Ludington Gus Macker, 200 N Lake Shore Drive, Ludington, MI (2026)

05/13/2026

🏀 COMMUNITY. LOVE. MACKER. 🏀

Every year at the Ludington Gus Macker, we invite honorary individuals to step up to the free throw line and become part of Macker weekend in a special way.

This year, we want YOUR help.

Do you know someone who inspires others?
Someone who represents community, heart, perseverance, kindness, or what Ludington or West Michigan is all about?
Or maybe there’s a player, coach, family, or team with an unforgettable story that deserves recognition.

Message us or comment right here on our page with your nomination and tell us their story.

The individual selected will receive:
🏀 A special Gus Macker commemorative basketball
👕 A commemorative shirt
🏀 The invitation to shoot before the games begin
📜 A special recognition certificate for... being amazing!

And if we choose the individual YOU nominate, you’ll receive:
🏀 A FREE future Ludington Gus Macker team registration
💵 One hundred dollars in spending cash

Nominations are due by June 1st, although earlier is always better as we begin reviewing submissions.

We can’t wait to hear the stories that make the Ludington Gus Macker and community so special.

05/06/2026

Just a few weeks remain to register for the Ludington Gus Macker, and we’ve got an update for you about this year’s event.

Our 10 Point Update

Don’t read too much into each point, it’s just our way of keeping you informed while having a little fun.

🏀 First, we’ve taken the approach that the people who love the Ludington Gus Macker and understand the value and excitement of the event don’t need us constantly in your face. That said, get ready, because there are less than fifty one days of updates ahead. We’re humbled by everyone who participates, sponsors, volunteers, and embraces this event. Whether it means more teams or fewer teams, more sponsors or fewer sponsors, what matters most is that the people who love the Ludington Gus Macker get to enjoy it naturally. Let the in-your-face action take place on the courts.

🏀 Second, despite rumors to the contrary, this event is not cancelled (we just get lazy and haven't posted on Faceebook in a while), and it will not be cancelled, and is absolutely happening, unless perhaps our Gus Macker mascot gets struck by lightning during Macker weekend, in which case we should probably all sign the get well card. There are already hundreds of teams registered, campsites booked, and hotel rooms reserved. At this point, sixty percent of registered participants are between ten and fourteen years old. You decide what side of the court you want to be on, but no one is going anywhere.

🏀 Third, the same local organizers who brought you the Ludington Gus Macker in 2024, 2025 remains in 2026, and that remains the radio stations. It's just our way to give back to an amazing community and to invite those from out of town to a place they can call home for a few days.

🏀 Fourth, if you’re a food truck vendor, we’ve expanded food truck opportunities this year. Returning vendors were given first right of refusal, and now that phase has passed, we’ll be reaching out based on when you reached out to us, but know that there is A LOT of food vendors wanting to be at Macker this year and we can't accept everyone. For attendees, expect more food trucks than last year (you asked for it, we realized we need it, the request has been answered) with three designated food zones, north, south, and a brand new middle zone. That means more variety and less walking when hunger hits.

🏀 Fifth, registration is moving to Stearns Park (where Macker is played) this year. That means you can register, practice, enjoy the beach, and not have to spend a ton on fuel costs driving back and forth. But, while you’re here, take time to explore the Ludington area and enjoy the places to eat (our team is working on a top 10 restaurant list that we will post here and we hope it will answer the question we alll have when we visit a town "where would the locals eat". Remember, people visit Ludington and then end up moving here, getting married here, or coming back year after year. There’s a reason for that and so we invite you to spend some time with us.

🏀 Sixth, we know gas prices are wild, which is why gas will be 99 cents during Macker weekend. Just kidding. But seriously, we can’t imagine a better place to spend Father’s Day weekend than on the shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington. After the June 1st registration deadline, we’re not planning a major push unless we feel comfortable extending it. I repeat, it is NOT guaranteed that registration will get extended. It should never be about how many teams should register (hence our laid back approach here on Facebook), it’s about delivering the best possible experience for the teams that do participate.

🏀 Seventh, if you know you’re planning to participate, please register sooner rather than later though please. Early registration helps us submit permits and requests that accurately reflect the needs of the event rather than contributing to the rumor-millers (that actually could be a term, you know).

🏀 Eighth, expect nearly the same court placement, porta john placement, dumpster placement, and elite men’s and women’s court setup as last year. Same Dream Court area, similar age court placement, etc. We’re not planning major changes, when it works, why change it, right? Final event layouts will be released after registration closes (IN JUNE) so we know exactly how many teams we have and courts are needed.

🏀 Ninth, we’re running out of things to tell you about.

🏀 Tenth, we have officially run out of things to tell you about.

See you in the next update (this week, ok ok). In the meantime, get your team signed up if you want to join us for the Ludington Gus Macker. Register here: https://macker.com/local/ludington-mi

Chris Nicholas
Executive Director
Ludington Gus Macker

03/15/2026

The sound of basketballs bouncing. Sneakers squeaking on the pavement. Crowds cheering under the summer sun. And just beyond the court, the blue water of Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon. That’s the energy of the Ludington Gus Macker, returning to the Lake Michigan shoreline, where the basketball courts sit right along the beach with nothing between the action and the water, Father’s Day Weekend, June 20 and 21. 🏀🌊

Teams are already signed up from Allendale, Alma, Bath, Bellevue, Benzonia, Byron Center, Central Lake, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Chicago, Coopersville, Delton, Dewitt, Dorr, Eagle, Elberta, Frankfort, Fremont, Grand Haven, Grand Ledge, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Haslett, Hastings, Highland, Holland, Hudsonville, Ionia, Ithaca, Jackson, Kaleva, Lansing, Ludington, Macomb, Manistee, Middleville, Milford, Muir, Nunica, Okemos, Olivet, Pentwater, Ravenna, Reed City, Scottville, Shaker Heights, Shelby Township, Spring Lake, Stanton, Toledo, Traverse City, Utica, Waterford, Waterville, Wayland, West Olive, White Cloud, White Lake, and Zeeland. Is your city represented yet?

4 players. 1 team. A full weekend of basketball, energy, and unforgettable lakeshore views. Registration’s been open for a few weeks for those who’ve been checking back and spots are filling fast. If you want to play, now’s the time to get your team together. Cost is $50 per player and you can register now at macker.com/local/ludington-mi

The Ludington Gus Macker, title sponsored by West Shore Bank isn’t just another tournament. It’s the home of the largest Gus Macker in the country, with courts set up along the beach, Lake Michigan in the background, and an amazing and inviting community from the public to the businesses.

Is your team in? Is your city on the list yet? Register today and get ready for the Ludington Gus Macker along the Lake Michigan shoreline, June 20 and 21.

06/25/2025

🌟 Volunteer Thank You — Spotlight #2 of 30 🌟Amanda Nasor & the C.O.V.E. Clean-Up Crew

When Amanda Nasor from COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters) reached out looking for a way her team could get involved with the Ludington Gus Macker, we never expected just how big of an impact they would make.

We told Amanda that one of the most important — and often overlooked — needs was trash maintenance and grounds cleanup throughout the entire 2 day event. Without hesitation, she accepted the challenge. Within a day, Amanda assembled an all-star crew of volunteers, including C.O.V.E. staff and community members, ready to roll up their sleeves and take it on.

Thanks to the support of Lakeshore Motorsports & Marine, who provided a couple of golf carts for them to haul bags and transport trash to dumpsters throughout the event, Amanda's team kept every part of the tournament grounds clean and functional — from morning tip-off to final handshake. And when the games were over? They weren’t done yet. Her crew took to Lakeshore Drive, Stearns Drive, the park, and surrounding areas to make sure everything returned to normal.

Their work wasn’t just about keeping things tidy — it was about giving back. Through their volunteer efforts, C.O.V.E. raised more than $3,000 to support the survivors and families that they serve every single day at their Ludington Ave. facility.

Amanda, to you and every single volunteer who joined this effort: thank you. You tackled a massive job with purpose and positivity, and made the entire weekend better for everyone who attended.

A special thanks to the volunteers who made it all happen: Felix, Bethany, Jodie, Nicole, Isai, Montana, Tyler, Ann, Amy, Camille, John, Ashley, Gavin, Tatum, Amanda, and Patrick.

We're already told to "expect this same area to be covered by their team for the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker".

Stay tuned — we’ve still got 28 more volunteers to spotlight. Because this event wouldn’t happen without each of them. 💛🏀

06/16/2025

🌟 Volunteer Thank You — Spotlight #1 of 30 🌟
Andrea & Joe Knowles

As we launch our Volunteer Thank You Spotlight Series, we’re kicking things off with a duo whose behind-the-scenes dedication helped make this year’s Ludington Gus Macker a success — Andrea and Joe Knowles.

Andrea has been a friendly and reliable face at Macker Registration for years. But this year, her role grew into something even bigger. After several conversations filled with her unmistakable passion for the event, she stepped up in a major way — taking the lead on Registration Volunteer Recruitment.

Andrea didn’t just raise her hand to help — she built a process, organized the volunteer shifts, and worked out ways to do things better, to ensure the registration tables were fully staffed and running smoothly. She tapped into her connections, put a plan in place, and coordinated closely with Lynn from the National Gus Macker Office, who led the charge on site Macker weekend.

And of course, Andrea was quick to remind us she wasn’t doing it alone. Her husband Joe Knowles was right there with her — helping transport shirts, supplies, and registration materials to and from key locations. It was a true team effort, and their shared energy and heart for Macker was felt throughout the weekend.

Andrea and Joe, thank you both. Your passion, organization, and willingness to jump in wherever needed made a huge difference — and we are so grateful.

Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate 30 volunteers who help bring Gus Macker in Ludington to life. This community wouldn’t be the same without them. 💛🏀

06/16/2025

We will be ready to open Stearns Beach at 10pm. The clouds are preventing a sunset tonight, but we are doing the last bit of cleanup. Lakeshore Drive is back open as well as Tinkham and all the side streets. Stearns Drive at about 10pm. Thank you for your patience and to the community and visitors for another successful Ludington Gus Macker.

06/15/2025

📸 2025 Gus Macker Photo Contest – Win a Free Team Entry for 2026!

Did you snap some awesome shots at the 2025 Ludington Gus Macker? Maybe a buzzer be**er, a killer team pose, or just a fun moment off the court? We want to see it!

Share your best photos from this year's Gus Macker in the comments of this post. You’ll be automatically entered to win a FREE team entry into the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker!

🏀 Five winners will be chosen at random this Friday
📅 Deadline to enter: Thursday at midnight

Let’s keep the memories rollin’ and get hyped for 2026!

06/15/2025

Chanpionship Sunday, great weather and the trophies are being put together by groups from Mason County Eastern and Ludington. Thanks for all you do, and congrats to all the teams already playing today.

06/14/2025

📸 STILL TIME TO JOIN THE GUS MACKER SCAVENGER HUNT!

Want a shot at winning five hundred dollars during Gus Macker weekend? All you need are five fun photos — and a little spirit of adventure around Ludington!

🟡 Need help getting started or verifying your entry?

Look for Event Director, Chris — he’s rocking a yellow jacket and in the orange golf cart checking on things.

📍 Snap your pics at these five locations:

The S.S. Badger (or Spartan if Badger’s out)

Legacy Plaza

Any Macker Court at Stearns Park

With Chris himself

Any business in Downtown Ludington

🎯 You must appear in all five photos to qualify.
📆 Submit your entry by Monday at 6 p.m.
💰 One lucky winner gets a $500 cash prize!

Full details and how to send in your entry:
👉 ludingtonmacker.com/hunt

06/14/2025

Please do not forget your dollar bills to be dropped off at the main stage for a special volunteer that won't be able to be with us this weekend. She had a double lung transplant and has been with the Ludington Gus Macker since the start. Let's show her how much we appreciate her by helping her with her medical bills. Drop your $1 off at the main stage anytime this weekend.

06/14/2025

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
****PLEASE READ ENTIRE UPDATE*****

🚗 PARKING UPDATE FOR GUS MACKER IN LUDINGTON 🚗
All Parking Passes Are Now Sold Out

If you purchased a parking pass online before registration closed, you’re all set — your name, license plate number, and pass type will be on file at our pickup location which is ONLY:
📍 Corner of Ga***rd Avenue and Tinkham Avenue
(Closest address: 509 North Ga***rd Avenue, Ludington, Michigan). Put that in your GPS and it will take you to the entrance of four parking area where attendance will have the list of those who paid for parking but did not pick up their passes at Friday's registration.
NOTE: No passes will be sold at registration or at the entrance to the parking area (unless, we determine that there is available space still - which we doubt that there will be).
✅ Our parking team will confirm your purchase when you arrive at 509 North Ga***rd Ave.
❌ No additional parking passes will be sold at the event — only those who pre-purchased are guaranteed a spot.

Here’s how the parking zones break down in the enclosed image:
🟡 Yellow Zone – Paid parking for those who already bought passes
🟢 Green Zone – Open parking, first come, first serve
🔴 Red Zone – No parking allowed at any time

Thanks for helping keep traffic smooth and safe during Gus Macker weekend!
# # #

HANDICAP PARKING DETAILS (2nd image)
♿ Handicap parking will be available at the corner of Ludington Avenue and Stearns Park Road (see event map).
✔ You must display a valid handicap plate or hang tag to enter this free designated area.
🚐 A limited number of golf cart shuttles will operate from this lot for accessibility.
🚫 If you have a general paid parking pass, you may NOT use this lot — it is strictly reserved for handicap access only.

🔵 Blue Zone – Handicap free parking
🟢 Green Zone – Open parking, first come, first serve
🔴 Red Zone – No parking allowed at any time
# # #

📍 PLAYER REGISTRATION DETAILS
Registration opens again at 7:00 a.m. Saturday and runs until 11:00 a.m. at Ludington Elementary School —
771 West Bryant Road, Ludington, Michigan

After 11:00 a.m., registration will shift to the Stearns Park Beach area, at the Bracket & Information Tent near the courts, starting at 12:00 p.m.
# # #

📣 COURT UPDATE – PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Courts Red C2 and Red D2 have been relocated to the southern end of Lakeshore Drive.
These are the southernmost courts on that road.
🏁 If you’re scheduled to play on either Red C2 or Red D2, check the map to know where to go!
# # #

📸 GUS MACKER SCAVENGER HUNT – NOW LIVE!
Ready to win five hundred dollars just by exploring Ludington?
The Gus Macker Scavenger Hunt is on!

✅ Take a photo of yourself at all five official locations
✅ Submit them by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
✅ One lucky person will be randomly selected to win $500
✅ Teams and solo players welcome — you must be in all five photos to qualify

📍 All the details, rules, and submission info are available right here:
👉 ludingtonmacker.com/hunt
Good luck, and happy hunting across Ludington!
# # #

🏀 GUS MACKER – OPENING DAY INFO! 🏀
Let’s get this thing started!

🎉 Opening Ceremonies kick off at 8:00 a.m. sharp on the Elite Men’s Court at Stearns Park
🏀 Games begin at 8:30 a.m. — so be ready!

📲 Looking for your bracket or court assignment?
Head to macker.com/local/ludington-mi and use the search tool to find your info fast — all brackets and team schedules are available there at your fingertips.

👀 Not sure where your court is?
Each backboard is labeled with the corresponding court letter, so just look up and find your hoop.

We will have another update in the early morning.

Ludington Gus Macker

05/13/2026

05/06/2026

03/15/2026

06/25/2025

06/16/2025

06/16/2025

06/15/2025

06/15/2025

06/14/2025

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06/14/2025

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