The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Photo by Angelina Jollivet on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in October.)
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Pentwater's Oktoberfest features a variety of activities for all ages and interests including the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show and Cruise.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
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.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart 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.
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.
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
The Manistee Elks hosts activities for the whole family at Boos, Brews, & Brats in conjunction with their annual Halloween Party.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more 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.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
One notable highlight of the Halloween season in Manistee is the popular Ghost Ship, the S.S. City of Milwaukee, docked off Arthur Street.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Explore the City of Grand Rapids as it fills with hundreds of pieces of art. From photography to sculptures and paintings.
Ludrock Nation is an organization presenting events: Ludrock, Girls Rock, Ludrock All Stars, Night of Fright to benefit other non-profits.
ArtPrize
A city-wide art competition within a 3-square mile district in downtown Grand Rapids.
World Ballet Company presents a performance of The Great Gatsby Ballet
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
Barley, BBQ, & Beats
This event is a fundraiser for Hospice of Michigan and showcases barbecue from leading pit masters, hand-crafted cocktails from select Michigan distilleries, and live music. Tickets on sale March 11, 2024. $65 per person; $75 per person at the door. Open only to guests ages 21 and older. Visit hom.org/bbb-tc for tickets or more info. Park Place Hotel & Conference Center- 300 E. State St., Traverse City.
West Michigan Symphony presents The Music of ABBA with Direct from Sweden
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon.
Ludington Lumber Days
A fall festival weekend filled with lumberjack-themed excitement, rich history, lively music, and adventures for all ages.
Onekama Fall Festival
Craft and food vendors, games, music, and more! Visit onekama.info for more information. Onekama Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Annual Walk to End Alzheimers
Registration begins at 9am with the opening ceremony at 10am and walk to follow. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington. For more information or to register a team, visit act.alz.org.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
Shop on the historic front lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. Eleventh St., Traverse City. To register, visit fareharbor.com.
Art Walk
Downtown Hart. For more information, visit takemetohart.org.
Performance of Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown
Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave. #401, Muskegon.
Pentwater Oktoberfest
Classic Car & Hot Rod Show, Stumble Stout 5k, Entertainment Tent on the Village Green, Chili Cook-Off, Live Polka Music, Yard Games. Downtown Pentwater.
Frankfort Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including an arts & crafts fair. Visit frankfort-elberta.com for more information.
Final Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
Call (800) 841-4243 for reservations.
Splendor of Fall Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast- 409 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington
West Michigan Symphony presents Alvin Waddles Trio
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon.
Advanced Photography Workshop Weekend
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography and held at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast- 602 E. Ludington, Ave., Ludington.
Historic White Pine Village Closes for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Backwoods & Badges Sheriff’s Fundraiser
Event will raise funds for the Friends of the Mason County Sheriffy’s Office and tickets include food, raffles, door prizes, and music by Barely Devils. Attendees may BYOB. It will be held at the Free Soil Community Center- 8480 N. Democrat St., Free Soil, and tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Ten31 Stop in Scottville, Ludington Liquor, Cardinal Restaurant in Custer, The Hof Bar & Grille and Ertie’s Forest Trail Marathon in Free Soil. Contact Sarah Salamey at (989) 400-1086 or saramay23@gmail.com for more info.
White River Light Station Closes for the Season
White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
West Michigan Symphony presents Dmitri Matheny Quintet – Jazz from the Silver Screen
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon
Run for Your Lives 5k
This race begins and ends at Ludington’s Legacy Plaza. Runners are encouraged to dress in costume.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Closes for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse– 880 M-116, Ludington.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Closes for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse– 880 M-116, Ludington.
Frankfort Beer Week
Craft beer festival with food and more, happening throughout Benzie County. Visit frankfortbeerweek.com for more info.
Chow Down Centertown
Annual Makers Market/Food Truck Rally/Live Music Street party. For the most updated information, visit visitgrandhaven.com. 7th Street from Washington to Elliot, Grand Haven.
Mom 2 Mom Sale
Shop a variety of children’s clothing (infant to 14/16), toys, strollers, maternity-wear, & women’s clothing. Faith Covenant Church- 475 8th St., Manistee. Tables are $10 each. To reserve a space, email Karen at karenjt29@gmail.com.
Benzie County Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Events in Beulah & Benzonia. Visit clcba.com for more info.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. Dead Sled at 9am and Transfer Sled at 12pm. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville
Pentwater Home Tour
This event is a benefit for COVE and includes six locations in the Pentwater area. More information, TBA.
Annual Shelby Harvest Festival
Downtown Shelby. For more information, visit shelbyharvestfestival.com.
Diapers & Donuts
Families are invited by West Shore Family Support to receive free diapers and donuts at their office- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. Free car seat checks will also be offered. Sponsored by the Erin Doan Agency.
Dancing With the Local Stars
This event benefits the Ludington Area School District’s Oriole Foundation and the school’s band and choir programs. Local “Stars” will take the dance floor to compete. The public is invited to Lincoln Hills Golf Club (1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington). The Pennies from Heaven Foundation has graciously committed a $50,000 match for funds raised. Tickets are $75 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and entertainment (cash bar available).
Coat Drive for Ludington Area Schools Youth Resource Center
Anyone donating a coat/blanket will receive a $6 coupon for Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Drop coats and blankets off at the brewery- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
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.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events. That’s very evident when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair.
This service is provided to area residents each August in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
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.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.