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May 2024 Events Calendar

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Featured May Events

(Scroll down to see more events in May.)

May 1-7, 2024

Throughout the Month of May 2024

Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.

April 26th-28th AND May 3rd-5th, 2024
Times TBA

Performance of “Don’t Hug Me”
Ramdell Regional Center for the Arts- 101 Maple St., Manistee.

Thursday, May 2nd-Sunday, May 5th, 2024
7:30pm

Performance of Ragtime
2nd-4th at 7:30pm AND 5th at 3pm. Frauenthal Theatre- 425 W. Western Ave., #401, Muskegon.

Friday, May 3rd, 2024
4-7pm

Downtown Art Walk
Downtown Traverse City. For more information, visit downtowntc.com.

May 3rd-5th, 2024

Picture Perfect Photography Weekend Workshop
Presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Held at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast- 602 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

May 3rd-5th, 9th-12th, 16th-19th, AND 23rd-25th; 2024

Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024
9am-12pm

Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day
This event includes a 5k, Fun Run, and Family Fun Day at Riverside Park- 2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. The event benefits Foster the Family which provides immediate emergency support and long-term holistic care to foster families and children in the Grand Rapids area. 5k is $35, Fun Run is $10, and the Family Fun Day is $10. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, email Faye at faye.veltman@fosterthefamily.org.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024
9am

Flea Market & Craft Show
Vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. To apply for a space, visit facebook.com or call (231) 862-3571.

Saturday, March 4th, 2024
9am-3pm

Wellston Boosters Craft Sale/Seniors Bake Sale 
Wellston Community Center- 1273 S. Seaman Rd., Wellston. To register, contact Denise at roadkingdc@hotmail.com or (231) 330-2422.

Saturday, March 4th, 2024
10am

Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024
12-5pm

Brews & Beats on the Village Green
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider, food, live music, yard games and more! Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door which includes a tasting glass and six beer samples. For more information & to purchase tickets visit facebook.com

Sunday, May 5th, 2024
7:30pm

Performance of Tonight I’m My Mother: a Night of Improv with Liz Allen
The Playhouse at White Lake- 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

May 6th-12th, 2024

Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.

Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
10am

Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.

May 8-14, 2024

Throughout the Month of May 2024

Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.

May 3rd-5th, 9th-12th, 16th-19th, AND 23rd-25th; 2024

Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.

May 6th-12th, 2024

Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
For more information, visit frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.

Friday, May 10th, 2024
7:30pm

Performance by the Alexis Cole Quartet featuring Pasquale Grasso
As part of the Hart Community Performing Arts Series. Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.

May 10th-11th AND 17th-19th, 2024

Performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Performance by the Central Park Players at Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven. Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. 

May 10th-12th, 2024

Mesick Mushroom Festival
Annual event for mushroom lovers. For more information, visit mesick-mushroomfest.org.

Saturday, May 11th, 2024
8:30am-3pm

Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
260 St. Mary Pkwy, Manistee. For more information, call (231) 723-9696.

Saturday, May 11th, 2024
1pm

The Met Opera presents an HD performance of Madame Butterfly
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.

Sunday, May 12th, 2024
3pm

Performance by the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra
Broadway Spectacular at City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.

May 15-21, 2024

Throughout the Month of May 2024

Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.

Thursday, May 16th, 2024
7pm

Scottville Clown Band Performance at Baldwin AmVets Blessing
1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin

May 3rd-5th, 9th-12th, 16th-19th, AND 23rd-25th; 2024

Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.

May 10th-11th AND 17th-19th, 2024

Performance of School House Rock
Performance by the Central Park Players at Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven. Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. 

Friday, May 17th-Saturday, May 18th, 2024
9am-2pm

Vendor/Craft Sale & Flea Market
Register by messaging Dawn Quick on Facebook. Scottville United Methodist Church- 114 W. State St., Scottville.

Friday, May 17th-Saturday, May 18th, 2024

Tight Lines for Troops
Charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans.

Friday, May 17th-Sunday, May 19th, 2024

10-Minute Play Festival: Tales for the Stage
Submissions due by February 4th, 2024. For more info, visit ludingtonartscenter.org. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Friday, May 17th-Sunday, May 19th, 2024

Blessing of the Bikes
Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin for this annual event.

Saturday, May 18th, 2024
9am

Run Ludington Harbor Run 5k 
Downtown Ludington.

Saturday, May 18th, 2024
9am

Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.

Saturday, May 18th, 2024
10am-3pm

Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City. To register, visit fareharbor.com.

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

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

Sunday, May 19th, 2024

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

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024
10am

Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024
10am

White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.

May 22-31, 2024

Throughout the Month of May 2024

Traverse City Uncorked
Take a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport complete with savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. To get your passport and for more information, visit traversecity.com.

May 3rd-5th, 9th-12th, 16th-19th, AND 23rd-25th; 2024

Performance of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.

Friday, May 24th, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring Tim Krause. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

Saturday, May 25th, 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, May 25th, 2024
10am-4pm

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

Saturday, May 25th, 2024

Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Crystal Mountain Resort- 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville. For more information, visit crystalmountain.com

Saturday, May 25th-Sunday, May 26th, 2024
10am-4pm

West Shore Family Support Craft Fair
This show includes a variety of talented crafters & artists as well as food trucks. Rotary Park- Ludington Ave. & Lewis St., Ludington. For more information or for an application, visit supportwsfs.org.

May 25th-27th, 2024

Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/memorial-weekend-derby.

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.

Sunday, May 26th, 2024
1pm

Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm.  In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, food, horseshoe tournament, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain. For the most updated schedule of events, visit facebook.com

Monday, May 27th, 2024
10am

Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Parade at 10am beginning on 1st St. Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater. 

May 30th-June 2nd, 2024

Silver Lake Jeep Invasion
An annual event for Jeep enthusiasts held on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Friday, May 31st, 2024
6-8pm

Live in Legacy Plaza
Live music featuring JD & the Bees Knees. Legacy Plaza- 112 N. James St., Ludington.

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

 

Souper Hero’s and Princesses Par-Tea
This event is a fundraiser for the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Kids and their favorite adult are encouraged to dress up for this event which includes learning manners, a light luncheon of assorted soups or a lite dinner, and a photo opportunity! 11am-1pm is a session for children ages 3-9 and a separate session for friends 10 and over will be from from 3-5pm. Adult participation is required for both sessions. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

COVE Birthday Bash- Mason County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Scotty’s Restaurant- 5910 W. US-10, Ludington.

Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.

Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free treats sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, visit facebook.com. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.

COVE Birthday Bash- Manistee County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Taco ‘Bout It Mexican Fusion- 344 River St., Manistee.

Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
$10 per person age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Breakfast includes all you can eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, apple sauce, fruit, coffee, juice, and maple syrup from Kistlercrest Farms. There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 raffles, and a bake sale. In addition, there will be a raffle to raise money for 4-year-old Ray Anderson, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Ludington.

Friends of the Shelby Area District Library Plant Exchange
Bring plants to exchange (and leave a donation if you wish) or purchase garden items. Proceeds go towards maintenance of the library garden. Shelby Area District Library- 189 Maple St., Shelby.

Spring Art Market
Denos Museum Center- 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City

Bike Rodeo
The free, family friendly event will teach riders the safest way to enjoy bike riding through the following stations: helmet check, bike check, wheel check, safe riding, and bicycle skills course. There will also be a book giveaway and toddler balance bikes and helmets giveaway. Registration opens May 1st and can be found here. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Archery Day
Those 8 years of age and older are invited to learn about the history of archery, proper techniques, and have the opportunity to shoot. Those under age 17 must have a parent or guardian with them. All supplies are provided and no registration is necessary. Ludington State Park– 8800 M-116, Ludington.

West Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull
Pulls at 10am and 1pm at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.

First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.

Mom-2-Mom Sale
Shop from a wide range of children’s clothing, toys, strollers, maternity-wear, and limited sizes of women’s clothing. There will also be face painting, balloon animals, games, and food available for purchase. $1 entry fee and 100% proceeds go to support the Manistee Mothers of Preschoolers. Faith Covenant Church- 475 8th St., Manistee.

Vintage & Craft Vendor Show
Michillinda Lodge- 5207 N. Scenic Dr., Whitehall.  For more information or to reserve a space, e-mail hosts@michillindalodge.com or call (231) 893-1895.

COVE Birthday Bash- Oceana County
This event is a benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Tickets are $30 and include appetizers. COVE staff will talk the history and current services provided by COVE.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” for COVE in the form of pillows, full sized blankets, large kitchen utensils, silverware sets, laundry soap, toilet paper, mixing bowls, table lamps, new washing machines, or a monetary donation. For tickets or more information, click here. Kristi’s Pour House- 211 E. Main St., Hart.

Mason-Lake Conservation District Mushroom Hike
Mushroom Hike, in partnership with Linda Scribner, beginning at the Fin & Feather Club- 3276 Darr Rd., Scottville. Register at mason-lakeconservation.org by May 12th, 2023.

Annual Wine & Art Scholarship Fundraiser
Sponsored by Pentwater Women’s Club, fundraiser for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Includes silent auction, over 30 wines for sampling, hors d’oeurves, and raffle. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and will be available from Pentwater merchants (list TBA). Park Place- 750 N. Rush St., Pentwater. For more information, visit pentwaterwomensclub.org.

Play Tennis Midwest
Free interactive tennis activities, games and play for adults and children age 6 and up. Space is limited. Register at usta.com/playtennismidwest. For more information, contact Coach Brown at (517) 745-6113.

Spring Walking Tour
Learn about both invasive and native plants at Cartier Park with Dave Dister, local botanist and author. Dave will lead a walking tour of the spring growth in the park, give information on a variety of invasive species, and more. Meet by the Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake, Ludington.

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.

Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.

Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass. Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 1pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.

Manistee Memorial Day Observance
9am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery- 1628 Maple Rd. 9:30am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Oak Grove Cemetery- 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr. 10am- Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets and ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. 

Mears Memorial Day Observance
Mears Cemetery- 6189 W. Fox Rd., Mears.

Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.

Ludington Memorial Day Observance
Service at 11:30am at Veterans Mall in Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Complimentary luncheon for all veterans at 1pm at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington.

Paddle Antrim Season Kick Off Gathering
Kick-off the paddling season on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail with Short’s Brewing Company. Grab your  paddle craft of choice and a life jacket for an hour-long paddle on Elk River followed by a gathering at Short’s Pull Barn. No registration required but all participants must fill out a waiver. Find the waiver at paddleantrim.com. Elk Rapids Rotary Park- 305 US-31, Elk Rapids.

Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!

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