Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Even during the cold winter months, there are festivals to attend, cozy restaurants to visit, and local performances to enjoy.
Outdoor Concerts
What better way to enjoy a balmy summer night than with music? We are blessed to have a variety of wonderful musicians in this area. Venues for outdoor concerts include Ludington’s Waterfront Park, Rotary Band Shell at Rotary Park (formerly called Ludington City Park), and Legacy Plaza (formerly James Street Plaza).
Final Friday Experience
On the last Friday of each month from May-September, downtown Ludington hosts the Final Friday Experience (formerly called Friday Night Live). Plan to bring your appetite, as a number of food vendors will be on hand with tasty dishes. Kids can ride the Baby Badger or take a pony ride. There’s live music on various stages and downtown shops are open late. The Farmers Market is also open for the event.
World Class Sunsets
You may want to head to the beach in the evening hours to avoid the daytime crowds. Stop first and get an ice cream cone, then snuggle up on the sand and wait for the spectacular sunset that never disappoints. Make a game of it and predict the exact minute the golden orb seems to disappear into Lake Michigan. Ludington hosts a Sunset Bonfire Series each summer at Stearns Park Beach on the 4th Thursday of each month. Listen to live music while you gather around the large bonfire to watch the sun go down .
Evenings at Waterfront Park
Have a picnic supper at Waterfront Park. There are plenty of tables and, while you eat, you can watch the various boats as they enter the marinas. The S.S. Badger carferry arrives from Manitowoc at 7pm and leaves again at 8:30pm, and you’ll have the perfect view at Waterfront Park. Kids can frolic on the playground and, after your meal, you can take a stroll to see the sculptures that are found throughout the park. West Shore Bank sponsors its Rhythm & Dunes Concert Series two Saturday nights in late July featuring top-notch musicians. This event is free to the public.
West Shore Community College Performing Arts Series
West Shore Community College is known for providing a great education to thousands of students of all ages, but the arts are also alive and well at the college. The Performing Arts Series features musicians, theater productions, one-man shows as well as the WSCC symphony orchestra, jazz band, and concert choir. Click here for a list of upcoming events.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts has proven to be a valuable and cultural asset to the city of Ludington. The Center hosts various concerts, exhibits, and speakers, as well as being home for the Lakeside Civic Players, a community theater group. The gift shop is open.
Along Ludington Avenue and on South James Street, there are a variety of bars and pubs, many of which offer live entertainment on weekend nights. If karaoke is what you’re looking for, you’ll find that, too. Good friends and good times last long into the night, with taxis available for safe rides home.
Fall means football, and Friday nights light up at Oriole Field. Prior to the game and at halftime, the Ludington High School marching band takes the field and fills the air with great music. Attend other outdoor sports, like cross country, tennis, and golf. Or stay warm inside and watch a volleyball match or a swim meet. Meet friends at your favorite tavern on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for exciting college and NFL football.
When the weather is less than ideal, there’s no need to sit home. Head out to a local bowling alley for a game of cosmic/laser bowling, or catch a movie at the local theater. Local coffeehouses are a great place to enjoy a beverage and perhaps catch some live entertainment. Many restaurants are open late ready to serve hungry patrons.
There’s no better way to end the year than with a night in Downtown Ludington for the New Year’s Eve Lighted Ball Drop. Besides the ball coming down at midnight, there’s an entertainment tent with live music and fireworks following the drop.
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!
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 Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
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”.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the gathering place for community expression through arts and cultural experiences.
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
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