Photo by Ludington Area CVB

August 2024 Events Calendar

Browse by Week

Featured August Events

(Scroll down to see more events in August.)

August 1-7, 2024

May 25th-August 23rd, 2024

Win & Bette Matteson Annual Big Fish Contest
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/annual-big-fish-contest.

July 26th-August 4th, 2024

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Annual Festival with fun for the whole family. Downtown Grand Haven. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org.

Thursday, August 1st, 2024
6-8pm

Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Jimmy Dodson. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Friday, August 2nd, 2024
10am-4pm

Harbor Days Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids. 

Friday, August 2nd, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Nick Veine. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

August 2nd-4th, 2024

Downtown Ludington Sidewalk Sales
Downtown stores offer big savings throughout the weekend. Hours are Friday & Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Individual store hours may vary.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
8:30am

COVE Benefit Beach 5k/10k Run/Walk
Charles Mears State Park- 400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
10am-4pm

Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
12pm

Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
6-9pm

West Shore Bank’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert
Free outdoor concert featuring The Mega 80’s. A portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., downtown Ludington. 

August 6th-10th, 2024

Western Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.

August 7th-10th, 2024

Unity Christian Music Festival
Music festival featuring Christian arts at Heritage Landing- 1050 7th St., Muskegon.

August 8-14, 2024

August 6th-10th, 2024

Western Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.

August 7th-10th, 2024

Unity Christian Music Festival
Music festival featuring Christian arts at Heritage Landing- 1050 7th St., Muskegon.

Thursday, August 8th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Harv & Sons. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

August 8th-11th, 2024

Pentwater Homecoming Celebration
Pentwater’s biggest event of the year includes fun for the whole family!

Friday, August 9th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Meg Gunia. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

August 9th-11th, 2024

Hoxeyville Music Festival
Americana and Roots festival with two stages featuring national touring artists, and the best and brightest Michigan talent. 11130 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston. For tickets or more information, visit hoxeyville.com.

Saturday, August 10th, 2024
8am-12pm

Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a unique open water swim event to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that works to protect the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed. Registration is $45 and required. Register by visiting runsignup.com. For more information, contact Christine at ccrissman@gtbay.org. Greilickville Harbor Park- 13132 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City.

Saturday, August 10th, 2024
10am-4pm

Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
Shop on the historic front lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. Eleventh St., Traverse City. To register, visit downtowntc.com

Saturday, August 10th-Sunday, August 11th, 2024

Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. & Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Sunday, August 11th, 2024
7:30am

Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon
This event begins in downtown Ludington and ends at the beach. It includes biking, kayaking, and running.

August 13th-17th, 2024

Manistee County Fair
Fun for the whole family at the Manistee County Fairgrounds- 7587 1st St., Onekama.

August 15-21, 2024

August 13th-17th, 2024

Manistee County Fair
Fun for the whole family at the Manistee County Fairgrounds- 7587 1st St., Onekama.

Thursday, August 15th, 2024
12pm

Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Thursday, August 15th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Cheryl Wolfram. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Friday, August 16th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring 80 Cows. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

Friday, August 16th-Saturday, August 17th, 2024

Frankfort Art Fair
Market Square Park- 420 Corning Ave. Frankfort. Free Benzie Bus Shuttle. Friday from 1-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. Register here

August 16th-18th, 2024

Heaven on Hamlin Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography and held at Heaven on Hamlin- 3795 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

Saturday, August 17th, 2024
8am-3pm

Frankfort Collector Car Show
Mineral Springs Park- 630 Main St., Frankfort.

Saturday, August 17th, 2024
12-5pm

Suds on the Shore Craft Wine & Beer Festival
Benefit for the United Way of Mason County. Rotary Park- Corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Saturday, August 17th, 2024

Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show; for more information, visit miha.org. Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.

Sunday, August 18th, 2024

Horse Shows
Mason County Saddle Club Show; for more information, visit masoncountysaddleclub.com. Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.

August 18th-24th, 2024

Oceana County Fair
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.

Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
7pm

Scottville Clown Band Performance at Hudsonville Fair
5235 Park Ave., Hudsonville

Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
9-11pm

S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Includes live music. S.S. Badger Carferry- 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington. (800) 841-4243.

August 22nd-25th, 2024

Benzie Fishing Frenzy Pro/Am Sportfishing Tournament
For more information or to register, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments#/frankfort.

Friday, August 23rd, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Twyce the Band. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

Friday, August 23rd-Saturday, August 24th; 2024

Pentwater Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Pentwater.

Saturday, August 24th, 2024
10am-4pm

Parking Lot Craft & Vendor Sale
The 10 Spot- 5750 US 10, Ludington. For more information, call or text Kayleen at (231) 683-8058.

Saturday, August 24th-Sunday, August 25th; 2024

Horse Shows
Upper Michigan Paint Horse Show; for more information contact Beth Nickerson at (231) 620-4042 or UpperMichpainthorseclub@gmail.com. Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.

August 22-31, 2024

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
6-8pm

Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Mike Lenich. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

August 22nd-25th, 2024

Cedar Polka Fest
Annual festival with fun for the whole family include live music, food, car show, 5k, and more! Visit cedarpolkafest.org for more information. Festival Grounds- 3075 E. Sullivan St., Cedar.

Thursday, August 29th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in the Alley
Live music featuring Gabrial James. In the Alley behind Timbers Prime- 103 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Thursday, August 29th, 2024
8-10pm

Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music featuring Benny Hill at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.

Friday, August 30th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Benny Hill Band. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

Saturday, August 31st, 2024
10am-4pm

Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit elkrapidschamber.org. River Street, Elk Rapids. 

Saturday, August 31st, 2024
12pm

Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

The following events are from 2023. Stay tuned for information on dates for these events in 2024!

 

Back to School Backpack Bonanza
Mason County students in grades Kindergarten-12th grade (with a guardian) are invited to play a round of free mini golf and receive a free backpack and school supplies. The event is limited to 300 students. There will also be face painting and balloon creations. Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf at 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

C. Howard Hornung Memorial Concert
Performance by the West Shore Civic Band at the Scottville Clown Band Shell.

Copemish Heritage Days
Annual community festival featuring a parade, live music, 5k, and more. For the most updated information, visit copemishheritagedays.com.

Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family. 

Teach a Kid Youth Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information, visit pentwaterpsa.org.

#WillStrong Benefit Soccer Tournament
100% of the proceeds raised goes to the local Childhood Cancer Campaign. This 6v6 soccer tournament is family friendly and cost is $250 per team. Bryant Soccer Fields- 1002 N. Lavinia St., Ludington. For more information, visit facebook.com

Meeks Annual Homecoming Jazz & Blues Festival
Free live music event sponsored by the Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce at John Meeks Park- Martin Luther King & Idlewild Blvd, Idlewild. Includes food & craft vendors. For applications or more information, visit iaacc.com

Sidewalk Sales
Visit local shops for specials and discounts. Hours are Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Downtown Manistee.

Annual Lost Boys Motorcycle Ride
Chapter 35-7 is hosting this CVMA sanctioned ride which begins and ends at VFW Post #4499- 1211 28th St., Manistee. The ride is open to all riders and also features food, live music, raffles, and prizes. Cost is $20/rider which will benefit local veterans in need. For more information, visit facebook.com

Annual Old Engine Club Show
This annual 3-day show has different events each day including daily tractor pulls featuring antique tractors, garden tractors, and doodle bugs. Daily events include tractor parades, large flea market, arts and crafts and swap meet. For more information, visit oldengineclub.org.

Chicken Dinner
Take-out only chicken dinner. St. James Episcopal Church-82 S. Wythe St., Pentwater.

Cars & Coffee
Ludington Auto Club’s first event. No registration necessary. Participants are invited to cruise out to Fox Barn Winery after the car meet. Coffee and food will be available for purchase from on-site food trucks. The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington.

Maxine’s Closet Back to School Kickoff
Free items for area children like backpacks, school supplies, and new underwear and socks. There will also be representatives from community resource organizations and meals for children. Shelby High School parking lot, use 6th Street entrance.

Merchants & Makers Market
Shop over 100 booths while enjoying live music and enjoying a variety of food trucks. Chinook Pier- 301 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven. For more information, visit merchantsandmakers.com.

Filer Food Truck Frenzy
The Filer DDA is hosting this event which includes offerings by multiple food trucks from 5-9pm and live music featuring Aintee-Kim & U’Neek Soul at 5:30pm. Dunham’s parking lot- 1361 US-31, Manistee.

Run the Pier 5k
First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee.

Skate, Scootin’ Boogy Skate Competition
Skateboarders and scooterers under age 18 are invited to compete to win prizes. Free registration at Gordy’s Skate Co- 104 W. Ludington Ave.; the Ludington Police Department- 400 S. Harrison St., or Safe Harbor Credit Union- 5511 US-10, Ludington.

PLA Concerts in the Park
Live music in  Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.

Pentwater Civic Band Concerts
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.

Manistee Shoreline Showcase
Live music at Douglas Park- First Street Beach, Manistee.

Friends of the Ludington State Park Summer Concert Series
Live music at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Backpack Blowout
Children will receive free backpacks and school supplies. There will also be games, balloons, crafts, and dinner… all free of charge. Trinity Lutheran Church- 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era.

AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington.

LACA Summer Concert Series
Free concert at Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington.

Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts at Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart. Free car seat checks will also be offered.

Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.

Joe Lancour Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble
Funds raised help Ludington High School seniors who want to continue their education. Lancour was killed while in combat in Afghanistan in 2007. Cost is $400/team of four or $100/individual. Check-in/registration is at 11 am followed by a 12pm shot gun start. Register in advance by contacting Starla Owens-Murphy at (231) 613-0349 or fulfillingjoesdreams@gmail.com

Muskegon Party in the Park
Live music, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.

Folk Friday
Live music featuring Mustard’s Retreat. Lake County Historical Museum- 915 N. Michigan Ave., Baldwin.

Sidewalk Sales
Visit local shops for specials and discounts. Hours are Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Downtown and Centertown, Grand Haven.

Community Cats TNR Benefit Sale
There will be a sale of a variety of donated items to help offset costs of spaying/neutering, health checks, and vaccinations for homeless cats in Mason County through Community Cats TNR. Mason County Fairgrounds 4-H Building- 5302 US-10, Ludington.

Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste & Pharmaceutical Collection Day
Residents of Mason, Manistee, and Oceana Counties may drop off hazardous waste at collection sites. Mason County: Mason-Lake Conservation District- 655 N. Scottville Rd., Scottville. Manistee County: Manistee Conservation District- 8840 Chippewa Highway, Bear Lake. Oceana County: Oceana Conservation District- 1064 Industrial Park Dr., Shelby.

West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.

Rubber Ducky Festival Arts & Crafts Show
To register, visit bellairechamber.org. Downtown Bellaire

Downtown Art Fair
To register, visit downtowntc.com. Downtown Cass St., Traverse City.

Shaw Family Backpack Giveaway
Mike & Debbie Shaw, in conjunction with Living Word Church, will be giving away backpacks full of school supplies at Pathfinders Community Library- 812 Michigan Ave., Baldwin. 

Michigan’s Free ORV Weekend
Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.

Pentwater Civic Band Concerts
Weekly Summer Civic Band Concerts on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.

Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Visit ludington.org for more information.

Sounds From the Forest Music Series
Live music at Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin.

Night at the Lights Concert Series
Live music at Little Point Sable Lighthouse– 287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears.

Music on the Commons
Live music at the Hart Commons- 49 S. State St., Hart.

Pentwater Gallery Stroll
Galleries open their doors for visitors. Includes refreshments and a drawing for a $25 Gift Card to any of the participating galleries. Downtown Pentwater.

Log Cabin Concerts
Live music at the Log Cabin Theater- Corner of Panu & Walta Streets, Kaleva.

Evenings at the Light Station Concert Series
Live music at White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.

Forest Trail Music Festival
Annual music festival that also features camping, tie-dye, yoga, craft vendors, and more. Held on the edge of the Manistee National Forest- 352 W. Forest Trail Rd., Free Soil. Tickets range from $25-$75. For more information, visit foresttrailmusic.com.

Car & Vendor Show
Event also includes 50/50 raffle, silent auction, games, music, and more. VFW #5096- 2022 State St., Custer.

Pentwater Wooden & Classic Boat Show and Parade
Boat show on the water and on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Open to the public.

Bear Lake End of Summer Let’s Glow Party
Music festival on the sandbar of Bear Lake. Live music by 5th Gear. Theme is 80’s-90’s, 
dress to impress in neon/retro wear.

Shaw Family Backpack Giveaway
Mike & Debbie Shaw, in conjunction with Living Word Church, will be giving away backpacks full of school supplies at West Shore Bank- 107 State St., Scottville.

Manton Trails Live Music Summer Saturdays
Guests and local residents are invited to enjoy live music at Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel, & Campground- 9909 N. 39 Rd., Manton.

Burning Foot Beer Festival
Annual festival featuring live music, food vendors, art displays, and beer from dozens of breweries. For tickets, visit burningfoot.beer. Pere Marquette Beach- 3510 Channel Dr., Muskegon.

Craft Fair & Farmers Market
Cedar Polka Fest grounds- 3200 Sullivan St., Cedar. Go to cedarpolkafest.org to reserve a booth.

Annual Grant Fire Department Chicken Dinner
Tickets are $15 and include 1/2 BBQ chicken, baked potato, baked beans, dinner roll, corn on the cob, sweet & sour cabbage, dessert, and drinks. There will also be a classic car show. 835 W. Hoague Rd., Manistee.

Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay
Live music at the Waterfront Amphitheater- Centre St., Elberta

Mason County Conservation District Annual Farm Tour
Event includes a bus tour to three Mason County farms and a catered dinner. The event is free and open to the public but donations are appreciated. RSVP’s are requested by August 23rd and can be made by calling (231) 757-3707 ext. 5 or by emailing andrew.booher@macd.org.

Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!

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