haven. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org.
Horse Shows
4 Seasons Equestrian Association Open Show at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Bear Lake has a variety of activities for Bear Lake Days each July. Events include parade, fireworks, car show, kids activities, and more.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Kaleva Heritage Days is a festival which includes softball tournament, car show, pony rides, parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
The Frankfort-Elberta area is host to several arts and crafts fairs through the summer months as well as a holiday fair in late November.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
Enjoy the happiest of holidays in West Michigan! From Manistee to Ludington and every city in-between, there is holiday cheer all around!
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.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.