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, JULY 31

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 Lake Effect Jazz Band (Big Band Jazz). Take in beautiful sunsets during these free concerts held weekly on Fridays, now through September 4. Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, United Way of SWMI, The Batalis Agency and Jam Shack Productions.

Join River St. Joe Brewery from 10:45a-12p for Morning Yoga with Ulrike! This all-level outdoor yoga class at Flatwater Farms. Attendees will enjoy 10% off food and drink after class! 

Enjoy free trolley rides throughout downtown St. Joe and Benton Harbor all summer long, courtesy of our friends at Visit Southwest Michigan! The Shop & Shore Trolley runs Thursday–Monday from 9a-9p now through September 7. Visit swmichigan.com/trolley for more info! 

Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Daily summer hours from 12p-9p. Grab a treat from their concessions and swing by The Brass Ring Gift Shop to purchase a memento to remember your trip by!

Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts two Permanent Bracelet Pop Ups this weekend! Join Mel & Grace of Wine Knot Jewelry on Friday from 3p-6p and Saturday from 11a-2p. Enjoy a glass of wine while creating a timeless keepsake! 

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 8p-10p! Enjoy delicious donuts starting at 7p and line dancing starts at 8p. 

INSIDER TIP: Catch Sunset Specials on Saturday from
7p-10p and Sunday Night: Sunset & Donuts from
7p-10p! 

Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:

Lemon Creek Winery - Friday Music Live feat. Brian McClure, 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
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music in the Plaza feat. Daniel Cole Dailey, 7p-10p
The Acorn - Chuck Prophet Live, 8p
The Livery - Live Music feat. The Mighty Pines, 7:30p-11p
The Livery - Garden Gems After Party, 11p-2:30a

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

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, Renaissance Athletic Club, The Batalis Agency and Lest We Forget. 

INSIDER TIP: While you’re downtown, stop by the bluff stairs for a
photo op with our temporary summer stair mural!
Sponsored by Lest We Forget. 

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 2.

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 Sarett Nature Center and the OutCenter Southwest Michigan for a Lavender Adventures Social Hike from 10a-11:30a! Enjoy a morning of an easy-paced, moderate hike. 

Spend a day with Filkins Vineyards as they host Motor Mouth Food Truck and Sebastian Lewis Chocolates from 12p-6p, a Pop Up with Lakuna Links Permanent Jewelry from 2p-6p and live music featuring Nashville Electric Company from 3p-6p! 

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 groovy afternoon of music, drinks and good vibes at Round Barn Winery as they host Saturday Shakedown from 11a-6p! Attendees will enjoy a day inspired by the Grateful Dead and jam band culture that features live music and drinks.  

As a part of their summer movie series, join the City of St. Joseph for their screening of A Minecraft Movie 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:

12 Corners Winery - Music in the Vineyard by Matt Gabriel, 3p-6p
Filkins Vineyards - Nashville Electric Company, 3p-6p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Jonny Love, 1p-4p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Wyatt Marshall, 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with The Weko Boys, 6p-9p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music feat. Dylan Raymond, 7p-10p
Watermark Brewing - Dart Board Compromise, 7p-10p
The Acorn - Ocean’s Rat Pack, 8p
The Livery - Live Music feat. The Rupple Brothers at 8:30p

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

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. 

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! 

Join River Saint Joe Brewery for Latin Dancing from 5p-7p, held on the first Sunday of the month! No experience or partner necessary. Beginner lesson included from 5p-5:30p with open dancing from 5:30p-7p! 

INSIDER TIP: Check out the RSJ Group Bike Ride
held weekly on Sundays from 1p-2:30p!

The Boardwalk Riverfront Venue hosts Wellness on the River from 10a-11:15a! Attendees will enjoy Pilates with Sue Zvonar, a low-impact class for any fitness level. Plan ahead and pre-chase a meal from Evermore Juice Bar and Base Bowls!

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:

River Saint Joe Brewery - Farm Pickin’s, 1p-3p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Larry Johnson, 2p-5p
Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Bar Live Music with Dave & John, 4p-7p
The Acorn - DuPont Phillips w/ Sammie Hershock: Midwest Made, 3p