“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
Menu
Menu
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.)
“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
The M-22 Challenge, held each June near Glen Arbor, is a multi-sport event that challenges all athletes, regardless of skill level.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Ludington's Gus Macker Basketball Tournament's location is premium. Hoops are placed in Stearns Park, with Lake Michigan just steps away.
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 Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival is held at Dickson Township Park, Brethren, the third Saturday in June.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
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.
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.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
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 Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Each summer, the Ludington Lakestride offers three races: a 5k through Cartier Park, a 10k to Decker Road and back, and a half marathon.
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
Irons Flea Roast and Ox Market features amusement rides, music, tournaments, kids games, food tent, ox market, parade and fireworks.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The National Asparagus Festival is held in early June in Hart and Shelby, Michigan. The event includes a parade, pageant, and more.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Performance of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
Thursdays-Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm AND 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend
All fishing licenses waived in Michigan during this weekend.
Michigan Free ORV Weekend
ORV riders may ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Performance of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
Thursdays-Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm AND 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend
All fishing licenses waived in Michigan during this weekend.
Michigan Free ORV Weekend
ORV riders may ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington
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.
Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon, 5k, and 10k
Annual race through the beauty of nature in Ludington.
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.
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.
Wooden & Classic Boat Show
Reminisce, admire, or even enter your boat to show off and maybe even float away with an award. Wooden boats, kayaks, and classic fiberglass boats are welcome in the show and will be displayed in water and on land. Registration is required to enter. More information can be found on facebook.com/slwoodenboatshow.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
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. Shelby Area District Library- 189 Maple St., Shelby.
United Women in Faith Indoor Yard Sale
No clothing. Items are sold on a donation basis. Proceeds go to the mission fund for the group. United Methodist Church- 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Mom2Mom Sale
Sale of lightly used children’s clothes & gear from infants to teens at West Side Community Church- 4675 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City. Register by May 27th, 2024 by clicking here.
Mason County Garden Club Plant Exchange/Sale
Bring plants to exchange, or purchase plants. Leveaux Park- 900 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Waves & Wheels Safety Day
Various stations will teach biking and swimming safety. There will also be bike and bike helmet checks, skills course, water safety with the DNR and Coast Guard, free hot dogs, giveaways, and more. Loomis Street Boat Launch- 998 W. Loomis St., Ludington. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Book Ride & Bike Rodeo
Families are invited to a bike rodeo and then to walk or bike ride the trail while enjoying a story. Free books on a first come, first serve basis. Loomis Street Boat Launch- 998 W. Loomis St., Ludington. Visit facebook.com for more info.
Empire Asparagus Festival
Annual festival including 5k, Asparagus Recipe Cook-off, Wine & Beer Tasting, and more. For more information, visit empirechamber.org.
Ghost Tour ’24: Trains, Towns, & Lumber Camps
The Mason County Historical Society hosts this event which includes a bus tour exploring an abandoned railroad along with ghost towns and abandoned lumber camps of northeastern Mason County. The tour begins and ends at Meade Township Hall- 5435 E. Free Soil Rd., Free Soil. There will be a country-style dinner and presentation on the lumber era. Tickets are $75 each and will be on sale from April 13th-May 15th, 2024. Watch masoncountymihistory.org for tickets and more information.
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. For more information, visit paddleantrim.com. Elk Rapids Rotary Park- 305 US-31, Elk Rapids.
Diaper Giveaway
Area churches are joining together to give out free diapers at this drive thru style event.
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend. Diapers up to size six will be available. A parent or legal guardian must be present in order to receive diapers for the child(ren). West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Pentwater Start of Summer Party
Village Marina- 65 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Call (231) 869-8301 for more info.
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.
Lakeshore Parade of Homes
Tour new homes along the lakeshore for design ideas,
latest trends and inspiration. Holland, MI. For tickets or more information, visit lakeshoreparadeofhomes.com.
Pentwater Historical Society Garage Sale
From 12-2pm on Friday and 9am-2pm on Saturday. Proceeds benefit the Historical Society. For more info or to donate, call Karen at (231) 425-7252. Pentwater Historical Society Museum– 85 S. Rutledge St., Pentwater.
Love Ludington Weekend
Weekend long celebration of Ludington including a street party, an Anniversary Celebration of the North Breakwater Lighthouse, Lumbering History Presentation, Historic Homes Tour, and more.
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.
Dune Dash
This athletic event is a challenging multi-sport challenge. Glen Arbor.
White Lake Area Sportfishing Association Kid’s Fishing Contest
Held in conjunction with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, this event has three age groups: 3-6, 7-10, and 11-16. Registration forms will be available at sign-in from 7am-10am at the main pavilion.
Fishing supplies (bait and fishing poles to borrow) will be available on a first come first served basis. Contestants need to be in line for Weigh-In by 12pm. Goodrich Park- 100 N. Lake St., Whitehall.
National Asparagus Festival
Annual event has fun for the whole family. Downtown Hart.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Diapers & Donuts
Families are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and donuts at New Era Reformed Church- 4775 1st St., New Era. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Fish on for Freedom
Veterans Fishing event on Lake Michigan in Ludington.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
AAUW Used Book Sale
Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm. Proceeds benefit the AAUW scholarships for high school seniors. United Methodist Church- 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Garden Club of Pentwater and Neighboring Communities Annual Plant Sale
Water Tower Park, Pentwater.
Hart Historic District Car Show
Hart Historic District & Museum- 520 E. Lincoln St., Hart. For more information, visit thinkdunes.com.
Frankfort Craft Fair
400 S. Main St., Frankfort. To register, visit cca.frankfort-elberta.com.
Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
Union Street between 6th & 8th Streets, Traverse City, 10am-5pm. To register, visit downtowntc.com.
White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm. Vendors, live music, festival food, and inflatables. Goodrich Park- 100 N. Lake St., Whitehall. For more information, visit whitelake.org.
Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival
Arts & Crafts show and live music. Dickson Township Park- 14279 Coates Highway, Brethren.
Horse Shows
Summer Cizzler Series; for more information, call Kathy at (231) 757-9211. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Arts, Crafts, & Antiques Fair on the Village Green
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. Find handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind antiques, even demonstrations of a special skill or art. The festive weekend includes live music on the Green. To register, visit pentwater.org.
Guided Hike
Beginning at the Warming Shelter at the Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean up at Stearns Park Beach.
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.
Senior 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. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 N. Nelson Rd., Ludington. For more information, call the Ludington Senior Center at (231) 845-6841.
Electric Forest Festival
Annual music festival held in Rothbury. For more info and tickets, visit electricforest.com.
Manistee Tri-Port Challenge Pro/Am
Ladies/Kids fish Friday: $100 entry, weigh best 5. Muskegon’s Heritage Landing will serve as Tournament HQ for all events including Captain’s Meetings, Weigh-Ins and Awards. Capt. Meeting/ On-Site Registration 5-7pm on Thursday or Friday. Captain’s Meeting follows at 7pm on both days. For more information, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournament.
#WillStrong Benefit Soccer Tournament
100% of the proceeds raised goes to the local Childhood Cancer Campaign. This 6v6 soccer tournament is family friendly and cost is $250 per team. Bryant Soccer Fields- 1002 N. Lavinia St., Ludington. For more information or to register a team, click here.
Cars & Crafts Show
Car Show hosted by PM Motoring Club. Betten-Baker Ford- 3045 US-10, Ludington. For more info, email lmalott@cbakerauto.com.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
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.
Mason County Sports Hall of Fame Annual Unveiling Ceremony & Induction Banquet
At 12pm there will be a ceremony to unveil the wall displaying that year’s class as well as the male and female High School Athlete of the Year. This takes place at the Hall of Fame which is located at Historic White Pine Village- 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. The Induction Banquet to honor Mason County Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be held at 6:30pm at LIncoln Hills Golf Club- 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Tickets are $40 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sharon McCumber at (231) 613-2428 or sharonmccumber@yahoo.com.
Filer Food Truck Frenzy, Music, & Car Meet
The Filer DDA presents an evening of live music featuring Aintee-Kim & U’Neek Soul (beginning at 5:30pm), food trucks and a car meet. Bring a chair and even a car for display in the parking lot. Victorian Auto Spa- 1688 US-31, Manistee. For more info, email filerdda@gmail.com.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Cars & Coffee
Ludington Auto Club hosts this event, which is sponsored by Metro Mortgage. Cars, motorcycles, rat rods, tractors, jeeps, etc. are welcome. Enjoy a scenic drive and mini car cruise through Ludington State Park & Stearns Beach departing at 1pm. Come early and enjoy coffee, muffins, and bagels while supplies last. Stix Bar- 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Live music at Bolt Park- 225 Franklin St., Grand Haven.
Corewell 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 Hart Community Center- 407 S. State St., Hart.
Night at the Lights Concert Series
Live music at Little Point Sable Lighthouse– 287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Special Needs Barn Dance at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
RSVP by June 25th by calling (231) 462-3732. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. For more info, visit circlerockingsfarm.org.
Ludington Slow Roll Ride
Social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of town. Begins and ends near the south concession building at Stearns Park Beach-420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
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.
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.
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.
Water Safety Course
Kids ages 8-12 are invited to this free course which will teach them how to back float, swim with a buddy, recognize rip currents, and use personal flotation devices. Pre-registration is required and can be done by clicking here. West Shore Community College Recreation Center- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie showing on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
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.
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.
Scottville Clown Band Wilwin Lodge Veteran’s Show
3383 E. Hawley Rd., Custer.
Music Sparks Meaning Summer Sunset Series
Live music at the First Street Beach Gazebo, Manistee.
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.
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
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.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year’s Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Find all the places where the kids can visit and have pictures taken with Santa in Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, Oceana County, and more.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Michigan has a public ORV trail system for four different riding opportunities–motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, and scramble areas.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.