Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
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!
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
Communities in Mason, Oceana, and Manistee counties sponsor many Easter events and egg hunts for kids in the spring.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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 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.
Select a Month
March, 2023
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, 2023
We can’t wait for the snow to melt and spring to arrive!
- 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, 2023
- 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 Farmer’s 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, 2023
- 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 Farmer’s Market– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Final Friday Experience, Ludington- Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- 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, 2023
- 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.
- Scottville 10 + 31 Festival– The Scottville Harvest Festival and Scottville Summer Fest have blended into one event that takes place the weekend after July 4.
- Final Friday Experience, Ludington– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- 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 Farmer’s 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, 2023
- 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 Farmer’s 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.
- Final Friday Experience, Ludington– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- 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, 2023
- Local Farmer’s 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.
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.
Activities & Attractions in West Michigan
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Bike Trail
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
ATV & ORV in Mason & Lake Counties
Michigan has a public ORV trail system for four different riding opportunities–motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, and scramble areas.
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.
Canoeing & Kayaking on Michigan’s Lakes & Rivers
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Fishing the Pere Marquette River
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Find Good Food and Fun Down on the Farm
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
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.
S.S. City of Milwaukee & US Coast Guard Cutter Acacia in Manistee
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.
