12 Can't-Miss July 4th Events in Ludington
It’s summertime, and there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends than Pure Ludington! We have the lineup of the hottest holiday events happening on the lakeshore right here:
TUESDAY, JULY 2 EVENTS
CHLOE KIMES IN CONCERT | 7 PM | WATERFRONT PARK
Nashville-based Americana storyteller, Chloe Kimes, will perform tunes from her self-titled debut album at this free open-air concert. In May 2022, National Public Radio recognized Kimes as one of “10 Nashville Artists on the Rise.” She is a weekend DJ at WMOT and a Middle Tennessee State University graduate. Waterfront Park is located at 391 S. William St., Ludington.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 EVENTS
CHILDREN & PET PARADE | 7 PM | WATERFRONT PARK
This fun event features costumes, princesses, kids, floats and pets! The parade begins on South Ferry Street and will travel north to Loomis, east on Loomis to William, south on William to Waterfront Park. Join the party!
THE 1985 TOTALLY 80s DANCE PARTY | 8 PM | STIX
From South Bend, IN, The 1985 is a five-member retro band, featuring the best of rock, pop, new wave, and metal from the 1980’s! Doors open at 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 4 EVENTS
LUDINGTON AREA JAYCEES FREEDOM FESTIVAL ONE-MILE DASH | 1:30 PM | LUDINGTON AVENUE
The one-mile dash is an annual tradition that precedes the grand parade. The run will begin at Madison Street and Ludington Avenue and proceed west on Ludington Avenue to Lakeshore Drive.
FREEDOM FESTIVAL GRAND PARADE | 2 PM | LUDINGTON AVENUE
This HUGE downtown parade features floats, bands, politicians, local residents, music, animals and, of course, the Scottville Clown Band. At 2 p.m. the parade begins at Madison Street heading West on Ludington Avenue. The Scottville Clown Band brings in the close of the parade and then moves to American Legion Post 76, 318 N. James St.
SS BADGER PATRIOTIC SHORELINE CRUISE | 9PM | LAKE MICHIGAN CARFERRY
Enjoy food, beverages, live music and a fireworks display during this evening cruise! Learn more and reserve your seats by clicking the WEBSITE LINK.
TAYLORVILLE: A TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE | 7PM | STIX
Get ready for a night of enchanting melodies as “Taylorville,” the finest Taylor Swift cover band around, takes center stage in your town. Immerse yourself in the magic of Taylor’s greatest hits, expertly performed with passion and flair.
FREEDOM FESTIVAL FIREWORKS | DUSK | OVER LAKE MICHIGAN
The fireworks over Lake Michigan begin at dusk and can be viewed from local beaches and parks: Stearns Park Beach, Buttersville Beach, Copeyon Park, Waterfront Park.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON FARMERS MARKET | 2-7 PM | LEGACY PLAZA
Held weekly at 112 N. James St., this outdoor market features fresh goods from local farmers, along with a few artisan items. Live music by Working on Famous will also entertain shoppers from 6-8 p.m. at Legacy Plaza.
SUSHI ROLL | 8 PM | STIX
Sushi Roll has perfected its own unique blend of high-energy dance music and rock n roll swagger and topped it off with stage costumes, inspired by cosplay, anime, and superheroes.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
WEST SHORE ART FAIR | 10AM-4PM | ROTARY PARK
This open-air, juried fine art and fine crafts show will feature fine artists across a variety of media, including clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, sculpture and more.
THUNDERSTRUCK: AMERICA’S AC/DC TRIBUTE | 8 PM | STIX
Thunderstruck gives fans so much more than the sound of AC/DC, they truly capture the high voltage energy and experience. This is an all-ages event. Doors open at 6 p.m.
HAMLIN LAKE FIREWORKS | DUSK
Fireworks over Hamlin Lake are shot from Camp Douglas Smith across the lake from Wilson Hill Park on Barnhart Road. This community-supported show begins at dusk.
SUNDAY, JULY 7
WEST SHORE ART FAIR | 10AM-4PM | ROTARY PARK