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, Lighthouse Tours, live music and much more throughout SWMI! Read on for a full weekend guide.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
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.), the Pleasant Street Plaza (alongside The Market) and in
the Court Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing).
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 7p-8p. 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 and United Way of Southwest Michigan.
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!
Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Hours this week include Tuesday-Sunday from 12p-9p. Visit silverbeachcarousel.com for a complete schedule!
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
Zo’s Mini Donuts and Sunset Coast Country Dancers are teaming up for Donuts and Dancing from 7p-10p! Line dancing starts at 8p.
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:
Lemon Creek Winery - Friday Music Live, 5p-8p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Tim Velez, 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with The Weko Boys, 6p-9p
Vineyard 2121 - Karaoke Night with DJ Dale Owen, 7p-10p
Watermark Brewing - Big Hair Hope Live, 7p-10p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music in the Plaza feat. Grant Milliren, 7:30p-10:30p
The Acorn - Phil Angotti & Friends, 8p-11p
The Livery - Live Music feat. Redbud Ramblers at 8:30p
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Stop to get some fresh eats at the St. Joe Farmers Market, running from 9a-2p 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! Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver's of Stevensville, NOBO, Renaissance Athletic Club and Third Coast Paddling.
INSIDER TIP: The Farmers Market runs every Saturday until October 11!
You can also catch the Wednesday Night Market, a blended market
that features both artisans and farmers weekly from 4p-8p in Court
Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing)!
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 12p-8p, 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 12p-4p at the Chalk Kids Zone outside of Silver Harbor Brewing. Kids of all ages are welcome!
INSIDER TIP: Voting is also open on Sunday from 11a-2p.
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 3.
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).
Join Sister Lakes Brewing for Yoga and Brew from 11a-12p! All experience levels are welcome to join in a relaxing routine. RSVP’s are requested.
Get creative with Filkins Vineyards as they host a hands-on class, Flower Centerpiece with Blue Star Blooms from 11:30a-1:30p. All skill levels are welcome! Attendees will learn the art of floral arrangements and leave class with their own handcrafted centerpiece.
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!
Get ready for a weekend of throwback hits and themed fun at Round Barn Winery as they host a Decades Weekend! Attendees will enjoy live music playing tribute to their favorite eras - 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond + sip on some tasty themed featured cocktails.
The Beer Garden at Public House hosts The Garden Get Down: DJ Dance Party from 6p-10p! Attendees will enjoy tunes served up by The BBQ’s DJ Collective + featured cocktails and grilled food features.
As a part of their summer movie series, join the City of St. Joseph for their screening of Lego Batman at 7:30p at Milton 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:
Filkins Vineyards - Kevin Korte and Friends, 3p-6p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Jonny Love, 1p-4p
12 Corners Winery - Music in the Vineyard by Don Savoie, 3p-6p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Shelby Lentz, 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Aaron Conley, 6p-9p
Box Factory for the Arts - Summer Songwriters, 7p-9p
The Acorn - The Chicago Experience, 8p-11p
The Livery - Live Music feat. The Rupple Brothers at 8:30p
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
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.
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 final touches on their chalk masterpieces! There are 48 blocks this year, and 8 vertical 8x8 panels. Did you see them all? Remember to cast your final votes for the People’s Choice from 11a-2p! Each vote is one dollar (CASH ONLY) and can be purchased at the People’s Choice tent located on Broad St.
Meet up with the Wanderlust Outfitters crew and join them on some of their favorite SWMI trails! This Sunday, join them at the Burns Prairie Preserve in Galien for their August Group Meet Up Hike at 3p. Their guides will lead you on an easy 3-mile hike around the native grass and wildflower-filled prairies surrounded by woods.
Brush up on your art skills with JLN Studio during their Lavender Gouache Painting Class from 3p-5p. Visit julienitz.com for a complete class schedule - both adults and kids classes are offered!
Wrap up the weekend 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 with Don Savoie, 2p-5p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Mike Talbot, 4p-7p
The Livery | Benton Harbor Arts Association - Open Stage with Host: Noah Privett, 5p-8p
