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(Scroll down to see more events in May.)
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
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.
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.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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!
Hart Community Performing Arts Series
Featuring the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.
Picture Perfect Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Held at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast- 602 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Brews & Beats on the Village Green
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider, food, live music, yard games and more! Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information & to purchase tickets visit pentwater.org/brewsandbeats.
Souper Hero’s and Princesses Par-Tea
This event is a fundraiser for the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Kids and their favorite adult are encouraged to dress up for this event which includes learning manners, a light luncheon of assorted soups or a lite dinner, and a photo opportunity! 11am-1pm is a session for children ages 3-9 and a separate session for friends 10 and over will be from from 3-5pm. Adult participation is required for both sessions. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
COVE Birthday Bash- Mason County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Scotty’s Restaurant- 5910 W. US-10, Ludington.
Mesick Mushroom Festival
Annual event for mushroom lovers. For more information, visit mesick-mushroomfest.org.
Westbound Situation Progressive String Band Performance
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Archery Day
Those 8 years of age and older are invited to learn about the history of archery, proper techniques, and have the opportunity to shoot. Those under age 17 must have a parent or guardian with them. All supplies are provided and no registration is necessary. Ludington State Park– 8800 M-116, Ludington.
10-Minute Play Festival
Entries due by February 12th. For guidelines, visit ludingtonartscenter.org/10-minute-play-festival. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
Tight Lines for Troops
Charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans.
Michigan Adventure Race The Dragon Edition
This race is either 6 or 15 hours in length. Experience classic northern Michigan terrain while you trek, orienteer, paddle and bike in and around the majestic Manistee National Forest. For more information or to register, visit miadventurerace.com.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Run Ludington Harbor Run
Downtown Ludington.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City. To register, visit fareharbor.com.
The Met Opera Series
Featuring Don Giovanni by Mozart. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Mason-Lake Conservation District Mushroom Hike
Mushroom Hike, in partnership with Linda Scribner, beginning at the Fin & Feather Club- 3276 Darr Rd., Scottville. Register at mason-lakeconservation.org by May 12th, 2023.
Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin for this annual event.
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, and raffle. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and will be available from Pentwater merchants (list TBA). Park Place- 750 N. Rush St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwaterwomensclub.org.
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.
West Shore Family Support Craft Fair
Register by visiting docs.google.com. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Avenue & Lewis Street, Ludington.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids
Memorial Weekend Fishing Derby
Hosted by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association.
Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater.
Mears Memorial Day Observance
Mears Cemetery- 6189 W. Fox Rd., Mears.
Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.
Mason County Garden Club Plant Exchange/Sale
Bring plants to exchange, or purchase plants. Leveaux Park- 900 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
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.
Excel Wellston Spring Craft Sale
Space/tables available for rent. To reserve a space, email admin@excelwellston.org or call (231) 510-1799. The Woods Event Center- 17345 6th St., Wellston.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Horse Shows
Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Spring Art Market
Denos Museum Center- 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City
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.
Craft Sale
Tallman Senior Center- 6765 E. Marshall Rd., Fountain
Vintage & Craft Vendor Show
Michillinda Lodge- 5207 N. Scenic Dr., Whitehall. For more information or to reserve a space, e-mail hosts@michillindalodge.com or call (231) 893-1895.
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.
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.
Live Music in Legacy Plaza
Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
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.
Ludington North Breakwater Light Opens for the Season
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull
Pulls at 10am and 1pm at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Cornhole Tournament to Benefit the Fountain Horse Pull
Registration begins at 11am with play beginning at 1pm. Cost is $10 per person.
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.
Auditions for Stratford “Off” the Avenue Theatre Festival at LACA
The Stage Left Theatre Company is holding is seeking seasoned and new actors, ages 5th Grade and up for their 6th Annual event. Those wishing to audition are asked to arrive at the starting time and plan to stay for the duration of the auditions. Sides will be provided. The festival is scheduled for August 5th-7th and August 12th-13th at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts– 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
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 12pm, Vendors, Food, Manistee Forest ORV merchandist, and live music. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm. In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, Fountain Area Fire Department Brat Tent, Gloria Ann’s Delicious BBQ’s, Lela’s Original Kettle Corn, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain.
Thrive 5k
To recognize and promote mental health wellness in educators. 2930 Knapp St. NE, Lot 11, Grand Rapids. Visit runsignup.com for more information or to register.
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 Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
