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.
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Current Events in Ludington
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that's part of what makes the area so great!
Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year 'round.
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it's a winter paradise!
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors “free” weekends to fish, ORV, or snowmobile each year.
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.
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.
June 2026
- 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 2026
- 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 2026
- 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 2026
- 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.
- Fall Events– Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
October 2026
- 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.
- Ludington Lumber Days– A fall festival weekend filled with lumberjack-themed excitement, rich history, lively music, and adventures for all ages.
- Fall Events- Ludington offers plenty of fall fun with hayrides, haunted events, Halloween parties and more.
November 2026
- 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.
- Ludington Area Festival of Lights– Enjoy a drive-thru experience at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
December 2026
- 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 2027
- 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.
Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Visit Summit Park on Lake Michigan
View Lake Michigan from the top of the sandy hill at Summit Park while the kids play on the pirate-ship themed playground.
Waterfront Park in Downtown Ludington
Waterfront Park features a fantastic view of the S.S. Badger and sits right along two marinas of Lake Michigan.
The Ludington School Forest — Fun for All Seasons!
Play on one of Mason County’s disc golf courses and explore the trails by hiking, biking, and snowshoeing!
Pere Marquette Conservation Park
In 2021, the Pere Marquette Charter Township unveiled the new Pere Marquette Conservation Park, located on 300 acres of former Dow property.
Cartier Park
Take a walk through the woods at Cartier Park, featuring paved trails. This park is also home to “Central Bark,” Ludington’s only dog park.
Visit the Ludington State Park
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.