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2022 Festivals & Events in Ludington
Table of Page Contents
(Scroll down for upcoming festivals and events.)
Current Events
This outdoor theatre festival is held in downtown Ludington's Rotary Park over two weekends each summer and feature local actors.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The popular Gold Coast Artisan Fair is usually held the second weekend of August at Ludington’s Rotary Park.
The Suds on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival is held each August at Ludington's Rotary Park to benefit the United Way of Michigan.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
August in Ludington means free movies, on three Thursday nights at dusk in Ludington’s Rotary Park (formerly City Park).
The Western Michigan Boat, RV, Outdoor, & Home Show is held annually at the Ludington Municipal Marina near Waterfront Park in Ludington.
Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events. That's very evident when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair.
This information is presented as a perpetual calendar, with the current month's calendar of events first, and the remaining monthly calendars to follow.
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 for our full monthly calendar with time and date details.
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 2022
- 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 2022
- 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 2022
- 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 2022
- 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 2023
- 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 2023
- 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 2023
- 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 2023
- 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 2023
- 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 2023
- 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.
