Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Want your event on the calendar?
Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2-7 p.m., shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce and farm products at Legacy Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ludington! Plus, live music happens from 6-8 p.m. on the plaza stage, featuring musicians from around the region.
Location: 112 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Live in the Plaza
🎶 Free Friday Music at Legacy Plaza!
Keep summer going a little longer with free live musical performances every Friday in September! Bring a chair, grab dinner or a treat from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music and time outdoors at Legacy Plaza. ☀️🎵
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Plaidurday Pub Crawl
Throw on your flannel and join us for a night of craft beer and camaraderie, starting and ending at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. Make your way through Downtown Ludington’s Outdoor Social District and end your night with live entertainment by Zip City at Ludington Bay from 6-9 PM. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at the link below.
Location: Downtown Ludington
Ludington Bay is located at 515 S. Ludington Ave.
Ludington Lumber Days
Step into Ludington’s past and celebrate the rich lumber heritage that helped build our community during Ludington Lumber Days, a fall festival weekend packed with lumberjack-inspired fun, history, music, and adventure for all ages.
🪓 Friday, Oct. 2:
Plaidurday Pub Crawl downtown (6–9PM)
Photo exhibitions, museum tours
🍂 Saturday, Oct. 3:
Lumber Days Workout at Legacy Plaza with log rolls, ax throwing, stump jumps and more
Beer Garden at Legacy Plaza with live music & kids’ activities
Fall Festival at Ludington State Park with live music, wagon rides, cider and donuts (free)
Logging encampment at Historic White Pine Village
Lumber-themed crafts at Sandcastles Children’s Museum
Lighthouse tours and more!
🪓 Sunday, Oct. 4:
Coffee, Cars & Craft - Cap off the weekend by viewing vintage cars at a special Coffee, Cars & Craft event on South James Street. Enjoy cars from the Ludington Auto Club, coffee for purchase from Hitch Hiker Coffee and Meraki Coffee, craft beer from Jamesport Brewing and Ludington Bay Brewing, and live music (11 a.m.-2 p.m.).
Wear your flannel. Bring the family. Embrace the fall. 🍁🪓🍻
Lumber Days Workout
Log rolls, ax swings, stump jumps, and more. Enjoy a workout inspired by our logging roots. Sign up with Harborfit Studio on the MindBody app. (free)
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Coffee, Cars & Craft
NEW! Check out a collection of vintage cars from the Ludington Auto Club while enjoying coffee available for purchase from Hitch Hiker Coffee and Meraki Coffee, along with live music. Event co-sponsors Jamesport Brewing Company and Ludington Bay Brewing Company will also offer craft beer to-go through the downtown social district. The event is free and open to the public.
Location: South James Street
from Foster Street to Melendy Street
Chloe Kimes at the Mitten Bar
Originally from Ludington and now based in Nashville, TN, Chloe Kimes returns to The MItten Bar for an intimate performance. Kimes is an Americana singer/songwriter, and she just put out a new album! This is a stop on her Daredevil Tour.
Location: Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Run for Your Lives 10K/5K
Walkers and runners of all ages are invited to participate in this #RunLudington event happening on Halloween morning!
Registration fee includes a race tee and finisher medal.
Awards for top male/female in the Overall, Masters (40-59), and Grand Masters (60+) and top 3 in age groups by decades.
COURSE
5k Race Route: https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/35HG6fhmWM
10k Race Route:https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/3fHE1sUXXL
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Saturday, October 31 at HOYT’S NEXT DOOR, 107 W. Ludington Avenue, 7:30-8:30am
REGISTRATION: Adult: $30, $35 on race day // Student: $20, $25 on race day
Registrations after Friday at noon are not guaranteed a shirt.
Start and finish – Intersection of James and Court streets
Ludrock's Night of Fright
LUDRock Presents: Night of Fright 12 | 6:30 p.m.-midnight
Join Ludington’s “biggest and best Halloween event” in a night of rock ’n’ roll and Halloween fun for all. Enjoy live music by Gina and Jordan starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by The Stinks. Adult beverages plus food is available for purchase by the Ludington Jaycees. Sport your best costume for the adults and kids costume contests. Tickets are $10 (free under 12), and proceeds support the art center.
Location: Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison St., Ludington
LACA to Present 'STORM: Ludington' — A Powerful Great Lakes Concert Experience
Some stories refuse to stay buried.
On Friday, Nov. 13, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) will present STORM: Ludington, a one-of-a-kind multimedia concert experience that brings the dramatic history of the Great Lakes to life through music, film, storytelling, and firsthand accounts of survival.
Beginning at 7 p.m. in LACA’s Bob & Kay Neal Performance Hall, STORM: Ludington takes audiences beneath the waters of Lake Michigan and into the heart of some of the region’s most compelling maritime stories. The production combines stunning underwater footage, rare interviews, historic photographs, eyewitness testimony, and live music to create an unforgettable evening that is equal parts concert, documentary, and theatrical experience.
Hosted by acclaimed maritime historian and diver Ric Mixter, the program explores Ludington’s rich maritime heritage, from the city’s lumbering boom to modern shipwreck discoveries that continue to capture the imagination of divers and historians alike. Among the stories featured is the tragic loss of the Adella Shores, a freighter loaded in Ludington for Morton Salt before disappearing into the waters of the Great Lakes.
Mixter is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on Great Lakes shipwrecks. He was the first documentarian to tell the story of the Carl Bradley, Lake Michigan’s largest shipwreck, and has personally descended in a submersible to visit the legendary wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The evening also recounts one of the most remarkable rescue stories in Great Lakes history, featuring firsthand survivor testimony from the Novadoc, whose wreckage still rests near the dunes of Mears following one of the most devastating storms ever to strike Lake Michigan.
Accompanying the stories is renowned Great Lakes songwriter Dan Hall, whose original compositions provide a moving soundtrack to the images and accounts presented throughout the evening. His music transforms maritime history into a deeply personal and emotional experience, connecting audiences to the people, vessels, and communities whose stories continue to echo across the inland seas.
“STORM: Ludington” offers something truly unique for local residents and visitors alike. Whether you are fascinated by shipwrecks, love Great Lakes history, enjoy live music, or simply appreciate a powerful story well told, this immersive production promises an evening unlike anything else to visit Ludington this year.
One night. One concert. Countless stories rising from the depths of the Great Lakes.
Location:
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI
Velvet Mushroom Syndicate at The Mitten Bar
The night before Thanksgiving is getting weird at The Mitten.
Velvet Mushroom Syndicate is taking over with a heavy dose of psychedelic rock, grooves, and late-night energy. Grab a beer, bring your people, and kick off the holiday weekend the right way.
Location: Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Small Business Saturday
Holiday deals and giveaways are part of this annual shopping day designed to kick off the holiday shopping season and support small businesses. Watch for more information to come!
Aglow on the Avenue Parade
Get in the holiday spirit at this annual event that will light up the night in Downtown Ludington! Floats, bands, fire trucks, and Santa Claus himself will be part of the fun! The community tree lighting with Christmas carols will take place at Legacy Plaza right after the parade.
Beginner Crochet Class
Know someone who wants to learn crochet? Wrap this idea up early!
Our Beginning Crochet class is coming December 19 and makes a sweet early Christmas gift for a friend, family member, grandchild, or yourself. No fancy experience needed – just come ready to learn.
Location: Nautical Yarn
108 S. Rath Ave., Ludington
Cost: $10
Pure Ludington New Year's Eve Ball Drop
The biggest ball drop celebration in West Michigan will help ring in 2027, complete with a giant street party, live music, midnight ball drop and fireworks display. Grab a drink in the Ludington Outdoor Social District (LOSD) and enjoy it anywhere in the designated area.
JBC Harvest Party
Live music featuring Groovix Cube under the "beer tent" in the backyard, craft vendors and fall activities.
Location: Jamesport Brewing Company
410 S. James St., Ludington
Live in the Plaza
🎶 Free Friday Music at Legacy Plaza!
Keep summer going a little longer with free live musical performances every Friday in September! Bring a chair, grab dinner or a treat from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music and time outdoors at Legacy Plaza. ☀️🎵
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2-7 p.m., shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce and farm products at Legacy Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ludington! Plus, live music happens from 6-8 p.m. on the plaza stage, featuring musicians from around the region.
Location: 112 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Live in the Plaza
🎶 Free Friday Music at Legacy Plaza!
Keep summer going a little longer with free live musical performances every Friday in September! Bring a chair, grab dinner or a treat from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music and time outdoors at Legacy Plaza. ☀️🎵
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2-7 p.m., shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce and farm products at Legacy Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ludington! Plus, live music happens from 6-8 p.m. on the plaza stage, featuring musicians from around the region.
Location: 112 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Bootcamp at the Brewery
Sweat. Connect. Unwind.
Register on the MindBody app. $15 covers the class and a $5 JBC coupon. Class will be led by HarborFit Studio.
Location: Jamesport Brewing Company
410 S. James St., Ludington
2026 WMCMH Walk of Hope
This free, public event will raise awareness, promote hope and healing, and help break the stigma surrounding suicide. The walk begins at 5:30pm, and there will also be free safety promotions including: Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, gun locks, and more. This pet-friendly event will also feature free hot dogs and connections to other local community resources.
Location: Waterfront Park
391 S. William St.
Ludington
For more info, contact Lori Schummer at (800) 992-2061.
Come Monday - Labor Day Weekend Show
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with cheeseburger and margarita specials – plus live music by Jimmy Dodson – on Monday, September 7, at Jamesport Brewing Company! Jimmy will be performing a Jimmy Buffett tribute to create a party atmosphere!
Location:
Jamesport Brewing Company
410 S. James St.
Ludington, MI
Gears + Beers = Food for Peers
30 or 45-mile fun ride benefiting the Lakeshore Food Club!
Join us for a 30 or 45-mile fun ride on pavement, gravel, and dirt roads.
Start time 11:00 at Ludington Bay Brewing, 515 S. James St., Ludington
45 mile riders stop at Campbell Crossing Farms.
All riders will stop a little over halfway at Starving Artist Brewing - (Beer included in the registration).
End Ludington Bay Brewing - (Beer included in the registration). Live music from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the brewery
Riders will receive:
Gears + Beers = Food for Peers T-shirt
Beverage of choice at Ludington Bay Brewing and Starving Artist Brewing
Trailhead Bike Shop Swag
Coupon for Jamesport Brewing Company
Registration is $75
Proceeds will be donated to our Lakeshore Food Club.
Chirp at the Mitten
Chirp is a high-energy live band known for a fun, crowd-focused show that keeps people engaged from start to finish. Their set blends recognizable favorites with upbeat arrangements that hit just right for dancing, singing along, or just hanging out with a drink in hand. Tight musicianship, playful stage energy, and a relaxed vibe make every set feel easy and fun — they really feed off the crowd.
If you caught them last time, you already know. If not, this is your chance.
Location: The Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Live in the Plaza
🎶 Free Friday Music at Legacy Plaza!
Keep summer going a little longer with free live musical performances every Friday in September! Bring a chair, grab dinner or a treat from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music and time outdoors at Legacy Plaza. ☀️🎵
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2-7 p.m., shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce and farm products at Legacy Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ludington! Plus, live music happens from 6-8 p.m. on the plaza stage, featuring musicians from around the region.
Location: 112 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Live in the Plaza
🎶 Free Friday Music at Legacy Plaza!
Keep summer going a little longer with free live musical performances every Friday! Bring a chair, grab dinner or a treat from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music and time outdoors at Legacy Plaza. ☀️🎵
Location: Legacy Plaza
112 N. James Street
Ludington, MI
Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2-7 p.m., shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce and farm products at Legacy Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ludington! Plus, live music happens from 6-8 p.m. on the plaza stage, featuring musicians from around the region.
Location: 112 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
The Stinks at the Mitten
If you know The Stinks, you know it’s all about good vibes, crowd interaction, and songs you forgot you loved. If you don’t know them yet… you will by the end of the night.
Location: The Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Vince Rockwell Exhibit at Timeless Picture Framing
A fine art exhibit opening will be held on August 21 at Timeless Picture Framing. Following the opening event, the exhibit will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and on Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. through September 7.
Location:
Timeless Picture Framing
103 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Movies in the Park
FREE Movies in the Park will be held on August 6, 13 & 20. Baby Badger rides begin at 7:30 p.m. with the movie at dusk.
Movie for August 20: Lilo & Stitch
Location: Rotary Park
300 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Suds on the Shore
Live Music. Craft Beers. Local Wine. Food Trucks.
It doesn’t get better than that, so purchase a ticket and show up on Saturday, August 15 for the 17th Annual Suds on the Shore Craft Beer + Wine Festival. It’s a good time. We promise.
Suds on the Shore features 60 brewers from across Michigan.
Location: Rotary Park
500 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
All proceeds benefit United Way of Mason County.
County Parks at the Mitten
County Parks is a country-rock band based in Hart, Michigan. The group’s original music draws influence from classic country, rock & roll, bluegrass, and modern Nashville songwriting. With three albums of original music in addition to the solo album Lasso by guitarist/vocalist Andy Henley, the band has a wide variety of songs. Their songs feature tight harmonies, clever lyrics, and hot guitar solos.
County Parks has performed at numerous festivals and venues, including Forest Trail Festival, Sol-Fest, the Ramsdell Theater, the Mitten Bar, and Rebel Road. They have shared the stage with many great Michigan bands, including Full Cord and Silver Creek Revival.
Location:
The Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Movies in the Park
FREE Movies in the Park will be held on August 6, 13 & 20. Baby Badger rides begin at 7:30 p.m. with the movie at dusk.
Movie for August 13: Hoppers
Location: Rotary Park
300 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
West Shore Civic Band Howard Hornung/Tom Thomas Memorial Band Concert
The West Shore Civic Band will host the Howard Hornung/Tom Thomas Memorial Band Concert on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Ludington. There is no cost, but donations will be accepted.
This concert is an annual tribute to beloved local school Band Directors, Mr. Hornung and Mr. Thomas.
Location:
391 S. William St.
Ludington, MI
Gold Coast Artisan Fair
The popular Gold Coast Artisan Fair takes place annually at Rotary Park in Ludington, with over 170 arts & crafts displays for browsing and shopping.
Location: Rotary Park
500 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Downtown Ludington Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Ludington's Sidewalk Sales are the perfect excuse to spend a summer day exploring downtown. Grab a coffee, stroll the streets, browse outdoor racks, and discover exclusive deals and seasonal markdowns from your favorite local shops.
Merchants will bring the shopping outdoors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience while taking advantage of end-of-season savings.
After you've found your next great purchase, stick around and enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks at one of Downtown Ludington's welcoming restaurants, breweries, or bars. Don't miss this summer shopping tradition that combines great deals with the charm of downtown.
Some sales to note:
ABC Kidz – up to 50% off winter & summer items. Purple Monkey – up to 80% off clothing, toys, gifts, and books!
Sparkle more, spend less at Bestie Bagz! Prismatic blooms, colorful glass skulls, plus Christmas on the lakeshore from our featured guest artist!
The Coffee Coop – this Sunday is the last one this summer! Be sure to get your favorite drink while you shop!
KRAVE Frozen Yogurt & Drink Shoppe will open early on those 3 days at 10 a.m. The store will be offering BOGO 50% off smoothie bowls and iced coffee.
Ludington Spice Company is offering Lakeshore Reserve Seasoning Blends (excludes top shelf items) at buy 2 get 50% off any item of equal or lesser value. Also, for every $20 spent in store, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a Ludington Spice Co gift basket valued at $100!
Mariellen’s Hallmark has extended hours on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 9pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. The store is offering 50%-75% off on a large selection of sale gifts during sidewalk sales.
Snyder’s Shoes is continuing its Annual Summer Sale throughout the week with big discounts on major brands.
Movies in the Park
FREE Movies in the Park will be held on August 6, 13 & 20. Baby Badger rides begin at 7:30 p.m. with the movie at dusk.
Movie for August 6: GOAT
Location: Rotary Park
300 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Sophistafunk at the Mitten
Sophistafunk brings a smooth mix of funk, hip-hop, and soul, creating upbeat, danceable music that keeps the energy high without overwhelming the room. Their live shows are known for tight grooves, fun rhythms, and a sound that fits perfectly in a lively bar setting.
We’ll also be featuring a Starving Artist tap takeover, so you can enjoy unique pours while you listen.
Location:
The Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Woods, Waves, Ways art exhibit
“Woods, Waves and Ways” – a local artist paints the Ludington State Park art exhibition opening reception. Marie Marfia, award-winning pastel artist, presents 40+ new works that celebrate the Ludington State Park. Show runs through August 14:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
12-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Location: Timeless Picture Framing
103 E Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
Marie Marfia will be at the gallery for an Opening Reception, 4-7pm Saturday, July 18, and also the following three weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 5pm. Owner Rob Randle will be on hand Monday-Friday from 10-3pm July 20-August 14.
Pride Festival
This LGBTQIA+ festival includes food trucks, entertainment, and vendors. The festival will also highlight resources, supporters, and nonprofits.
Location: Rotary Park
corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
2026 Summer Book Sale
The annual Friends of the Mason County District Library summer book sale is coming soon!
Sale hours: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 17
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18
12-2 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Credit cards, PayPal, checks, and cash are all accepted. All sale proceeds go toward our FREE programming and events at our library branches. (The library is no longer accepting book donations.)
Location:
217 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI
![The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]...](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/679a45f9014ac364c43b73a2/1783607054427-6UDQN8NKDFFFTN6WIS2G/image.png)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]...
Tickets are now on sale for the Stage Left Theatre Company production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]…
The show will run on Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Thursday-Saturday shows are at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm.
Tickets are $23.18 online and available at stageleftmi.org or at the door for $20 each. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to buy tickets early.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] is a hilarious comedy that condenses all of Shakespeare’s plays into one fast-paced performance. Using quick costume changes, audience participation, and plenty of parody, the cast races through the Bard’s tragedies, comedies, and histories, creating a fun and entertaining experience for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.
Location: Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI
Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Boys Fishing Tournament
This week-long event has contests for pros, amateurs, ladies and youth. Daily weigh-ins happen at Waterfront Park from 2-3 p.m. Learn more and register at http://ludingtonoffshoreclassic.org.
Location: Waterfront Park
391 S. William St.
Ludington, MI