Performances in West Michigan
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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.
Brethren Days
The village of Brethren hosts in annual festival with activities for the whole family.
Holland Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
Bring the family, earplugs, and an appetite for big trucks, ice cream, and giveaways. Parade travels from Zeeland to Holland. Ice cream social following the parade. For more information, visit truckparade.org.
Americana Roots Music Day
Live music and demonstrations at Historic White Pine Village– 1687 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Regular admission rates apply.
Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival
Activities for the whole family. Downtown Silver Lake.
Michigan Irish Music Festival
The festival features 6 stages of music, culture, dance, and more. Heritage Landing- 1051 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon. For more information and tickets, visit michiganirish.org.
Scottville Fall Celebration- CANCELED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION BUT…
The Scottville Clown Band and the Western Michigan Old Engine Club are teaming up to host a special Harvest Celebration in it’s place on Saturday, September 13th, at the club’s showgrounds in Scottville Riverside Park. The event will begin at 1pm. There will also be a brief unveiling ceremony of the Scottville sculpture at the Scottville Clown Band Shell at 12pm. This special event will serve as a fundraiser for the Mason County Central music program. The celebration will feature live performances by the Scottville Clown Band and the Mason County Central Marching Band, with a possible appearance by the MCC Jazz Band. The Western Michigan Old Engine Club will have vintage equipment on display, and R&T Colossal Kitchen food truck will be serving up great eats. Families can enjoy touch-a-truck displays, and other exhibitors are welcome and encouraged to participate. Click here for more information.
ArtPrize
A city-wide art competition within a 3-square mile district in downtown Grand Rapids.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited by West Shore Family Support Families to receive free diapers and treats at their office- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. 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.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the Cherry Capital Airport- 1170 Airport Access Rd., Traverse City. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. For more info, visit chapters.eaa.org.
New Era Fall Festival
Annual event featuring arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, an antique car show, and more. Visit neweramichigan.com for more information.
AFFEW International Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington. Meet at the South Concession Stand. For more information, visit affew.org.
Blessing of the Animals & Benefit Car Show at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
Blessing of the Animals, car show, silent auction, and old fashioned games. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. Click here to register or for more information.
Cultural Corners Street Party
Four organizations are sponsoring this free, family fun event: Ludington Center for the Arts, Mason County Historical Society, Mason County District Library, and Sandcastles Children’s Museum. Each organization invites the public to visit and will also have special activities like balloon creations with John Marek, demonstrations, live music , books from the West Shore ESD’s inspiREading Book Bus, and more. Visit all 4 stops and receive a free ice cream courtesy of House of Flavors! (Quantities limited) Visit facebook.com for more info.
Fall Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and furniture. For more information or to rent a table, visit facebook.com. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
Salmon Run 5k/10k Run/Walk
Race begins and ends at Baldwin Village Hall- 620 Washington St., Baldwin.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The City of Scottville has created a new event in 2021 called the Scottville Fall Celebration which will include many activities downtown.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
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.
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.
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.
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.