M-22 Challenge
The M-22 Challenge, held each June near Glen Arbor, is a multi-sport event that challenges all athletes, regardless of skill level.
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.
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.
Love Ludington Weekend
Weekend long celebration of Ludington including a street party, car show, farmer’s market, Blessing of the Boats, and more.
Muskegon Parties in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Empire Asparagus Festival
Annual festival including 5k, Asparagus Recipe Cook-off, Wine & Beer Tasting, and more. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Wooden & Classic Boat Show
Reminisce, admire, or even enter your boat to show off and maybe even float away with an award. Wooden boats, kayaks, and classic fiberglass boats are welcome in the show and will be displayed in water and on land at Mill Point Park- 210 School St., Spring Lake. Registration is required to enter. More information can be found on facebook.com.
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.
Paddle Antrim Season Kick Off Gathering
Kick-off the paddling season on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail with Short’s Brewing Company. Grab your paddle craft of choice and a life jacket for an hour-long paddle on Elk River followed by a gathering at Short’s Pull Barn. No registration required but all participants must fill out a waiver. For more information, visit paddleantrim.com. Elk Rapids Rotary Park- 305 US-31, Elk Rapids.
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.
MIHA Jr. Equestrian Meet Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
at The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Pentwater Start of Summer Party
Village Marina- 65 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Call (231) 869-8301 for more info.
National Asparagus Festival
Annual event has fun for the whole family. Downtown Hart.
MCE Equestrian Speed Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon, 5k, and 10k
Annual race through the beauty of nature in Ludington.
Hart Historic District Car Show
Hart Historic Village & Museum- 501 Lincoln St., Hart.
Blessing of the Bugs VW Car Show & Beach Cruise
Manistee Moose Lodge- 1010 Robinson St., Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
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.
Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean up at Stearns Park Beach.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children age 3 and under are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and desserts at Lighthouse Lutheran Church- 8786 US-31 Business, Pentwater. 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.
Muskegon Parties in the Park
Live music featuring Magic Bus, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
AAUW Annual Book Sale
Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm. Ludington United Methodist Church- 5810 E. Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Anchors & Axles Car Show
at 99 Arthur St., Manistee. Held in conjunction with SS City of Milwaukee annual fundraiser. Visit facebook.com for more info.
4 Seasons Equestrian Association Open Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Meet
On James Street between Ludington Bay Brewing Company & Jamesport Brewing Company- 410 S. James St., Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
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.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Irons Annual Flea Roast & Ox Market
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Spartan Spectacular Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie showing on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Glow Golf
Tee off at 10:30pm sharp at the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf– 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Cost is $15 per person and space is limited. Register by clicking here.
Manistee Tri-Port Challenge Pro/Am
Ladies/Kids fish Friday: $100 entry, weigh best 5. Muskegon’s Heritage Landing will serve as Tournament HQ for all events including Captain’s Meetings, Weigh-Ins and Awards. Capt. Meeting/ On-Site Registration 5-7pm on Thursday or Friday. Captain’s Meeting follows at 7pm on both days. For more information, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournament.
Grand Haven Art Festival
Friday from 12-5pm, Saturday from 10am-5pm, & Sunday from 11am-4pm. Art show, live music, kids activities, and more. For more information, visit grandhavenchamber.org. 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven.
#WillStrong Benefit Soccer Tournament
100% of the proceeds raised goes to the local Childhood Cancer Campaign. This 6v6 soccer tournament is family friendly and cost is $250 per team. Bryant Soccer Fields- 1002 N. Lavinia St., Ludington. For more information, visit willstrongfoundation.net.
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 eaa234.org.
Pere Marquette Motoring Club Car Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.
Tacos & Trek for Trail
Fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Pentwater/Hart Trail. Trek 5k through the Village walking, running, or bike riding. Tacos served following the 5K. Begins at the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterharttrail.org.
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.
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.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Times are 5:30-6:15pm for age 4-10 and 6:30-7:45pm for 11–16 year olds. Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
Harbor Classic Quarter Horse Show Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
The M-22 Challenge, held each June near Glen Arbor, is a multi-sport event that challenges all athletes, regardless of skill level.
Ludington’s Gus Macker Basketball Tournament’s location is premium. Hoops are placed in Stearns Park, with Lake Michigan just steps away.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart 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.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The National Asparagus Festival is held in early June in Hart and Shelby, Michigan. The event includes a parade, pageant, and more.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.
There’s so much to do in Silver Lake! From hitting the dunes to camping out at the state park — it’s an outdoor adventure for everyone.
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!
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.