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 2026 St. Joe Farmers Market and St. Joe Lighthouse Tour seasons, 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 22

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 12p in downtown St. Joseph. Sponsored by Lest We Forget and Freedom Boat Club. 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. 

Celebrate the holiday weekend with Round Barn Winery during their Memorial Day MEGA Weekend, Friday-Sunday. Attendees will enjoy Mega Pint Specials, Slushie, Cocktail & Food Features and Jammin’ in the Vineyard Live Music. 

Head to Peat’s Cider Social for a special Theme Night: The Social Strikes Back from 4p-10p. It’s a Star Wars celebration with a twist! Attendees will enjoy dancing under the spinning Death Star disco ball, groove to DJ tunes and enjoy out-of-this-world drink specials. Costumes and lane reservations encouraged!

Filkins Vineyards hosts a special Cabi Pop Up Shopping Experience from 6p-8p! Attendees will enjoy a fun, easy-going event featuring the Spring ‘26 Collection. Free to attend, but reservations are required! 

There is no shortage of live music throughout Southwest Michigan!

Watermark Brewing - Rocky Weed Road Band & Friends, 6:30p-9:30p

The Acorn - Jackie Venson, 8p-11p
The Livery - Abbie Thomas & Crazy Hearts, 8:30p

SATURDAY, MAY 23

The 2026 season of the St. Joe Farmers Market kicks off this Saturday! Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly market, May 23-October 10, in Lake Bluff Park from 9a-2p. 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, The Batalis Agency, Krewe, Renaissance Athletic Club, Culver’s of Stevensville and Lest We Forget. 

Explore the St. Joe Lighthouse during the 2026 summer season! Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first-floor for free or buy a ticket for just $5/person to climb to the top. Available weekly on Saturdays, from 10a-7p! Looking for more history? Enjoy a free, guided tour at 10a from the start of the North Pier to the Lighthouse. 

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, Jean Klock Park, Van Buren State Park, Warren Dunes State Park. If you prefer a river adventure, use the promo code for the Paw Paw River, Gailen River or Wade’s Bayou locations! 

Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend with Filkins Vineyards as they host live music and food trucks on Saturday from 12p-7:30p! A $10 cover gets you in for both shows - Elvis Tribute Artist (12p-3p) and The Breakfast Club (4:30p-7:30p). Plus, enjoy delectable wines from Filkins and delicious food trucks all day! Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. 

Check out the opening weekend of the Butterfly House at Sarett Nature Center! The Butterfly House is a netted facility located across the driveway from the Nature Center building and is open Tuesday-Sunday through Labor Day weekend. The butterflies are most active on sunny, warm days! No appointments necessary. Attendees can purchase tickets at the Nature Center's front desk. 

Lemon Creek Winery hosts a two-day Wine and Art Festival, a celebration of art, music, food and wine! Attendees will enjoy live music and delectable wine as they shop regional artisans. Food trucks onsite both days! Festival hours include Saturday and Sunday from 12p-6p.

Catch the last weekend of Wanderlust Outfitters Memorial Day Sale! Shoppers will enjoy up to 25% off select brands, including The North Face, Osprey, NEMO, KUHL and Prana. Visit the store for more details!

Sister Lakes Brewing and Peat’s Cider Social are teaming up for the Brew Belt Byway Relaunch Party this Saturday from 3p-7p! Attendees will get a chance to visit four locations, get their card punched and be entered to win prizes. Bring in five food items to donate to a local pantry and receive an extra entry on your punch card! 

Interested in learning how the Great Lakes were formed? Join one of the Love Creek Nature Center & County Park naturalists at Rocky Gap County Park for a Rock Talk this Saturday at 2p as they discuss how glaciation has impacted the Great Lakes region and comb the beach for interesting rocks and fossils! 

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! 

Wrap up Saturday night with the Box Factory for the Arts as they host “Work at Hand” by Peter Hartel, a Documentary Film Screening from 7p-9. Attendees will enjoy a film about the painter Michael K. Paxton followed by an artist talk following the screening. $5 requested donation. 

There is no shortage of live music throughout Southwest Michigan!

Tabor Hill Winery - Vibes in the Vineyard with Aaron James Wright, 2:30p-5:30p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Samuel Harness, 6:00p

Watermark Brewing - Daniel Deitrich Live, 6p-9p

The Acorn - The Electric Cars, 8p-11p
The Livery - Space Bar, 8:30p

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Find your new favorite wine at the St. Joe Wine Shoppe! Every Sunday, they open a variety of wines, all different styles, during Wine Sample Sundays from 10a-5p! 

Filkins Vineyards hosts a special Pop Up with Lakuna Liinks Permanent Jewelry from 2p-6p. Sip on a glass of their new Sparkling wine while you shop! 

Enjoy live music at Tabor Hill Winery during Vibes in the Vines feat. Daniel Cole Dailey from 2:30p-5:30p!

MONDAY, MAY 26

The St. Joe Today Welcome Center will host special holiday hours from 11a-3p. Stop by and say hello while you’re downtown St. Joe! 

River Saint Joe hosts Music Mondays from 5:30p-7:30p! Attendees will enjoy live music outside on the patio. Grab a tasty beverage and something delicious off the menu while you’re there! 

Enjoy the last day of Round Barn Winery’s Memorial Day MEGA Weekend and the last day of sales at Wanderlust Outfitters!