Art is alive in Southwest Michigan (SWMI), especially during Chalk the Block in St. Joseph, MI! All weekend long, catch amateur and professional artists from around the country as they showcase their chalk masterpieces downtown. But the fun doesn’t end there, attendees will also enjoy a Farmers Market, Antiques on the Bluff, live music and much more throughout SWMI! Read on for a full weekend guide.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Chalk the Block kicks off as artists start to grid and outline their designs. In the early evening, walk around the block and watch them start their masterpieces.
INSIDER TIP: Artists are located on Broad St. (between Lake Blvd.
and State St.) and Pleasant St. (east side of Main St. by 221 Main,
Silver Harbor Brewing and The Market).
Groove to the sounds of jazz, big band, classic hits and more at John E.N. Howard Bandshell during the Friday Night Concert Series from 7:00p-8:00p. This week's concert features PT and the Cruisers (Blues, Oldies). Take in beautiful sunsets during these free concerts held weekly on Fridays, July 19-August 30 Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Hours this week include Tuesday-Friday from 12:00p-9:00p, Saturday from 12:00p-4:30p + 6:00p-9:00p and Sunday from 12:00p-9:00p. Visit silverbeachcarousel.com for a complete schedule!
The First Congregational Church UCC hosts Jazz for Good Cheer 7:00p! Join them for a night of live music feat. Lake Effect Jazz Big Band. This annual fundraiser supports Operation Good Cheer, helping raise funds for local DHHS children! Tickets are $5/person or $25/child sponsor (admits 6). Guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs, the concert is held on the front lawn!
Head to The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center for Happy Hour at The Heritage from 5:00p-7:00p! Relax with a glass of wine in their Founders Garden, enjoy a pint in Shepard Hall Ballroom, or tour exhibits with a cocktail. Join them weekly on Fridays from 5:00p-7:00p and Saturdays from 2:00p-5:00p through Labor Day!
Want to take a break and lounge at the beach? 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
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:
Dablon Winery - Live Music with Molly Abraham from 4:00p-6:00p
Lemon Creek kWinery - Friday Music Series feat. Lexi Adams from 5:00p-8:00p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Gregg & Tracy from 6:00p-9:00p
Vineyard 2121 - Karaoke Night from 6:00p-9:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music in the Plaza from 7:00p-10:00p
City of Bridgman - Bridgman Courtyard Concert feat. Leann Stuler at 7:00p
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
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!
INSIDER TIP: If you can’t catch it this weekend due to all the festivities,
no problem! The Farmers Market is every Saturday until October 12.
You can also catch the Wednesday Night Market, a blended market
that features both artisans and farmers weekly from 4:00p-8:00p!
Chalk the Block artwork starts taking shape as artists grind the day into their masterpiece. Check out the artists, and get the opportunity to vote for People’s Choice! Voting is open from 12:00p-8:00p, and only costs one dollar per vote (CASH ONLY), visit the People’s Choice Tent located on Broad St. Additional fun can be found from 12:00p-4:00p at the Chalk Kids Zone in the Giannola Parking Lot across from Wanderlust Outfitters. Kids of all ages are welcome!
INSIDER TIP: Voting is also open on Sunday from 11:00a-2:00p.
To get a vote, just stop by the People’s Choice tent to let
artists know just how amazing their art is - the winner will
be announced the evening of Sunday, August 4.
Check out the Summer Miniature Train Rides at Eden Springs Park! These original House of David engines and passenger cars have been lovingly restored by the Eden Springs team of volunteers and train experts. Train rides are available Saturday & Sunday (through September 1) from 1:00p-5:00p - $3 per person, with kids 3 & under free.
Enjoy live music, tasty brews and delicious food at The Beer Garden at Public House during Brews & Beats from 6:30p-9:00p! This week attendees will enjoy live music feat. Nick Dekoff.
As a part of their summer movie series, join the City Of St. Joseph for their screening of Cars 3 at 7:30p at Whittlesey Park. Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks!
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Saturday lineup:
Round Barn Estate - Jammin’ in the Vineyard feat. Leo Fron from 1:00p-6:30p
12 Corners Winery - Live Music with Kody Bryant from 3:00p-6:00p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio feat. Hunter Vincek from 6:00p-9:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music with Chris Burch from 7:00p-10:00p
Vineyard 2121 - Live Music with Memphis Underground from 7:00p-10:00p
The Livery - Live Music feat. Yam Yam at 8:30p
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
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.
Chalk the Block wraps up as artists put the final touches on their chalk masterpieces! There are 44 blocks this year, did you see them all? Remember to cast your final votes for the People’s Choice from 11:00a-2:00p! Each vote is one dollar (CASH ONLY) and can be purchased at the People’s Choice tent located on Broad St.
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!
Brush up on your art skills with JLN Studio during their Night Sky Painting Class at Local Pour from 2:00p-4:00p. Visit julienitz.com for a complete class schedule - both adults and kids classes are offered!
Celebrate the summer season with Dablon Winery during their Sunday Funday: Summer Party! Attendees will enjoy a food truck (Taqueria Don Chepe), live music (Edd Skjordal from 2:00p-5:00p), new wine releases and glass/bottle specials.
On Sundays from 11:00a-3:00p, O & Co. offers FREE Kids Rock Painting with any purchase - available while supplies last!
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 from 1:00p-4:00p
Sister Lakes Brewing - Live Music feat. Tim Velez from 2:00p-5:00p
Vineyard 2121 - Live Music with The Backsliders from 2:00p-5:00p
Round Barn Estate - Jammin’ in the Vineyard feat. Jason Murphy from 1:00p-6:30p
Tabor Hill Winery - Live Music Sundays feat. Abbie Thomas from 2:30p-5:30p
The Livery | Benton Harbor Arts Association - Open Stage with Host: Matt Sypian from 5:00p-8:00p
City Of St. Joseph - Municipal Band concert from 7:00p-8:00p
City of Bridgman - Weko Beach Summer Concert Series feat. PT and the Cruisers from 7:00p-9:00p
