People gather to watch the sunset during the annual Unity Christian Music Festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon during 2015. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Justine McGuire

West Michigan does it up right with 20 major summer events in 2017

WEST MICHIGAN – West Michigan communities roll out the welcome mat all summer long, with events and activities that entice visitors and locals alike.

Events range from Muskegon's Parties in the Park to Electric Forest Festival to Rebel Road and Muskegon Bike Time to Love Ludington Weekend. There's hardly a weekend that doesn't have a large-scale event taking place.

Scroll down to see the largest and most iconic West Michigan summer festivities.

Don't Edit

A couple watches the Grand Haven Musical Fountain in 2006. (MLive.com file photo)

Justine McGuire

Grand Haven Musical Fountain

What: The largest of its kind in the world, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a 25-minute synchronized music, water and lights show. The show has been operating for more than 50 years.

Where: It that can be viewed from the Grand Haven board walk.

When: Every night at dusk from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May and September.

More information: View nightly playlists, and create custom musical fountain shows here.

Don't Edit

The After Effect performs at Hackley Park as a part of the Parties in the Park series on August 19, 2016 in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Parties in the Park

What: A Muskegon summer mainstay since 1984, Parties in the Park will kickoff its 2017 season on Friday, June 2. The nearly weekly event brings the community together for food, drink and music all summer long.

Where: Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Ave. in Muskegon

When: Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and July 21 and 28, and Aug. 4 and 18.

More information: View the band line up here.

Don't Edit

About 100 watch the Double Indemnity during Movies on Deck on the USS LST 393 in 2008. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

USS LST 393 Movies on Deck

What: films are shown on USS LST 393's huge screen on the top deck throughout the summer. This year's Movies on Deck will include Shrek, Back to the Future III and Remember the Titans.

Where: USS LST 393, 560 Mart St., Muskegon

When: Films begin right after sunset, around 10 p.m. In August, films start about 9:30 p.m. Movies will be shown on Saturday, June 3; Fridays, June 9, 16, 23 and 30, and July 14, 21 and 28, and Aug. 4 and 18.

More information: Visit the LST 393 website for the full schedule.

Don't Edit

A young boy slurps the remnants of sundae with a straw after world record attempt for the longest ice cream desserton Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Ludington, Mich. Ludington-based House of Flavors, one of Michigan's original, continuously-operating ice cream makers and parlors put on the event. The event organizers expect over 6,000 people to eat the dessert. The Ludington length is measured at 2,970 feet, the current world record is held by Manurewa suburb of Auckland New Zealand with a length of 1,957 feet. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Justine McGuire

Love Ludington weekend

What: Love Ludington weekend kicks off the summer in this up north beach town. The full roster of events includes a try for Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous sand angels, which will take place at Stearns Park beach.

Where: downtown Ludington

When: Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11

More information: For the full schedule visit Love Ludington weekend on Facebook.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

The top five Miss Michigan contestants pose for a group photo backstage during the final night of the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, June 17, 2016 in Muskegon, Mich. Miss Wayne County Arianna Quan, 23, was crowned the new Miss Michigan 2016. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant

What: More than 30 contestants in the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant will arrive in Muskegon in mid-June to compete for a $50,000 scholarship and the title of Miss Michigan, which comes with a ticket to compete at the Miss America pageant. Contestants model swimsuits and evening gowns, answer questions on stage and perform a wide variety of talents.

Where: Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon

When: June 13-17

More information: Visit the Miss Michigan website.

Don't Edit

Scenes from the Muskegon Heights Festival In the Park parade along Broadway Avenue on Saturday June, 18, 2016 in Muskegon Heights, Mich. (Erin Lefevre | MLive.com)

Justine McGuire

Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park

What: Since 1982, the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park has promoted community pride and involvement, and the downtown business district. The festival includes a parade, music, food and more. This year's finale concert will be Alaina Renae who will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, at Rowan City Park.

Where: Rowan City Park, Muskegon Heights

When: Thursday-Saturday, June 15-17

More information: Keep up on the details by following the Facebook page.

Don't Edit

Attendees sample Muskegon's food offerings during Tast of Muskegon 2016 in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Taste of Muskegon

What: This downtown Muskegon event features a ton of local food, and much more. The West Michigan Offshore Club Powerboat Street Party on Friday as part of Powerboat weekend. Saturday will begin with the United Way's Ride United, breakfast with the Shoreline Lions, the Skee-Town Showdown Car Show and Sweetwater Local Foods Market. Awards for Taste of Muskegon's best plates will take place Saturday afternoon and includes judging and public votes.

Where: downtown Muskegon

When: Friday and Saturday, June 16-17

More information: Here's MLive's latest coverage.

Don't Edit

Members of the group Fou Fou Ha from San Francisco pose for a portrait during the final day of Electric Forest on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Mich. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Justine McGuire

Electric Forest Festival

What: Electric Forest Festival 2017 will be the first year the seven-year music and camping festival has expanded to two weekends. The festival features an eclectic mix of music and a one-of-a-kind experience.

Where: Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, a small rural community located north of Muskegon in Oceana County.

When: June 22-25 and June 29-July 2

More information: Check out these MLive stories for more on Electric Forest:

Electric Forest 2017 unveils performers for first-ever 'Her Forest' event

Electric Forest 2017 headliners: Listen to their biggest hits

13 things to know about Electric Forest 2017 special events

Don't Edit

Runners participate in the annual Seaway Run, which includes a half marathon, 15k race, and a community walk in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Seaway Run

What: This long-running Muskegon is moving to downtown, and adding an after party with music and beer. The event features a community walk, 5K, 15K and half marathon.

Where: downtown Muskegon

When: Saturday, June 24

More information: Get the low-down here.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Celeste Stover, 5, of Muskegon, puts her hand in the air during a performance by The After Effect at the Muskegon Rockstock music festival in Hackley Park on Aug. 3, 2013. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Muskegon Rockstock

What: Rock music, fireworks, raffles, face painting, food and drinks are just a few things that will be featured during Muskegon Rockstock.

Where: Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon

When: Monday and Tuesday, July 3-4

More information: Find more on the event website.

Don't Edit

Scenes from the Lakeshore Art Festival in Muskegon, Mich. on July 2, 2016. (Mlive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Lakeshore Art Festival

What: Art vendors will take over downtown Muskegon for a weekend. West Western Avenue shuts for fine arts, crafts, music and food vendors.

Where: downtown Muskegon

When: Friday and Saturday, July 7-8

More information: Check out the website for more.

Don't Edit

Scenes from Bike Time 2016 in Fruitport Twp., Mich. on Friday, July 15, 2016. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Muskegon Bike Time

What: The 11th annual Muskegon Bike Time will come back to downtown Muskegon after a two year relocation to Fruitport Township. Bike Time 2017 activities will include a large traveling display from Harley Davidson headquarters, including new models available for test rides. Several other motorcycle manufactures and dealers will participate with bikes, parts and accessories available.

Where: Hot Rod Harley Davidson parking lot, 149 Shoreline Drive, downtown Muskegon

When: Thursday-Sunday, July 13-16

More information: Read more about the event in these MLive posts:

Muskegon Bike Time 2017 to move back downtown

Muskegon Bike Time, Rebel Road 2017 to coexist downtown area

Don't Edit

Kathy Six, 52, of Fruitport, greets the crowd during the Miss Rebel Road 2016 competition on Saturday, June 16, 2016, in downtown Muskegon, Mich. Six and Jenni Griswold of Muskegon (not pictured) tied in the 2015 competition, she finished third in 2016. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Justine McGuire

Rebel Road

What: The third annual Rebel Road will have concert, merchandise vendors, food and beer tents downtown Muskegon, plus stunt shows, bike shows and fire performers.

Where: downtown Muskegon

When: Thursday-Sunday, July 13-16

More information: Find more in this MLive post: Muskegon Bike Time, Rebel Road 2017 to coexist in downtown area

Don't Edit

An exterior view of the Mobile Bay, a docked U.S. Coast Guard ship that visited Grand Haven, Mich. for the 2016 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

What: From music to cardboard boat races to crazy water skiing, and of course, honoring the U.S. Coast Guard, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival has something for everyone.

Where: downtown Grand Haven

When: July 26-Aug. 6

More information: Find more on the festival website.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Hundreds gathered at Heritage Landing for the 2016 Unity Christian Music Festival in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Unity Christian Music Festival

What: An array of Christian musicians will entertain for a weekend in Muskegon. The festival also features "extreme games," a 5K, a blood drive and more.

Where: Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon

When: Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 9-12

More information: Find more on the festival website.

Don't Edit

Moose Fest attendees sing along to a song by Edens Edge at Muskegon's Heritage Landing on Aug. 20, 2011. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Moose Fest

What: Local country radio station 107.9 WMUS The Moose puts on the annual Moose Fest -- a day of live country music.

Where: Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon

When: Aug. 19

More information: Find more here.

Don't Edit

People stand and clap as Bettye LaVette performs during the 2015 Shoreline Jazz Festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Shoreline Jazz Festival

What: Jazz artists will perform at multiple venues throughout downtown Muskegon during the festival.

Where: downtown Muskegon

When: Aug. 24-27

More information: Find out more here.

Don't Edit

Crowds enter the 2015 Burning Foot Beer Festival at Pere Marquette beach in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Burning Foot Beer Festival

What: A "celebration of beer, music and the lakeshore lifestyle," Burning Foot Beer Festival will return to Muskegon this summer.

Where: Pere Marquette Park beach

When: Saturday, Aug. 26

More information: Find more here.

Don't Edit

A woman recieves a handmade flower crown during the 2016 Muskegon Polish Festival at Hackley Park in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Muskegon Polish Festival

What: The second annual Muskegon Polish Festival will offer Polish food, polka music, dancing, cultural activities, a children's area, a Catholic mass and more.

Where: Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon

When: Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-2

More information: Find more here.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Gabriel Davis, 21 months old, of Grand Rapids, runs around during the 2016 Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Mich. (MLive.com file)

Justine McGuire

Michigan Irish Music Festival

What: Offering Irish traditions from kilts to Highland games to dancing and food, the Michigan Irish Music Festival is a good time for adults and wee ones.

Where: Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon

When: Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 14-17

More information: Find more here.