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!
Photo by Western Michigan Fairgrounds
The Western Michigan Fair is where you see your friends and neighbors, celebrate the waning days of summer, and appreciate good family values. The big cities may have the advantage over us in certain things, but nothing beats the feeling you get living in a cozy, friendly town with annual events like the Western Michigan Fair.
With the exception of WWII, the fair has been held every year since 1936 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US-10 in Ludington. The fair was modified in 2020 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The fair features the midway, demolition derby, harness horse racing, entertainment, still exhibits, grandstand events, and carnival rides. But the real attraction of the fair is the 4-H exhibits and animals. Area youngsters who have worked hard the past year raising their sheep, chickens, cows, and rabbits proudly wait for the judge’s ribbon. Equestrians get their chance to showcase their horses, and homemakers busily prepare their pies and other homemade goodies for judging.
Ride wristbands are $30 Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, and $25 on Wednesday (Kids Day). Pre-sale mega ride passes go on sale in July and can be purchased at tjschmidtcarnival.com.
Days, times, and events listed below reflect the typical fair schedule from year to year, but may be subject to change.
Fair Entrance $5.00
Fair Entrance $10.00 per person – 5 & under free.
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free. All Veterans and Senior Citizens admitted free. Shuttle service from parking lot will be available.
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free
Think the fairgrounds are just for the fair? Not here in Ludington! The Mason County Fairgrounds gets plenty of use in the summertime, one of our favorite seasons here along the lakeshore. The 185-acre site where the fairgrounds and airport are now located was farmland purchased in 1935 from Charles G. Wing. The first fair in Mason County was held in 1936, and the fair has been held each year with the exception of during WWII.
The fairgrounds have undergone a facelift in 2013-2014, with $672,000 in improvements. They include:
The fairgrounds are busy throughout the summer with various horse shows, including 4-H Youth, Quarterhorse shows and the AQHA/MQHA. In September, the Mason County Fairgrounds hosts the MIHA District IX Equestrian Meet. Almost every summer weekend, there’s an open air flea market at the fairgrounds, where you’ll find everything from books to furniture to tools. It’s a great place to browse and find those unique treasures.
Western Michigan Fair Association
5302 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-8563
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
August in Ludington means free movies, on three Thursday nights at dusk in Ludington’s Rotary Park (formerly City Park).
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
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.
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.
The popular Gold Coast Artisan Fair is usually held the second weekend of August at Ludington’s Rotary Park.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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