West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in January.)
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Beer, cider, wine, and more are at this wintertime festival! Stay warm with heaters and a large tent for shelter while you enjoy!
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!
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Enter by emailing missludington@gmail.com.
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
Taste of the best and most unique flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan, and enjoy food and yard games. Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
New Year’s Resolution Run 5k
Run course includes downtown Ludington and the 4th Ward area. For more information, visit runludington.com.
Guided Snowshoe Walk
Hike is free and a limited amount of snowshoes are available to use. Walks begin and end at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel, & RV Show
Thursday from 3-9pm, Friday from 12-9pm, Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-14, and free for kids 5 & under. There is also an adult multi-day ticket option for $18 (good for all 4 days- online purchase only). Purchase tickets online by clicking here. For more information, call Northtown Motorhomes at (616) 866-4300. Devos Place- 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
Midwest Gypsy Jazz Festival
Performances by various groups. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Lantern Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking
The walk begins at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter (8800 M-116, Ludington) and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is required.
Winter Book Walk in conjunction with Lantern Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking
The walk begins at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter (8800 M-116, Ludington) and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. The first 100 families will receive a copy of “Mr. Rabbit’s Wish” and can meet the illustrator in the warming shelter. Story boards will also be placed along the trail. The event is free and no registration is required.
Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf hosts this fundraiser for the Lakeshore Food Club at the West Shore Community College Disc Golf Course- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Cost is $20. Register online at discgolfscene.com.
Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. There will be a 100% payout for the longest pike. This tournament is only for pike- no other fish will be included. Participants must be in line for measuring at Suttons Landing by 5pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Bigfoot Snowshoe Race
The course is a snowy jaunt through the woods with plenty of logs to jump and branches to duck. Gather pre-race around a roaring fire, and stick around post race to warm up with a bowl of chili. For more information or to pre-register, visit runsnow.com. Timber Ridge Nordic Center- 4050 Hammond Rd., Traverse City.
Guided Snowshoe Walk
Hike is free and a limited amount of snowshoes are available to use. Walks begin and end at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Rock the ‘Stee Benefit
Live music with beer, wine, soda, and snacks available for purchase. Fundraiser for the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Each August, the “Two Lake Town” of Onekama near Manistee hosts it’s annual Onekama Days celebration with fun for the whole family.
Summer’s not over yet and there are summer bargains to be found all weekend during downtown Ludington’s Sidewalk Sale Days in early August.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Pentwater Homecoming is a summer celebration with numerous activities for the entire family including fireworks, concerts and more!
Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events. That’s very evident when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
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.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.