May Events Calendar – Visit Ludington Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

May 2026 Events Calendar

Browse by Week

Featured May Events

(Scroll down to see more events in May.)

May 1-7, 2026

Monday, May 4th, 2026
1pm

Big Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Ludington.

May 8-14, 2026

Stay tuned for information on events happening during this time! In the meantime, scroll down to see events that occurred in 2025.

May 15-21, 2026

May 15th-17th, 2026

Picture Perfect Weekend Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography – 114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
1pm

Ludington North Breakwater Light Opens for the Season
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

May 22-31, 2026

Saturday, May 23rd-Sunday, May 24th, 2026
10am-4pm

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.

The following events are from 2025. Stay tuned for information on dates for these events in 2026!

 

Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used baby and kids’ items, spring and summer clothing, toys, books, and more. $2 entry fee (under age 12 free). Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington. For more information, visit facebook.com.

Ludington’s Got Talent
ALL ages are invited to apply to appear in this talent show. This is a fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum and will be held at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. It will take the place of the Local Masked Singer event. Apply at sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.

Historic White Pine Village & 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.

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.

Mother’s Day Tea & Etiquette
kids and adults will learn some etiquette (from a professional etiqette coach) and enjoy brunch. Cost is $15 per person and are available on eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.

Cars & Coffee Car Meet
Free car meet with no registration or registration fees. All are welcome. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck. Bish’s RV- 66 N. Dennis Rd., Ludington.

Spring Hike
Starting at the State Park Amphitheatre, The walk covers about a mile and a half, with easy terrain and views of the park’s diverse landscape. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.

First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.

Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.

Wag & Walk
The new self-paced event hosted by Friends of Ludington Police invites participants and their pets to walk as much of the roughly 1.25-mile loop through the Ludington Avenue and James Street business districts as they wish. Along the way, walkers can stop at participating businesses to pick up a bag of dog treats. The walk begins and ends at Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington. Register at friendsofludingtonpolice.org.

Blast Into Summer Party
Annual benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads. 50/50 raffle, live auction, and music by Two Dudes in Flip Flops.  Sportsmans/The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Girls Rock
Celebration of women through music, poetry, and speakers. Hosted by Ludrock. Doors open at 6:30pm. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Friends of the Ludington State Park Guided Hike
Two volunteer hike leaders will guide the group. No prior hiking experience is necessary, as the pace and distance will be adjusted based on participants’ preferences. The event is free to join—meet at the parking lot near the Skyline Trail. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music in Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

Beginner Friendly Fishing
Free event. Bringing your own fishing pole is encouraged, but a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bait will be provided. All participants aged 17 or older must have a valid Michigan Fishing License. Ludington State Park Amphitheater and walking to the Sable River Trail. Ludington State Park- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.

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 Memorial Day Observance
Ceremony at 11am at the Veterans Mall in Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 12pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington. For more info, contact Michelle at (231) 690-5845.

A Night of Fine Dining
Tickets include hors d’oeurves, two entree options, drinks, and dessert; along with speakers who will talk about the accomplishment of the fundraiser’s benefactor, Blue Hat Ministries. For more information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Fish on for Freedom
Veterans Fishing Event on Lake Michigan in Ludington.

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 AND Book Ride & Bike Rodeo
This free event includes various stations that 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. Families are also 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. 

Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!

Current Events

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Visit with Santa

Find all the places where the kids and pets can visit and have pictures taken with Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus) in Ludington.

Ludington Area Festival of Lights

The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Events Happening Soon

Ludington Area Festival of Lights

The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Murals of Ludington

Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.

Maritime Heritage Trail

The Maritime Heritage Trail highlights the lighthouses, industries, art, and figures that make up the maritime history of Mason County!

Weather & Water Conditions

West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.

Charter Boat Fishing

No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.

Mason County Barn Quilt Trail

The Barn Quilt Trail, highlighting the lost art of barn decor, is one of four trails that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.