Southwest Michigan is celebrating the holiday weekend! Enjoy live music, creative workshops, the kick off of the Wednesday Night Market, Farmers Market, Lighthouse Tours, Antiques on the Bluff, various firework shows and so much more throughout St. Joe and neighboring towns. It’s sure to be a blast of a weekend!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
The Wednesday Night Market kicks off its 2025 summer season on Wednesday, July 2! Head to Court Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing), from 4p-8p in Court Place Plaza. Sponsored by Silver Harbor Brewing.
Get creative with The Lilac Loft when they host a Candle Making Workshop from 1p-2:15p and 3p-4:15p! Choose your own container, fragrance, and decorations + get to take your candle home the same day.
Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Wednesday lineup:
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live on the Plaza: Shelby Lentz, 5:30p-6:30p
Box Factory - Out of the Box Open Mic Night, 6:30p-9p
THURSDAY, JULY 3
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!
Each week, there’s a little sweet and savory to make your week just a little more delicious! Don’t miss the Bake Effect weekly Gourmet Treats Made Without Wheat Pop Ups on Thursdays at The Culinary Cottage from 7:30a-1:30p!
Henna Design House hosts a Henna-Up at Verde Juice from 9a-4p. Stop by and get a beautiful design that will last 1-2 weeks!
Check out the Renaissance Athletic Club’s new Summer Market Series! This event is held weekly on Thursdays from 11a-2p and features a variety of vendors.
Cool off at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain! New this year, the City of St. Joseph has added shaded structures, bathrooms and a foot washing station. Open daily from 10a-9p (through Labor Day).
Cheers to red, white and brews during the Baroda Fireworks celebration at the Beer Garden across from Round Barn Public House from 5p-11p! Attendees will enjoy food and drink specials + live music. $5 cover charge for 21+.
Join Plank’s Tavern on the Water weekly for Dockside Summer Social Thursdays! DJ Luxx Entertainment will be spinning from 5:30p-7:30p as you sip on featured drink specials, enjoy delicious food and take in the waterfront view.
Try your hand at Bocce Ball at Watermark Brewing on Thursdays from 6p-9p! Games, open play and practice session - format depends on who shows up. All experience levels welcome!
Test your skills during Trivia Night at Sister Lakes Brewing! This event is held weekly on Thursdays from 6:30p-8:30p and is free to play. While you’re there, enjoy a tasty brew and some delicious food!
The City of St. Joseph hosts the annual Independence Day Fireworks at 10p, 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.
Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Thursday lineup:
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music on the Plaza: Dylan Raymond, 6p-9p
The Livery - Karaoke Night, 7p
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Kick off the day with Morning Yoga at River St. Joe Brewery from 10:30-11:45a! This 75-minute Hatha yoga class takes place outdoors in the Beer Garden of River St. Joe at Flatwater Farms. Attendees will enjoy 10% off food and drink after class!
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 - a lily pad, beach chairs,
beach wagon or beach umbrella! Or swing by G&M Variety for
beach toys, towels, sunscreen and more!
Join Journeyman Distillery for First Friday Glow Putt Nights at Welter’s Folly! This one-of-a-kind putt putt experience will be available from 8:30p-11p on the first Friday of the month, June-August. Adult passes are just $9/person and Kids 12 and under are free!
Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:
Lemon Creek Winery - Free Friday Night Music feat. Brian McClure, 5p-8p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Larry Johnson, 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music w/ Hunter Vincek, 6p-9p
City of St. Joseph - Municipal Band, 7p
Vineyard 2121 - Karaoke with DJ Dale Owen, 7p-10p
Watermark Brewing - The Edgar Willbury Experience, 7p-10p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music on the Plaza: Dale Bitner, 7p-10p
The Livery - Mo & Co. Live, 8:30p
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the St. Joe Farmers Market, running from 9a-2p in Lake Bluff Park. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver's of Stevensville, NOBO, Renaissance Athletic Club and Third Coast Paddling.
INSIDER TIP: While you’re downtown, stop by the bluff stairs for a
photo op with our temporary summer stair mural!
Visit the St. Joe Lighthouse weekly on Saturdays from 10a-7p, now through August 30. Explore the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free, or buy a ticket ($5/person) to climb to the top. Tickets are cash only at the lighthouse on Saturdays, or stop by the St. Joe Today Welcome Center in advance. Looking for more history? Join us every Saturday at 10a for a free, guided walking tour (starts at the top of the North Pier by the dedication wall).
Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Daily summer hours from 12p-9p. Please note the Carousel will be closed on July 4!
Celebrate the holiday weekend during Red, White and Brews at Round Barn Winery this Saturday & Sunday! Attendees will enjoy a special Red, White & Brews Growler, Sippin’ in the USA Brew Station, Bomb Pop Slushie, All-American food feature and live music both days!
Head over to Eden Springs Park for their Summer Miniature Train Rides! Train rides are available Saturday and Sunday from 1p-5p, through Labor Day weekend. Cost $3/person, kids 3 and under free (cash only).
INSIDER TIP: Save the date for their annual Halloween Train Rides
in October and Christmas Rides in December!
Filkins Vineyards hosts Paint & Sip Saturdays from 11:30a-1:30p! Join them for a guided class, no painting experience necessary. Perfect for ages 13 and up!
What could make a beautiful St. Joe sunset even better? A delicious treat from Zo’s Mini Donuts! Join them Friday-Sunday for their Sunset Special from 7p-10p.
Catch live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Saturday lineup:
Filkins Vineyards - Live Music by Ron Short, 3p-6p
12 Corners Vineyards - Music in the Vineyard: Chad & Havana, 3p-6p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Tim Velez, 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music w/ Aaron Conley, 6p-9p
Watermark Brewing - The Backups, 6:30p-9:30p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music on the Plaza: Aaron James Wright, 7p-10p
The Acorn - Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, 8p-11p
The Livery - Live DJ Dance Party, 9p
Vineyard 2121 - The Unknowns, 7p-10p
SUNDAY, JULY 6
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 10a-5p. This event is rain or shine! Sponsored by Goodwill of Southwestern Michigan.
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 1p-5p!
Wrap up the holiday weekend celebrations with the City of St. Joseph Municipal Band Concert at 7p! 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, 1p-4p
Tabor Hill Winery - Vibes in the Vines feat. Eddie Andersen, 2:30p-5:30p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with the Weko Boys, 4p-7p
Fernwood Botanical Garden - Summer Concert: Resurrection Blues Band, 5p-8p
The Livery - BHAA Open Stage with Host Audrey Peeples, 5p-8p
