Ludington State Park Summer Events
The Ludington State Park holds multiple events for the whole family during the summer months. Don’t miss the live music and presentations!
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Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
July 3rd-4th, 2026 (Tentative)
Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, 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.
Children and Pet Parade
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 (Tentative): Line-up begins at 5:30pm with step-off at 6pm
The fun begins with the Children’s and Pet Parade at the south end of Ferry Street in downtown Ludington. Local children decorate their wagons or bikes, and even try to dress the family pet in red, white, and blue. Categories are Patriotism, Originality, Creative Use of Pets, and Themed Group; with prizes awarded to the winner of each. The first 250 participants will receive a goody bag. It’s a great kick-off to the holiday, and so much fun to watch. Line-up is at the corner of Ferry and Loomis Streets with the parade heading east to Waterfront Park.
Freedom Festival 1-Mile Dash
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 (Tentative): Registration begins at 12:30pm with the Race to start at 1:35pm
This is a 1-Mile Fun Run where runners are invited to run the Grand Parade route prior to the parade step off on July 4th to help raise money for the evenings fireworks. The annual fireworks display is funded 100% by donations.
Advanced entry is $35 and late entry online and on race day is $40 Entry includes a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Prizes will be awarded to top male and female runners. Shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register by June 24th, 2024. Remaining shirts will be available first come/first serve at packet pickup/registration on race day.
Freedom Festival Grand Parade
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at 2pm (Tentative)
The Freedom Festival Grand Parade gets underway July 4th and features floats, bands, politicians, local residents, and of course, the Scottville Clown Band. Thousands line Ludington Avenue to watch this hometown parade.
The route travels downtown from Madison Street to Lakeshore Drive and is a great way to celebrate the warmth and excitement of our nation’s birthday.
Fireworks Over Lake Michigan
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at Dusk (Tentative)
What would July 4th be without fireworks, and Ludington doesn’t disappoint its residents or visitors. On the evening of July 4th starting around dusk (approximately 10:30pm), pick your favorite “viewing” site, such as Stearns Beach, Copeyon Park, or Waterfront Park, and enjoy the show. Basically, anywhere you see water, you’ll see the fireworks. Most people make an evening of it, arriving early to picnic or let the kids enjoy their sparklers. The colorful 20-minute display delights the crowd watching on land and from boats. It’s the perfect ending to this annual celebration. Click here for more information on other firework displays in the area.
Fireworks Sponsorships
The Ludington Area Jaycees are always seeking sponsorships and donations for their Freedom Festival Fireworks which light up Lake Michigan each 4th of July.
The Freedom Festival brings tens of thousands of people to the beautiful Lake Michigan coastal city of Ludington and into local businesses operating there. The event is 100% funded by donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
For more information on the Freedom Festival, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington Area Jaycees
(231) 843-4663
Current Events
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!
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.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament Begins July 14th
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
Horse Shows at the Mason County Fairgrounds
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
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!
Car Show at Jiffy Lube Ludington This Weekend
Ludington is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
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
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruises in Ludington & Manitowoc
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert Series
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
Sunset Times
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
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.
Value of Sports Museum
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
