Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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(Scroll down to see more events in May.)
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
Each April, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) hosts an annual Earth Day event in Ludington.
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.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
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.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Performance of A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love & Murder
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays (AND May 17th) at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Picture Perfect Weekend Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography- 114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
West Shore Family Support Craft Fair
This show includes a variety of talented crafters & artists as well as food trucks. Rotary Park- Ludington Ave. & Lewis St., Ludington. For an application, click here.
Ludington Area Volunteer Fair
Numerous non-profit organizations will have informational booths. There will also be door prizes and refreshments. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington.
Downtown Art Walk
Downtown Traverse City. For more information, visit downtowntc.com.
Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day
This event includes a 5k, Fun Run, and Family Fun Day at Riverside Park- 2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. The event benefits Foster the Family which provides immediate emergency support and long-term holistic care to foster families and children in the Grand Rapids area. 5k is $35, Fun Run is $10, and the Family Fun Day is $10. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, email Faye at faye.veltman@fosterthefamily.org.
Flea Market & Craft Show
Vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. To apply for a space, visit facebook.com or call (231) 862-3571.
Wellston Boosters Craft Sale/Seniors Bake Sale
Wellston Community Center- 1273 S. Seaman Rd., Wellston. To register, contact Denise at roadkingdc@hotmail.com or (231) 330-2422.
Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Farm Market
Vendor Show at Tractor Supply Company- 4572 W. US-10, Ludington. To reserve a space, message Berrim Peterson on facebook.com.
Pig Roast with Craft & Vendor Show
Pig roast with all the fixings for $10 per person, kids activities, and raffles. Craft & Vendor Show in the parking lot at Kalkaska Baptist Church- 1651 County Rd. 612, Kalkaska.
NW Michigan Record Show
Dealers will be set up from across Michigan and Indiana selling new and used vinyl records. Also buying and trading. To reserve a table, contact Barry price on facebook.com.
Ship Tours Begin
Boat tours of the SS City of Milwaukee and the USCGC Acacia ships begin. 99 Arthur St., Manistee. For more information, visit carferry.com.
Brews & Beats on the Village Green
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider, food, live music, yard games and more! Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door which includes a tasting glass and six beer samples. For more information & to purchase tickets visit facebook.com.
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs from Lakeside Wiener Wagon, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free ice cream sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, email Angela Taylor at ataylor@mccschools.org or call (231) 757-3713, ext. 131. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.
Corewell Health Ludington Plant Sale
This sale includes a variety of plants as well as hanging baskets and will be held in the circular drive next to the Corewell Health Ludington Medical Building- 7 Atkison Dr., Ludington. Proceeds benefit the Corewell Health Foundation.
Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts to families with children age 3 and under at Crossroads Church of Mason County- 1463 E. US-10, Scottville. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Mesick Mushroom Festival
Annual event for mushroom lovers. For more information, visit mesick-mushroomfest.org.
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is typically $10 per person age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Breakfast includes blueberry pancakes with fresh locally made maple syrup, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, orange juice and coffee. There will also be raffles, 50/50 drawings, a large silent auction, and a bake sale all to benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Ludington.
Newaygo Conservation District Native Plant Sale
Plants will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, we are not doing any preorders. Cash, check, and card payments will be accepted. Newaygo County Fairgrounds- 815 S. Stewart Ave., Fremont. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
260 St. Mary Pkwy, Manistee. For more information, call (231) 510-7452.
Spring Art Market
Denos Museum Center- 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Antiques & Vintage Sale
Items for sale on a “make a reasonable offer” basis. First Methodist Church of Scottville- 114 W. St., Scottville.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Baldwin AmVets Blessing
1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin
Vendor/Craft Sale & Flea Market
More than 30 booths of direct sales vendors, crafts, vintage items, and flea market items. First Methodist Church of Scottville- 114 W. St., Scottville. Register by messaging Dawn Quick on Facebook.
Tight Lines for Troops
Charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans.
10-Minute Play Festival: Tales for the Stage
For more info, visit ludingtonartscenter.org. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin for this annual event.
Run Ludington Harbor Run 5k
Downtown Ludington.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Craft & Vendor Market
Contact Jennifer Swanson on Facebook to reserve a space. Evangelical Covenant Church of Whitehall- 900 Warner St., Whitehall.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City. To register, visit fareharbor.com.
Blast Into Summer Party
Annual benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads. Admission is a cash donation or donation of a non-perishable food or hygiene item. Tropical or pyratical attire is encouraged. 50/50 raffle, live auction, and music by Two Dudes in Flip Flops. Sportsmans/The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Guided Hike
Beginning at the Warming Shelter at the Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Annual Wine & Art Scholarship Fundraiser
Sponsored by Pentwater Women’s Club, fundraiser for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Includes silent auction, over 30 wines for sampling, hors d’oeurves, desserts, and raffle. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and will be available from Port View- 560 S. Hancock St. and Jilly’s Gallery- 226 S. Hancock St. Event held at Park Place- 750 N. Rush St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwaterwomensclub.org.
Horse Shows
Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids
West Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull
Dead Sled at 9am, Transfer Sled at 12pm at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Crystal Mountain Resort- 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville. For more information, visit crystalmountain.com.
Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/memorial-weekend-derby.
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.
Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Cars & Coffee Car Meet
Free car meet with no registration or registration fees. All are welcome. At the Meraki Coffee Truck in the parking lot of Scotty’s Restaurant- 5910 W. US-10, Ludington. Food trucks will also be on site.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm. In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, food, horseshoe tournament, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain. For the most updated schedule of events, visit facebook.com.
Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass. Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 1pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.
Scottville Memorial Day Observance
VFW and Auxiliary Post 5096 Honors Ceremony at Mason County Central High School (300 W. Broadway St., Scottville) at 9am then to Riverside Park. Then to Custer and Free Soil Cemeteries and the Tpr. Paul Butterfield Memorial for prayers.
Ludington Memorial Day Observance
Fallen Hero Memorial Service at Mason County Courthouse (304 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington) at 9:45am. Parade traveling from the courthouse to Stearns Park (420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington) with 10:15am step-off. Ceremony at Veterans Mall in Stearns Park at 11am. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 12pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington.
Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Parade at 10am beginning on 1st St. Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater.
Manistee Memorial Day Observance
9am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery- 1628 Maple Rd. 9:30am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Oak Grove Cemetery- 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr. 10am- Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets and ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music , kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year’s Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
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.
Enjoy the happiest of holidays in West Michigan! From Manistee to Ludington and every city in-between, there is holiday cheer all around!