To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
Photo by Rahul Pandit on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in May.)
To assist with your spring cleaning, areas of Mason County offer a Spring Cleanup day, so you and your family can tidy up!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes.
West Michigan 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!
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
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.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Performance of “Don’t Hug Me”
Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Ramdell Regional Center for the Arts- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
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.
Performance of Ragtime
2nd-4th at 7:30pm AND 5th at 3pm. Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave., #401, Muskegon.
Downtown Art Walk
Downtown Traverse City. For more information, visit downtowntc.com.
Performance by The Four C Notes ~ A Night Celebrating Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Picture Perfect Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Held at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast- 602 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.
Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day
This event includes a 5k, Fun Run, and Family Fun Day at Riverside Park- 2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. The event benefits Foster the Family which provides immediate emergency support and long-term holistic care to foster families and children in the Grand Rapids area. 5k is $35, Fun Run is $10, and the Family Fun Day is $10. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, email Faye at faye.veltman@fosterthefamily.org.
Flea Market & Craft Show
Vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. To apply for a space, visit facebook.com or call (231) 862-3571.
Wellston Boosters Craft Sale/Seniors Bake Sale
Wellston Community Center- 1273 S. Seaman Rd., Wellston. To register, contact Denise at roadkingdc@hotmail.com or (231) 330-2422.
Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.
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.
Farm Market
Vendor Show at Tractor Supply Company- 4572 W. US-10, Ludington. To reserve a space, message Berrim Peterson on facebook.com.
NW Michigan Record Show
Dealers will be set up from across Michigan and Indiana selling new and used vinyl records. Also buying and trading. To reserve a table, contact Barry price on facebook.com.
Ship Tours Begin
Boat tours of the SS City of Milwaukee and the USCGC Acacia ships begin. 99 Arthur St., Manistee. For more information, visit carferry.com.
Brews & Beats on the Village Green
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider, food, live music, yard games and more! Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door which includes a tasting glass and six beer samples. For more information & to purchase tickets visit facebook.com.
Performance of Tonight I’m My Mother: a Night of Improv with Liz Allen
The Playhouse at White Lake- 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.
Performance performance by Earthwork Music Collective
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs from Lakeside Wiener Wagon, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free ice cream sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, email Angela Taylor at ataylor@mccschools.org or call (231) 757-3713, ext. 131. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.
Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts to families with children age 3 and under at Crossroads Church of Mason County- 1463 E. US-10, Scottville. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Performance by the Alexis Cole Quartet featuring Pasquale Grasso
As part of the Hart Community Performing Arts Series. Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.
Performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Performance by the Central Park Players at Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven. Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm.
Performance of “Don’t Hug Me”
Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Ramdell Regional Center for the Arts- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Mesick Mushroom Festival
Annual event for mushroom lovers. For more information, visit mesick-mushroomfest.org.
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.
Newaygo Conservation District Native Plant Sale
Plants will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, we are not doing any preorders. Cash, check, and card payments will be accepted. Newaygo County Fairgrounds- 815 S. Stewart Ave., Fremont. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
260 St. Mary Pkwy, Manistee. For more information, call (231) 510-7452.
Spring Art Market
Denos Museum Center- 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City
The Met Opera presents an HD performance of Madame Butterfly
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Performance by the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra
Broadway Spectacular at City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Scottville Clown Band Performance at Baldwin AmVets Blessing
1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin
Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.
Performance of School House Rock
Performance by the Central Park Players at Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven. Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm.
Performance by the Cherry Blossom Ramblers Family Band
Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Vendor/Craft Sale & Flea Market
Register by messaging Dawn Quick on Facebook. Scottville United Methodist Church- 114 W. State St., Scottville.
Tight Lines for Troops
Charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans.
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.
Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin for this annual event.
Run Ludington Harbor Run 5k
Downtown Ludington.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City. To register, visit fareharbor.com.
Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show; for more information, visit miha.org. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
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.
Annual Wine & Art Scholarship Fundraiser
Sponsored by Pentwater Women’s Club, fundraiser for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Includes silent auction, over 30 wines for sampling, hors d’oeurves, desserts, and raffle. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and will be available from Port View- 560 S. Hancock St. and Jilly’s Gallery- 226 S. Hancock St. Event held at Park Place- 750 N. Rush St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwaterwomensclub.org.
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.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.
Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Tim Krause. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Performance of Remembering Patsy Cline
Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Performance by Night Fever: The Ultimate Bee Gees Tribute Featuring The New York Bee Gees
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids
West Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull
Dead Sled at 9am, Transfer Sled at 12pm at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Crystal Mountain Resort- 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville. For more information, visit crystalmountain.com.
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.
Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/memorial-weekend-derby.
Win & Bette Matteson Annual Big Fish Contest
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/annual-big-fish-contest.
Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm. In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, food, horseshoe tournament, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain. For the most updated schedule of events, visit facebook.com.
Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass. Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 1pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.
Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Parade at 10am beginning on 1st St. Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater.
Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.
Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring JD & the Bees Knees. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Fishing Tournament
For more information and to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
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.
COVE Birthday Bash- Manistee 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. Taco ‘Bout It Mexican Fusion- 344 River St., Manistee.
Bike Rodeo
The free, family friendly event will teach riders the safest way to enjoy bike riding through the following stations: helmet check, bike check, wheel check, safe riding, and bicycle skills course. There will also be a book giveaway and toddler balance bikes and helmets giveaway. Registration opens May 1st and can be found here. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
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.
Vintage & Craft Vendor Show
Michillinda Lodge- 5207 N. Scenic Dr., Whitehall. For more information or to reserve a space, e-mail hosts@michillindalodge.com or call (231) 893-1895.
COVE Birthday Bash- Oceana 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. Kristi’s Pour House- 211 E. Main St., Hart.
Mason-Lake Conservation District Mushroom Hike
Mushroom Hike, in partnership with Linda Scribner, beginning at the Fin & Feather Club- 3276 Darr Rd., Scottville. Register at mason-lakeconservation.org by May 12th, 2023.
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.
Spring Walking Tour
Learn about both invasive and native plants at Cartier Park with Dave Dister, local botanist and author. Dave will lead a walking tour of the spring growth in the park, give information on a variety of invasive species, and more. Meet by the Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake, Ludington.
Manistee Memorial Day Observance
9am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery- 1628 Maple Rd. 9:30am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Oak Grove Cemetery- 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr. 10am- Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets and ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Mears Memorial Day Observance
Mears Cemetery- 6189 W. Fox Rd., Mears.
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.
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
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Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.