The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in September.)
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The City of Scottville has created a new event in 2021 called the Scottville Fall Celebration which will include many activities downtown.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
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.
Explore the City of Grand Rapids as it fills with hundreds of pieces of art. From photography to sculptures and paintings.
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.
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Bear Lake has a variety of activities for Bear Lake Days each July. Events include parade, fireworks, car show, kids activities, and more.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
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.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
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 the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
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 Village of Brethren is located in Dickson Township about 15 miles east of Manistee. Brethren Days is held over Labor Day weekend.
Learn about the annual Young Eagles Rallies in Mason and Oceana Counties and find information about flights at the Mason County Airport.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival spans two days and includes a wide variety of activities that are fun for all ages.
Visit downtown Ludington and enjoy music and family activities in an outdoor setting, to celebrate one of the last hurrahs of the season!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Oceana County Young Eagles Rally- CANCELED FOR 2025
Kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a free airplane ride with a local pilot. Flights are first come, first serve and a guardian must be present. Sponsored by EAA #772. Oceana County Airport- 1805 W. Baseline Rd., Shelby. For more information on the Oceana County Young Eagles Rally, contact Diane LaPorte at (231) 730-0545.
Frankfort Fall Festival Art Fair
Friday from 1-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm in Market Square Park- 420 Corning Ave.
Holland Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
Bring the family, earplugs, and an appetite for big trucks, ice cream, and giveaways. Parade travels from Zeeland to Holland. Ice cream social following the parade. For more information, visit truckparade.org.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music featuring The Schleppinbop Kids. at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta. Rain or shine.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music featuring The Shleppinbop Kids at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring The Schleppinbop Kids at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Rocket Fuel Haulers in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival
Activities for the whole family. Downtown Silver Lake.
Mason County Garden Club Plant Exchange/Sale
Rotary Park-Corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music featuring Rooster Ridge Acoustics at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Michigan Irish Music Festival
The festival features 6 stages of music, culture, dance, and more. Heritage Landing- 1051 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon. For more information and tickets, visit michiganirish.org.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Joe Irelan in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Ludington Petunia Parade Removal Day
Ludington Petunia Parade will be removing petunias on the Avenue and the marina.
Scottville Fall Celebration
Event includes family friendly activities, the Miss Mason County Pageant, a performance by the Scottville Clown Band, and more. Downtown Scottville, 100 Blocks of South Main & Blaine Streets.
Performance by Manistee Community Band
Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee.
ArtPrize
A city-wide art competition within a 3-square mile district in downtown Grand Rapids.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Seth Brown Duo in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the Cherry Capital Airport- 1170 Airport Access Rd., Traverse City. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. For more info, visit chapters.eaa.org.
New Era Fall Festival
Annual event featuring arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, an antique car show, and more. Visit neweramichigan.com for more information.
AFFEW International Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington. Meet at the South Concession Stand. For more information, visit affew.org.
Free Soil Gun & Knife Show
Event includes a 50/50 raffle (need not be present to win, and food and beverages for purchase. Cost is $4 for veterans/seniors and $5 for all else. 8-foot vendor tables are $20 each and can be reserved by calling Gregg at (231) 464-5454. Free Soil Community Center- 8480 Democrat St., Free Soil.
Blessing of the Animals & Benefit Car Show at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
Blessing of the Animals, car show, silent auction, and old fashioned games. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. Click here to register or for more information.
ArtPrize
A city-wide art competition within a 3-square mile district in downtown Grand Rapids.
New Era Farmers Market Concert Series
Live music featuring The Barton Duo at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era.
Pentwater Harvest Day
Pentwater’s Farmer’s Market will be open for one last time during 2022. Pentwater Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Visit pentwater.org for more information.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring The Downtowners in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
West Michigan Symphony presents Music by the Alvin Waddles Trio
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
Salmon Run 5k/10k Run/Walk
Race begins and ends at Baldwin Village Hall- 620 Washington St., Baldwin.
Pentwater Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Fair
Hours are Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. To register, click here. Pentwater Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Ludington North Breakwater Light Closes for the Season
Stearns Park Beach- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Closes for the Season
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
“Honoring Our Elders” Traditional Pow-Wow
Native American social celebration with drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling, food, raffles, and arts and crafts vendors. Suggested admission is $5/person, $20 carload max. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Brethren Days
The village of Brethren hosts in annual festival with activities for the whole family.
Cruisin’ at the Castle Charity Car Show
Car show with DJ Music, food, drawings, silent auction, and book sale on the castle grounds- 9400 Pere Marquette Dr., Canadian Lakes. For more information, contact Marshall at (231) 598-0838.
Annual Labor Day Chicken Dinner
Annual fundraising dinner for the church. Dinner includes chicken, baked potato, green beans, coleslaw, roll, and homemade dessert. Cost is $15 for those age 7 and up and $6 for age 6 and under. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. St. Bernard Catholic Church- 5734 W. 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons. For more information, call (231) 745-7997.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Manton Fall Festival Parade
Manton
Fall Craft Show
Pomona Park- 3084 W. Fruitport Rd., Fruitport.
Trout Unlimited Banquet
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Tickets include a meal from Lakeside Wiener Wagon & BBQ, an open bar featuring a selection of beer from Ludington Bay Brewing Company, wine, pop, water, and live music featuring Drew Nelson. There will also be adult and kid’s casting contests (with trophies and prizes), 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Baldwin Canoe Rental- 9117 M-37, Baldwin.
Mason County Historical Society Gala
This event includes dinner, live music, historical play, dancing, and more to benefit the Mason County Historical Society. Stearns Hotel & Wedding Venue- 212 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Get tickets at eventbrite.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.
Fall Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and furniture. For more information or to rent a table, visit facebook.com. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. Dead Sled at 9am, Transfer Sled at 12pm. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Frankfort Beer Week
Craft beer festival with food and more, happening throughout Benzie County. Visit frankfortbeerweek.com for more info.
Bear Lake has a variety of activities for Bear Lake Days each July. Events include parade, fireworks, car show, kids activities, and more.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Kaleva Heritage Days is a festival which includes softball tournament, car show, pony rides, parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Annually, late in July, the Village population soars with attendees and participants in the annual Arcadia Daze celebration.
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
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.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.