West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Photo by Michael Cox on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in February.)
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The annual Hart Winterfest includes fun activities like a broomball tournament, soup walk, ice fishing tournament, and more.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
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.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Pentwater’s Winterfest includes many family friendly events including fishing tournaments, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
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.
West Michigan Symphony presents Jordan VanHemert Quartet
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
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.
West Michigan Symphony presents Robert Johnson & Friends
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
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.
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.
West Michigan Symphony presents Gershwin’s Piano Concerto
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon.
West Michigan Symphony presents Michelle Cann
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
Snowfest
Event includes outdoor activities, soup and chili, and more for all ages. For the most updated info, visit jcimuskegon.org.
Young Farmers Fishing Tournament
Cost is $20 per two person Team for $20, and Farm Bureau members fish for free. Participation includes a meal and raffle prizes. 1st and 2nd place for both Pan Fish and Pike: 1st prize is $250 and 2nd prize is $100. Registration is before the event or from 6-8am on the 4th at the West Michigan Research Station- 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart. To pre-register, contact Jennifer Marfio at jmarfio@ctyfb.com or (231) 796-1119.
Hart Winterfest
Event features a Classic/Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap Meet, a Soup Walk, Golf Outing, and more. For more information, visit takemetohart.org/winterfest.
White Pine Stampede 50k, 20k, 10k Point-to-Point Cross Country Race
Cross Country Race beginning at Mancelona High School- 9300 W. Limits Rd. and winding through Northwest Michigan, ending at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. For more information or to register, visit whitepinestampede.org.
Loco for Love Indoor Craft Fair/Yard Sale
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf- 120 S. Main St., Scottville.
Rock the ‘Stee Benefit
Live music with beer, wine, soda, and snacks available for purchase. Fundraiser for the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25 per person at the door and free for children under age 10. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Great Start Collaborative Winter Book Walk
Families are invited to walk, snowshoe, or ski the lantern lit path at the Ludington State Park. The first 100 families will receive a signed copy of the book “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers. There will be a bonfire and free warm beverages at the amphitheater.
Lantern Lit Hike
The event is hosted by the Friends of Orchard Beach and includes a half-mile hike on a lighted trail. Warm up with hot drinks around the fireplace in the historic Shelter Building. Open to hikers, snowshoers, and cross country skiers. No reservations are required. Orchard Beach State Park- 2064 N. Lakeshore Rd. Manistee.
Soup-er Bowl Par-Tea Fundraiser
Celebrate the Super Bowl and support the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Pageant at this event where attendees will learn some etiquette from a professoinal etiqette coach while enjoying a meal of locally made soups. Dress up as your favorite superhero, princess, or football inspiration. Adults are required to attend with children. Tickets are $20 for those 16 and up and $35 for kids 15 and under. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. United Methodist Church- 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Lantern Lite Forest Adventure
Guided hike with snowshoes (if weather allows), dinner provided, nature activities, and more. Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club- 12555 Coates Hwy, Brethren.
Winter Wonderland Daddy/Daughter Dance
Event includes dinner, photos, dancing, and a glow party. Tickets are $25/each. Radiant Church- 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington.
FiveCAP’s Walk for Warmth
Groups, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to form walking teams for the 2-mile walk and gather pledges to benefit FiveCAP’s program to subsidize heat for families and seniors in need. Contribution and pledge sheets are available at fivecap.org. Registration is at 9:30am with the walk taking place between 10am-12pm. The walk starts at the Community Church- 109 N. Harrison St., Ludington.
Pentwater Winterfest
Events include fishing tournaments, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Snowman Scram 1 Mile Fun Run & 5k
Fundraiser for the Pentwater Cross Country and Track Teams. Pentwater Public School- 600 E. Park St., Pentwater.
Sips & Soups
This free event coincides with the Super Bowl. Each participating Downtown Ludington business will offer visitors a 2-ounce sample along a self-guided walking route. The sample options will include either a non-alcoholic beverage or a soup. For more information, visit downtownludington.org.
Sleeping Bear Dune Hike
Rangers are lighting the one mile hike to the Dune Climb with candlelit luminaries to set the path aglow for night hikers. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore– 9922 Front St., Empire.
Ski Free Sundays
The Oceana Cross Country Ski Association will host a free cross country skiing event on the Pentwater Pathways Trail. The event includes use of OCCSA’s adult and children’s ski equipment. Equipment use will be first come, first serve and the event will be contingent upon weather and appropriate ski conditions. Visit oceanaski.org for more information.
Mason-Lake Conservation District Spring Tree/Shrub Sale
Pre-orders are now being accepted.
Oceana Conservation District Annual Spring Dune Grass, Tree, & Shrub Sale
Pre-orders are now being accepted. Pick up will be on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at the Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.
Grand Rapids Boat Show
Wednesday from 2-8pm, Thursday from 12-8pm, Friday from 12-9pm, Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Find more information at grboatshow.com.
Snowshoe Stampede to Stomp Out Cancer
This event includes a outdoor fire pits, snowshoe walk, live music, bake sale, raffles, cornhole tournament and more with proceeds benefiting the Stomp Out Cancer Fund. For more information, visit soc-fund.org/events. The Inn at Manistee National- 4797 Grant Highway, Manistee.
Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. Entry fee is $10 and there is a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Frostbite Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off
Variety of activities at multiple downtown Manistee establishments including the chili cook-off. For a complete list of activities, visit facebook.com.
Yeti Fest
This annual festival features fun for the whole family in Suttons Bay. For detailed information, visit suttonsbayarea.com.
Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year.
Osborn’s Big Ice Fishing Tournament
Prizes are awarded to adults and to children, in separate categories, for pike, walleye, perch, smelt, bluegill and crappie. There is also a biggest fish prize, and several door prize drawings. Osborn’s- 8929 Chippewa Hwy., Bear Lake.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$25/player with proceeds to benefit the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Prizes will be given to the top scoring players at the end of week 4. Only 24 seats are available. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
Diapers & Donuts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to drive up to the side door 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 Tanya Lesinski of Edward Jones. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Egg My Yard
JCI Ludington (the Ludington Area Jaycees) will deliver/hide pre-filled candy and treat eggs in the evening of April 19th for a hassle free Easter Egg hunt on Easter morning. Children can enjoy, long distance relatives can send their love, and families can spend more time together while supporting the Ludington Area Jaycees community programs. Available to households in Mason County. Cost is $25 for 30 eggs, $45 for 50 eggs, and $65 for 70 eggs. Baskets are also available for $5 each.
Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo
This free event allows parents to connect with other parents, meet support providers, enjoy fun activities with their kiddos, and learn about various pregnancy & parenting topics. For more information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Elementary School- 5776 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Great Indoor Folk Festival
This free event includes musical performances in the Mercato corridor of Building 50, Kirkbride Hall, Left Foot Charley, The Barrel Room, and Higher Grounds in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. Eleventh St., Traverse City. Visit facebook.com for more information.
Traverse City Restaurant Week
Participants have the opportunity to try new food and places. Restaurants involved will offer a three-course dinner menu for $25, $35, or $45 per person. Takeout options will be available at select locations. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit traversecity.com.
AFFEW Native Plant Sale
Orders maybe placed through for Garden & Single Species flats plus individual Quart & Gallon plants. For more info, visit affew.org.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
Bear Lake has a variety of activities for Bear Lake Days each July. Events include parade, fireworks, car show, kids activities, and more.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
West Shore Community College in Scottville offers classes, the West Shore Ice Arena, and a complete recreation center.
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 Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
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 Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.