Pere Marquette River Wildlife & Hunting
The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Festivals & Events in West Michigan
(Scroll down for upcoming festivals and events.)
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Current Events in West Michigan
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
Pentwater's Oktoberfest features a variety of activities for all ages and interests including the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show and Cruise.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
The events listed on this page are just the highlights of what's happening in the months to come. Click the "View All Events" button for our full monthly calendar with time and date details.
October 2023
- Oktoberfest, Pentwater– Celebrate fall with many fun activities, including a car show.
- Manistee Ghost Ship– Come aboard and get spooked on weekends through October.
- Halloween & Trick-or-Treating– West Michigan communities offer lots of fun during the Halloween season, including Trunk or Treats and traditional door-to-door candy hunting.
- Fall Events– The communities throughout West Michigan offer plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
November 2023
- Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows- West Michigan offers many opportunities to Christmas shop from local artists and crafers.
- Ludington “Aglow on the Avenue” Holiday Parade– Celebrate the season and see Santa at this annual parade.
December 2023
- Christmas Activities in West Michigan– The communities of West Michigan offer many ways to celebrate the Christmas and holiday season.
- Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee– This 4 day event offers holiday fun for everyone.
- Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park– Each winter, the Ludington State Park offers snowshoe making classes to the public.
- New Years Eve Lighted Ball Drop, Ludington– Visit Ludington for New Year’s Eve and stand in awe of “the ball” which has over 6,000 lights.
January 2024
- Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park- Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
- Pure Ludington Brrrewfest– More than 20 breweries gather in downtown Ludington to offer patrons samples of their beers, wines, ciders, and meads.
- Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington– Pere Marquette Expeditions hosts this tournament each February.
February 2024
- Ice Fishing Tournaments– There are numerous ice fishing tournaments that take place in Ludington through the winter months.
- WinterFest in Pentwater– For two weekends in February, Pentwater host a variety of family-friendly activities.
- Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park– Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
- Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington– This tournament, held each February, coincides with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend and is hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions.
- Michigan Free Fishing Weekend– The State of Michigan offers two weekends each year, one in February and one in June, where fishing licenses are waived.
- Michigan Free Snowmobiling Weekend– This weekend allows snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit.
March 2024
We will be adding March events as they are announced. Please check back soon.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Events, Ludington– From a 5k to a Pub Crawl, Ludington celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with activities for all ages.
- Pentwater St. Patrick’s Day Parade- Each St. Patrick’s Day, a festive parade travels through downtown Pentwater.
- Finny Slam Fishing Tournament, Ludington– The tournament, in memory of Ray Finholm, is hosted each March by Pere Marquette Expeditions.
- Family AfFair, Scottville- This annual event includes free, family fun and lots of useful information for parents.
April 2024
- Ludington Lake Jump– This event raises money for a different charity each year with individuals collecting pledges to jump into the ice waters of Lake Michigan.
- Ludrock Presents Girls Rock, Ludington- Women and girls of all ages display their talents and skills, and tell their stories.
- Silver Lake ORV area opens– The Silver Lake Sand Dunes open for the season to off-road vehicles of various types.
- Earth Day Celebration, Ludington– The local AFFEW Chapter hosts speakers and events to recognize Earth Day.
May 2024
- 1st Sailing of the S.S. Badger Carferry, Ludington- All aboard the SS Badger! Travel to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, or enjoy a shoreline cruise right here in Ludington.
- Local Farmers Markets– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Petunia Parade, Ludington– Volunteers plant petunias along Ludington Avenue/US-10 to beautify the stretch of road.
- Local lighthouses open for tours- Many West Michigan lighthouses offer tours to the public.
- Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes– Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
June 2024
- Michigan Free Fishing & Free ORV Weekend– The State of Michigan waives fishing licenses and ORVers can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
- National Asparagus Festival– In celebration of Oceana County’s most famous crop–the National Asparagus Festival of Oceana County is an annual event, held in mid-June in Hart and Shelby.
- Lakestride Half-Marathon, Ludington– This popular race allows runners to experience one of the most beautiful courses in Michigan.
- Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament, Ludington– Held in Stearns Park, right on the Lake Michigan beach, this event attracts 20,000 plus people each summer.
- Open Horse Shows, Ludington– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Local Farmers Market– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Irons Annual Flea Roast & Ox Market, Irons- The four-day festival features amusement rides, live music, tournaments, flea burger food tent, parade, and fireworks.
July 2024
- Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival– This is one of the most popular 4th of July celebrations in West Michigan and offers two days of events.
- Manistee Forest Festival– One of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Michigan, this event spans 5 days.
- West Shore Art Fair, Ludington– This massive art fair was rated by Sunshine Artist Magazine in the magazine’s annual 200 Best List.
- Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament– This week long tournament is one of the most popular in West Michigan.
- Bear Lake Days– This 3 day festival has activities and fun for the whole family.
- Kaleva Days– Held on a July weekend, this event includes a car show, softball tournament, food, fireworks, and more.
- Local Farmers Markets– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Arcadia Daze– This festival showcases Northwest Michigan’s scenic shoreline and offers various activities for all ages.
- Open Horse Shows, Ludington– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Stratford on the Avenue Theatre Festival, Ludington– Shakespearean plays are performed by local talent in Ludington’s Rotary Park.
August 2024
- Western Michigan Fair, Ludington– This huge event spans 5 days and is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
- Gold Coast Artisan Fair, Ludington– Artists & Crafters fill Ludington’s Rotary Park for this popular show.
- Open Horse Shows, Ludington– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Lighthouse Triathlon, Ludington– This event, ending at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington, offers participants 5 events to choose from.
- Local Farmers Markets– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Pentwater Homecoming– Pentwater’s most popular event which includes activities that span over 4 days.
- Suds on the Shore Festival, Ludington– Sample beer and wine at this fundraiser for the United Way of Mason County.
- Manistee County Fair, Onekama– This popular fair is held at the Onekama Fairgrounds along Portage Lake.
- Oceana County Fair, Hart– Held over 4 days, this fair offers fun for everyone.
- Michigan Free ORV Weekend– ORVers can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
September 2024
- Local Farmers Markets– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Open Horse Shows, Ludington– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Hops & Props, Manistee– Hops & Props focuses on Manistee’s rich boating history, plus the popularity of Michigan craft beer, cider and wine.
- Octoberfest, Ludington– Celebrate fall with chili, beer, and entertainment.
- Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival– Enjoy live music, beer tent, a 5k, and more at this annual Oceana County festival.
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West Michigan Activities & Attractions
Fall Color Tour in West Michigan
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Winter in Manistee County
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.
Western Michigan Old Engine Club
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
West Michigan Lighthouses
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Biking in West Michigan
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
Pere Marquette River Canoeing & Kayaking
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
Lake Michigan Water Temperatures
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
West Michigan Arts Scene
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
