Summer Kicks Off in Ludington

If the calendar of events has anything to say about it, it’s clear that summer has started in Ludington. From lighthouse celebrations to festivals, this small beach town has a lot to look forward to, including three sunset beach bonfires complete with live music.

Here’s what you can look forward to in Ludington this summer:

Badger Crossings and Special Cruises

After a hiatus late last summer, the legendary S.S. Badger is back in action, resuming its summertime route to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Starting in June, you can hop on the last coal-fired steamship in the U.S. for twice-daily crossings plus special two-hour shoreline cruises from Ludington for

• July 4: Celebrate Independence Day with a cruise and fireworks for $70 per person.
• July 24 & August 21: Chill on the lake for $58 per person.

Love Ludington Weekend: June 7-9, 2024

Love Ludington Weekend is a local favorite and is back for summer 2024 with new activities like a car show, a historical society exhibit unveiling, and the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Ludington North Breakwater Light.

Celebrate Big Lighthouse Anniversaries

Two Ludington lighthouses are celebrating big milestones this year:

• June 8, 2024 – 100th Anniversary Party for Ludington North Breakwater Light: Celebrate with a Blessing of the Boats and a killer laser light show.
• August 17, 2024 – 150th anniversary of Little Sable Point Lighthouse: Loads of family-friendly activities are planned to celebrate this historic landmark.

Happening this Summer at Ludington State Park

Enjoy everything Ludington State Park has to offer this summer, including:

• Extra Bus Days for Big Sable Point Light: May 11, May 25, June 22, July 6, July 18, August 3, August 15, August 31.
• Extended Hours for Big Sable Point Light: Open daily in July, 10 AM to 5 PM
• Summer Concert Series: Free concerts on select Tuesdays and Saturdays from June 11 to August 31 – don’t miss out on the good vibes and live music.

Heads up: Ludington State Park is fully open this summer with no construction disrupting the fun. However, starting in September, the park will undergo a major improvement project that involves some closures. For the latest updates and details on the construction project, follow Ludington State Park on Facebook.

More Ludington Summer Events

Ludington’s summer calendar is packed:

• Ghost Tour 2024: June 1 – explore the spooky side of NE Mason County.
• Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: June 15-16 – hoop it up!
• 100-Mile Coast Loop Gravel Grinder: June 22 – tackle the trails.
• Sunset Beach Bonfires: June 27, July 25, August 29 – bonfires, sunsets, and live music on the beach! Free.
• Ludington Freedom Festival: July 3-4 – fireworks and festivities.
• West Shore Art Fair: July 6-7 – get your art on.
• Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament: July 15-21 – reel in the big one.
• West Shore Bank Rhythm & Dunes Concerts: July 27, August 3 – summer tunes.
• Gold Coast Artisan Fair: August 10-11 – shop local crafts.
• Suds on the Shore Craft Beer + Wine Festival: August 17 – sip and savor.