Event Calendar for Manistee and Mason counties — and sometimes beyond. Tell them you saw it in the Freshwater Reporter!
Email event items to us at any time for our online calendar. Our next printed calendar covers June 25 to July 15 and the deadline is June 13 . Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. If your event isn’t listed on our calendar, you didn’t email it to us! ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead) before making plans to attend any of these events. Despite our best efforts, human errors may occur.
EVENT CALENDAR PHOTO by Mark Videan is of a double rainbow, faint, but a second rainbow appears at right.
Click on the links in GREEN to be taken to the hosting organization’s website or for ticket information.
ONGOING EVENTS (Keep Scrolling for Daily Events)
Thru May 31
“Portrait Assemblage” Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. Solo exhibit of works by Gary Warren Niebuhr. In the Performance Hall Lobby Gallery at Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison. Artist’s reception, 5-8pm, May 2.
“The Nature of Things” Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. Solo exhibit of works by Tim Marsh. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Artist reception, May 2, 5-8pm.
WSCC Student Exhibition: “As We Breathe, We Hope”, Ludington
Free. West Shore Community College students, poet Amelia Rowan Tuinstra and ceramicist AJ Roberson. In the Unframed Gallery inside Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St. https://ludingtonartscenter.org
Mad Hatter’s Garden Party: A Whimsical Affair, Frankfort
Free. A little bit surreal, silly & very creative. Artists: Katie Ward, Marti Liddle-Lameti, Laurie Eisenhardt, Stephanie Gregg, Shannon Johnson & more. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Reception on the 4th, 3-5pm.
Thru June 13
PVCC Spring Art Show, Arcadia
Free. Opening reception March 28, 5:30-7pm. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd.
Thru June 20
Alchemy and Artistry, Frankfort
Free. Artworks by Rocco Pisto, Gina Pisto, Arthur Johns & Rochelle Aultman. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.
MAY DAILY EVENTS
Updated continuously. Check back soon!
17
Ludington Petunia Parade, Ludington
6am-12pm. Distribution of Petunias to Block Captains for planting. Rotary Park (City Park), 500 W. Ludington Ave.
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program, Bear Lake
9am. Meet at the Manistee Area Conservation District office, 8840 Chippewa Hwy (US-31). This is a fun-filled day of collecting macro-invertebrates from local streams. No experience required; training and gear are provided. Groups of 4-5 persons will be assigned and given a sampling location. Bring a packed lunch, snacks & water. Coffee/pastries provided in the a.m. Must register in advance on the MACD website: https://www.manisteecd2.org/. Contact Tyler Dula with questions: tyler.dula@macd.org or call him at 231-889-9666, ext. 3005.
Lost Lake Farm Plant Sale, Honor
10am-5pm. 100+ varieties of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers & garden vegetables. 11664 Fewins Rd. www.lostlakefarm.net
Spring Open House at Grow Benzie, Frankfort
1-4pm. Free. 5885 Frankfort Hwy. Ras Marco D spinning vinyl during Block Printing with the Art Guild, Plant Swap with the Seed Guild, shopping at the open Fibershed, education/engagement at the Bee Guild. An afternoon of engagement, volunteer recruitment and relaxation. Refreshments available. Picnicking encouragaed. New volunteer orientation at 11am. Questions: volunteer@growbenzie.org or 231-882-9510.
Infinite Mystery Challenge Disc Golf Singles Tournament, Ludington
$45. Leviathan Course, 517 N. Jebavy Dr. Info/register: www.discgolfscene.com
18
RunLudington Marquette XC 5k, Ludington
9am. Runners/Walkers of any age and ability. Off-road/Cross Country style course. Info/register: runludington.com/pm-xc/
Spring Concert, 5th-12th Grades, Manistee
4pm. Mariner bands. Manistee High School, 12th St.
19
Cookbook Book Club & Luncheon, Benzonia
Noon. Lower level of the Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.
21
Freshwater Reporter MAY ISSUE publication date
Deliveries through Friday, 5/23.
GTRLC Spring Birding Hike, Arcadia
8:30-9:30am. Free. Join birding expert Dr. Brian Allen of the Manistee Audubon chapter for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray & camera/binocs. No dogs. Meet at the parking lot in Arcadia on M-22. Registration required: gtrlc.org
Old Growth Forest Celebration Hike, Arcadia
10am-Noon. Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for an interpretive 2-mile, family-friendly hike at the Dry Hills Trail to celebrate the induction of Arcadia Dunes: C.S. Mott Nature Preserve into the national Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN). 20th location to be recognized in Michigan. Joins more than 270 forests nationwide in the network. Bring camera/binocs/sunscreen/bug spray. No dogs. Must register HERE or email Constanza Hazelwood, chazelwood@gtrlc.org or call her at 231.929.7911.
Garlic Mustard Removal, Manistee
10am-12pm. Volunteer to help the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network pull garlic mustard. Dress appropriately. Donuts provided. Magoon Creek, 3414 Red Apple Rd.
Ecological Lawn Care & Shrink Your Lawn, Benzonia
7pm. Goodwill donations accepted. Upper level of Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave. Hosted by Plant It Wild. Part of the Summer Program Series.
22
Garlic Mustard Workbee, between Frankfort & Benzonia
10am-Noon. At Railroad Point, off Railroad Point Trail, north of Mollineaux Road on north side of M115. Help remove invasive garlic mustard, a top 12 invasive species. Bring your own water and come prepared for working outdoors. Registration appreciated by contacting info@benziecd.org or 231-882-4391.
22-24
Lost Lake Farm Plant Sale, Honor
10am-5pm. 100+ varieties of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers & garden vegetables. 11664 Fewins Rd. www.lostlakefarm.net
23
Live in the Plaza Music Series: Mike Lenich, Ludington
6-8pm, Free. Legacy Plaza, 112 N James St. Bring lawn chair/blanket.
STIX Summer Concert Series: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ludington
7:30pm. STIX Ludington, 1963 N Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: stixludington.com
The Venue presents: Tyler Farr with Jessie Campbell, Cadillac
8pm-12am. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
23-25
Cherry Bowl Drive-in Luau, Honor
Time TBD as well as details. Summer kick-off. Wear your leis. Photo opps, Cherry Bowl Hawaiian shirts for purchase, luau-themed concessions, luau-themed movie at 9812 Honor Hwy. (US-31). https://www.cherrybowldrivein.com/
24
2025 Disc Baron Series: AJ Open Day 1 Disc Golf Tournament, Ludington
PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament. Mason County Park, 5906 W Chauvez Rd. Info/register: www.discgolfscene.com
Turtlefest: Happy Together, Elberta
Tentatively 10am-4pm. In celebration of World Turtle Day, May 23. The purpose of Turtlefest is to raise awareness and improve the safety of our reptile neighbors and the humans who love to help them. Festival to be held in front of 654 Frankfort Avenue/M22 (Will Church’s “Turtledome”) and Elberta Mercantile. Activities include: installation of the official MDOT turtle crossing signs on M22 (opening ceremony), painting by attendees of Turtle Crossing/Watch for Turtles signs (former political/advertising lawn signs)—all day, presentation/radio interview by Sleeping Bear Wildlife Rehab expert (TBD), how to drop a pin in Google maps to show a turtle crossing location, and how to safely help a turtle cross the road. Many volunteers are needed, as well as any herpetologists! For more info, contact Emily: emilyvotruba@yahoo.com
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull, Scottville
12pm. Scottville Riverside Park, 700 S Scottville Rd. FACEBOOK PAGE
Beginner-friendly Fishing at Big Sable River, Ludington
12:30-3:30pm. Starts at Ludington State Park amphitheater. Walk to the Sable River Trail. Come learn a new skill. If you have it, bring your own pole. A limited supply of poles will be on hand. All bait provided. Must be 17+ yrs. old & have a fishing license.
Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents Salome (Strauss), Manistee
1pm, $15-25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
18th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival, Thompsonville
4-8pm. $55 at the door, less in advance. Live entertainment & samples of Michigan’s finest beers, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor & gourmet brats. Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Tickets: www.crystalmountain.com/event/beerfest
The Beach Boys in concert, Manistee
7:30-9pm. $70-100. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. Tickets: lrcr.com
STIX Summer Concert Series: Fool House – The Ultimate 90’s Party, Ludington
7:30pm. Stix Ludington, 1963 N Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: stixludington.com
The Venue presents: City of Evil – a tribute to Avenged Sevenfold, Cadillac
Doors 7pm. Show 8pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
24, 25
Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair, Ludington
10am-4pm. Artists, crafters, food trucks. Rotary Park (City Park), 500 W Ludington Ave.
Book & Bake Sale, Baldwin
9am-close. Pathfinder Community Library, 812 Michigan Ave.
63rd Annual Fountain Horse Pull & Activities, Fountain
SAT. 11am registration, 12pm Cornhole tournament. SUN. Horse pull at 1pm. with bake sale, food, bounce house for kids. Delaney’s, 4108 E. Main St. Updated schedule of events: facebook.com
25
Blessing of the ORVs, Irons
Park opens 10am. Blessing 12pm. Food available 11am-1pm. $5/vehicle (cash only). Skinner Park, 5074 W 10 ½ Mile Rd.
STIX Summer Concert Series: 80s Party with the Spazmatics, Ludington
7pm. Stix Ludington, 1963 N Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: stixludington.com
26
25th Annual Stride for S.T.R.I.V.E. 5k run, Cadillac
8:30-10:30am. $25. Hosted by Rotary Club of Cadillac to benefit high school mentoring program. 601 Chestnut St. Info/registration: runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/ROTARYSTRIDEFORSTRIVE5K
Memorial Day Observance & Parade, Manistee
9am. Poppy placement, Rifle salute & Taps at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, 1628 Maple Rd. 10am, Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets & ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 117 Memorial Dr. Immediately after parade & ceremonies, poppy placement, rifle salute & Taps at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr.
27
Weed the Park, Ludington
6-8pm. Free. Volunteer to help AFFEW remove invasive plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Bring garden gloves, trowel, water. Meet near the dog park at the end of Rath Ave. Cartier Park, 1254 N Lakeshore Dr.
28
Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes, WEBINAR
9am. “What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes,” hosted by MSU Extension’s Erick Elgin and Jo Latimore. Learn how to spot invasive plants early, before they take hold. To register, go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/detecting-invasive-plants-in-michigan-lakes
The Venue presents: Black Stone Cherry, Cadillac
Doors 6pm. Show 7pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
29
National Writers Series presents author Carl Hiaasen, Traverse City and Livestreamed
Doors open 6pm. Event at 7pm. At the City Opera House, 106 E. Front St. In person tickets going fast! Buy them HERE. Author of the new “Fever Beach” and 14 previous novels, including the bestsellers Squeeze Me, Razor Girl, Star Island, Nature Girl, Skinny Dip, Sick Puppy, Lucky You, and Assume the Worst and NY Times bestseller Bad Monkey. He also wrote six bestselling children’s books, Hoot, Flush, Scat, Chomp, Skink, and Squirm.
29, 30
Fish on for Freedom. Ludington
Free veteran’s fishing event on Lake Mich. THURS 6-8pm: Meet & greet/registration at Harborview Marina, 400 S Rath Ave. FRI: 5:15am-3pm Go fishing. Noon: Boats come back to the harbor so community can cheer & thank the veterans. Info/registration: fishonforfreedom.com
29-31
Lost Lake Farm Plant Sale, Honor
10am-5pm. 100+ varieties of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers & garden vegetables. 11664 Fewins Rd. www.lostlakefarm.net
30
Reception for “Keep the Press Rolling”: A Freshwater Reporter Art Show & Sale, Onekama
4-6pm. Free. Meet the Freshwater Reporter contributors/editors during this reception to kick off the fundraising sale of artworks donated by area artists, with gifts donated by area merchants and organizations. Attend the reception (refreshments will be served) for the best selection! To be held at Patina, a boutique of re-imagined home and garden items and art gallery, located at 4850 Main St. (M-22).
Live in the Plaza Music Series: JD & the Bees Knees, Ludington
6-8pm, Free. Legacy Plaza, 112 N James St. Bring lawn chair/blanket.
STIX Summer Concert Series: In the End – Linkin Park Experience, Ludington
7:30pm. Stix Ludington, 1963 N Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: stixludington.com
The Venue presents: Lil Wyte – The Live It Up Tour, Cadillac
Doors 7pm. Show8pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com
Experience the Legacy: A Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Manistee
7:30pm. $25, $18.75 for Manistee residents. Tribute performed by “Looking Forward”, which is Chris Skellenger, Patrick Niemisto, John Kumjian, Tim Sparling, and Roger Tarczon. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
31
Bike Benzie Tour, Thompsonville
7am. $75 thru May 27. 18th annual charity ride benefits area youth. 30, 46 & 62 mile courses start & end at Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Info/registration: bikebenzie.org
Mason County Garden Club Plant Exchange/Sale, Ludington
10am-12pm. Bring plants to exchange or purchase plants. Rotary Park, 500 E. Ludington Ave.
Waves & Wheels Safety Day, Ludington
11am-2pm. Free. Bicycling & swimming safety tips, bike & helmet checks, skills course, water safety with DNR & Coast Guard, free hot dogs, giveaways, more. Loomis Street Boat Launch, 998 W Loomis St.
Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents Il Barbiere Di Saviglia (Rossini), Manistee
1pm, $15-25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Sturtz in concert, Ludington
7pm. $15 ADV, $20 DOS. Folk music quartet. Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S Harrison St. Tickets: ludingtonartscenter.org or at LACA.
STIX Summer Concert Series: Country Night with Neon Crows, Ludington
7:30pm. Stix Ludington, 1963 N Lakeshore Dr. Tickets: stixludington.com
Coyote Crossing Music Series: Matt Mason, Cadillac
Doors open 6pm. Concert 7:30-11pm. $25.Coyote Crossing Resort, 8593 S 13 Rd. Info/tickets: coyotecrossingresort.com