West Michigan Festivals & Events

Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Festivals & Events in West Michigan

(Scroll down for upcoming festivals and events.)

Current Events in West Michigan

Michigan Free Activity Weekends

Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.

Farmers Markets & U-Pick Farms in West Michigan

Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.

CherryT Ball Drop in Traverse City

Downtown Traverse City bustles with party goers for the annual CherryT Ball Drop held on New Year's Eve drawing between 8,000-12,000 people.

Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park

Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Downtown Ludington

Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.

Ludington State Park Winter Activities

The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!

Races in West Michigan

West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.

Ludington Area Festival of Lights

The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.

Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington

Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!

Performances in West Michigan

The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.

Family Friendly Events

Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!

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.

January 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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 National 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.

August 2026

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.
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 2026

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.
Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival– Enjoy live music, beer tent, a 5k, and more at this annual Oceana County festival.

October 2026

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 2026

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 2026

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.
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.

Scroll below for more articles about Activities & Attractions in the West Michigan area.

West Michigan Activities & Attractions

Mason County Cultural Trails

A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.

Pere Marquette River Wildlife & Hunting

The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.

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!

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.

Viewing the Northern Lights in West Michigan

A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!

West Michigan Museums

West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.