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Upcoming Events

2025 St. Joe Farmers Market

Sat. June 14, 2025
9:00am - 2:00pm

Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! This event is held Saturdays in the scenic Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan.

 
Please note that there will be special hours for the market on July 12 during the Krasl Art Fair - stay tuned for more details!

Lighthouse Presentation

Sat. June 14, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am

Participants may enjoy these free, one-hour interactive programs individually or as a three-part series. They are suitable for 6th grade students through high school as well as adult life-long learners. Younger participants are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

  

JUNE 14, 2025 
TIME:
10:00-11:00a  |  LOCATION: St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library

TOPIC: Does it count as a lighthouse?
Participants “vote” if a structure “should count” as a lighthouse while learning how experts define the difference between lights, harbor lights, lighthouses, light stations, beacons, active aids to navigation, and private aids to navigation. And let’s not forget about historic ruins! Spoiler alert: In the end, participants are challenged to begin a list counting the number of lighthouses they have visited.

 

JULY 12, 2025 
TIME:
10:00-11:00a  |  LOCATION: Box Factory for the Arts

TOPIC: Lighthouse Architecture
While Europe may have their castles, we have our lighthouses! See dozens of beautiful lighthouse photos and connect the language of lighthouses to their unique architecture and various components. Audience volunteers are given lighthouse “part” definitions which are then matched to the screen diagrams in a lively large group format. We will also discuss clever ways historic lighthouse parts work together to keep our lights lit atop their towers.

 

AUGUST 9, 2025 
TIME:
10:00-11:00a  |  LOCATION: Shadowland on Silver Beach

TOPIC: Lighthouse Navigation
Oils, lamps, lenses, characteristics, daymarks, and catwalks…What are all these things and how did yesterday’s keepers use them to help vessels navigate? (And do it without electricity!) The amazing innovation of range lights, including the pair on the St. Joseph North Pier, will be explored. The presentation includes a “dark and stormy night” simulation (no danger involved) where participants identify “their boat’s” location using only lighthouse beacons.

 

PRESENTER BIO
An avid lighthouse enthusiast for over two decades, Marie A. Blunt has seen over 500 lighthouses across the US and Canada. She travels with her photographer husband, Allan, incorporating his vibrant pictures into her presentations and publications. Among other hobbies Marie provides lighthouse programs through the United States Lighthouse Society Speakers Bureau featuring intriguing history, lively audience participation and a wee bit of wit. She is the author of The Lighthouse Primer and Lighthouses of Port Washington and has contributed several articles to the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper's Log. She serves as a volunteer docent at the St Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse. The Blunts live in Indiana, regrettably a state with only half a dozen lighthouses.

Allan Marie A. Blunt

Allan and Marie A. Blunt outside the lantern room at Port Washington 1860
Light Station during their volunteer lighthouse keeper residency in 2024.

 

 

 

2025 St. Joe Lighthouse Tours

Sat. June 14, 2025
10:00am - 7:00pm

St. Joseph Lighthouse - Explore the North Pier's Inner and Outer Lights! 

2025 Season - Join us weekly on Saturdays, from 10:00a-7:00p, June 7 through August 30. 
Weather permitting - check the St. Joe Today Facebook page for the most current Lighthouse updates!

Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first-floor for free or buy a ticket to climb to the top. It's fun for all ages!

- Explore the free first-floor exhibits and dive into the rich nautical history of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor.
- Climb to the top for spectacular panoramic views ($5/person). 
- Stroll the pier to the Outer Lighthouse - a perfect spot for boat and sunset watching.

Tours and Presentations

- Enjoy a free, guided tour from the start of the North Pier to the Lighthouse. Tours will be held once every Saturday at 10:00a!
- Lighthouse Presentations - Participants may enjoy these free, one-hour interactive programs individually or as a three-part series. Held the second Saturday of the month, June-August, from 10:00a-11:00a.

June 14 - St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library
July 12 - Box Factory for the Arts
August 9 - Shadowland on Silver Beach

Parking
Tiscornia Park - 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph, MI 

Tickets

- Purchase in-person with CASH only at the lighthouse.
- Purchase in-person with cash or credit at the St. Joe Today Welcome Center - located at 301 State St., St. Joseph, MI

2025 Love Local

Fri. June 20, 2025
- Sun. June 22, 2025
Start and end times vary depending on day.

The third weekend of the month, May through September, celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local weekends! Attendees will enjoy local events, extended shopping hours, events, special offers and more!

 

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY
      Extended shopping hours
      Weekend special throughout SWMI

SATURDAY
        
St. Joe Farmers Market from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park
       Extended shopping hours
       Weekend specials throughout SWMI

SUNDAY
       Extended shopping hours
       Weekend specials throughout SWMI

JUNE PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS: TBA
(List will be updated regularly)

1232 Broad Street MercantileSpecial sales throughout the store. Register to win a $25 gift card!

Affinity Salon & Spa: 25% off Aveda, Eleven Australia and Kevin Murphy products, all weekend long!

Box Factory for the Arts: Free & open to the public - view the MAAC Gallery Exhibition on all three floors! 

FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery

G&M Variety

Glik'sAdditional 20% off men's and women's clearance and 25% off men's 1897 shorts!

House of Colour - Southwest Michigan: FREE GIFT with new service bookings (color analysis, style analysis, makeup classes, personal shopping, wardrobe edits) & 10% off all makeup sales when you mention "love local".

KT's Rasoi: Summer vendor located on the corner of State & Pleasant in downtown St. Joe! Come by and enjoy our refreshing Mango Lassi, crispy Samosas, creamy Kulfi (Indian ice cream pops), and more delicious treats!

Lana's Boutique: 30% off all Regular-Priced Denim!

Lazy Ballerina Winery: June 20-22: Specials, free tastings of our 10th Anniversary special edition Seyval Blanc and Anniversary Bubbly, and a special bundle package of 10 year anniversary merch and products!

Lee & Birch: Racks outside and special discounts all weekend.

Olive Cart: Get 10% off when you mention Love Local Weekend!

South Bend Chocolate Cafe: Love Local Weekend Special: buy 1/2lb of bulk chocolate, get 1/2lb of chocolate covered pretzels; JUNE 20 & 21: Live music from 7p-9p.

St. Joe Community TaproomPride Themed Menu Items For All + Giveback & Support Opportunities! 

State Street StuffSidewalk Sale; Free gift with purchase!

Stoke RidersVisit us in the Welcome Center! JUNE 20-22: Enjoy 20% off if you sign up for Surfing, Kiteboarding, Efoiling or Wingfoiling lessons and also offering 10% off all equipment & apparel at the Stoke Riders retail/online store located in Room 331 in The Box Factory for the Arts.

The Acorn: JUNE 21: Cracker (American Rock Band), 8p; JUNE 22: Steve Earle Solo & Acoustic: Fifty Years of Songs and Stories (Singer-Songwriter), 8p.

Third Coast Paddling: The summer solstice is here — the sun’s out, the water’s warm, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than from a kayak or paddleboard. Come celebrate the start of summer with a little sunshine, freshwater spray, and a whole lot of fun. For the first weekend of summer only (June 20-22), take 15% off your rentals with promo code SUMMER15 at check-out. (Valid for online advance reservations only.)

Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion: JUNE 20: Sidewalk Sales - up to 80% off clearance items; Pop-Up vendors including Island Inspired Jewelry and webelieveco; Hours 10a-8p; JUNE 21: Sidewalk Sales; Pop-Up vendor webelieveco; Hours 10a-8p; JUNE 23: Sidewalk Sales; Pop-Up vendor webelieveco; Hours 12p-4p.

Zo's Mini Donuts: Zo's Mini Donuts' Sunset Special, happening Friday-Sunday from 7p-10p! We're open late, so you can enjoy the freshest donuts in town. It's the perfect spot for family fun, pet-friendly, great for date night, or just hanging out with friends, featuring games, great music, and awesome vibes. See you there!

 

2025 St. Joe Farmers Market

Sat. June 21, 2025
9:00am - 2:00pm

Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! This event is held Saturdays in the scenic Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan.

 
Please note that there will be special hours for the market on July 12 during the Krasl Art Fair - stay tuned for more details!

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In & Around St. Joseph Blog

2025 Memorial Day Weekend: May 23-26

May 20th, 2025

There’s a lot to explore this holiday weekend in Michigan's Great Southwest! Honor those who have served our country during the Memorial Day Parade, support local farmers with the start of the 2025 St. Joe Farmers Market season, listen to live music hosted at area businesses, attend special events throughout SWMI and more! There’s a little something for everyone. Read on for a full weekend guide!

2025 May Love Local Weekend | May 16-18

May 13th, 2025

The third weekend of the month, May through September, celebrate all things Southwest Michigan (SWMI) during the Love Local weekends! This month attendees will enjoy a special events, delicious samples, and area events in addition to special offers throughout SWMI. Read on for a complete weekend guide! 

Love Local is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.

2025 Spring Weekend: March 7-9

March 4th, 2025

As we gear up for Spring, there’s a lot to explore in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Join us this weekend for March Mannequins, the Spring Artisan Fair, a Women’s Weekend, live music, theatre shows, creative workshops and so much more. Read on to make the most of this jam-packed March weekend!

Weekend Guide to the 2025 Ice Fest: February 7-9

February 4th, 2025

Join us February 7-9 for the 2025 Ice Fest sponsored by Silver Beach Pizza to celebrate the winter season! It’s a weekend that brings frosty fun to downtown St. Joe. Enjoy professional Ice Carving, a Scavenger Hunt, Ice Interactives + more exciting events happening throughout SWMI!

2025 Winter Warm Up Weekend | January 31-February 2

January 29th, 2025

The winter doesn’t slow things down in Michigan’s Great Southwest! This winter weekend brings a Chili Tour, St. Joe Winter Beer Fest, live music, trivia nights, arts and crafts workshops and more! Read below to check out all the awesome winter activities.

Southwest Michigan is celebrating the holiday weekend! Enjoy live music, wine tasting, a Farmers Market, Antiques on the Bluff, and various firework shows throughout St. Joe and neighboring towns. It’s sure to be a blast of a weekend!

Southwest Michigan is celebrating the holiday weekend! Enjoy live music, wine tasting, a Farmers Market, Antiques on the Bluff, and various firework shows throughout St. Joe and neighboring towns. It’s sure to be a blast of a weekend!

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

The City of St. Joseph hosts the annual Independence Day Fireworks at dusk (10:15p) off the South Pier at Silver Beach County Park. Please note that portions of Silver Beach and Tiscornia Beach, as well as the North and South Piers, will be closed to provide the required safety zone. 

What’s better than fireworks? Fireworks to music! Check out this thunderous display during A Salute to America hosted by the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra at the Shadowland Pavilion at 8:30p. 

Enjoy a little bit of magic over at The Market! As seen on The CW’s Masters of Illusion, Grand Rapids Comedy Magician: Trino will be stopping by for a free, all ages, family friendly show tonight starting at 7:00p! Hosted by St. Joe Wine Shoppe, St. Joe Community Taproom and The Cheese Lady.

INSIDER TIP: St. Joe Community Taproom be open late for the
St. Joe Fireworks!

Cheers to red, white and brews during the Baroda Fireworks celebration at the Beer Garden across from Round Barn Public House from 5:00p-11:00p! Attendees will enjoy food and drink specials + live music. $5 cover charge for 21+. 

Forever Books hosts the Where’s Waldo Hunt July 1-31! Grab a passport from Forever Books, search for Waldo in participating stores to earn a stamp and turn in your completed passport to be entered into a raffle!  

Have a splash down at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, it’s the perfect way for the family to cool down while also making their vacation memorable. Open daily from 10:00a-9:00p (through Labor Day). 

Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Wednesday lineup:

RyeBelle’s - Leo Fron Live from 5:00p-8:00p
The Inn at Harbor Shores - Modern Day Drifters from 6:00p-9:00p
Watermark Brewing - Johnny V Live at 6:00p

 

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Get creative with The Lilac Loft when they host Pop In Candle Making from 12:00p-5:00p! Choose your own container, fragrance, and decorations + get to take your candle home the same day. 

Head over to Berrien Springs for the Pickle Festival in Berrien Springs from 10:00a-5:00p! Hosted at the Berrien County Historical Association’s Courthouse Square and the Berrien Spring Community Library. Attendees will enjoy the Big Wheel Race, Dunk Tank, Pickle Decorating Contest, Relish Eating Contest, Pickle Fling, Craft & Food Vendors and more!

Head to Plank’s Tavern for Summer Social Thursdays from 6:00p-8:00p! Enjoy a weekly dockside summer celebration featuring delicious drinks and food specials, a talented DJ from Luxx Entertainment and more!

Heading to the beautiful Southwest Michigan beaches? Take a look at the links below. There’s a real-time update of the water temperatures as well as the swimming conditions, and the Silver Beach County Park Beach Cam.

GREAT LAKES WATER TEMPERATURES & SWIMMING CONDITIONS

SILVER BEACH COUNTY PARK BEACH CAM

INSIDER TIP: Forget something for your beach trip? Check out
Scooter Joe’s for beach item rentals - everything from
kickboards, floating waterproof speakers, beach chairs,
umbrellas, beach wagons, strollers and more! Or swing by
G&M Variety for beach toys, towels, sunscreen and more!

Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Thursday lineup:

Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music with Nashville Recording Artist Dylan Raymond from 5:30p-8:30p
RyeBelle’s - Kody Bryant at 6:00p
Watermark Brewing - Neil Allesee Live at 6:30p
The Livery - Karaoke Night at 7:00p

 

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Check out the Public Lighthouse Hours on Fridays from 12:00p-5:00p, Saturdays from 11:00a-5:00p and Sundays from 12:00p-5:00p hosted by The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. The main level, exhibit and introductory tour are free! Attendees can also enjoy a Guided Walking Tour & Upper Level Climb ($10/person), available at 1:00p and 3:00p Friday-Sunday.  

River Saint Joe hosts Morning Yoga weekly on Fridays from 10:45a-12:00p! Led by River of Life Yoga, join RSJ on Friday mornings, now through September 6, for a relaxing 75-minute class focused on warming the body with movement while the Sun warms the Earth. Stick around afterward and enjoy 10% off food and drink at RSJ!

Choose your own land or water adventure this weekend with Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals, Third Coast Paddling, Blue Water Boat RentalsPier 1000 and Pier 33.

INSIDER TIP: The Inn at Harbor Shores now offers Swan & Paddle Boat
rentals! You do not have to be a guest to rent -
visit harborshoresresot.com for more info!

Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Daily summer hours from 12:00p-9:00p (through the end of August). Please note the Carousel will be closed on July 4.

Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:

RyeBelle’s - Mo & Co. at 6:00p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Hunter Vincek at 6:00p
Vineyard 2121 - Karaoke Night from 6:00p-9:00p
City of Bridgman - Bridgman Courtyard Concerts: “O” Brothers at 7:00p
Watermark Brewing -The Sunday Sons at 7:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Chris Burch from 7:00p-10:00p
The Livery - Mulebone at 8:30p

 

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Stop to get some fresh eats at the St. Joe Farmers Market, running from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park. Market-goers will find a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! The 2024 season is sponsored by Culver’s of Stevensville, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and NOBO

Head over to Eden Springs Park for their Summer Miniature Train Rides! Train rides are available Saturday and Sunday from 12:00p-5:00p, through Labor Day weekend. Cost $3/person, kids 3 and under free.

INSIDER TIP: Save the date for their annual Halloween Train Rides
in October and Christmas Rides in December!

Celebrate America’s birthday during Red, White and Brews at Round Barn Winery this Saturday & Sunday! Attendees will enjoy a special Red, White & Brews Growler, festive featured slushie, all-American food feature + live music both days! 

Head to The Acorn for An American Prayer: The Doors Tribute from 8:00p-11:00p! Attendees will enjoy America’s most authentic tribute to The Doors during this high-energy concert.

Food can be just as fun as activities, so check out the various eats in and around St. Joe such as Happy Poochie Eatery, KT's Rasoi, Nardo's Pizza, The Brick House, The Cooper Pot and many more - visit stjoetoday.com/eat for a full list!

Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Saturday lineup:

Coach’s Bar & Grill - The Weko Boys at 1:00p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Gregg & Tracy at 6:00p
RyeBelle’s - Grayson Barton at 6:00p
Box Factory for the Arts - Sons of the Wrong from 7:00p-9:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Justin Staublin Band from 7:00p-10:00p
The Livery - Mo & Co. at 8:30p



SUNDAY, JULY 7

Start your Sunday off with Antiques on the Bluff. Take a small walk through history as you browse over 50 vendors. This event takes over Lake Bluff Park and is open from 10:00a-5:00p. 

INSIDER TIP: If you can’t catch it this weekend due to all the
festivities, no problem! Antiques on the Bluff runs the
first Sunday of the month, May-October.

Find your new favorite wine at the St. Joe Wine Shoppe! Join them as they taste fun and unique wines with a different theme every week during Wine Sample Sundays from 1:00-5:00p! This week’s theme is Sparking Red, White & Rosé.

Get ready for an evening of fun with JLN Studio at their Jellyfish Painting Class from 6:00p-9:00p! No experience required. Cost includes all painting supplies and instructions. Recommended for ages 14+. 

Wrap up the holiday weekend celebrations with the City of St. Joseph Municipal Band Concert at 7:00p! Hosted at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell, attendees will enjoy a beautiful view of the St. Joseph River.

Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Sunday lineup:

Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio feat. Tom Askey at 1:00p
Sister Lakes Brewing - JR Clark from 2:00p-5:00p
Tabor Hill Winery - Live Music on Sundays: Jason Murphy from 2:30p-5:30p
RyeBelle’s - St. Eve & The Vibe from 4:00p-7:00p
The Livery - BHAA Open Stage with Host Jack Adams at 4:30p
City of Bridgman - Weko Beach Summer Series: BoneAFyde from 7:00p-9:00p
The Acorn - Resurrection Blues Band from 7:00p-10:00p

 

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