Hamlin Lake Celebrations

The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! After your day at the beach, on the lake, or at the State Park, take a break before you head out for a great summer evening.

OUTDOOR CONCERTS
What better way to enjoy a balmy summer night than with music? We are blessed to have a variety of wonderful musicians in this area...from the Scottville Clown Band to the Pentwater Civic Band. Venues for outdoor concerts include Ludington's Waterfront Park and the Kiwanis Band Shell at the City Park, the Scottville Clown Band Shell and the Village Green in Pentwater.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
For four Fridays in late July-early August, downtown Ludington is blocked off for the famous Friday Night Live event. Plan to bring your appetite, as a number of food vendors will be on hand with tasty dishes. Kids can play in the bounce houses, have their faces painted, or enjoy an arts and crafts activity. The Baby Badger takes its little passengers on a fun trip on the west end of Ludington Avenue. Music is going on at both ends, so you'll always find something to your liking. Downtown shops are open late, or enjoy a meal at one of the family-owned restaurants.

MOVIES IN THE PARK
Thursday nights in August, bring your blanket, flashlight, and popcorn and head to City Park for Movies in the Park. A different family-type film is shown all four nights, and it's the closest thing to the old-fashioned drive-in theaters.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Along Ludington Avenue and on south James Street, there are a variety of bars, many of which offer live entertainment on weekend nights. If karaoke is what you're looking for, you'll find that, too. Good friends and good times last long into the night...with taxis available for safe rides home.

SUNSETS & GUIDED CRUISES
You may want to head to the beach in the evening hours to avoid the daytime crowds. Snuggle up on the sand and wait for the spectacular sunset that never disappoints. Make a game of it and predict the exact minute the golden orb seems to disappear into Lake Michigan. New this year are guided sunset cruises on Hamlin Lake. Board a 25' Bentley Luxury Pontoon (wheelchair accessible) at Hamlin Lake Boat Rentals two hours prior to sunset and let the captain do the work. Price is just $20 per person, and reservations are required.

EVENINGS AT WATERFRONT PARK
Have a picnic supper at Waterfront Park...there's plenty of tables, and while you eat, you can watch the various boats as they enter the marinas. The S.S. Badger carferry arrives from Manitowoc at 6:55pm and leaves again at 8:30, and you'll have the perfect view. Kids can frolic on the playground, and after your meal, take a stroll to see the sculptures that are found throughout the park. If you're lucky, a concert will be going on at the amphitheater, filling the air with the best in local music.

WHAT TO DO ON RAINY NIGHTS
When the weather is less than ideal, there's no need to sit home. Head out to a local bowling alley for a game of cosmic/laser bowling, or catch a movie at the local theater. Local coffeehouses are a great place to enjoy a beverage and perhaps catch some live entertainment. Many restaurants are open late ready to serve hungry patrons.

Grab an ice cream cone, take a leisurely stroll, and truly enjoy the night life in Ludington.