Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Summer Events in Ludington

Summer is Ludington’s favorite season, so if you’re considering a vacation in the area, we’ve got the festivals and events to keep you entertained! Have fun at the event, and then catch a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset or dip your toes in the lake to check out the water temperature!

Ludington's Top Annual Summer Events

2025

Sunset Beach Bonfires - Thursdays: June 26th, July 31st, & August 28th; 2025

On the 4th Thursday of each month , bring your blanket or beach chair to the south end of Stearns Beach from 8-10pm and enjoy a huge bonfire while listening to some great music. These Sunset Bonfires are FREE and open to the public.

Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament - July 14th-20th, 2025

The Ludington Offshore Classic sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July. This tournament is open to any boat 18′ or longer equipped with a marine radio.

West Shore Bank's Rhythm & Dunes Concerts - July 26th & August 2nd, 2025

West Shore Bank offers its annual Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington as a fundraiser for area school’s music programs. The main concert is generally preceded by a performance by Jazz Bands from area schools. 

Western Michigan Fair - August 5th-9th, 2025

The Western Michigan Fair has been held every year since 1936 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US-10 in Ludington. It features the midway, demolition derby, harness horse racing, entertainment, still exhibits, grandstand events, and carnival rides.

Gold Coast Artisan Fair - August 9th-10th, 2025

Located at Ludington’s Rotary Park (formerly City Park), over 170 vendors from across the state and beyond sell a variety of wonderful handmade items, jewelry, photographs, paintings, and more at the annual Gold Coast Artisan Fair. Shop for gift items, or pick up something unique for your home.

Suds on the Shore Beer & Wine Tasting Festival - August 16th, 2025

Suds on the Shore is a popular summer festival featuring over 50 top vendors from all around Michigan,  The vendors serve samples of craft beer, hard cider and Michigan wine, while participants also enjoy live music and food.

2026

Lakestride Half Marathon, 5K, & 10K - June 2026

The Ludington Lakestride is held on one of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Michigan, attracting 800-1,000 runners from around the state and beyond. The 5K run which winds its way through Cartier Park, the 10K which runs out to Decker Road and back, and the Half-Marathon

Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival & Fireworks - July 3rd-4th, 2026 (Tentative)

Patriotism is alive and well here 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.

West Shore Art Fair - July 2026

The West Shore Art Fair is sponsored by the Ludington Area Center for the Arts and is a juried fine arts and crafts show which means a more stringent criteria is used and only the highest-quality artists are admitted. Awards are given to artists in various mediums by LACA.

Current Events

Summer Music in West Michigan

After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.

Fishing Tournaments & Events

Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.

Summer Events

Summer is Ludington’s favorite season, so if you’re considering a vacation in the area, we’ve got the festivals to keep you entertained!

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!

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

Downtown Ludington Sidewalk Sales

Summer’s not over yet and there are summer bargains to be found all weekend during downtown Ludington’s Sidewalk Sale Days in early August.

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Hamlin Lake Dunes

Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes

Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.

Waterfront Park Sculptures

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.

Music Heritage Trail

The Music Heritage Trail will take you from Idlewild to Baldwin and from Scottville to Ludington as it explores the historic music scene!

Travel Itineraries

No matter if your looking for a family friendly vacation or a getaway for two, Ludington is a great vacation spot, any time of year.