Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
2021-2022 Festivals & Events in Ludington
All year long, there are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy. Here we’ve condensed the annual happenings, so you can see at a glance which time of year you may want to visit our wonderful area. Welcome to Ludington!
This information is presented as a perpetual calendar, with the current month’s calendar of events first, and the remaining monthly calendars to follow.
December 2021
- 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 2022
- 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.
February 2022
- Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington- Pere Marquette Expeditions hosts this tournament each February.
- 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.
March 2022
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade & 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 2022
- 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.
- Ludrock Presents Girls Rock– Women and girls of all ages display their talents and skills, and tell their stories.
- Earth Day Celebration– The local AFFEW Chapter hosts speakers and events to recognize Earth Day.
May 2022
- 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.
- Final Friday Experience– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
June 2022
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Friday Experience– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
July 2022
- 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.
- Final Friday Experience– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- 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 2022
- 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.
- Final Friday Experience– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- Suds on the Shore Festival– Sample beer and wine at this fundraiser for the United Way of Mason County.
September 2021
- 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.
- Final Friday Experience– Formerly Friday Night Live, this event includes live music, activities, food and more.
- Fall Events– Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
October 2021
- 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 2021
- 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.