


Ludington Sesquicentennial Celebration
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Photo by Valentino Funghi on Unsplash.com
What’s so special about June events? They kick off summer in West Michigan! While we aren’t able to include every single June event going on in West Michigan, we do include some of the best festivals and events happening this month. Browse our calendar of events, and then get out and about to enjoy West Michigan!
(Scroll down to see more events in June.)
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
The National Asparagus Festival is held in early June in Hart and Shelby, Michigan. The event includes a parade, pageant, and more.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
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.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
The Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival is held at Dickson Township Park, Brethren, the third Saturday in June.
Ludington's Gus Macker Basketball Tournament's location is premium. Hoops are placed in Stearns Park, with Lake Michigan just steps away.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Each summer, the Ludington Lakestride offers three races: a 5k through Cartier Park, a 10k to Decker Road and back, and a half marathon.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Irons Flea Roast and Ox Market features amusement rides, music, tournaments, kids games, food tent, ox market, parade and fireworks.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Taste of Muskegon
Local food trucks and restaurants will line the streets with taste tickets available for $1 each with taste-size portions offered for 1-5 tickets, full-size portions are more. Hours are Friday from 4:30-10pm and Saturday from 11am-10pm. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon. For most updated information, visit tasteofmuskegon.com.
Michigan Free Fishing & ORV Weekend
All fishing licenses waived, and ORV riders may ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
National Asparagus Festival
Annual event has fun for the whole family. Downtown Hart.
Ludington Lakestride 5k/10k/Half Marathon
Begins at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Pentwater Community-Wide Garage Sale
Throughout the Pentwater area. Register with the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce to get on the digital map!
The Met Opera Series
Featuring Die Zauberflote by Mozart. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Chocolate Walk
Downtown Pentwater businesses. For updated information, visit pentwater.org.
Scottville Clown Band Concert
Free and open to the public. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington.
Fish on for Freedom
Veterans Fishing event on Lake Michigan in Ludington.
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington
Pentwater Spring Festival & Summer Arts & Crafts Fair
Art Fair with live music on Pentwater’s Village Green. To register, visit pentwater.org.
Garden Club of Pentwater and Neighboring Communities Annual Plant Sale
Water Tower Park, Pentwater.
Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
Union Street between 6th & 8th Streets, Traverse City, 10am-5pm. To register, visit downtowntc.com.
Irons Annual Flea Roast & Ox Market
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Pentwater Civic Band Concerts Begin
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts begin on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Lakeshore Art Festival
The event includes fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, a Children’s Lane, street performers, multiple interactive art stations, and more. Downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.
Tacos & Trek for Trail
Fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Pentwater/Hart Trail. Trek 5k through the Village walking, running, or bike riding. Tacos served following the 5K. Pre-register and get a shirt and 2 tacos for $30 donation or just come out to enjoy tacos. Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterharttrail.org.
Blessing of the Boats at Waterfront Park
Fundraiser for the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association. Live music throughout the day, raffle prizes, and a beer tent featuring craft beers from Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William, Ludington.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family. Downtown Manistee.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music on Stearns Park Beach, 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.
Submissions Accepted for the Celebrating the Ludington State Park Art Exhibit
Artists will display their multi-media artworks celebrating the State Park on August 5th-27th at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts– 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Submissions cost $5/piece with a limit of three submissions. For more information or to submit art, visit ludingtonartscenter.org/modes-of-abstraction.
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Legacy Plaza- 110 S. James St., Ludington.
Paddle Antrim Season Kick Off Gathering
Kick-off the paddling season on the Chain of Lakes
Water Trail with Short’s Brewing Company. Grab your paddle craft of choice and
a life jacket for an hour-long paddle on Elk River followed by a gathering at Short’s Pull Barn. No registration required but all participants must fill out a waiver. Find the waiver at paddleantrim.com. Elk Rapids Rotary Park- 305 US-31, Elk Rapids.
Horse Shows
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Empire Asparagus Festival
Annual festival including 5k, Asparagus Recipe Cook-off, Wine & Beer Tasting, and more. For more information, visit empirechamber.org.
Friends of the Shelby Area District Library Plant Exchange
Bring plants to exchange (and leave a donation if you wish) or purchase garden items. Proceeds go towards maintenance of the library garden. Donations of plants, garden tools, yard art, pots, birdhouses, etc. can be dropped off at the library May 31st-June 4th. Shelby Area District Library- 189 Maple St., Shelby.
Spring Fling Bazaar
TWIG members sell unique, handmade items, including 4th of July decor, beach bags, hand-sewn pillows, knitting, cards, jewelry, rag rugs, printed tees, purse organizers, floral wreaths, and more. Baked goods, sweet treats, and vintage home decor will also be for sale. Coffee, tea, and cinnamon rolls will be available for purchase from 9-10 am, and a soup and sandwich lunch will be available for purchase from 11am-1pm. Ludington United Methodist Church- 5810 Bryant Rd.
Blessing of the Duners
Line up begins at 11am, with the blessing to be held from 12-1pm. Silver Lake ORV Area- 8969 W Fox Rd, Mears (North of Southbound directional signs near the entrance/Test Hill)
Water Safety Day
An event to educate on the prevention of drownings and becoming safer in and around water. Free hot dogs, giveaways, US Coast Guard Helicopter Search & Rescue Demonstration at 11:30am. West End of Stearns Park, Ludington.
Forest Trail Summer Sunset Music Series
352 W. Forest Trail, Free Soil. For more information, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
Pentwater Start of Summer Party
Village Marina- 65 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Michigan Free ORV Weekend
ORV without a permit all weekend on Michigan’s 4,000 miles of trails and sic scramble areas: Bull Gap, Black Lake Scramble Area, Holly Oaks ORV Park, The Mounds, Silver Lake State Park, St. Helen’s Motorsport Area.
Corks & Canvas Benefit
Benefit for the Pentwater Arts Council. Visit downtown galleries and enjoy wine tastings. For more information, visit pentwaterartscouncil.org.
Family Fishing Day
The Mason & Oceana Counties 4-H Programs a free fishing event for families. No entry fee, registration, or fishing license required (as this is during Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend). There will be a fishing tournament for 5-19 year olds with prizes for top catch in each age division and overall top catch. Non-fishing activities include lure making, knot tying, and t-shirt printing. Participants should provide their own bait/tackle and t-shirt. Copeyon Park– 900 S. Washington Ave., Ludington.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean up at Stearns Park Beach.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival
Vendors, live music, festival food, and inflatables. Goodrich Park- 100 N. Lake St., Whitehall. For more information, visit whitelake.org.
Sunset Park Arts & Crafts Show
Sunset Park- 611 E. Front St., Traverse City, 10am-5pm
Frankfort Craft Fair
Main Street, Downtown Frankfort.
Hart Historic District Car Show
Hart Historic District & Museum- 520 E. Lincoln St., Hart. For more information, visit harthistoricdistrict.com.
Oceana County Water Safety Day
Emergency agencies from Oceana County will be present to help educate children on water safety. There will also be giveaways and free hot dogs, chips, and pop. Pentwater Municipal Marina- 519 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. For more information, contact the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department at (231) 873-2121.
Spirit of the Woods Festival
Arts & Crafts show and live music. Dickson Township Park- 14279 Coates Highway, Brethren.
Forest Trail Summer Sunset Music Series
352 W. Forest Trail, Free Soil. For more information, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243
Children’s Pioneer Camp
Kids will learn about the pioneers during this hands-on experience at the Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Cost is $25 per child and reservations can be made by e-mailing Michelle at michelle@mchshistory.org.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Electric Forest Festival
Annual music festival. 7100 S. Water Rd., Rothbury. For more information or tickets, visit electricforest.com.
Living History Day
Performances by Suzanne and Jim, musicians who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. Cost is $18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors, $14 for Children ages 4-13, and free for Children under age 4. Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Active for Life Expo
This free event allows community and agencies to network, seek out possible partnerships, and discover all the services and opportunities available to senior citizens. First 200 entrants get a $1 lunch. Live music by John Marek, giveaways, demos, clinics, and hearing & biometric health screening. OJ DeJonge Junior High School- 706 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Ludington Slow Roll Ride
Social bike ride with a relaxed pace. Begins and ends near the south concession stand at Stearns Park Beach. The ride will go through the alleys and back streets of town.
Grand Haven Art Festival
Friday from 3-7pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10am-5pm. Art show, live music, kids activities, and more. For more information, visit grandhavenchamber.org. 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven.
Pentwater Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing
Call Lakeside Links at (231) 843-3660 or email events@pentwater.org to register. Lakeside Links Golf Course- 5369 W. Chauvez Rd., Ludington.
Garage, Plant, & Bake Sale
Evergreen Covenant Church- 7396 S. Evergreen Rd., Branch.
Mason County Sports Hall of Fame Annual Banquet
Banquet to honor the 2022 Mason County Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Call (231) 690-5053 for tickets.
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 Park
FREE live DJ at Lindsey’s Park- 310 E. Wilson Dr., Idlewild. Field games for all ages, picnic tables provided or bring your own table/chairs. Some weekends will include pop-up shops and food vendors. BYOB.
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music in Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Annual old fashioned carnival with rides and games and Carnival food. Hours are Thursday from 5-10pm, Friday from 3-10pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 12-10pm. Frankfort Open Space- 800 Main St., Frankfort.
Spectrum Health Safe Sitter Babysitting Class
The class is for kids ages 10-15 who are interested in babysitting. They’ll learn Safety, childcare, CPR, First-aid, rescue, and business skills.`Cost is $25 and the class is limited to 16 students. register at onlineregistrationcenter.com. Class will be held at the Lakeshore Resource Network- 920 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Special Needs Barn Dance at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
RSVP by June 28th by calling (231) 462-3732. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Manistee Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.