Earth Day Events
Each April, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) hosts an annual Earth Day event in Ludington.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
May 2024 Events Calendar
Browse by Week
Featured May Events
(Scroll down to see more events in May.)
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan celebrated its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events were included.
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Ludington hosts two of the most popular arts & crafts fairs in West Michigan in the summer at Rotary Park (formerly City Park).
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that's part of what makes the area so great!
Traditionally, the SS Badger Carferry’s sailing season begins in May. Due to a dock failure in 2023, the current start date is June 1st, 2024, which is subject to change. Stay tuned for the most updated information!
May 1-7, 2024
Thursday, May 2nd, 2024
4-7pm
Ludington Area Volunteer Fair
Numerous non-profit organizations will have informational booths. There will also be door prizes and refreshments. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington.
May 3rd-5th, 2024
Picture Perfect Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Held at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast- 602 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Saturday, May 4th, 2024
10am
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
10am
Big Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Sable Point Lighthouse- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
May 8-14, 2024
Saturday, May 11th, 2024
7am-12pm
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is typically $10 per person age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Breakfast includes blueberry pancakes with fresh locally made maple syrup, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, orange juice and coffee. There will also be raffles, 50/50 drawings, a large silent auction, and a bake sale all to benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Ludington.
May 15-21, 2024
Friday, May 17th-Sunday, May 19th, 2024
10-Minute Play Festival: Tales for the Stage
Submissions due by February 4th, 2024. For more info, visit ludingtonartscenter.org. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
9am
RunLudington Harbor Run 5k
Downtown Ludington.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
9am
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show; for more information, visit miha.org. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
Horse Shows
Mason County Saddle Club Show; for more information, visit masoncountysaddleclub.com. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
5pm
Blast Into Summer Party
Annual benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads. Admission is a cash donation or donation of a non-perishable food or hygiene item. Tropical or pyratical attire is encouraged. 50/50 raffle, live auction, and music by Two Dudes in Flip Flops. Sportsmans/The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Tuesday, May 21st, 2024
10am
Ludington Breakwater Light Opens for the Season
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
May 22-31, 2024
Friday, May 24th, 2024
6-8pm
Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Tim Krause. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Saturday, May 25th, 2024
10am-4pm
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Saturday, May 25th-Sunday, May 26th, 2024
10am-4pm
West Shore Family Support Craft Fair
This show includes a variety of talented crafters & artists as well as food trucks. Rotary Park- Ludington Ave. & Lewis St., Ludington. For more information or for an application, visit supportwsfs.org.
Friday, May 31st, 2024
6-8pm
Live in the Alley
Live music featuring JD & the Bees Knees. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
The following events are from 2023. Stay tuned for information on dates for these events in 2024!
Souper Hero’s and Princesses Par-Tea
This event is a fundraiser for the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Kids and their favorite adult are encouraged to dress up for this event which includes learning manners, a light luncheon of assorted soups or a lite dinner, and a photo opportunity! 11am-1pm is a session for children ages 3-9 and a separate session for friends 10 and over will be from from 3-5pm. Adult participation is required for both sessions. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
COVE Birthday Bash- Mason County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Scotty’s Restaurant- 5910 W. US-10, Ludington.
Archery Day
Those 8 years of age and older are invited to learn about the history of archery, proper techniques, and have the opportunity to shoot. Those under age 17 must have a parent or guardian with them. All supplies are provided and no registration is necessary. Ludington State Park– 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Play Tennis Midwest
Free interactive tennis activities, games and play for adults and children age 6 and up. Space is limited. Register at usta.com/playtennismidwest. For more information, contact Coach Brown at (517) 745-6113.
Ludington Memorial Day Observance
Service at 11:30am at Veterans Mall in Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 1pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington.
Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!
What's going on now in Ludington?
Discover more to do in Ludington!
Annual Tree & Plant Sales
Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Ludington Lake Jump
The Ludington Lake Jump takes place in spring at Stearns Park Beach. Participants raise funds for a non-profit and jump in the lake.
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!
Todd & Brad Reed Photography Workshops
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
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.
Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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More Activities & Attractions in Ludington
Mason County Sculpture Trail
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Bicycle Trails
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Pet Friendly Places
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
Mason County Cultural Trails
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
South Bayou Park
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Value of Sports Museum
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Fall Color Tour
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Bookstores & Coffee Shops
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.