January Events – Visit Ludington

January 2026 Events Calendar

Browse by Week

Featured January Events

(Scroll down to see more events in January.)

January 1-7, 2026

Thursday, January 1st, 2026
11am

New Year’s Resolution 5k Race
Run course includes downtown Ludington and the 4th Ward area. For more information, visit downtownludington.org

January 8-14, 2026

Saturday, January 10th, 2025
6-8pm

Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Saturday, January 10th-Sunday, January 11th; 2025

Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend
Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized).

January 15-21, 2026

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

January 22-31, 2026

January 23rd-25th, 2026

Heaven on Hamlin Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. 

Saturday, January 24th, 2025
6-8pm

Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Saturday, January 31st, 2026

Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
Taste of the best and most unique flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan, and enjoy food and yard games. Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.

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

 

Charity Volleyball Tournament
4×4 co-ed volleyball tournament to benefit the Childhood Cancer Campaign. Cost is $25/person (will be placed on a team) or $150/team (team of 4-8 people). Jamesport Brewing Company- 410 S. James St., Ludington.

Diapers & Desserts Giveaway
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend and receive free diapers and treats. A parent or legal guardian must be present in order to receive diapers for the child(ren). West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.

Great Start Book Walk
Held in conjunction with the Lantern Lit Event, families will receive a free copy of the book “One Light” (first come, first serve). Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. There will be a 100% payout for the longest pike. This tournament is only for pike- no other fish will be included. Participants must be in line for measuring at Suttons Landing by 5pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.

4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$25/player with proceeds to benefit the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Prizes will be given to the top scoring players at the end of week 4. Only 24 seats are available. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.

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!

Beaches & Parks

Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.

Hamlin Lake

Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!

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.

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.

Ludington Salmon Fishing

Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.