Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Festivals & Events in Ludington

This page is designed as a perpetual calendar of featured annual events by the month, starting with current events. Scroll down for future months.

Current Events in Ludington

Car Shows

Ludington is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.

Ludington Lakestride 5K, 10K & Half Marathon

Each summer, the Ludington Lakestride offers three races: a 5k through Cartier Park, a 10k to Decker Road and back, and a half marathon.

The events listed on this page are just the highlights of what's happening in the months to come. Click the "View All Events" button within any month to view the full list of monthly events with time and date details.

Please scroll below this ad for local event info.

June 2025

Michigan Free Fishing & Free ORV Weekend– The State of Michigan waives fishing licenses and ORVers can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Ludington Lakestride 5k, 10k & Half-Marathon– This popular race allows runners to experience one of the most beautiful courses in Michigan.
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament– Held in Stearns Park, right on the Lake Michigan beach, this event attracts 20,000 plus people each summer.
Relay for Life- A charity event to raise money for cancer research, this is held at Ludington’s Oriole Field.
Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
Farmer’s Market– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.

July 2025

Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival– This is one of the most popular 4th of July celebrations in West Michigan and offers two days of events.
West Shore Art Fair– This massive art fair was rated by Sunshine Artist Magazine in the magazine’s annual 200 Best List.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament– This week long tournament is one of the most popular in West Michigan.
Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market at Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.

August 2025

Western Michigan Fair– This huge event spans 5 days and is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
Gold Coast Artisan Fair– Artists & Crafters fill Ludington’s Rotary Park for this popular show.
Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
Farmer’s Market– Many West Michigan communities offer farmer’s markets through the spring and summer.
Suds on the Shore Festival– Sample beer and wine at this fundraiser for the United Way of Mason County.
Michigan Free ORV Weekend– ORVers can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.

September 2025

Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
Open Horse Shows– The Mason County Fairgrounds hosts numerous shows from May-October each year.
Octoberfest– Celebrate fall with chili, beer, and entertainment.
Fall Events– Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.

October 2025

Halloween & Trick-or-Treating– West Michigan communities offer lots of fun during the Halloween season, including Trunk or Treats and traditional door-to-door candy hunting.
Fall Events- Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park– Each winter, the Ludington State Park offers snowshoe making classes to the public.

November 2025

Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows– Celebrate the season and see Santa at this annual parade.
Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade– Celebrate Santa’s arrival in Ludington with this festive parade.
Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park– Each winter, the Ludington State Park offers snowshoe making classes to the public.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights– Enjoy a drive-thru experience at the Mason County Fairgrounds.

December 2025

Ludington Area Festival of Lights– Enjoy a drive-thru experience at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
New Years Eve Lighted Ball Drop, Ludington– Visit Ludington for New Year’s Eve and stand in awe of “the ball” which has over 6,000 lights.

January 2026

Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park– Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest– More than 20 breweries gather in downtown Ludington to offer patrons samples of their beers, wines, ciders, and meads.
Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington- Pere Marquette Expeditions hosts this tournament each February.

February 2026

Guided Snowshoe Walks at Ludington State Park– Throughout the months of January and February, the Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe walks along their winding trails.
Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament, Ludington- This tournament, held each February, coincides with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend and is hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions.
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend– The State of Michigan offers two weekends each year, one in February and one in June, where fishing licenses are waived.
Michigan Free Snowmobiling Weekend– This weekend allows snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit.

March 2026

St. Patrick’s Day Events- From a 5k to a Pub Crawl, Ludington celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with activities for all ages.
Finny Slam Fishing Tournament– The tournament, in memory of Ray Finholm, is hosted each March by Pere Marquette Expeditions.

April 2026

Ludington Lake Jump– This event raises money for a different charity each year with individuals collecting pledges to jump into the ice waters of Lake Michigan.
Earth Day Celebration– The local AFFEW Chapter hosts speakers and events to recognize Earth Day.

May 2026

1st Sailing of the S.S. Badger Carferry– All aboard the SS Badger! Travel to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, or enjoy a shoreline cruise right here in Ludington.
Farmer’s Markets– Ludington offers a farmer’s market in Legacy Plaza through the spring and summer.
Petunia Parade– Volunteers plant petunias along Ludington Avenue/US-10 to beautify the stretch of road.
Local Lighthouses Open for Tours- Many West Michigan lighthouses offer tours to the public.

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

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Aerial View of Big Sable Point

The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.

Hamlin Lake

Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!

Value of Sports Museum

Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.

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”.

Power

The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!

Ludington Skate Plaza

The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.

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