Everything You Need to Know About Love Ludington Weekend
Love Ludington Weekend is a time to celebrate all of the amazing qualities of Pure Ludington, and you’re invited to take part in all of the festivities, from a street party and running race to a boat blessing and laser-light show! Here’s what you need to know about the weekend’s events.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 EVENTS:
LOVE LUDINGTON STREET PARTY | 6-9 PM | DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON
A portion of the downtown district is closed to traffic for a giant street party on Friday night, complete with live music from Onager, kids’ activities, bounce houses, food trucks, and more!
On Ludington Avenue between Robert Street and William Street, attendees can expect to enjoy vintage cars, music, food trucks and awards during this new event to be held in conjunction with the Love Ludington Street Party.
This is one street party you do not want to miss – and it is all free to attend! Free parking is available in any city lot or along city streets outside the closed event area.
DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON FARMERS MARKET | 2-7 PM | LEGACY PLAZA
This weekly event features a variety of fresh products from local farmers – fruit wine, produce, honey, flowers, coffee, bread, goat-milk products, meat and more! Location: 112 N. James St.
COREWELL HEALTH LAKESTRIDE FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK | 6 PM | STEARNS DRIVE
Meet on Stearns Drive, between Snyder’s Shoreline Inn and the Loomis Street Boat Launch parking lot, for this 1-mile event held in conjunction with Ludington Lakestride. There is no fee, and all ages are welcome.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged at ludingtonlakestride.com.
LUMBERING HISTORY PRESENTATION | 6:30 PM | MASON COUNTY RESEARCH CENTER
Join us for a presentation on the Lumber History of Mason County presented by historical society board president, James Jensen. The presentation is free to historical society members and $10 for the public. Location: 130 E. Ludington Ave.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 EVENTS
LUDINGTON LAKESTRIDE HALF-MARATHON/10K/5K | 8 AM | STEARNS PARK
This annual half-marathon draws runners from around the country. Sign up online and choose your race. Packet pickup is at Stearns Park Beach, 4-7 p.m. Friday. Location: 420 N. Lakeshore Dr. (large tent)
[Late registration is available on race morning from 6-7:45 a.m.; a shirt will not be guaranteed during late registration.]
[The best spot to view the race on Saturday morning is the finish line, in the middle of Stearns Park Beach. Other good viewing locations: all races: North Lakeshore Drive; 5K: Lakeshore Dr. and Cartier Park; 10K: Stix restaurant and Dairy Crème or along Bryant Rd.; Half-Marathon: Along M-116 or inside Ludington State Park.]
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR | 10 & 11:30 AM | MASON COUNTY RESEARCH CENTER
Join a Historic Homes Tour, featuring historic bed and breakfasts, and meet the people who made Mason County. Tickets are $25 per person. Tours meet at the Mason County Research Center at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Location: 130 E. Ludington Ave.
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR | 11AM, 1PM & 3 PM | MASON COUNTY RESEARCH CENTER
Learn how the Mason County Historical Society preserves history as officials take you behind the scenes of the artifact and archive storage. Location: 130 E. Ludington Ave.
PORT OF LUDINGTON MUSEUM SPECIAL OFFERS
In honor of the North Breakwater Light celebration, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum will extend its hours from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Visitors are invited to explore the captivating stories of sailors, ships, and Ludington’s deep connection to Lake Michigan. As a special offer, tickets will be $3 off that day. (Offer excludes museum combo passes.) Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into our town’s rich maritime history!
BLESSING OF THE BOATS | 4-9:30 PM | WEST END
Bring your boat keys for this annual blessing party, which will also feature live entertainment, food trucks, drinks, and raffles. Location: 950 W. Ludington Ave., the farthest west on Ludington Avenue where it runs into Stearns Park
This event is free and open to the public, courtesy of Ludington Bay Brewing Company and Safe Harbor Credit Union. There will be live music by Defiance County from 5-6 p.m.; blessing and raffles will be held at 6 p.m.
Music resumes at 7 by Electric Flower and will continue until 9:30 p.m. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the event.
A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for purchase ahead of the event. Tickets include premium seating for the light show, food provided by Jamesport Brewing Company, drink tickets, and commemorative swag.
100% of the VIP sales will go directly to the beneficiary, Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.
A ceremony honoring the North Breakwater Light will occur at 4 p.m. with state and local dignitaries under the Blessing of the Boats tent. Location: 950 W. Ludington Ave.
100TH ANNIVERSARY LASER LIGHT SHOW | 10-10:30 PM | SPOTLIGHTING NORTH BREAKWATER LIGHT AT STEARNS PARK
This is one event not to be missed! Presented by Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, the show will happen at dusk at Stearns Park Beach. This is the first to occur in Ludington and is a tribute to the 100-year-old North Breakwater Light. To view a similar light show, click here.
WMOM-FM will provide music during the light show in the area between West End and Maritime Heritage Park. The event is free and open to the public. Location: 950 W. Ludington Ave. or 420 N. Lakeshore Dr.
The light show is funded by West Shore Bank, Ludington Meijer, The Don Birtwistle Fund at the Community Foundation of Mason County, and John & Erika Nielsen.
Throughout the day on Saturday, the lighthouse will also be open for tours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
[The pier and lighthouse will be closed during the light show. Please stay on the beach and designated areas.]
[Limited free parking can be found inside Stearns Park Beach. Parking is also available on any nearby street or parking lot.]
SUNDAY, JUNE 9 EVENTS
BEACH CLEANUP | 9-10 AM | WEST END
All volunteers are welcome for this special event to sweep the beach following the weekend’s festivities! Meet at the West End. Location: 950 W. Ludington Ave.
This is a collaboration of Ludington Meijer, AFFEW, SPLKA, West Shore Bank, and anyone from the community who would like to help. Volunteers who come out will receive a free pass to tour the Breakwater Lighthouse during the 2024 season.