7 Top Events for Summer Fun in Ludington

Mark your calendars for summer fun! Plan a trip to the Lake Michigan shoreline, and you will find an array of family-friendly and adult activities for all to enjoy. Here are all the can’t-miss events in Pure Ludington this season:

1. Gus Macker

Three-on-three basketball will return to Ludington’s Stearns Park Beach, June 15-16. Gus Macker tournaments are designed for basketball players who love the fun of the driveway game – male or female, from age 7 to 70-plus, short and tall, the most experienced or those with little or no experience who just want to play. With a Lake Michigan beach backdrop, Ludington will host 800 teams on courts that will line Lakeshore Drive and Stearns Park. Food and merchandise vendors are part of the event, adding a festive flair to the tournament grounds. And don’t miss the Dinky Dunk and Slam Dunk Contests Saturday evening.  

     2. Freedom Festival Grand Parade and Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day with a bang in Downtown Ludington. Residents and visitors line Ludington Avenue for the historical revelry of a Grand Parade that has become a tradition in the city. Fire trucks, music, acrobats and floats are among the fun surprises along the way, and a Scottville Clown Band performance is a special treat which rounds out the event each year. At dusk, find a spot on the beach for a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset and the Ludington Jaycees Fireworks Spectacular.

   3. Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Boys Fishing Tournament

Ludington is known as one of the best salmon fishing ports on the Great Lakes, so it’s no surprise that anglers flock to the town for this tournament every year. This multi-day event has grown into one of the largest fishing tournaments in the region. There are individual events for youth, ladies, pros and amateurs - and thousands of dollars are awarded as prizes, based on entries. The event runs July 18-24.

     4. Pure Ludington Sunset Beach Bonfires

Gather with friends, listen to the waves crash and fire crackle at the city’s newest 

lineup, the Sunset Beach Bonfire Series. There’s no shortage of fun and relaxation with live music and a giant bonfire to watch the sunset. Grab a blanket or chair and head to Stearns Park Beach.

     5. Rhythm and Dunes Concert Series

Your Generation in Concert -  a show celebrating five decades of pop, rock and dance hits - takes the stage at Waterfront Park July 27 as the kickoff of the West Shore Bank Rhythm and Dunes Concert Series. The August 3 event features Trinity, a tribute band who brings to life sounds of the iconic bands of Styx, Foreigner and Journey. This concert series is free to the public; bring a chair to the park at 6 PM.

6. Gold Coast Artisan Fair

The popular Gold Coast Artisan Fair takes place in Rotary Park August 10-11, with over 175 arts & crafts displays are open on Saturday and Sunday for browsing and shopping. Here you will find jewelry, photography, wooden sculptures, clothing, lawn art and more. Food vendors are on site as well, so you can take the whole day to peruse the crafters’ wares.

7. Suds on the Shore

Enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, food and tasting at the Suds on the Shore Craft Beer and Wine Festival in beautiful Rotary Park, August 17. Over 60 breweries will showcase their craft beer, wine, cider at mead for this adult-only annual event, making it a festive time with friends and family.

Make plans to spend time in Ludington this summer and share your photos with us online using the #PureLudington.