Stearns Park Beach along the shores of Lake Michigan
Ludington, MI
🏖️ Basketball by the Beach Returns to Ludington
🏀 The biggest tournament on the Gus Macker tour returns to downtown Ludington June 20th and 21st, 2026. Teams from across the country will hit the courts at Stearns Park for an unforgettable weekend of basketball along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with dozens of courts, nonstop action, and thousands of players and fans expected throughout the weekend.
☀️ The Ludington Gus Macker is more than a tournament. It’s one of the biggest weekends of the summer with hundreds of teams, packed crowds, beachside basketball, local food, shopping, entertainment, and nonstop energy throughout downtown and the waterfront. From sunrise games near the beach to packed championship courts later in the day, the entire community comes alive for one of Michigan’s signature summer traditions.
💲 Registration is $50 per player, $200 per team, and divisions are expected to fill quickly. Whether you’re playing competitively, bringing the family, or just coming to take in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone all weekend long. Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to be part of the action.
📻 The event is proudly organized locally by the teams at 102.7 WMOM and Hot Country Hits 99.9 alongside incredible community volunteers, local partners, and the City of Ludington. From the courts to the lakefront sunsets, the Ludington Gus Macker continues to be one of the most recognizable and talked about events on the entire Gus Macker tour.
🔥 Sign up now, make your travel plans, and get ready for one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Pure Ludington.
📝 Register for the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker - CLOSED FOR 2026
🏀 The 2026 Ludington Gus Macker is officially set for June 20th and 21st at beautiful Stearns Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and registration is now closed. Teams from across the country will once again make their way to Ludington for two days of basketball, entertainment, and unforgettable summer memories.
📋 Team Check-In will take place at Ludington Elementary School on Friday, June 19th from 4 PM until 8 PM and again on Saturday, June 20th from 7 AM until 11 AM. Teams will also be able to check in at Stearns Park beginning at Noon on Saturday and continuing through the afternoon. All registered teams are encouraged to review tournament information in advance and verify their schedules before arriving.
🔥 Once again, the tournament field filled with hundreds of teams representing communities from across Michigan and beyond. Players, families, and fans will gather along the lakeshore for one of the largest and most anticipated stops on the entire Gus Macker tour.
📖 It's also a good idea for players, coaches, and parents to review the official Gus Macker Rules before arriving for tournament weekend. A quick review ahead of time can help answer common questions and make for a smoother experience on and off the court. Rules are available at: https://macker.com/rules
☀️ Even though team registration has ended, the community is invited to come out and enjoy all the action. Spectators can take in nonstop basketball, food vendors, shopping, local attractions, entertainment, and everything that makes summer in Pure Ludington special.
🌊 Whether you're cheering on a favorite team, spending the weekend at the beach, or simply enjoying the incredible atmosphere at Stearns Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Ludington Gus Macker promises another exciting weekend for players and fans alike.
🏀 2026 Ludington Gus Macker Brackets
Tournament brackets for the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker will officially be released beginning June 10th as teams are finalized and divisions are completed. Once posted, players and fans will be able to view matchups, court assignments, game times, and division information right here as tournament weekend approaches.
☀️ With hundreds of teams expected from across the country, bracket release week is always one of the most exciting parts of the countdown to Gus Macker weekend. Be sure to check back regularly for updates, schedule information, and important tournament announcements as we get closer to June 20th and 21st in downtown Ludington.
Find players or find a team. Your information stays private and tournament staff controls all matches.
Already signed up?
🙌 Volunteer at the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker
It takes an incredible team of volunteers to help bring one of the biggest weekends of the summer to life, and we’d love to have you be part of it. The 2026 Ludington Gus Macker returns June 20th and 21st, and we’re looking for energetic individuals, families, school groups, churches, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations ready to help create an unforgettable weekend downtown and along the waterfront.
🏀 Volunteers help with everything from registration, court setup, scorekeeping, basket assembly, trophy tent operations, bracket tents, parking support, banner placement, and court taping to helping keep the tournament running smoothly all weekend long. Whether you want to volunteer with friends, support your organization, or simply be part of the excitement, there are opportunities for all ages and experience levels.
☀️ You can volunteer for the full weekend or just a few hours, and every shift truly makes a difference. The Ludington Gus Macker wouldn’t happen without the amazing support of the community each year. If you’re ready to be part of one of Michigan’s signature summer events, sign up below and join the team helping make this year’s tournament another incredible success.
🏀 Become a Registered Official for the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker
The Ludington Gus Macker is looking for student and adult officials ready to be part of one of the biggest basketball weekends in the country while also helping grow the future of sports officiating across Michigan. With schools throughout the state continuing to face referee shortages, this program creates an opportunity for new officials to gain training, experience, certification support, and real game experience during Gus Macker weekend.
🎓 Over the coming months, local clinics and training opportunities will help prepare juniors, seniors, college students, adults, and anyone interested in officiating basketball. Participants will work alongside experienced registered MHSAA officials from the region while learning mechanics, game management, communication, positioning, and the fundamentals of officiating in a fast paced tournament environment.
🔥 Participants in the program may receive mentorship from certified officials, training materials, officiating gear, testing preparation, and opportunities to connect with local athletic directors and officials associations for future officiating opportunities beyond the tournament. Officials selected to work the Ludington Gus Macker will also receive compensation for games worked during tournament weekend.
☀️ Whether you’re looking to start officiating, return to the game in a different role, gain leadership experience, or become part of the next generation of basketball officials in Michigan, this is an incredible opportunity to get involved. Sign up below to learn more and take the first step toward becoming part of the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker officiating team.
🚗 Paid Parking Information
Paid parking reservations for the 2026 Ludington Gus Macker are now available. Players, families, and spectators can reserve parking in advance to make arriving at the tournament easier during one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
The Ludington Gus Macker takes place within a designated street closure area. Tournament streets are closed to vehicle traffic, creating a safe environment for participants and spectators to walk on both sidewalks and streets as they travel to and from the tournament entrance.
Please review the parking maps carefully before arriving. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas may be subject to parking citations issued by the City of Ludington.
Note: Parking Credentials will be available for pick-up at the intersection of Gaylord Ave. and Tinkham (see map below) from 6:30am to 4pm Saturday and 6:30am to 4pm Sunday. Just show your ID and our team will match you up with the purchaser of the passes and give you your credential that you hang from your car rearview mirror. You'll sign that you picked up your credential and you'll be all set.
Single Day Parking Pass
Valid for either Saturday, June 20, 2026 or Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Parking reservations are processed by Hit Radio Media, LLC, the parent company of the Ludington Gus Macker. Your credit card or bank statement will show the charge as Hit Radio Media, LLC.
🗺️ Parking Maps
The Northern Parking Area includes both regular parking and handicap parking spaces. The Southern Parking Area is reserved exclusively for handicap parking.
Northern Parking Area
Regular Parking and Handicap Parking
Southern Parking Area
Handicap Parking Only
Important: The Southern Parking Area is reserved exclusively for handicap parking. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas may be ticketed by the City of Ludington.
Important Parking Enforcement Notice:
The City of Ludington Police Department will strictly enforce all parking regulations throughout tournament weekend. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas, no parking zones, restricted access areas, private property, fire lanes, or other prohibited locations may be ticketed immediately. No warnings will be issued. Parking enforcement helps ensure local residents, fishermen, beach visitors, businesses, emergency services, and other guests visiting the area continue to have access to designated parking throughout the weekend. Please utilize designated tournament parking areas and review the parking maps before arriving.
Additional Information
With thousands of visitors expected throughout tournament weekend, reserving parking in advance is strongly encouraged. Available spaces closest to the tournament grounds are expected to sell out.
Additional parking details, maps, and event information are available throughout the Ludington Gus Macker website.
📬 Contact the Ludington Gus Macker Team
Have a question about registration, volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, officiating, vendor space, media coverage, or tournament weekend details? Our team is here to help. The Ludington Gus Macker brings together players, families, businesses, volunteers, and visitors from across the country each summer, and we want to make sure you have the information you need to be part of the excitement.
🏀 Whether you’re planning your trip to Pure Ludington, looking to get involved behind the scenes, or simply need help with tournament information, fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will get back with you as soon as possible. We appreciate your interest in one of Michigan’s biggest summer basketball traditions and look forward to hearing from you.
