From inspiring live music and family festivals to beach adventures, creative kids' programs, and award-winning theater, West Michigan is filled with unforgettable experiences this August. Visit Muskegon for the Unity Christian Music Festival at Heritage Landing and the Great Lakes Surf Festival at Pere Marquette Beach, where families can enjoy live entertainment, outdoor fun, and beautiful Lake Michigan views. Then head to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for the final Mini Makers preschool program or enjoy the acclaimed musical Once. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a weekend on the lakeshore, or a memorable date night, these West Michigan events offer something for every age and interest.
Unity Christian Music Festival | Muskegon | August 5–8
One of the biggest family-friendly events in West Michigan returns to Muskegon August 5–8 as the Unity Christian Music Festival takes over Heritage Landing. This popular four-day festival brings thousands together for inspiring Christian music, worship, fellowship, and fun for all ages. Kids will love the Family Fun Zone with crafts, games, and activities, while older children can tackle the climbing wall, obstacle course, archery tag, and more, all sponsored by CranHill Ranch. Add delicious offerings from local food trucks, Meijer's Affordable Food Tent, and Country Dairy ice cream, and you've got four unforgettable days of music, family fun, and community on the beautiful Muskegon waterfront.
Great Lakes Surf Festival | Muskegon | August 8 | 12:30–6:00 p.m.
Keep the summer fun going in Muskegon at the Great Lakes Surf Festival on August 8 at Pere Marquette Beach from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. Surfing and board lessons may be sold out, but there's still plenty to enjoy during this exciting celebration of Michigan's beach culture. Watch surfers ride the waves, enjoy live music, participate in beach yoga, sample delicious food, and spend a relaxing day along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Be sure to enter the raffle for incredible prizes, including a grand prize getaway of five days at the JW Marriott in Costa Rica. Family passes are just $25, and a free shuttle makes getting to the beach easy.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mini Makers Series, August 10 & the Musical Once | August 7–30
Looking for creative family fun in Saugatuck? There's still time to register preschoolers ages 3 to 5 for the final Mini Makers Series of the summer at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on August 10 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. During the "Move n Groove" session, young artists will explore color, texture, and sensory play while enjoying the story MOVE!, learning how animals move through the wild. The morning also includes an animal-inspired dance session, a hands-on art project, and a healthy snack, with parents or guardians participating alongside their child.
While you're there, make plans to experience one of the season's must-see live theater events. The Tony Award-winning musical Once runs August 7 through August 30 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. This unforgettable production tells the touching story of a Dublin street musician and a young immigrant whose lives are transformed through the power of music. Filled with memorable songs, heartfelt performances, and inventive staging, Once is a captivating summer theater experience you won't want to miss.
