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!
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Honor veterans who have served this great country and remember those who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom at the annual Memorial Day Parade at 12:00p in downtown St. Joseph. Sponsored by Lest We Forget. The parade will begin at the intersection of Lake Blvd. and Park St. Attendees will be able to watch as the parade travels down Lake Blvd. and finishes at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to a short program at the Bandshell.
Three master painters, one unforgettable exhibit! Join ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center as they host an Opening Reception for their latest exhibition, Chasing the Light, from 4:30p-7:00p. Attendees will enjoy live music and small bites - this event is free and open to the public.
Head to Peat’s Cider Social for a special Pop-Up from 5:00p-8:00p featuring Lakuna Links and their custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry experience. While you’re there, enjoy delicious cider and challenge friends to a game of bowling!
Journeyman Distillery hosts Comedy on the Rocks from 7:00p-10:00p! Attendees will enjoy a night of laughs with headliner Brent Terhune featuring Nick Leydorf.
There is no shortage of live music throughout Southwest Michigan!
Plank’s - Dockside with Chris Burch, 5:30p-8:30p
Beer Garden at Public House - Reggae Night, 6:00p-10:00p
Local Pour - Hutch, 6:00p-7:30p
Watermark Brewing - Rocky Weed Road Band, 6:30p
The Acorn - Jackie Venson, 8:00p-11:00p
The Livery - Patty PerShayla wsg Emily The Band, 8:30p
SATURDAY, MAY 24
The 2025 season of the St. Joe Farmers Market kicks off this Saturday! Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly market, May 24-October 11, in Lake Bluff Park from 9:00a-2:00p. Vendors will offer a variety of products including homemade goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more!
Kick off the paddling and kayak season with Third Coast Paddling this Memorial Day weekend! Take 15% off your rentals with promo code BEACH15 at checkout (valid for online advance reservations only). Rentals available for Silver Beach, Warren Dunes State Park, Paw Paw River, Gailen River and Wade’s Bayou!
Join Yoga Life as they kick off their weekly Beach Yoga! Hosted at Lions Park Beach, beach seasons are held on Saturdays at 9:30a. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat or beach towel to practice on. Reservations are required; all levels are welcome!
Get creative with Filkins Vineyards as they host Paint & Sip Saturdays from 11:30a-1:30p! No prior painting experience required. Attendees will enjoy a guided class with instructor Melissa Feris (The Mural Artist). Ages 13 and up! Limited space available; registration required.
Head to Round Barn Winery for their annual Island Spirits Party Friday-Sunday! All weekend long, attendees will enjoy live music, island-inspired cocktails, island-inspired bites at the Round Barn food truck, a new Round Barn products release, Jammin’ in the Vineyard live music and more!
Lemon Creek Winery hosts a two-day Wine and Art Festival, a celebration of art, music, and wine! Attendees will enjoy live music and delectable wine as they shop local artisans. Food trucks will be on site both days! Festival hours include Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Inn at Harbor Shores hosts a Harbor Bash from 5:00p-8:00p at the Riverside Tent! Attendees will enjoy burgers, boats and Buffett beats as they kick off the summer season. A portion of the event’s proceeds will help fund the harbor dredging project!
This summer, check out the Pleasant Street Plaza, corner of Main St. and Pleasant St., for street dining, drinks, live music and events! Brought to you by 221 Main, Silver Harbor Brewing and The Market!
There is no shortage of live music throughout Southwest Michigan!
Plank’s - Dockside with Tim Velex, 2:00p-5:00p
12 Corners - Celtics & Classics, 3:00p-6:00p
Filkins Vineyards - The Breakfast Club 80s Cover Band, 3:00p-6:00p
Local Pour - Jimmy Fastiggi, 4:00p-7:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Bruce Matthews Solo Songteller, 6:00p
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge - P.T. and the Crusiers, 7:00p-10:00p
Watermark Brewing - The King of Mars, 7:00p
The Acorn - Mr. Blotto, 8:00p-11:00p
The Livery - The Smokin’ Dobroleles, 8:30p
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Eden Springs Park hosts Miniature Trains Rides this Memorial Day weekend! Train rides are available Saturday and Sunday from 1:00p-5:00p. Cost $3/person (Cash Only), kids 3 and under free. The official summer season will run July-Labor Day!
Enjoy some brews and lobster rolls at Watermark Brewing as they host the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck from 12:00p-6:00p!
Test out your candle-making skills with The Lilac Loft as they host two special Galentine’s Candle Making Workshops on Sunday - 1:00p-2:15p and 3:00p-4:15p. Attendees will get to take their own candle home that day! Space is limited.
There is no shortage of live music throughout Southwest Michigan!
Gravity Winery - Celtics and Classics, 2:00p-5:00p
Tabor Hill Winery - Vibes in the Vines feat. Jon Hayes, 2:30p-5:30p
Filkins Vineyards - Kody Bryant, 3:00p-6:00p
Local Pour - The Resurrection Blues Band, 3:00p-6:00p
Plank’s - Dockside with Jack Adams, 4:00p-7:00p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Daniel Cole Dailey, 6:00p-9:00p
MONDAY, MAY 26
Head to Lazy Ballerina Winery as they host a Pop-Up featuring Henna Design House from 12:00p-4:00p. Stop by and get a beautiful design that will last 1-2 weeks. Try some delicious wines and wine slushies while you’re there!
River Saint Joe Brewery hosts two events on Monday! Catch live music on Music Mondays from 5:30p-7:30p - this week features Brian McClure. Wrap up the night with a weekly RSJ - Monday Group Rides hosted by Bedlam Bicycle Co. from 6:30p-7:30p.
Memorial Day kicks off the weekly Music Bingo Night’s hosted weekly from 6:00p-8:00p at Coach’s Bar & Grill!
