The Friends of the Ludington Library Used Book Sale Continues Through Sunday
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Visit Ludington Stock Photo
Family Friendly Events
July 2026
Ludington does a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in Ludington has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Below is a list of family friendly events happening in Ludington in July…
Through July 5th, 2026
Harbor Classic Quarter Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
10am-5pm
50th Anniversary of Historic White Pine Village
The event includes free coffee & donuts, a presentation on the history of the museum, a new exhibit unveiling, ice cream social, and more. Due to a sponsorship by West Shore Bank, admission is free. For more info, visit tickettailor.com. 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
Dusk
Fireworks
Over Hamlin Lake.
Friday, July 3rd-Saturday, July 4th; 2026
Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Event includes Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Fun Run, Parade, and Fireworks. Downtown Ludington.
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
9-11pm
Lake Michigan Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Lake Michigan Carferry cruise along the Ludington shoreline. Tickets include food and live entertainment and a cash bar is available. Shoreline cruises will sail rain or shine. Children 4 & Under are free. No passes will be accepted for this event. Tickets are non-refundable. 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington.
Saturday, July 4th-Sunday, July 5th, 2026
West Shore Art Fair
Sponsored by Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Sunday, July 5th, 2026
10am-1pm
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
at The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
12-4:30pm
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Saturday, July 11th, 2026
9am-1pm
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 12th, same times. For questions, contact Mary Alway at (231) 794-0091.
July 13th-19th, 2026
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington.
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
7-8pm
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
12-4:30pm
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
July 17th-19th, 2026
Friends of the Ludington Library Used Book Sale
Visit facebook.com for sale times. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Sammi Bateson Memorial Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
9am-6pm
Ludington Area Pride Festival
This LGBTQIA+ festival includes food trucks, entertainment, and vendors. The festival will highlight resources, supporters, and nonprofits in Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington. Visit ludingtonareapride.com for more information.
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
4-11pm
Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Buccaneer Bash
Food trucks, silent & live raffle items, live music, and prizes for best Pirate Attire. $5 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ludington Boat Club- 502 Lake St., Ludington.
Saturday, July 19th, 2026
10am-1pm
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
at Big Apple Bagels/Hungry Howies- 5485 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Saturday, July 25th-Sunday, July 26th; 2026
4 Seasons Equestrian Association Open Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Saturday, July 25th, 2026
9-11pm
Lake Michigan Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Lake Michigan Carferry cruise along the Ludington shoreline. Tickets include food and live entertainment and a cash bar is available. Shoreline cruises will sail rain or shine. Children 4 & Under are free. No passes will be accepted for this event. Tickets are non-refundable. 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington.
Saturday, July 25th-Sunday, July 26th; 2026
4 Seasons Equestrian Association Open Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Saturday, July 25th-Sunday, July 26th; 2026
4 Seasons Equestrian Association Open Horse Show
Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Current Events
The Next S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise is Coming Up
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Sammi Bateson Memorial Horse Show Moved to August 1st
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The Annual Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament Continues Through Sunday
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert Series
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Enjoy Another Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet on July 19th
Ludington is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
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!
Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Summer Music in West Michigan
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.
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
Sunset Beach Bonfires at Stearns Park
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
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!
Mason County Cultural Trails
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Accessible Walkways at Stearns Park Beach
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Cool Things to Do
Check out our picks for the top 50 coolest things to do in Ludington, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Pet Friendly Places
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
Historic White Pine Village
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.