Ludington Lumber Days Returns: October 2-4, 2026

A Celebration of History, Heritage, and Lumberjack Fun for All Ages

Step into Ludington’s past and celebrate the rich lumber heritage that helped build our community during Ludington Lumber Days, a fall festival weekend packed with lumberjack-inspired fun, history, music, and adventure for all ages.

Weekend Highlights:

Friday, October 2

• Photo exhibition and Behind-the-Scenes tours (10AM-4PM) at the Rose Hawley Archives, 130 E. Ludington Ave. Learn more about the area’s logging history with a curated display and tour with the Mason County Historical Society. Photo exhibition is a suggested $5 donation. Tour admission: adults $12, seniors $10, youth ages 4-12, $9, members free. Friday & Saturday at 10AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Tours are about 1hr to 1.5hrs long.
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse tours (10AM-5PM) – Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, climb the tower, and explore the first floor and gift shop. The walk or bike to lighthouse from Ludington State Park is 1.8 miles out and back. Cost to climb the light: $8 for adults and $5 for students 17 and under; free for active service and veterans. Inside Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116, Ludington (pay on site)
• Plaidurday Pub Crawl (6–9PM) – Throw on your flannel and join us for a night of craft beer and camaraderie, starting and ending at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. Make your way through Downtown Ludington’s Outdoor Social District and end your night with live entertainment at Ludington Bay (6-9PM). TICKETS

Saturday, October 3

• Photo exhibition and Behind-the-Scenes tours (10AM-4PM) at the Rose Hawley Archives, 130 E. Ludington Ave. Learn more about the area’s logging history with a curated display and tour with the Mason County Historical Society. Photo exhibition is a suggested $5 donation. Tour admission: adults $12, seniors $10, youth ages 4-12, $9, members free. Friday & Saturday at 10AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Tours are about 1hr to 1.5hrs long.
• Lumber Days Workout (10AM) Legacy Plaza, 112 N. James St., Ludington – Log rolls, ax swings, stump jumps, and more. Enjoy a workout inspired by our logging roots. Sign up with Harborfit Studio on the MindBody app. (free)
• Lumber Days Beer Garden (1–6 PM) – Brought to you by Jamesport Brewing Company and Ludington Bay Brewing Company, you are invited to raise a glass while enjoying live music from Joe Stickney and Electric Red. ($29 ticket includes 4 drink tokens or pay $5 to enter.) This a family-friendly event that will also feature kids’ activities. The “Wood Butcher” will be on site with live chainsaw carving demonstrations from 1-6 p.m.  TICKETS
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse tours (10AM-5PM) – Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, climb the tower, and explore the first floor and gift shop. The walk or bike to lighthouse from Ludington State Park is 1.8 miles out and back. Cost to climb the light: $8 for adults and $5 for students 17 and under; free for active service and veterans. Inside Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116, Ludington (pay on site)
• Witness a logging encampment – Experience our region’s logging life firsthand at Historic White Pine Village, (11AM-4PM) Costumed educators share the tools of the trade, and details of life and culture unique to Michigan’s late 1800’s frontier. 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
• Friends of Ludington State Park Fall Festival (1-5PM) – The festival will include wagon rides featuring draft horses from Meadow Breeze Farms, live music from the group Selkie, apples, donuts, and cider. The event will be held at the Lake Michigan Beach House. All activities are free. This is a quintessential fall festival for the entire family!
• History of Ludington State Park Hike (2-3:30PM) – Learn the history of the beloved Ludington State Park. Once home to the old town of Hamlin and later improved upon by the CCC, the area has transformed over time into a cherished destination for outdoor recreation and conservation. Roughly 1-mile walk up and down light hills. Meet at Hamlin Dam inside the park. A state park passport is required to enter or pay a daily rate.

  Sunday, October 4

  Coffee & Cars (11AM-2PM): Cap off the weekend by viewing vintage cars at a special Coffee & Cars event on South James Street. Enjoy cars from the Ludington Auto Club, coffee for purchase from Hitch Hiker Coffee and Meraki Coffee, and live music. Event co-sponsors Jamesport Brewing Company and Ludington Bay Brewing Company will also offer craft beer to-go through the downtown social district. The event is free and open to the public.

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