Author

Melody Wilson

Melody Wilson

Melody Wilson is enjoying her second act, following a long career in journalism. The longtime Holland resident enjoys exploring hidden gems along the Lakeshore, doing freelance work, and spending time with friends and family.

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Melody Wilson's Latest Articles

January things to do: 2026 is here, and there’s plenty of fun to be had — indoors and outdoors

January events start off with the annual Hair of the Dog Run in Saugatuck and end with the Black Tie for the Y event in Muskegon. And there are a lot of enjoyable and diverting happenings in between.

December things to do: Light shows, parades, live Nativity, singing tree, Santa train, and shopping

December isn’t just about the holidays, though there are plenty of events that center on celebration. There also are museum exhibits, historic site tours, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

November things to do: Turkey trots, Thanksgiving, tree lightings, and holiday markets top this list

Enjoy musical programs, dance and theater performances, movies, gingerbread houses, and a girlfriends getaway weekend in Muskegon. Also, the Big Read, Middle Read, and Little Read are in full swing across the Lakeshore.

October things to do: Art Nouveau, Dia de los Muertos, jazz, Motown, and plenty of Halloween fun

Whether you’re into music, art, movies, history, crafts, or something entirely different, you’ll be able to find it in our October list of things to do along the Lakeshore.

Among events taking place on Labor Day (Sept. 1) throughout the Lakeshore are the White Lake Community Walk (pictured), bridge walks in Grand Haven and Saugatuck-Douglas, and a truck parade from Zeeland to Holland.
September things to do: Labor Day events, car shows, an international fest, and a kiteboarding event

From a historic Civil War battle reenactment to a Hispanic Heritage Festival, there’s something for everyone this month, no matter where you live along the Lakeshore. 

There’s no better place to get fresh produce — and a lot more — than the Holland Farmers Market. If you live in another town, don’t fret. There also are summer farmers markets in Muskegon, Douglas, Grand Haven, Montague, and Saugatuck.
August things to do: Big theater productions, the uniting power of music, and a Polish festival

History, music, movies, and theater compete with sport fishing, a volleyball tournament, pro wrestling, and street performers for our time and attention this month. 

Communities throughout the Lakeshore are hosting Fourth of July events, many ending the day with fireworks, such as these from Grand Haven.
July things to do: Holidays, festivals, concerts and county fairs make this a month for celebration

Summer is in full swing, with Bike Time in Muskegon, LAUP Fiesta week in Holland, the Coast Guard Festival and beach volleyball in Grand Haven, and a car show in Zeeland.   

June things to do: Pride events, Miss Michigan, Juneteenth, a Julia Child exhibit, and Father’s Day

June brings Father’s Day, Miss Michigan, Juneteenth, a Julia Child exhibit, movies, music, summer camps, 5Ks, and theater. Libraries have a lot of free activities, too.  

May things to do: Festivals, fundraisers, Memorial Day, an Anne Frank exhibit — and don’t forget Mom

Tulip Time in Holland and the Grand Haven’s Kite Festival return, as does the Prom with a Purpose in Spring Lake and several Memorial Day events across the lakeshore. 

The Easter Egg Scramble, set for April 5 at Roosevelt Park Community Center in Muskegon, is just one of several egg-related activities in the April calendar for West Michigan.
April things to do: A student art exhibition, Easter events, theater, and spring break activities

It’s April, time for spring flings, spring breaks, Arbor Day, Earth Day, and several egg-stra special events this Easter. And don’t forget art, music, theater, and crafts.

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