Used Book Sales
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Visit downtown Ludington and enjoy music and family activities in an outdoor setting, to celebrate Octoberfest!
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Festivals & Events in Ludington
This page is designed as a perpetual calendar of featured annual events by the month, starting with current events. Scroll down for future months.
On This Page:
Select a Month to View Featured Events
Current Events in Ludington
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year 'round.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that's part of what makes the area so great!
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The events listed on this page are just the highlights of what's happening in the months to come. Click the "View All Events" button within any month to view the full list of monthly events with time and date details.
Please scroll below this ad for local event info.
September 2023
- Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
- Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Octoberfest– Celebrate fall with chili, beer, and entertainment.
- Fall Events– Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
October 2023
- Halloween & Trick-or-Treating– West Michigan communities offer lots of fun during the Halloween season, including Trunk or Treats and traditional door-to-door candy hunting.
- Fall Events- Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
November 2023
- Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows– Celebrate the season and see Santa at this annual parade.
- Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade– Celebrate Santa’s arrival in Ludington with this festive parade.
December 2023
- Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park– Each winter, the Ludington State Park offers snowshoe making classes to the public.
- New Years Eve Lighted Ball Drop, Ludington– Visit Ludington for New Year’s Eve and stand in awe of “the ball” which has over 6,000 lights.
January 2024
- Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park– Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
- Pure Ludington Brrrewfest– More than 20 breweries gather in downtown Ludington to offer patrons samples of their beers, wines, ciders, and meads.
- Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington- Pere Marquette Expeditions hosts this tournament each February.
February 2024
February may be cold, but it's still a great month to enjoy fun activities and attractions in Ludington!
Here are some of the most popular events happening during February. Click the “View All February Events” button for more details on our February Events Calendar page.
- Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park– Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
- Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington- This tournament, held each February, coincides with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend and is hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions.
- Michigan Free Fishing Weekend– The State of Michigan offers two weekends each year, one in February and one in June, where fishing licenses are waived.
- Michigan Free Snowmobiling Weekend– This weekend allows snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit.
March 2024
- St. Patrick’s Day Events- From a 5k to a Pub Crawl, Ludington celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with activities for all ages.
- Finny Slam Fishing Tournament– The tournament, in memory of Ray Finholm, is hosted each March by Pere Marquette Expeditions.
April 2024
- Ludington Lake Jump– This event raises money for a different charity each year with individuals collecting pledges to jump into the ice waters of Lake Michigan.
- Earth Day Celebration– The local AFFEW Chapter hosts speakers and events to recognize Earth Day.
May 2024
- 1st Sailing of the S.S. Badger Carferry– All aboard the SS Badger! Travel to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, or enjoy a shoreline cruise right here in Ludington.
- Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
- Petunia Parade– Volunteers plant petunias along Ludington Avenue/US-10 to beautify the stretch of road.
- Local Lighthouses Open for Tours- Many West Michigan lighthouses offer tours to the public.
June 2024
- Michigan Free Fishing & Free ORV Weekend– The State of Michigan waives fishing licenses and ORVers can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
- Ludington Lakestride 5k, 10k & Half-Marathon– This popular race allows runners to experience one of the most beautiful courses in Michigan.
- Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament– Held in Stearns Park, right on the Lake Michigan beach, this event attracts 20,000 plus people each summer.
- Relay for Life- A charity event to raise money for cancer research, this is held at Ludington’s Oriole Field.
- Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Farmer’s Market– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
July 2024
- Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival– This is one of the most popular 4th of July celebrations in West Michigan and offers two days of events.
- West Shore Art Fair– This massive art fair was rated by Sunshine Artist Magazine in the magazine’s annual 200 Best List.
- Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament– This week long tournament is one of the most popular in West Michigan.
- Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market at Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
- Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
August 2024
- Western Michigan Fair– This huge event spans 5 days and is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
- Gold Coast Artisan Fair– Artists & Crafters fill Ludington’s Rotary Park for this popular show.
- Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
- Lighthouse Triathlon– This event, ending at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington, offers participants 5 events to choose from.
- Farmer’s Market– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
- Suds on the Shore Festival– Sample beer and wine at this fundraiser for the United Way of Mason County.
- Michigan Free ORV Weekend– ORVers can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Activities & Attractions in Ludington
Menu Guide – Hungry Howies Pizza and Subs
Mix and match deal for $6.99 at Hungry Howies Pizza and Subs in Ludington! View their Lakeshore Menu Guide ad here.
Mason County District Libraries
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Downtown Ludington St. Patrick’s Day
Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, and downtown Ludington is where you want to be for all the fun events!
Todd & Brad Reed Photography Workshops
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Ludington Breaks World Records
In the last few years, the community of Ludington has decided to start making history with attempts at breaking world records.
Dining
Most restaurants and dining establishments in Ludington are found on the US-10 corridor or in the downtown area.
August Events Calendar
We’re savoring the last moments of summer in Ludington but there’s still plenty going on. Here’s a guide to what’s happening this August.
Featured Businesses
Advantage Marketing Photo Ludington’s Featured Businesses When you shop locally, it helps your community to thrive. These business owners live, work, and
November Events Calendar
Give thanks for fall weather and all the great events that Ludington hosts each November! Here’s our guide to what’s happening.