Save the Date for these Annual Events in South Haven!

Experience South Haven's legacy of storied festivals and community celebrations! Whether you're queuing up for a summer escapade or winter sojourn, these events are sure to boost the fun factor during your 2024 visit!

Throughout the year, our charming beach town buzzes with exciting events and activities. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates!

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

February

For even more events, be sure to visit our event page and see what's happening during your visiting dates.

May

Opening Day of South Haven Farm Market | May 11

The South Haven Farm Market is a fantastic way to start the day in South Haven! Here you'll find the freshest seasonal produce from friendly area farms paired with happy tunes, treats, and smiling faces. The Market is open 8am to 2pm on Saturdays through October 12, 2024, and at the same time on Wednesdays through June, July, and August.

South Haven Steelheaders Pro Am | May 17 - 19

Lake Michigan's finest anglers set out to reel in prize salmon & trout, drawing cheers from the crowds along the pier and Black River Channel as they return to harbor!

Blessing of the Fleet & Fish Fry | May 24

Join the Michigan Maritime Museum for a celebration of their 50th Summer Season. Festivities begin with their annual Blessing of the Fleet where tall ship Friends Good Will, Museum vessels, and other South Haven harbor boats are part of a ceremony for a safe and successful season. The Blessing is followed by the summer kick-off celebration with craft beer and a fish fry from the most picturesque location in the heart of South Haven's Maritime District.

June

South Haven Festival of Cars/ Kruisin' for Kylie | June 8

This sprawling car show packs the Huron Street Parking & Pavilion lot with an 200-350 classic cars & modern masterpieces in support of Hunt for a Cure.

South Haven Harborfest | June 14-15

Join in a dynamic celebration of maritime heritage and summer fun, featuring exciting dragon boat races and live music for all ages!

43rd Antique & Classic Boat Show | June 15

This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from powerboats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, and demonstrations on boat-building techniques will be featured at the Michigan Maritime Museum.

The Queen's Cup Returns to South Haven | June 28 - 29

The Queen's Cup is an iconic Great Lakes sailing race that begins in Milwaukee. With a history of successfully serving as the terminal for the race, South Haven will see over 100 vessels sailing into the harbor from Milwaukee on June 29.

SHOUT Cottage Walk | June 29

This delightful excursion invites you to step inside a collection of the most quaint and beautifully appointed cottages, each boasting its own unique character and story. Find inspiration for your own homes and cottages!

Al-Van Firecracker Furry 5k | June 29

This annual 5K benefitting Al-Van Humane Society invites participants to run or walk with their dogs!

July

Light Up the Lake Fireworks | July 3

Enjoy front-row seats at Riverfront Park, North & South Beaches, and along the lakeside bluffs in South Haven for a night of Fireworks & music accompaniment from local radio station 103.7 COSY FM!

Fourth of July Parade | July 4

Watch as the streets of South Haven host a procession of spectacular floats, each creatively designed and festively adorned, showcasing local organizations and community groups.

South Haven Art Fair | July 6-7

The South Haven Center for the Arts hosts their annual two-day fair in beautifully lush and shady Stanley Johnston Park, the perfect gallery to browse original works from local & regional artists!

Garden Walk | July 13

The South Haven Garden Club's mission is to educate and inspire the love of gardening among amateurs. Whether you're tending a potted plant or embarking on ambitious gardening goals, this tour of vibrant local gardens is sure to inspire you to get your hands dirty!

22nd Annual Fish Boil Fundraiser | July 20

Enjoy a delicious Great Lake Fish Boil dinner at the Michigan Maritime Museum. This annual event is a fundraiser for the Museum where local organizations and businesses come together to donate everything from the food to tablecloths. 100% of the proceeds help the Museum! Don't miss out on this delicious summer meal with a great view of the harbor!

August

National Blueberry Festival | Aug. 8-11

South Haven's premier event since 1963! It is always held on the second weekend in August, and includes free concerts, a parade, kids activities, blueberry pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests, and much more!

All Crafts Fair | Aug. 31 - Sept. 1

Organized by the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, The All Crafts Fair will be held in beautiful Stanley Johnston Park. Over 150 unique craft vendors will be selling their hand-made items! Come shop the beautiful art, crafts, jewelry and delicious food!

Rock the Boat 2024 | August 23

Gear up for a night of nostalgia at the Michigan Maritime Museum when 80's cover band, The 1985, electrify the outdoor campus! Enjoy an evening filled with iconic 80's hits, fun, food from Wood, Stock & Grill food truck, and a variety of drinks at the cash bar, with proceeds supporting the museum.

Salute to Veterans & Airplane Fly-Over | Aug. 16-17

The South Haven Steelheaders' an annual fishing trip for veterans offers a day of camaraderie and sportfishing on Lake Michigan, which culminates in a celebratory boat parade and an awe-inspiring flyover! This heartfelt event not only honors our veterans but also reconnects them with the joys of outdoor activities and the supportive community that awaits them on the piers.

September

Antique Engine and Tractor Show | Sept. 5-9

One of the largest shows of its kind in the state, the Antique Engine and Tractor Show at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum features hundreds of old farm machinery, demonstrations, parades, live entertainment, plenty of kids activities and more. All four days are filled with things to see and do for the entire family!

Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival | Sept. 6-8

Explore the rich flavors of Paw Paw area wineries through tastings and tours! The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest fest also includes a 5K run, traditional grape stomping competitions, and dazzling fireworks! Music lovers can enjoy multiple stages and venues, promising a day of unforgettable memories for every member of the family!

South Haven Jazz Festival | Sept. 13-14

Gather in Dyckman Park for live jazz performances during this two-day festival full of talented acts!

Lakeshore Harvest Ride | Sept. 14

The Lakeshore Harvest Ride is the only Michigan bike tour that lets you see, touch, smell, and taste the riches of this breathtaking region! Glide through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan where you can visit wineries, cider mills, family farms, orchards, and art studios along the way. Choose how far you go: individual bike routes for every rider range from 15 to 62 miles in length.

South Haven Oktoberfest | Sept. 28

Put your sandals into sport mode or lace up your shoes and prepare for a fantastic event that combines community spirit and the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest! Open to serious and not so serious runners, and power walkers.

October

Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour | Oct. Date TBA

Explore nine studios showcasing live demonstrations, offering refreshments, and presenting unique original artwork. Enjoy the autumn scenery as you travel through the western Michigan countryside, visiting studios located between Saugatuck and South Haven.

Cranberry Harvest Day | Oct. Dates TBA

Take a hay ride out to the cranberry bogs at Degrandchamp Farms where you can watch a sea of red, ripe cranberries being harvested!

November

Women's Shop 'Til You Drop Saturday | Nov. 9

Ladies, it's time to start planning your annual shopping trip! Stores and restaurants will be participating and many will have in-house specials, food, and of course fun activities for you and your gal pals to enjoy!

Holiday in the Park | Nov. 29

Kick off the holiday season with the community of South Haven at Holiday in the Park! Traditional activities include the Santa Paws Pet Parade with Decadent Dogs, pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves, ice skating, campfires & s'mores, hot chocolate and coffee, luminaries, plus holiday lighting throughout our downtown - all with holiday music and the holiday lights of downtown twinkling!

December

New Year's Eve Celebration | Dec. 31

Ring in the New Year in South Haven where we close our streets, drop 1,000 beach balls from the city center, and dazzle you with fireworks at midnight!

February

Ice Breaker | Feb. 2-4

Embrace the chill at South Haven's 30th Annual Ice Breaker Festival, where winter wonder comes alive with mesmerizing ice sculptures and heartwarming family fun. Featuring a Chili Cook-off, Pub Slide, and a myriad of frosty festivities set to dazzle in downtown South Haven. New to Ice Breaker 2024: a Silent Disco at The Annex by Black River Barn!