
Fall Events
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
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Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, as demonstrated in the annual Freedom Festival, held every year since 1874. Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees, this event is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 (Tentative)
The fun begins with the Children’s and Pet Parade at the south end of Ferry Street in downtown Ludington. Local children decorate their wagons or bikes, and even try to dress the family pet in red, white, and blue. Categories are Patriotism, Originality, Creative Use of Pets, and Themed Group; with prizes awarded to the winner of each. The first 250 participants will receive a goody bag. It’s a great kick-off to the holiday, and so much fun to watch. Line-up is at 6pm at the corner of Ferry and Loomis Streets with the parade heading east to Waterfront Park.
Thursday, July 4th, 2024 (Tentative)
This is a 1-Mile Fun Run where runners are invited to run the Grand Parade route prior to the parade step off on July 4th to help raise money for the evenings fireworks. The annual fireworks display is funded 100% by donations.
Advanced entry is $30 and late entry online and on race day is $35 Entry includes a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Prizes will be awarded to top male and female runners. Shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register. Remaining shirts will be available first come/first serve at packet pickup/registration on race day. Registration begins at 12:30pm at Leveaux Park- 900 E. Ludington Ave., Race begins at 1:35pm.
Thursday, July 4th, 2024 (Tentative)
The Freedom Festival Grand Parade gets underway July 4th and features floats, bands, politicians, local residents, and of course, the Scottville Clown Band. Thousands line Ludington Avenue to watch this hometown parade.
The route travels downtown from Madison Street to Lakeshore Drive and is a great way to celebrate the warmth and excitement of our nation’s birthday. If you would like to enter a float into the parade, please register at eventbrite.com.
Thursday, July 4th, 2024 (Tentative)
What would July 4th be without fireworks, and Ludington doesn’t disappoint its residents or visitors. On the evening of July 4th starting around dusk (approximately 10:30pm), pick your favorite “viewing” site, such as Stearns Beach, Copeyon Park, or Waterfront Park, and enjoy the show. Basically, anywhere you see water, you’ll see the fireworks. Most people make an evening of it, arriving early to picnic or let the kids enjoy their sparklers. The colorful 20-minute display delights the crowd watching on land and from boats. It’s the perfect ending to this annual celebration. Click here for more information on other firework displays in the area.
The Ludington Area Jaycees are always seeking sponsorships and donations for their Freedom Festival Fireworks which light up Lake Michigan each 4th of July.
The Freedom Festival brings tens of thousands of people to the beautiful Lake Michigan coastal city of Ludington and into local businesses operating there. The event is 100% funded by donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Ludington Area Jaycees
(231) 843-4663
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in Ludington have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
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Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
The bronzed sculptures in Ludington’s 5-acre Waterfront Park sets it apart from other parks. The park is situated on the Lake Michigan inlet.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the gathering place for community expression through arts and cultural experiences.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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