Southwest Michigan is celebrating the holiday weekend! Enjoy live music, creative workshops, a 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 1

Test out your trivia skills at The Livery during their Weekly Trivia from 7p-9p!

Cool off at the City of St. Joseph’s Whirlpool Compass Fountain! Open daily from 10a-9p (through Labor Day). 

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

Journeyman Distillery - Live Music feat. Keith Scott, 6p-8p

RyeBelles - Leo Fron Live, 6p-9p

Box Factory - Out of the Box Open Mic Night, 6:30p-9p

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Forever Books hosts the Where’s Waldo Hunt July 1-30! 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 starting at 7:30a until they’re sold out!

Grab a group of friends for Thursday 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! 

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! 

Head to Journeyman Distillery on Thursdays for their Silo Market + Social from 4p-8p! Shop local vendors, sip on a cocktail and play a round at Welter’s Folly. 

Get creative with JLN Studio during their Step-by-Step Abstract Class from 6p-8p! Attendees will choose from an 8x8 or 10x10 and create a colorful piece using acrylic paint. No experience required!

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

Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Summer Social, 5:30p-7:30p

Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music feat. Tim Velez, 6:30p-9:30p

The Livery - Karaoke Night, 7p

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Kick off the day with Morning Yoga with Ulrike at River St. Joe Brewery from 10:30a-12p! This all-level outdoor yoga class takes place in the Beer Garden of River St. Joe at Flatwater Farms. Attendees will enjoy 10% off food and drink after class! Drop-in price is $20—registration is encouraged.

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

Celebrate the holiday weekend with Round Barn Winery during their annual Reds, White & Brews event, Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5. Attendees will enjoy a Brew Station Experience, Patriotic Cocktail Features, All-American Food Features and live music all weekend long!

Join Water Street Glassworks for a Sidewalk Sale this holiday weekend, Friday-Sunday! Browse one-of-a-kind glass art, discontinued designs, seconds and unique finds at special prices. 

Head to the St. Joe Library for their Summer Family Film Series from 1p-3p! This week’s feature is Journey to the Center of the Earth. Free and open to the public!

Filkins Vineyards hosts a Pinot & Pallet Class from 11:30a-1:30p! Attendees will get to paint their own wood pallet decoration under the direction of The Mural Artist. 

INSIDER TIP: Grab something delicious to eat from Feeling Grazey
Charcuterie from 12p-6p and check out Lakuna Links Permanent
Jewelry from 2p-6p!

Krasl Art Center hosts Yoga in the Galleries weekly on Fridays from 9:30a-11a! This class is a blend of art, music and movement while being surrounded by dynamic artworks in the KAC. After class, attendees are invited to stay for coffee and journaling in the new KAC Print Lab. 

Grab a treat from Zo’s Mini Donuts during Donuts x Fireworks from 7p-10p! 

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 early in the day 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 Friday lineup:

Filkins Vineyards - My Weekend Crush Band, 3p-6p

Lemon Creek Winery - Free Friday Night Music feat. Brian McClure, 5p-8p

Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Dan Maxon, 5:30p-8:30p

Journeyman Distillery - Live Music feat. Dave Jersh, 6p-8p

Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music feat. Dylan Raymond, 6p-9p

The Acorn - The Only All Girl Def Leppard Tribute, 8p

The Livery - Dance Party, 8:30p-12a

SATURDAY, JULY 4

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!

Visit the St. Joe Lighthouse weekly on Saturdays from 10a-7p, now through September 5. 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. Grab a treat from their concessions and swing by The Brass Ring Gift Shop to purchase a memento to remember your trip by!

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!

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Plank’s Tavern on the Water as they host America’s 250th Celebration from 6p-11p at the Riverside Tent! Attendees will enjoy a limited specialty menu and festive drinks specials, family-friendly games, entertainment from DJ Luxx Entertainment, a gaming trailer and giveaways.

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:

Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Deano, 1p-4p

Tabor Hill Winery - Vibes in the Vines feat. Ross Failla, 2:30p-5:30p

12 Corners Vineyards - Music in the Vineyard: Mike Talbot, 3p-6p

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 Hunter Vincek, 6p-9p

Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music with Matt Gabriel, 6p-9p

City of St. Joseph - Municipal Band, 7p

The Livery - The Newport Prairie Project, 8:30p-11p

SUNDAY, JULY 5

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 The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and the Wee Course at Harbor Shores.

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! 

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!

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:

River Saint Joe Brewery - Farm Pickin’s, 1p-3p

Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio feat. Jonny Love, 2p-5p

Tabor Hill Winery - Vibes in the Vines feat. Patrick Jasper, 2:30p-5:30p

The Acorn - Help Hounds: Midwest Made, 3p-5p

Plank’s Tavern on the Water - Dockside Music with Chris Burch, 4p-7p

The Livery - Open Stage with Host Nate Sypian, 5p-8p

City of St. Joseph - Municipal Band, 7p