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

May 2026 Events Calendar

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Featured May Events

(Scroll down to see more events in May.)

May 1-7, 2026

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
8am-12pm

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.

Thursday, May 14th, 2026
7pm

Brian Oberlin’s Album Release Concert
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
10am

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.

Monday, May 4th, 2026
1pm

Big Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Ludington.

May 8-14, 2026

Thursday, May 14th, 2026
7-8:15pm

Performance by Dixon’s Violin
Dixon improvises on a 5-string electric violin with a looping system he developed to create an all-live, one-man symphony, guided by his remarkable personal story of life transformation. Door’s open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25 each and maybe purchased at eventbrite.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

May 15-21, 2026

Friday, May 15th, 2026
9am

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

May 15th-17th, 2026

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

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

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

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

MIHA Region D Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. 

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

Blast Into Summer Party
Annual benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads. 50/50 raffle, live auction, and live music.  Sportsmans/The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Visit facebook.com for more info.

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. 

Sunday, May 17th, 2026
1pm

Pere Marquette XC 5k
An off-road/cross country style running event which is part of the Run Ludington race series.

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
1pm

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

May 22-31, 2026

Friday, May 22nd, 2026
6-8pm

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

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.

Friday, May 29th, 2026
6-8pm

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

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

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Festivals & Events

There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.

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

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Ludington’s Great Outdoors

Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.

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.

Value of Sports Museum

Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.

Festivals & Events

There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.