West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.
(Scroll down to see more events in July.)
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
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.
Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
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 communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Annually, late in July, the Village population soars with attendees and participants in the annual Arcadia Daze celebration.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
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.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Learn about the annual Young Eagles Rallies in Mason and Oceana Counties and find information about flights at the Mason County Airport.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
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 Ludington State Park holds events year-round. There's something for the whole family to enjoy at Michigan's most popular state park!
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck's takes place each July in Ludington.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
National Cherry Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including concerts, parades, fireworks, and an air show. For more information, visit cherryfestival.org. Festival Grounds- 521 S Union Street, Traverse City.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Times are age 10 & under: 5:30-6:15pm and 11–16 years old: 6:30-7:45pm. Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Parade, sandcastle sculpture contest, arts & crafts far, rides, and Carnival food. Frankfort Open Space- 800 Main St., Frankfort. For more information, visit Facebook.com.
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.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Charlies Party in the USA Boat Parade
Boat Parade beginning at Charlie’s Marina- 233 6th St., Pentwater.
Pentwater Fireworks
At Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
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.
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.
Independence Day Bike Parade
Registration/Line-up at 9:30am, Parade at 10am. Charles Mears State Park– 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwater.org.
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.
Art in the Park Arts & Crafts Fair
On Betsie Bay- 501 Main St., Frankfort.
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.
Thunder over the Dunes Fireworks
Over the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
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.
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.
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.
Food Truck Ralley
Over 20 food trucks along with cash bar and music by the West Side Soul Surfers at the Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. For more info, visit muskegon-mi.gov.
Scottville Clown Band Performance
Over 20 food trucks along with cash bar and music by the Scottville Clown Band at the Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon.
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.
Friends of the Ludington Library Used Book Sale
Frida from 4-8pm, Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 12-2pm. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 7th, same times. For questions, contact John at (231) 757-2951. Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington.
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.
Baldwin Bazaar
Free entry for vendors. 25+ vendors and food trucks. Visit camphighinthepines.com for an application. High in the Pines Campground- 61 W. US-10, Baldwin.
Car Show
Proceeds benefit HELP Ministries. Jiffy Lube- 4755 W. US-10, Ludington. $5 entry fee per person includes free hot dogs.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington
Baldwin Troutarama
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Baldwin.
National Baby Food Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Main St., Fremont. For more information, visit facebook.com.
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.
Silver Lake Sand & ORV Show
This show is part of the Heroes on the Dunes event and is open to all off-road vehicles. Volunteers of the Heroes on the Dunes event get free vehicle entry and others pay $20 for advance registration or $25 for same-day registration. There will also be crafters/vendors on-site selling their items. For more information or to register your ORV, visit facebook.com.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie featuring The Goonies on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Muddy Fox Trot
Family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Craft & Vendor Show
Muskegon County Fairgrounds- 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd., Fruitport.
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.
Walk the Beat Music Festival
Free music festival with 18 venues in Whitehall and Montague featuring 36 musical acts, $5,000 grand prize raffle, $4,000 in free door prizes, and a community pig roast and jam session at 5:30pm in Goodrich Park- 100 Lake St., Whitehall. For more information or a pdf map, visit walkthebeatwhitelake.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.
Cars & Coffee
No registration fees or competition. Bring your prized vehicle. Coffee and food available for purchase. Napa Auto Parts- 3351 W. US-10, Ludington.
Win & Bette Matteson Annual Big Fish Contest
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/annual-big-fish-contest.
U-Dig It! Youth Summer 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 9-11. 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.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music featuring Los Hombres de Negros at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring 80 Cows at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music featuring Ravon Rhoden Steel Drums at Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring The Guinness Brothers Band at Bolt Park- 225 Franklin St., Grand Haven.
Muskegon Free Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring The 6 Pak at McGraft Park- 2204 Wickham Dr., Muskegon.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring the Sears ‘n Sears Quintet at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Congregational Summer Assembly Arts & Crafts Fair & Cottage Treasures & Rummage Sale
The Cottage Treasures & Rummage sale will be from 9am-1pm inside the CSA Assembly Building AND The Arts & Crafts Fair will take place from 9:30am-3pm at Assembly Ball Field- 2128 Pilgrim Hwy, Frankfort.
Music on the Grand
Live music at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium- 1 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
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.
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.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Jason Hargreaves in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Music in the Streets
Live music at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music 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.
Pentwater Gallery Stroll
Galleries open their doors for visitors. Includes refreshments and a drawing for a $25 Gift Card to any of the participating galleries. Downtown Pentwater.
Artists Reception
A reception celebrating the opening of an exhibition for RAKKE, a collaborative group of artists. Members include Rachel Feinberg, Anne Kivela, Kat Charles, Kristine Campbell, and Ellen Niemann. Free & open to the public. Timeless Picture Framing- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. For more info, email Rob at rob@timelesspictureframing.com,
Hart Historic District Concert Series
Live music in the Hart Historic District- 570 E. Lincoln St., Hart.
Folk Fridays Concert Series
Live music at the Lake County Historical Museum- 915 N. Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
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.
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.
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. Call (231) 655-2451 for more info.
Crooked Tree Art Fair
Crooked Tree Art Center- 322 Sixth St., Traverse City
Scottville Clown Band Performance
Grand Traverse Pavilions– 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City.
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.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Sounds from the Forest Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.
Strut Your Mutt 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Pet Stroll/Walk Fundraiser
Oceana County’s LASSI (Local Animal Shelter Support, Inc.) is sponsoring this event to help support animals staying in the Oceana County Animal Shelter. Registration is $30 which includes a T-shirt and medal, and those with dogs will receive a doggie bandanna and doggie bag. Up North Farm Market- 3890 Monroe Rd., Hart. Register at adventuresignup.com.
Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Arts & Crafts Fair
The Barn at Shagway- 5949 Shagway Rd., Ludington. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Praise by the Pier
Live music at 101 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven.
Concerts in the Park
Live music at Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta. Rain or shine.
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music at Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Muskegon Free Summer Concert Series
Live music at McGraft Park- 2204 Wickham Dr., Muskegon.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Night at the Lights Concert Series
Live music at Little Point Sable Lighthouse– 287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
Old Engine & Tractor Show
Presented by the Western Michigan Old Engine Club at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
River Street, Elk Rapids
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.
Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
August in Ludington means free movies, on three Thursday nights at dusk in Ludington’s Rotary Park (formerly City Park).
The Suds on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival is held each August at Ludington’s Rotary Park to benefit the United Way of Michigan.
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.
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.
This service is provided to area residents each August in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Enjoy the happiest of holidays in West Michigan! From Manistee to Ludington and every city in-between, there is holiday cheer all around!