The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Longer nights and balmy temperatures are the perfect recipe for getting out and enjoying local summer events.

SUMMER NIGHTS

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 Ludington 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.

WORLD CLASS SUNSETS
You may want to head to the beach in the evening hours to avoid the daytime crowds. Stop first and get an ice cream cone, then 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. Ludington, Pentwater, Silver Lake, and Manistee all have great sunset locations along the shoreline.

SUNSET CRUISES ON THE LAKE
Enjoy a 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.
The S.S. Badger carferry sails out of Ludington in the evening, where you can also catch a spectacular sunset.

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 7pm 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.

FOOTBALL & FALL SPORTS
Fall means football, and Friday nights light up at Oriole field. Prior to the game and at halftime, the Ludington High School marching band takes the field and fills the air with great music. Attend other outdoor sports, like cross country, tennis, and golf. Or stay warm inside and watch a volleyball match or a swim meet. Meet friends at your favorite tavern on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for exciting college and NFL football.

WHAT TO DO ON SNOWY 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.

WEST SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS SERIES
West Shore Community College is known for providing a great education to thousands of students of all ages, but the arts are also alive and well at the college. The Performing Arts Series features musicians, theater productions, one-man shows...as well as the WSCC symphony orchestra, jazz band, and concert choir. Click here for a list of the events planned for 2011.

MANISTEE CIVIC PLAYERS
The Manistee Civic Players are comprised of local talent that love to perform and have been doing so for 60 years. The productions, always entertaining and very professional, take place at the Historic Ramsdell Theater in Manistee, a true architectural landmark.

LUDINGTON AREA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts has proven to be a valuable and cultural asset to the city of Ludington. The Center has already hosted various concerts, exhibits, and speakers, with a busy season scheduled for 2012. The gift shop is open, and more renovation is planned for the future.

DECEMBER 31st--LIGHTED BALL DROP IN DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

Visitor or resident...young or old....everyone can truly enjoy the night life in Ludington.