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Family-Friendly Events

October 2024

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.

Check out information on Fall Events happening this month, along with your guide to Halloween Parties & Trick or Treating!

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

Friday, October 4th-Saturday, October 5th, 2024

Horse Shows
MIHA Regional D Equestrian Meet. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. Caswell Horse Park- 5302 US-10, Ludington.

Saturday, October 5th, 2024
9am

Annual Walk to End Alzheimers
Registration begins at 9am with the opening ceremony at 10am and walk to follow. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington. For more information or to register a team, visit act.alz.org.

Saturday, October 5th, 2024
9am-1pm

Mom 2 Mom Sale
Shop a variety of children’s clothing (infant to 14/16), toys, strollers, maternity-wear, & women’s clothing. Faith Covenant Church- 475 8th St., Manistee. Tables are $10 each. To reserve a space, email Karen at karenjt29@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 5th, 2024
10am-5pm

Benzie County Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Events in Beulah & Benzonia. Visit clcba.com for more info.

Saturday, October 5th, 2024

Onekama Fall Festival 
Craft and food vendors, games, music, and more! Visit onekama.info for more information. Onekama Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.

Sunday, October 6th, 2024
9am

Final Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
Call (800) 841-4243 for reservations.

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. Dead Sled at 9am and Transfer Sled at 12pm. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville

Saturday, October 12th, 2024
10am-3pm

Pumpkinfest
This family-friendly day includes an Artisan Market and Farmer’s Market, bake sale, best pumpkin pie contest, biggest pumpkin weigh-in contest, pumpkin painting, cider mill, pumpkin seed spitting contest, pet costume contest, carved pumpkin contest, pumpkin launching, hayrides, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, kid’s activities, entertainment, food vendors, and more. Downtown Montague. Visit whitelake.org for more info.

Saturday, October 12th, 2024
12-6pm

Annual Shelby Harvest Festival
Downtown Shelby. For more information, visit shelbyharvestfestival.com.

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

Frankfort Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including an arts & crafts fair. Visit frankfort-elberta.com for more information.

Thursday, October 17th, 2024
3:30-5:30pm

Diapers & Donuts
Families are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and donuts at their office- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. Free car seat checks will also be offered. Sponsored by the Erin Doan Agency.

Saturday, October 19th, 2024
5pm

Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Close for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

Monday, October 21st, 2024
5pm

Big Point Sable Lighthouse Closes for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse– 880 M-116, Ludington.

Saturday, October 26th, 2024
8:45am

Run for Your Lives 5k
This race begins and ends at Ludington’s Legacy Plaza. Runners are encouraged to dress in costume.

Saturday, October 26th, 2024
12-2pm

Pentwater Spooktacular
Halloween activities in downtown Pentwater. 

Monday, October 28th, 2024
5pm

White River Light Station Closes for the Season
White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.

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