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 art walk to a boat blessing and car show! Here’s what you need to know about the weekend’s events.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5:
ON DECK: A NIGHT ABOARD THE S.S. BADGER | 7:30-10 p.m. | 701 MARITIME DRIVE
This will serve as a signature kickoff to the weekend’s festivities, blending the city’s finest culinary offerings, live entertainment, and historic charm with a purpose: to raise funds and awareness for the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center.
The S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry will remain docked throughout the event, allowing guests to explore the ship freely, including areas not open during regular sailings. Guests will enjoy tastings from some of downtown Ludington’s most beloved restaurants, each offering a sample of their signature dishes, as well as live music throughout the evening. TICKETS
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 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 American Ages Band, 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.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 EVENTS
LUDINGTON BED & BREAKFAST TOURS | 12-2 PM
The Ludington Bed & Breakfast Association’s member inns will be open to the public for tours Saturday, June 7 from 12-2PM. Member innkeepers suggest beginning at Cartier Mansion, and then making your way east along the avenue to Ludington House B&B, Candlelite Inn B&B and ending at The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, located at 602 E Ludington Avenue.
A suggested donation of $20 may be given at the first stop along the tour. Proceeds from the event will be donated to a local charity. Questions may be directed to any of the Innkeepers & Proprietors of the participating B&Bs: Candlelite Inn B&B, Cartier Mansion, The Lamplighter B&B, and Ludington House B&B.
LOVE LUDINGTON ART CRAWL | 12-4 PM | DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON
Take a walk on the artistic side in the first ever Love Ludington Art Crawl. Celebrating the creative community that Ludington has to offer this self-guided walking tour leads you to explore 9 of downtown Ludington art galleries and markets, as well as a handful of local restaurants and cafes that will be showcasing individual artists and musicians. Grab a coffee, a beer, or an ice cream and see the beauty our local artists create.
BLESSING OF THE BOATS | 5-10 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. There will be live music from 5-6 p.m.; blessing and raffles will be held at 6 p.m.
Music resumes at 7 and will continue until 9:30 p.m. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the event. Entertainment will be provided by Electric Flower, Tom Zatarga, and Defiance County.
A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for purchase ahead of the event. Tickets include premium seating for food, drink tickets, and commemorative swag.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8 EVENTS
BEACH CLEANUP | 1 PM | WEST END
A beach clean-up is happening on Sunday afternoon, hosted by Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) and A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW). Any volunteer who comes out to help will receive two passes to Ludington North Breakwater Light. Participants should meet at the West End (end of W. Ludington Avenue).
