Art is alive in Southwest Michigan, especially during Chalk the Block in St. Joseph, MI! Running all weekend, catch the amateur and professional artists from around the country as they showcase their chalk masterpieces downtown. But, the fun doesn’t end there. Read more below to find out about the other spectacular events going on the weekend of August 5-7.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Chalk the Block kicks off as artists start to grid and outline their designs. In the early evening, walk around the block and see the starts of their masterpieces. While you're downtown, check out the East side of Main over by The Market and Silver Harbor Brewing for a sneak peek of four pieces created leading up to this weekend's Chalk the Block!
INSIDER TIP: Looking for a delicious dinner Friday evening?
Check out the Bistro on the Boulevard, located inside
The Boulevard Inn!
Afterward, if you have a taste for more art, check Arts In The Park hosted by the Benton Harbor Arts Association (BHAA) and Krasl Art Center. This event runs from 6:00p-9:00p in the Benton Harbor Arts District and features local artisans, live music and food trucks!
Art in Southwest Michigan doesn’t only appeal to sight, but also sound! Swing by Plank’s Tavern On The Water and listen to some live music from 5:30p-8:30p feat. Jack Adams. More live music can be found on Friday night at Silver Harbor Brewing from 7:00p-10:00p feat. Steadfast and Lemon Creek Winery from 5:00p-8:00p.
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
INSIDER TIP: Forget something for your beach trip? Check out Scooter Joe’s
for beach item rentals - everything from kick boards, floating waterproof
speakers, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach wagons, strollers and more!
Or swing by G&M Variety for beach toys, towels, sunscreen and more!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Stop to get some fresh eats at the St. Joe Farmers Market, running from 9:00a-2:00p 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!
INSIDER TIP: If you can’t catch it this weekend due to all the
festivities, no problem! The Farmers Market is every
Saturday until October 8.
Start your day on the right side of the lotus pose with Yoga & Yolks Gentle Yoga and Breakfast, hosted by The Culinary Cottage from 9:00a-10:30a. This weekly class includes a delicious healthy breakfast buffet at the end.
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 12:00p-8:00p, 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 12:00p-4:00p at the Chalk Kids Zone hosted by United Federal Credit Union in the Giannola Parking Lot across from Wanderlust Outfitters. Kids of all ages are welcome!
INSIDER TIP: Voting is also open on Sunday from 11:00a-2:00p. To get a vote, just stop by the
People’s Choice tent to let artists know just how amazing their art is - winner
will be announced Monday, August 8.
The American Cancer Society is hosting their Relay for Life of Berrien County from 3:00p-11:00p in Lake Bluff Park. Proceeds go to helping people battling cancer, as well as serving as a remberence for loved ones lost.
As a part of their summer movie series, join the City Of St. Joseph for their screening of Remember The Titans at 7:30p at Milton Park. Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
Start your Sunday off with Antiques on the Bluff. See some rare relics, and snag cool finds. This event takes over Lake Bluff Park and is open from 10:00a-5:00p. If you’re busy, no worries! Check out Antiques On The Bluff on the first Sunday of every month until October.
Chalk the Block isn’t over yet, but the art is getting finalized! As artists put the finishing touches, walk by and admire how it all came together. Remember to put your vote in for People’s Choice from 11:00a-2:00p! Each vote is one dollar (CASH ONLY) and can be purchased at the People’s Choice tent located on Broad St.
If you want to do some more running around Southwest Michigan, go to the Mt. Tabor Trails Wine Run 5K! Hosted by Round Barn Estate, this 5K “runs” from 9:00a-11:00a.
Musical notes still flutter around Lake Michigan as more locations host live music. Join Sister Lakes Brewing Company from 2:00p-5:00p feat. Jamie Miller, The Livery hosts the BHAA Open Stage with host Meredith George from 4:30p-8:00p and First Congregational Church hosts Jazz for Good Cheer feat. Lake Effect Jazz Big Band at 7:00p.
All weekend long those 21+ can enjoy the Downtown District, sponsored by Sturgis Bank, for more information visit stjoetoday.com/socialdistrict.
