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!
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Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
July 3rd-4th, 2026 (Tentative)
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.
Children and Pet Parade
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 (Tentative): Line-up begins at 5:30pm with step-off at 6pm
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 the corner of Ferry and Loomis Streets with the parade heading east to Waterfront Park.
Freedom Festival 1-Mile Dash
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 (Tentative): Registration begins at 12:30pm with the Race to start at 1:35pm
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 $35 and late entry online and on race day is $40 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 by June 24th, 2024. Remaining shirts will be available first come/first serve at packet pickup/registration on race day.
Freedom Festival Grand Parade
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at 2pm (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.
Fireworks Over Lake Michigan
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at Dusk (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.
Fireworks Sponsorships
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.
For more information on the Freedom Festival, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington Area Jaycees
(231) 843-4663
Current Events
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!
Christmas Holiday Bazaars and Arts & Crafts Shows in Ludington
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in Ludington have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Visit with Santa
Find all the places where the kids and pets can visit and have pictures taken with Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus) in Ludington.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
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
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
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.
Night Life
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
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.
Marinas
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
The Baby Badger
A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.
Ludington’s Pumped Storage Plant Generates Electricity
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are generating electricity for Ludington and West Michigan!
