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 car show to a boat blessing and shoreline cruise! Here’s what you need to know about the weekend’s events.

  THURSDAY, JUNE 4 EVENTS:

THE BADGER EXPERIENCE | 6-10 PM | S.S. BADGER CARFERRY

Step aboard for an unforgettable evening on the historic S.S. Badger! Your experience begins at The Lake House with doors opening at 6 p.m., where guests will enjoy a selection of heavy appetizers and alcoholic beverages before boarding the Badger.

Once aboard the S.S. Badger, guests will enjoy live music, drinks, dessert, and stunning views. Tickets here

Proceeds benefit Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 EVENTS:

FISH ON FOR FREEDOM GATHERING | 12PM | LUDINGTON HARBOR – CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

At noon, gather at the Ludington Harbor to welcome back U.S. military veterans who will be arriving by boat after participating in the annual Fish on for Freedom event on Lake Michigan. This gives community members a wonderful chance to line the harbor and thank them for their sacrifices for our country.

HISTORY OF LUDINGTON STATE PARK | 2-3:30 PM | HAMLIN DAM

Learn the history of the beloved Ludington State Park during this one-mile hike. Once home to the old town of Hamlin and later was improved upon by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the area was transformed over time into a cherished destination for outdoor recreation and conservation. Meet at Hamlin Dam inside the state park. (free)

LOVE LUDINGTON STREET PARTY | 6-9 PM | DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON – RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 26

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.

OPEN BOAT NIGHT | 8-11 PM | S.S. BADGER

Step aboard the S.S. Badger Carferry during this evening event while the ship is docked in Ludington.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 EVENTS

NATIVE PLANT SALE | 10AM-1PM | ROTARY PARK

Over 50 species of native plants will be available at the AFFEW Native Plant Sale, happening from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Rotary Park. These important plants provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for many insects, birds and animals. They are also hosts for many insects all year long.

BLESSING OF THE BOATS | 4-10 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. Doors open at 4 p.m. The Blessing is at 5 p.m., followed by live music from:

Tom Zatarga, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Defiance County, 7-8 p.m.
Electric Red, 8:30-10 p.m.
Raffle prizes throughout the evening.
Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the event.
Proceeds from this event benefit the West Michigan Underwater Preserve.

SS BADGER SHORELINE CRUISE | 9-11 PM

Thank you to our community event sponsors: Filer Credit Union (presenting sponsor), West Shore Bank, Brill Company, Hardman Construction, House of Flavors Inc., Safe Harbor Credit Union, Fresh Coast Foam, Floracraft and Western Land Services.