Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

📍 North America

28 - 29th June 2025

City of Muskegon
933 Terrace St.
Muskegon, MI, United States

📍 Event Overview

Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

Date:

28 - 29th June 2025
Location:

City of Muskegon
933 Terrace St.
Muskegon, MI, United States

The Lakeshore Art Festival, established in 2013, is a premier juried event blending fine art, handmade crafts, and family-friendly activities along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality vendors, the 2025 edition, themed “Creative Currents,” promises to deliver a vibrant mix of art, music, and community engagement.

Mission:

To celebrate creativity, foster economic growth for artists, and promote Michigan’s cultural heritage through accessible, family-focused programming.
Organizer:

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

🎨 Art & Craft Exhibits

Juried Art Market: 300+ artists and crafters showcasing:
Fine Art: Painting, sculpture, photography.
Handmade Crafts: Jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodworking.
Emerging Artists: A dedicated zone for first-time exhibitors.
Kids’ Art Zone: Free hands-on activities like pottery painting and mural creation.

Why attend to Lakeshore Art Festival 2025?

Culinary & Music Experiences

Food Trucks & Local Eats: Enjoy Michigan favorites like cherry pie, craft beer, and farm-to-table dishes.
Live Music: Performances by regional bands across genres (folk, jazz, indie).
Culinary Demos: Chef collaborations with local artists (e.g., food plating as edible art).

Special Features

Artisan Demonstrations: Watch glassblowing, blacksmithing, and weaving in action.
Public Art Installations: Interactive sculptures and murals along the Muskegon Riverwalk.
Sustainability Pavilion: Eco-friendly art made from recycled materials, plus workshops on upcycling.

Visitor Information
🎟️ Admission: Free! Open to all ages.
🕒 Hours:

Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM

🚗 Getting There:

Parking: Free shuttles from Muskegon Community College and downtown lots ($5/day).
Public Transit: Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS) stops near festival grounds.
Bike/Walk: Use the Lakeshore Trail for scenic access.

Sustainability & Accessibility
♻️ Green Initiatives:

Zero-waste goal with compostable servingware and recycling stations.
Solar-powered stages and partnerships with Clean Water Action Michigan.

♿ Accessibility:

Wheelchair-friendly pathways and ASL interpreters at music stages.
Sensory-friendly quiet zones (10 AM–12 PM daily).

Artist & Vendor Spotlight

Featured Artist 2025: Sarah Turner (mixed-media installations using Lake Michigan driftwood).
Local Favorites:
Muskegon Honey Co. (beeswax candles).
Lake Effect Pottery (hand-thrown ceramics).

Why Attend?

Support Local: 70% of vendors are Michigan-based.
Affordable Art: Prices range from 10∗∗(prints)to∗∗10∗∗(prints)to∗∗5,000+ (large sculptures).
Community Vibes: Pet-friendly areas, stroller rentals, and shaded seating.

Stay Connected:
📱 Social Media: @LakeshoreArtFestival (Facebook/Instagram), #LAF2025
📧 Newsletter:Sign up for artist previews and parking updates.

Lakeshore Art Festival 2025: Where Art Meets the Lake.

“A weekend of creativity, community, and pure Michigan charm.” – MLive

Gallery: Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

History of Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

The Lakeshore Art Festival was founded in 2013 to revitalize downtown Muskegon, Michigan, and celebrate the region’s artistic talent. Initially a small gathering of 50 local artists and crafters, it has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier art festivals, attracting 50,000+ visitors annually.

Key milestones:

2015: Expanded to include the Kids’ Art Zone, fostering creativity in young attendees.
2018: Introduced sustainability initiatives, becoming Michigan’s first zero-waste art festival.
2020–2021: Adapted to COVID-19 with a hybrid format, combining virtual artist showcases and scaled-down in-person events.
2023: Partnered with ArtPrize (Grand Rapids) to feature collaborative installations along the Muskegon Riverwalk.
2025: Celebrates its 12th edition under the theme “Creative Currents”, emphasizing innovation, community, and environmental stewardship.

Gallery: Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

🎨 Mission of Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

The Lakeshore Art Festival 2025 is guided by a mission to connect art, community, and nature while fostering economic and cultural growth. Its core objectives:

1. Celebrate Creativity & Craftsmanship

Showcase juried artists and makers, prioritizing Michigan-based talent (70% of exhibitors).
Highlight traditional crafts (woodworking, ceramics) alongside modern innovations like eco-art and digital mediums.

2. Strengthen Community Bonds

Offer free admission and activities to ensure accessibility for all.
Partner with local schools for student art displays and mentorship programs.

3. Promote Sustainability

Achieve zero-waste certification via compostable materials, recycling stations, and solar-powered stages.
Feature a Sustainability Pavilion with workshops on upcycling and eco-conscious art.

4. Boost Local Economy

Generate revenue for small businesses and artists (estimated $2M+ in sales in 2024).
Attract tourism to Muskegon, supporting hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites.

5. Honor Michigan’s Heritage

Celebrate the Great Lakes through art inspired by Lake Michigan’s landscapes and ecosystems.
Collaborate with Indigenous artists to share Anishinaabe cultural traditions.

Why the 2025 Mission Matters

Cultural Impact: Positions Muskegon as a Midwest arts destination.
Environmental Leadership: Models how festivals can reduce ecological footprints.
Inclusivity: Ensures art is accessible to diverse audiences, including families and underserved communities.

Join the Vision:
🌐 www.lakeshoreartfestival.org
📱 Follow @LakeshoreArtFestival #LAF2025

“Where creativity flows like the Great Lakes.”

💡 Tips for Visitors of Lakeshore Art Festival 2025

Bring: Reusable water bottles (free refill stations), sunscreen, and cash (some vendors don’t accept cards).
Park Early: Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure parking near the main entrance.
Local Gems: Visit the USS Silversides Submarine Museum or P.J. Hoffmaster State Park post-festival.

Thank you for exploring our Exhibition Catalog! We value your opinion and would love to hear your thoughts. Whether you have a question, suggestion, or just want to share your experience, please fill out the form below.

Current Exhibition