Lake Michigan beach town to host ‘street party of all street parties’ during weekend festival

Lake Michigan beach town Ludington will celebrate its 150th anniversary throughout 2023. (Pure Ludington)Pure Ludington

LUDINGTON, MI – Love Ludington Weekend will kickoff Friday with the "street party of all street parties," in the middle of the Lake Michigan beach town's downtown.

The city is celebrating its sesquicentennial – 150th anniversary – this year and the weekend festival is set to be the centerpiece of those celebrations.

"The Love Ludington Weekend is Ludington's official birthday party," said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "There are exciting anniversary-related activities all year long, but this is the capstone for the year when it comes to celebrating our city. We hope all will come out and celebrate."

RELATED: This Lake Michigan beach town is celebrating its 150th birthday all year long

The festivities will begin Friday with the Love Ludington Street Party from 6-10:30 p.m. at the intersection of James Street and Ludington Avenue in downtown Ludington.

The party features live music from Pop Vinyl, Whiskey Rebels and Ludington High School Band. The farmers market will be open along with food vendors. Bean bags will fly during games of cornhole. There will be a bounce house, balloon animals, a petting zoo, emergency vehicle visits, a pirate ship and face painting for the kids. House of Flavors will be giving away ice cream. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be onsite from 6-7 p.m.

A fireworks display will cap off the evening.

Other events throughout the weekend include $1.50 mini golf at Ludington Area Jaycee's Mini Golf Course from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be Historic Homes Walking Tours at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased here.

RELATED: Walk back in time with this new look at history in a Lake Michigan beach town

The Budweiser Clydesdales will return for two more visits. From 5-7 p.m. Saturday, they will be at Loomis Street Boat Launch in Ludington. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, they’ll be at Mason County Fairgrounds near Ludington.

RELATED: Iconic Budweiser Clydesdales to appear 4 times in Northern Michigan next month

A celebration of the S.S. Badger carferry's 70th anniversary will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday at Maritime Heritage Park (next to the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum).

RELATED: Photos: Historic coal-powered car ferry celebrates 70 years of service on Lake Michigan

The annual Ludington Lakestride half marathon, 10K and 5K will begin at 8 a.m. at Stearns Park Beach. Register here.

The city turned 150 years old on March 22, 2023; it was incorporated in 1873.

Find more details about Love Ludington Weekend here.

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