Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
(Scroll down to see more events in July.)
Spending the July 4th holiday in West Michigan makes it a real celebration, as the area has six firework displays!
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Each July, Baldwin comes alive with the Baldwin Troutarama which include an entertainment tent, midway, concerts, and more.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck's takes place each July in Ludington.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Kaleva holds a festival in mid-July which includes ,softball tournament, car show, pony rides, parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
Spend a Friday afternoon and evening strolling around the galleries in the quaint harbor village of Pentwater.
This nationally renowned festival includes eight days of air shows, concerts, parades, food tastings, arts/crafts show, and fireworks.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Annually, late in July, the Village population soars with attendees and participants in the annual Arcadia Daze celebration.
The Ludington Area Jaycees annual Freedom Festival is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.
The harbor village of Pentwater offers “Movies on the Green” during June-August. Films are shown on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Learn about the annual Young Eagles Rallies in Mason and Oceana Counties and find information about flights at the Mason County Airport.
Ludrock Nation is an organization presenting events: Ludrock, Girls Rock, Ludrock All Stars, Night of Fright to benefit other non-profits.
The annual Manistee National Forest Festival in July features fireworks, parades, and family entertainment in Manistee, Michigan!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Summertime means outdoor arts and crafts fairs, and communities in Manistee County often include these fairs as part of their festivals.
Pentwater is known for its art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques, so expect some great finds at their summer arts and crafts fairs.
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.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Summertime and music just go together perfectly and at the Village Green in the center of Pentwater, the evening is simply charming.
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 Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Annual Festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Grand Haven. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org.
National Cherry Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including concerts, parades, fireworks, and an air show. For more information, visit cherryfestival.org. Festival Grounds- 521 S Union Street, Traverse City.
Hart Sparks Celebration
Free kids activities from 6-9pm, food trucks, vendors, and live music from 6-10pm, and fireworks at Dusk.
Scottville Clown Band Patriotic Concert
Scottville Community Center- 105 Green St., Scottville, 7pm
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring the Metro Soul Band at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Pentwater Fireworks
At Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.
Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Event includes Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Fun Run at 1:30pm, Parade at 2pm, and Fireworks at Dusk. Downtown Ludington.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family.
Art in the Park Arts & Crafts Fair
On Betsie Bay- 501 Main St., Frankfort.
Music in the Streets
Live music featuring The Accidentals at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Includes live music. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.
Thunder over the Dunes Fireworks
Over the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Working on Famous. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Frankfort-Elberta 4th of July Carnival
Parade, sandcastle sculpture contest, arts & crafts far, rides, and Carnival food. Frankfort Open Space- 800 Main St., Frankfort. For more information, visit Facebook.com.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Live music featuring Jason Peek at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton. Open to the public.
Manistee World of Arts & Crafts Show
Armory Youth Project- 555 1st St., Manistee. To register, contact Dianna at (231) 299-1205 or funddevelopment@armoryyouthproject.com.
West Shore Art Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Sponsored by Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Stony Lake Sparkler 5k
Starts at Stony Lake Inn- 4722 Scenic Dr., Shelby.
Music Sparks Meaning Summer Sunset Series
Live music featuring i.am.james at the First Street Beach Gazebo, Manistee.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Food Truck Ralley
Over 20 food trucks along with cash bar and music by the West Side Soul Surfers at the Muskegon Farmers Market- 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring the Anthony Stanco Quintet at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Merch & Miller. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music featuring Truth & Salvage Co. at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music featuring Seth Bernard at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. Rain location is 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee.
Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Justin Wierenga. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Performance by the Manistee Community Band
With the Manistee Community Choir. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Cannabash
Annual festival that includes food, vendors, music spanning all genres, and Michigan’s finest buds and brews. 8330 M-37, Baldwin. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Bear Lake Days
Annual festival in Bear Lake with fun for the whole family.
Pentwater Juried Arts & Crafts Fair
The Pentwater Junior Women’s Club hosts this one-day, juried, high-traffic arts and crafts fair, which has had an excellent reputation for high quality since 1964. For an application or more information, visit pentwaterjrwomensclub.com/artscrafts.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids.
Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Live music featuring John Sanger at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton. Open to the public.
Performance by Benzie County Symphony Orchestra
With Special Guests Laura Osgood Brown: Soprano and Kyle Ferrill: Baritone. Benzie Central High School Auditorium- 9222 Homestead Rd., Benzonia
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring Marshland Express at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
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 op by Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church- 5940 E. Sugar Grove Rd., Fountain. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Greg Secor. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah. Performer TBA.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music featuring Nick Veine at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. Rain location is 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee.
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring The Silverado Band at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Silver Lake Sand & ORV Show
This show is part of the Heroes on the Dunes event and is open to all off-road vehicles. Volunteers of the Heroes on the Dunes event get free vehicle entry and others pay $20 for advance registration or $25 for same-day registration. There will also be crafters/vendors on-site selling their items. For more information or to register your ORV, visit facebook.com.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring American Ages Band. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Guitar Summit
Performance featuring Dave Black, Brian Curran, Stephen Plummer, & Kaedin Plummer. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Mears Arts & Crafts Fair
To register, visit goldentownship.org. Downtown Mears.
Smoke on the Water Music Festival
Live Music, Beer Tent, Artist/Vendor Section and Cannabis Vendor and Consumption Area. Tickets are generally $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Special VIP Experience for $55 in advance or $75 at the door. For the most updated information, visit saltcityrb.com. Lions Pavilion- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Live music featuring Mark Weaks at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton. Open to the public.
Kaleva Heritage Days
Annual festival with an arts & crafts show, fireworks, parade, car show, and more. Kaleva Roadside Park.
Music Sparks Meaning Summer Sunset Series
Live music featuring the Charles Millard Band at the First Street Beach Gazebo, Manistee.
Pentwater Civic Band Concert
Weekly Summer Civic Band Thursday night concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
Congregational Summer Assembly Arts & Crafts Fair & Cottage Treasures Sale
Assembly Ball Field- 2128 Pilgrim Hwy, Frankfort. For more information, contact Cynthia at (309) 255-5429 or CSAArtfair@gmail.com.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring Igor & the Red Elvis’ at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Includes live music. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.
Baldwin Troutarama
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Baldwin.
Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Jason Hargreaves. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Music in the Streets
Live music featuring The Ol Microtones at 273 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah.
Roots on the River Music Series
Live music featuring Sari Brown at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. Rain location is 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee.
Music on the Commons
Live music featuring The Mickeys at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music featuring Steely at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Rocket Fuel Haulers. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.
Arcadia Daze
Annual festival in Arcadia with fun for the whole family.
Muskegon Open Pro/Am Fishing Tournament
Pro/Am/333 event with a Ladies Prelim and Ladies/Kids fish. For more info, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournament.
Ladies Classic Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. Visit pentwaterpsa.org for more information or to register.
Manistee Summer Festival
Event includes live music, food trucks, yard games, and a beer tent. 100% of proceeds from the beer tent benefit the Stomp Out Cancer Fund. Free admission for all. 250 Duffy Park, Manistee.
West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert
Free outdoor concert featuring Young Guns: A Tribute to the to the Superstars of Country Music. A portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., downtown Ludington.
Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Live music featuring Brian Criner at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton. Open to the public.
LACA Summer Concert Series
Live music featuring Dawn Campbell & the Bohemians at Waterfront Park- 300 W. William St., Ludington.
Lakeshore Animal Friends Benefit Yard Sale
Brand new items, clothing for all ages, toys, furniture, and more. Proceeds help cover costs associated with spay/neuter and helping home animals. Hamlin Township Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.
Luther Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including live music, fireworks, 5k run/walk, kids games, rodeo, and more. Downtown Luther. For more information, visit facebook.com/lutherloggingdays.
Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit
All vehicles are welcome to enter with multiple awards and trophies to be given out. Winners are chosen by public vote and by the Board of Directors. Categories include: motorcycles, trucks, jeeps, and tribute vehicles. Event also includes silent/live auctions, raffle bags, and door prizes. All proceeds go to Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. For more information or to register, visit lighthouseforveterans.org/car-show. Hot Rod Harley Davidson- 149 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon.
PM Motoring Club Car Show
Registration is $10 and begins at 9am. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 100 entrants. For more information, contact Bob at (231) 690-9601. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5032 W. US-10, Ludington.
Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Hesperia Family Fun Fest
This annual event includes an arts & crafts fair, food trucks, foam party, duck race, live music, and much more. For information, visit hesperiachamberofcommerce.org or call Rhonda (231) 450-3186.
Independence Day Bike Parade
Registration/Line-up at 9:30am, Parade at 10am. Charles Mears State Park– 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwater.org.
Junior Tennis Clinic
Pentwater Tennis & Pickleball Club- 8502 N. US-31, Pentwater. For more information or to register, visit pentwatertennisclub.com.
Block Party
Portage Ave., Onekama. For more information, visit onekama.info.
Wings Over Muskegon
The Yankee Air Museum, in conjunction with the Muskegon County Airport and F3 Airport host this aviation experience tour and air show. Flyable aircraft at the Yankee Air Museum will provide rides throughout the event with the air show occurring on July 8th-9th. Muskegon County Airport- 99 Sinclair Dr., Norton Shores. For more information, visit wingsovermuskegon.com.
Evenings at the Light Station Concert Series
Live music at White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. The weather back-up day is Sunday, July 9th, same times. For questions, contact John at (231) 757-2951. Register at youngeaglesday.org. Mason County Airport- 5300 US-10, Ludington.
Merchants and Makers Market
Shop over 100 booths while enjoying live music and enjoying a variety of food trucks. Chinook Pier- 301 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven. For more information, visit merchantsandmakers.com.
Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta
Drive-Thru Diapers & Donuts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to receive complimentary diapers and donuts. A parent or legal guardian must be present in order to receive diapers. Car seat safety checks available upon request. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Beach Photos with Santa
Get a photo with Santa on the beach for $20. Proceeds benefit the Oriole Giving Tree Project, an organization that supports Ludington students/families in need during the holidays. Meet at the West end of Ludington Avenue, Ludington.
Night at the Lights Concert Series
Live music at Little Point Sable Lighthouse– 287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. WMOEC Ground- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Buccaneer Bash
Food trucks, silent & live raffle items, live music by Jimmy Dodson from 4-6pm and Two Dudes in Flip Flops from 6-9pm, and prizes for best Pirate Attire. $5 at the door, kids 5 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ludington Boat Club- 502 Lake St., Ludington.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
National Baby Food Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Main St., Fremont. For more information, visit fremontcommerce.com.
Muskegon Bike Time
Annual celebration of motorcycles which includes concerts, entertainment, and food. Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday/Saturday from 9am-11pm, and Sunday from 9am-4pm. For more information, visit muskegonbiketime.com.
“A Day in the Garden” National Garden Club Standard Flower Show
Hosted by the Mason County Garden Club. Friday from 4-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Free and open to the public. Ludington Senior Center- 308 S. Rowe St., Ludington.
Ludington Coin Club Coin & Stamp Show
Free admission. Door prizes and raffle prizes. Hamlin Town Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.
Muddy Fox Trot
Family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Walk the Beat Music Festival
Free music festival with 18 venues in Whitehall and Montague featuring 36 musical acts, $5,000 grand prize raffle, $4,000 in free door prizes, and a community pig roast and jam session at 5:30pm in Goodrich Park- 100 Lake St., Whitehall. For more information or a pdf map, visit walkthebeatwhitelake.org.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music in Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Silver Lake Community Concert Series
Live music at Golden Township Park- 445 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.
Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.
Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Live music at Bolt Park- 225 Franklin St., Grand Haven.
Echo Through the Timber Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.
Ludington Slow Roll Ride
Social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of town. Begins and ends near the south concession building at Stearns Park Beach-420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Pentwater Gallery Stroll
Galleries open their doors for visitors. Includes refreshments and a drawing for a $25 Gift Card to any of the participating galleries. Downtown Pentwater.
Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Hart Historic District Concert Series
Live music at Hart Historic District- 570 E. Lincoln St., Hart.
Strut Your Mutt 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Pet Stroll/Walk Fundraiser
Oceana County’s LASSI (Local Animal Shelter Support, Inc.) is sponsoring this event to help support animals staying in the Oceana County Animal Shelter. Registration is $30 which includes a T-shirt and medal, and those with dogs will receive a doggie bandanna and doggie bag. Up North Farm Market- 3890 Monroe Rd., Hart.
Craft & Vendor Show
For more information, visit facebook.com. Muskegon County Fairgrounds- 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd., Fruitport.
Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call (231) 425-3488.
Crooked Tree Art Fair
Crooked Tree Art Center- 322 Sixth St., Traverse City
Cruise-In Car Show
Street Rods, Muscle Cars, Trucks, Cycles, Customs, all welcome. Includes music, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and food. Prizes awarded at 1:30pm. Downtown Grand Haven.
Ludington Golf Cart Show
Free family-friendly golf cart awards show with with parade, awards, and prizes. Visit ludingtongolfcartshow.com to register. West Foster St., Ludington.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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!
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
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 West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.