Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Ludington Celebrates It's Sesquicentennial in 2023!

The beautiful laketown of Ludington, Michigan, will hold it’s 150th birthday party in 2023 at it’s Sesquicentennial Celebration! Many events and activities are being incorporated into the event throughout the year. 

Here is the most current schedule of events for the celebration:

Sesquicentennial Celebration Kick-Off

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023

  • 6pm – This is actual anniversary date on which Ludington was incorporated in 1873. The evening includes recognition of past city officials, a performance by the Ludington High School Choir, a presentation on Ludington’s history by James Jensen- President of the Mason County Historical Society, refreshments, and more. The event is free and open to the public.  Emmanuel Lutheran Church- 501 E. Danaher St., Ludington

Ludington’s Lumbering Heritage

Thursday, April 20th, 2023

  • 6:30pm – Presentation at the Mason County Research Center- 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Entry fees apply.

Ludington’s 150th Birthday Party

Saturday, May 13th, 2023pm

  • 9:30am-3pm – Stations are going to be featured throughout the museum to provide hands-on activities that show the differences since Ludington was founded. Those attending are encourageed all of you to dress in period style. There will be live music by Eric Engblade, crafts by Deb Borema, biscuits with Mary Lou Ohnsman, games, some giveaways, and cake. Entry fees apply. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Love Ludington Weekend

Friday, June 9th, 2023

  • 6-10:30pm – Love Ludington Street Party which will feature live music by California’s #1 dance band, Pop Vinyl; vendors, games, activities, and fireworks.

Saturday, June 10th, 2023

  • 8amLakestride 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
  • 1-3pm – Historic Homes Walking Tours to visit historic homes and meet first-person interpreters. Begins at the Mason County Historical Society Research Center- 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
  • TBA – House of Flavors 75th Anniversary World Record Attempt (details to come)
  • TBAS.S. Badger Carferry’s 70th Birthday Dock-Side Party (stay tuned)

Sunday, June 11th, 2023

  • 1-3pm – Historic Homes Walking Tours to visit historic homes and meet first-person interpreters. Begins at the Mason County Historical Society Research Center- 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Scottville Clown Band Sesquicentennial Concert

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

  • 7-8:30pm – Free and open to the public. A proclamation by City of Ludington Mayor Mark Barnett will be included.

Maritime Heritage Trail Walking Tour

Saturday, August 12th, 2023

  • 10-11am – The tour begins in the Lund Room at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum- 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. It will continue with other landmark locations and history along the way. Tickets are $5 per person.

Cemetery Walk

Saturday, August 26th, 2023

  • 10-11am – This guided walking tour of Lakeview and Pere Marquette Cemeteries will include visits to gravesites of the area’s  most notable people, brought to life by first-person interpreters.

Trial of the Century: Mason County Style

Saturday, September 23, 2023

  • 1-4pm – The trial will take place at the Mason County Courthouse, located at Historic White Pine Village- 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr.. The judge and lawyers will be played by first-person interpreters and members of the crowd will be selected to serve in the jury box. There will also be an ice cream social, pie contest, and demonstrations throughout the village.

Sesquicentennial Ball

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

  • 6-10pm – Tickets include dinner, music, dancing, and the opportunity to to learn more about the history of Stearns Hotel and the “Quarrel Heard ‘Round the County” between Eber Ward and Justus Stearns. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the decades. Stearns Hotel- 212 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Tickets information TBA.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available!

For more information on the Ludington Sesquicentennial Celebration, please visit:

ludington150.com

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