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 sidewalk sales, live music, a Farmers Market, Fall Fest, and other area events in addition to extended shopping hours and special offers throughout SWMI. Read on for a complete weekend guide!
Love Local is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
SWMI EVENTS
Discover fresh finds at the St. Joe Farmers Market held weekly on Saturdays (through October 12) in Lake Bluff Park from 9:00a-2:00p! Market-goers will find a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more. Sponsored by Culver’s of Stevensville, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and NOBO.
Fall Fest returns to downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, September 21 from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park and the Pleasant Street Lot (across from Schu’s), sponsored by RE/MAX by the Lake, Holt Bosse and Blue Water Boat Rentals - St. Joe! Fall Fest activities include the RE/MAX by the Lake Big Balloon Walk-Through (11:30a-1:30p), Interactive Booths from RE/MAX by the Lake, Balloon Twisters, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Kiwanis, Box Factory for the Arts, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan, Citadel Dance & Music Center, Finklepotts Fairy Hair, First Congregational UCC, Freedom Plasma, Interact Club, KT’s Rasoi, Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, MDHHS, Mighty Dog Roofing, Pathway Church, Platinum Hardwood Floors, Rotary Club of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, The GhostLight Theatre, The Little Things Play Cafe, The Woods Fitness Park, Trinity Lutheran School & Church and the YMCA of Greater Michiana (9:00a-2:00p); Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Pumpkin Raffle (9:00a-2:00p); Critter Barn (10:00a-2:00p), Storytime on the Bluff at 11:30a (Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library), 12:30p and 1:30p (Forever Books - Storytime with Poppy).
Filkins Vineyards hosts events all weekend long! On Friday, September 20 enjoy a Beginner Paint & Sip class from 5:00p-7:00p. On Saturday, September 21 catch the Cowboy Co The Country Music Show. Wrap up the week on Sunday, September 22 with the Yoga Fall Equinox event!
CPR Dance: Inhale Movement hosts their season concert, Eupnea, at The GhostLight Theatre on Saturday, September 22 at 2:00p and 7:00p. This curated concert will feature works that tie into the season’s concept with works by multiple choreographers!
Head to Sister Lakes Brewing on Saturday, September 21 for an Oktoberfest Celebration from 2:00p-6:00p! Attendees will enjoy German-style food specials, Polk Island Oktoberfest beer release, live Polka music with Virgil Baker and more!
Wanderlust Outfitters hosts Kuhl PANTcakes on Saturday, September 21 from 10:00a-1:00p! Shoppers will enjoy 20% OFF ALL KUHL plus a free gift when they try on two pairs of Kuhl pants. Enjoy freshly flipped pancakes from your favorite Kuhl reps and hot brewed coffee served in your own new Kuhl mug from Wanderlust (while supplies last)!
Catch two Pop-Up events at Lazy Ballerina Winery during Love Local Weekend! On Friday, September 20 enjoy a Henna with Henna Design House from 3:00p-6:00p. Come back on Sunday, September 22 for a pop-up with Forever Linked Permanent Jewelry from 12:00p-4:00p + wine club members will enjoy ½ off glasses!
The Acorn hosts events all weekend long! On Friday, September 20 catch Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way with Jack Whittle Trio. On Saturday, September 21 enjoy Led Zeppelin 2. Close out the weekend with an Open Mic Night featuring Sadie Gustafson-Zook.
Catch PechaKucha Vol. 31 outdoors at The Ghostlight Theatre on Friday, September 20 at 8:30p. PechaKucha is a storytelling format in which a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds of commentary each. At a PechaKucha Night, individuals gather to share personal presentations about their work!
The Berrien County Historical Association hosts Fall for Gardening, a mini-conference for garden lovers, on Sunday, September 22! Join the Berrien Springs Garden Club and the Berrien County Historical Association are delighted to welcome garden and nature lovers back to the Courthouse Square. This mini-conference will give attendees a chance to learn new skills, expand their eco-knowledge, and a chance to socialize with fellow garden and nature enthusiasts.
Get creative with The Lilac Loft this Sunday, September 22 as they host two classes: Pop in Sand Candle Making from 1:00p-4:00p and a Hot Wax Candle Making at 4:00p!
GREAT DEALS
Shoppers will enjoy special savings storewide at 1232 Broad St. Mercantile!
Get 10% off your 2024/2025 WINTER storage with Anchor’s Way Marina! Must call to reserve your space & mention "St. Joe Loves Locals" to the front desk to qualify. Contact Anchor’s Way at (269) 982 0812.
Head to the Box Factory for the Arts for free gallery exhibitions throughout the historic building, view local art and find one-of-a-kind homemade gifts for sale!
Forever Clean Soap Works hosts extended hours for Love Local Weekend! Spend $20, get a free lip balm (one per customer per day).
Glik’s will have an additional 50% off their clearance items both in the sidewalk sale and inside store. Shoppers will enjoy clearance shoes in addition to men and women’s clothing and accessories! Some offers include: women’s Hey Dude Shoes 25% off (not including boots); $25 off SELECT Birkenstock sandals; $20 off men’s Skechers; LEVIs shorts are $10 off. Many new fall arrivals to browse! Store hours: 11:00a-6:00p on Friday, 10:00a-7:00p on Saturday and 12:00p-5:00p on Sunday.
Come check out Grins of St. Joseph for their last chance clearance clothing! Also during September's Love Local weekend receive a 10% discount on regular priced women’s new Fall clothing! for discounted summer clothing sales!
Head to HarborTown Interiors for a Sidewalk Sale which offers incredible discounts on a variety of furniture and home décor. It’s the perfect chance to find stylish pieces at unbeatable prices!
Lana’s Boutique offers sales throughout the store and deeper discounts on clearance items!
Shoppers will enjoy up to 80% off sidewalk sale clothing outside and 15% off all full priced clothing at Lee & Birch!
Mention Love Local Weekend and get 10% off your in-store purchase at Olive Cart!
Perennial Accents hosts a Holiday Speakeasy Sale on Saturday from 10a-8p and Sunday from 11:00a-5:00p only in our stockroom rain or shine! You just have to know the password (see sales associate) to gain access to this magical event offering fantastical savings on holiday stems for your outdoor holiday look this year! Hours: Friday and Saturday from 10:00a-8:00p and Sunday from 11:00a-5:00p.
Enjoy 15% off T-shirts at the Brass Ring Gift Shop at the Silver Beach Carousel!
Shoppers will enjoy 20% off all in-store purchases + receive a free room spray (while supplies last) at The Lilac Loft!
New clients of The Skin Bar will get $50 off a service of $150 or more!
Buy six greeting cards and receive one free from the special basket at Yours Truly, Elizabeth!
