Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
(Scroll down to see more events in July.)
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck's takes place each July in Ludington.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Learn about the annual Young Eagles Rallies in Mason and Oceana Counties and find information about flights at the Mason County Airport.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Frankfort-Elberta area is host to several arts and crafts fairs through the summer months as well as a holiday fair in late November.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
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 Ludington Area Jaycees annual Freedom Festival is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
Annually, late in July, the Village population soars with attendees and participants in the annual Arcadia Daze celebration.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart 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.
The Ludington State Park holds events year-round. There's something for the whole family to enjoy at Michigan's most popular state park!
The annual West Shore Art Fair is managed by the Ludington Area Center for the Arts and is held each July at Rotary Park.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The annual Manistee National Forest Festival in July features fireworks, parades, and family entertainment in Manistee, Michigan!
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
This nationally renowned festival includes eight days of air shows, concerts, parades, food tastings, arts/crafts show, and fireworks.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Kaleva Heritage Days is a festival which includes softball tournament, car show, pony rides, parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Event includes Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Fun Run at 1:30pm, Parade at 2pm, and Fireworks at Dusk. Downtown Ludington.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Times are 5:30-6:15pm for age 4-10 and 6:30-7:45pm for 11–16 year olds. Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Hart Sparks Celebration
Free kids activities from 6-9pm, food trucks, vendors, and live music featuring Nautic Bound from 7-10:30pm, and fireworks at Dusk.
Luther Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including live music, fireworks, 5k run/walk, kids games, rodeo, and more. Downtown Luther. For more information, visit facebook.com/lutherloggingdays.
Charlies Party in the USA Boat Parade
Boat Parade beginning at Charlie’s Marina- 233 6th St., Pentwater. Visit charliesmarina.com for more info.
Hesperia Family Fun Fest
This annual event includes an arts & crafts fair, food trucks, foam party, duck race, live music, and much more. For information, visit facebook.com or email hacc1866@gmail.com.
White Lake Area Fourth of July Celebration
Parade begins at 10am traveling from Whitehall City Hall (7525 Highland Rd., White Lake Charter Township) to Montague City Hall (8778 Ferry St., Montague). Fireworks at Dusk over White Lake. For more info or a parade entry form, visit facebook.com.
Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit
All vehicles are welcome to enter with multiple awards and trophies to be given out. Winners are chosen by public vote and by the Board of Directors. Categories include: motorcycles, trucks, jeeps, and tribute vehicles. Event also includes silent/live auctions, raffle bags, and door prizes. All proceeds go to Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. For more information or to register, visit lighthouseforveterans.org/car-show. Hot Rod Harley Davidson- 149 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon.
Art in the Park Arts & Crafts Fair
On Betsie Bay- 501 Main St., Frankfort.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Parade, sandcastle sculpture contest, arts & crafts far, rides, carnival food, fireworks, and more. Various locations in Frankfort. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Manistee World of Arts & Crafts Show
Armory Youth Project- 555 1st St., Manistee. To register, contact Dianna at (231) 299-1205 or funddevelopment@armoryyouthproject.com.
West Shore Art Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Sponsored by Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Stony Lake Sparkler 5k
Starts at Stony Lake Inn- 4722 Scenic Dr., Shelby.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
at The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Bear Lake Days
Annual festival in Bear Lake with fun for the whole family.
Shelby Chainsaw Carving Festival
Event includes live demonstrations, auction to bid on carvings at 6pm, food trucks, family fun activities, vendors, and more. 218 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby.
Teach a Kid Youth Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information, visit pentwaterpsa.org.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 12th, same times. For questions, contact Mary Alway at (231) 794-0091.
Merchants and Makers Market
Shop over 100 booths while enjoying live music and enjoying a variety of food trucks. Chinook Pier- 301 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven. For more information, visit merchantsandmakers.com.
Pentwater Juried Arts & Crafts Fair
The Pentwater Junior Women’s Club hosts this one-day, juried, high-traffic arts and crafts fair, which has had an excellent reputation for high quality since 1964. For an application or more information, click here.
Old Engine & Tractor Show
Presented by the Western Michigan Old Engine Club at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
US-10 Cigar Box Guitar Festival
This event is a celebration of homemade stringed instruments and their artists and supporters. It is also a fundraiser for the Lakeshore Animal Friends. It includes live music, food trucks, 50/50 raffle, and vendors. Custer VFW Gold Bar Post 5096- 2022 E. State St., Custer. Visit facebook.com for more info.
Performance for Veterans by the Scottville Clown Band
Wilwin Lodge- 3383 E Hawley Rd., Custer.
Car Show
Proceeds benefit HELP Ministries. Jiffy Lube- 4755 W. US-10, Ludington. $5 entry fee per person includes free pizza.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington
Night at the Lights Concert Series
Live music featuring Steel Doin’ It at Little Point Sable Lighthouse– 287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Muskegon Bike Time
Annual celebration of motorcycles which includes concerts, entertainment, and food. Wednesday from 4-11pm, Thursday-Saturday from 9am-11pm, and Sunday from 9am-3pm. For more information, visit muskegonbiketime.com.
GHFF Thursday Night Concert Series
Live music featuring Dunegrass at Central Park- 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.
Silver Lake Sand & ORV Show
This show is part of the Heroes on the Dunes event and is open to cars, side-by-sides, sand rails, and off-road vehicles. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Friends of the Ludington Library Used Book Sale
Visit facebook.com for sale times. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Muddy Fox Trot
Family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Ludington Area Pride Festival
This LGBTQIA+ festival includes food trucks, entertainment, and vendors. The festival will highlight resources, supporters, and nonprofits in Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington. Visit ludingtonareapride.com for more information.
Craft & Vendor Show
Muskegon County Fairgrounds- 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd., Fruitport. Visit muskegoncountyfairgrounds.com for more info.
Walk the Beat
Free music festival which includes raffles, food trucks, family activities, and more. For more info, visit walkthebeat.org.
Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Buccaneer Bash
Food trucks, ice cream, live auction, live music, and costume prizes. $5 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ludington Boat Club- 502 Lake St., Ludington.
Kaleva Heritage Days
Annual festival with an arts & crafts show, fireworks, parade, car show, and more. Kaleva Roadside Park.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Show
at Big Apple Bagels/Hungry Howies- 5485 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Performance by the Scottville Clown Band at the Arts Council of White Lake Concert
Montague Band Shell- 8636 Water S, Montague.
Summer Youth Nature & Garden Program
The U Dig It Community Garden, AFFEW, and Lakeshore Food Club are hosting a highly interactive, hands-on program covering organic gardening, nature, and art experiences for kids ages 9-12. The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Julia Chambers at president@affew.org or (231) 690-9561.
Pentwater Civic Band Concerts
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts begin on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Congregational Summer Assembly Arts & Crafts Fair & Rummage Sale/Silent Auction
The Rummage Sale & Silent Auction will be from 9am-1pm inside the CSA Meeting House AND The Arts & Crafts Fair will take place from 9:30am-3pm at Assembly Ball Field- 2128 Pilgrim Hwy, Frankfort. Rain or shine. For more information, contact Katharine at congregationalsummerassembly@gmail.com or (231) 352-4751.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music featuring the Mustang Band at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring The Seth Bernard Quartet at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Music on the Grand
Live music featuring Backwoods Express at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium- 1 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven.
National Baby Food Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Main St., Fremont. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music featuring Dig a Pony at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music featuring Serita’s Black Rose at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. Rain location is 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee.
Muskegon Open Pro/Am Fishing Tournament
Pro/Am/333 event with a Ladies Prelim and Ladies/Kids fish. For more info, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournament.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Annual Festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Grand Haven. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org.
Family Activity Night
With a theme of “Be Kind,” this free, public event includes a bouncy house, games, crafts, and devotions at St. Paul Church- 3212 W. Kinney Rd. Register at stpaul49431@gmail.com or (231) 843-3275.
Muskegon Parties in the Park
Live music featuring The Journey Tribute, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Hart Historic District Concert Series
Live music featuring Mike Snell in the Hart Historic District- 570 E. Lincoln St., Hart.
Arcadia Daze
Annual festival in Arcadia with fun for the whole family.
Dunesville Music Festival
A family friendly, intention oriented music festival featuring Michigan music, craft, artists and vendors. Harmony Pines- 4846 N Hulbert Rd., Interlochen. For more information or tickets, visit dunesvillemusicfestival.com.
Pentwater PSA Ladies Classic Sportfishing Tournament
For more information, call Lyn Snider at (616) 291-2568 or Patsy Gettings (231) 250-9737), or in person at Charlie’s Marina. For more information, visit pentwaterpsa.org.
Mears Arts & Crafts Fair
To register, visit goldentownship.org. Downtown Mears.
Ludington Coin Club Coin & Stamp Show
Free admission. Door prizes and raffle prizes. Hamlin Town Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington. For more info, call (231) 655-2451.
Crooked Tree Art Fair
Crooked Tree Art Center- 322 Sixth St., Traverse City
Craft Fair
Maple Ridge Manor- 1967 Maple Ridge Dr., Manistee. For more info or an application, call (231) 398-7895 or email activity-manistee@mapleridgemanor.com.
West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert
Free outdoor concert. A portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., downtown Ludington.
Sounds from the Forest Music Series
Live music featuring The Seth Bernard Quartet at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Nimkee-Mukwa Anishinaabe Drummers & Dancers at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.
Lake Michigan Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Lake Michigan Carferry cruise along the Ludington shoreline. Tickets include food and live entertainment and a cash bar is available. Shoreline cruises will sail rain or shine. Children 4 & Under are free. No passes will be accepted for this event. Tickets are non-refundable. 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington.
Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Music at the Marina
Live music featuring Cheryl Wolfram at Pentwater Municipal Marina- 519 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music featuring The Mighty Thundertones at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta. Rain or shine.
Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Roger That at Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music featuring The Smokin’ Dobroleles at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music featuring Mike & Renee at Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Performance by the Scottville Clown Band
Charles Conklin American Legion- 700 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring The Mighty Thundertones at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Ludington Slow Roll Ride
Social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of town. Meet near the Skate Park at Stearns Park Beach- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Big Red Classic Sportfishing Tournament
Doug & Shar Hekman Family Foundation tournament held in Holland. $10,000 1st Place Pro, $5,000 1st Place AM, $1,000 1st Place Big Fish *Payouts subject to change based on participation. For more information, visit bigredclassic.com.
Folk Fridays Concert Series
Live music featuring Chris Vallillo at the Lake County Historical Museum- 915 N. Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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 the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Festivals and Calendar of Events for Ludington, Manistee, Scottville, Pentwater, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and Baldwin in West Michigan.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.