2025 Festival & Celebration Spotlights

Make 2025 your year to explore, celebrate, and create lasting memories in South Haven! From sunny beach days, fall color tours, and serene snowy trails, every season pairs perfectly with the town’s storied legacy of seasonal festivals and celebrations!

Our charming beach town is abuzz with exciting events and activities throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates!

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Trenton Bulat

February

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October

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December

January 31st - February 2nd | 31st Annual Ice Breaker Festival

Celebrate the sunnier days of winter at the 31st Annual Ice Breaker Festival, where dazzling ice sculptures, horse-drawn wagon rides, a Chili Cook-Off, a Cardboard Sled Race, and an outdoor Silent Disco bring energy to the season. Stroll downtown to admire over 40 incredible ice carvings, enjoy the Pub Slide, roast s’mores at blazing fire pits, and dance under the stars on Phoenix Street. With activities for all ages, it’s the perfect weekend to embrace the magic of winter in South Haven!

Full Details at southhavenmi.com

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South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce

April 12 | 3rd Annual Beach Easter Egg Hunt

Celebrate spring with the 3rd Annual Beach Easter Egg Hunt on South Beach, a free family-friendly event organized by The Mitten Children's Museum and sponsored by The Lodge.

Details TBA, follow The Mitten Children's Museum on Facebook!

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The Mitten Children's Museum

May 9 | Farm History Day at The Michigan Flywheelers Museum

Step back in time at Farm History Day, held the second Friday in May, and explore the fascinating lives of early settlers through hands-on activities like butter churning, candle dipping, and rope making. With free admission and the chance to visit historic sites, it’s an educational and fun-filled day perfect for families planning a spring escape to South Haven.

Visit michiganflywheelers.org

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The Michigan Flywheelers Museum

May 10 - June 14 | 76th Annual Member Exhibition - Water Ways: Reflect and Connect

Dive into the artistic depths of the 76th Annual Member Exhibition at the South Haven Center for the Arts. This showcase highlights the many ways water inspires, unites, and shapes our world through the creativity of local and regional artists. Don’t miss this celebration of art and connection in a lakeshore community where water is at the heart of it all. A special opening reception will take place on May 9th from 5-7 pm.

May 10 | Opening Day of South Haven Farm Market

Kick off your South Haven getaway with the vibrant charm of the Farm Market, where fresh seasonal produce, local treats, and cheerful tunes set the perfect scene for a morning well spent. Open Saturdays from May through October and Wednesdays through June, July, and August

More info at southhavenfarmmarket.com

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Tom Renner

May 17-18 | 40th Annual South Haven Steelheaders Pro Am Tournament

Experience the excitement as Lake Michigan’s top anglers compete for prize-winning salmon and trout in this thrilling two-day tournament. With action-packed moments along the pier and Black River Channel, it’s the perfect reason to book an overnight stay and enjoy South Haven’s lively waterfront. Tournament Contact: Chad Bard, (269) 214-6934, cbard@bloomingdalecom.net

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Ryan Minton

May 23 | Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry

Honor South Haven’s maritime heritage with the Blessing of the Fleet, where vessels like the iconic tall ship Friends Good Will are celebrated for a safe and successful season. After the ceremony, enjoy a mouthwatering fish fry and picturesque waterfront atmosphere.

Browse all Michigan Maritime Museum events

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@NomsBrewsViews

May 26 | Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

South Haven’s annual Memorial Day Parade honors those who gave their lives in service to our country. The procession winds through downtown, concluding with a ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery—a tradition that brings the community together in gratitude and remembrance.

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Tom Renner

June 6-8 | GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival

Rev up your summer plans with GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival at Gingerman Raceway, where car culture collides with live music, E-sports, and unforgettable entertainment. From drifting demos to camping under the stars, this June 6-8 event is the ultimate weekend getaway for fans of fun, fast cars, and fantastic tunes. Watch the 2024 Gridlife recap on youtube!

Visit gridlifemidwest.com

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#GRIDLIFE

June 6-7 | Michigan Flywheelers Flea Market & Swap Meet

Discover hidden treasures at the Michigan Flywheelers Flea Market and Swap Meet, where over 100 vendors offer everything from antiques to fresh produce. As one of the area’s largest annual flea markets, this two-day event promises a unique shopping experience steeped in local charm.

Visit michiganflywheelers.org

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Michigan Flywheelers Museum

June 7 | 24th Annual South Haven Festival of Cars/ Kruisin' for Kylie Car Show

Celebrate 23 years of automotive excellence at the South Haven Festival of Cars, where 200+ classic cars, trucks, and bikes take over downtown. Marvel at hot rods of all ages—all while supporting Hunt for a Cure Michigan and raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis research. Visitors can double their fun on this Saturday event: it's also a Farm Market day!

Follow the South Haven Festival of Cars on Facebook

June 13-14 | South Haven HarborFest

Celebrate South Haven’s rich maritime history during Harborfest, held annually on Father’s Day weekend. Enjoy exciting dragon boat races on the Black River, free entertainment, artisan markets, kids’ activities, and mouthwatering offerings from food vendors—a perfect way to make memories with Dad while soaking in the town’s nautical charm.

Details at southhavenharborfest.com

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South Haven HarborFest

June 14 | 44th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show

Marvel at the artistry of antique and classic boats at the Michigan Maritime Museum’s 44th Annual Boat Show. From intricate woodworking demonstrations to hands-on toy boat building, this event is a must-see for maritime enthusiasts of all ages.

Browse all Michigan Maritime Museum events

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Tom Renner

June 28 | Firecracker Furry 5k

Get an early jump on Fourth of July festivities with a wag and a run at the Firecracker Furry 5K! Benefiting the Al-Van Humane Society, this pet-friendly race is a fun way to get active with your furry friends while supporting a great cause in South Haven. Want to volunteer the day of the event? Send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator at adoption@al-van.org

June 28 | SHOUT Cottage Walk

Discover the architectural artistry and timeless elegance of South Haven at the SHOUT Cottage Walk, where you’ll tour a curated selection of stunning homes and cottages. Held annually the last Saturday in June.

Details at shoutforsouthhaven.org

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SHOUT for South Haven

July 3 | Light Up the Lake Fireworks

Enjoy one of the most bombastic fireworks displays this side of Lake Michigan! Prime viewpoints include Riverfront Park, North & South Beaches, and along the lakeside bluff on Monroe Boulevard. Featuring music accompaniment and a live broadcast from local radio station 103.7 COSY FM!

Bookmark our Light Up the Lake page as we report more 4th of July Festivities.

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Adam K. Allen

July 4 | Independence Day Parade

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.

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Tom Renner

July 5-6 | Annual South Haven Juried Art Fair

The South Haven Art Fair is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore and features painting, pastel, drawing, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, clay, jewelry, and wearable art. Organized by the South Haven Center for the Arts, the fair is complemented by beautiful sights of the harbor through the tall trees of Stanley Johnston Park.

Visit southhavenarts.org

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South Haven Center for the Arts

July 12 | South Haven Garden Walk

Step into a world of blooms and inspiration at the South Haven Garden Walk, hosted by the South Haven Garden Club. The self-guided tour showcases stunning private gardens, offering ideas for home gardeners while celebrating the beauty of nature. Starting at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, attendees can also browse the Craft Boutique for unique garden-inspired treasures, and experience the passion of a club dedicated to cultivating both landscapes and community.

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South Haven Garden Club

July 12 | 23rd Annual Fish Boil Fundraiser

Savor a Great Lakes tradition at the 23rd Annual Fish Boil Fundraiser hosted by the Michigan Maritime Museum. With freshly boiled lake fish, sides, desserts, games, and harbor views, it’s a delicious way to support the museum and soak in South Haven’s coastal charm!

Browse all Michigan Maritime Museum events

July 19 | Dinghy Poker Run

Boaters come together for a great cause at the South Haven Dinghy Poker Run. With seven scenic stops along the Black River, it’s a laid-back adventure perfect for making memories while giving back to South Haven High School athletics.

Follow South Haven Dinghy Poker Run on Facebook

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South Haven Dinghy Poker Run

August 7-10 | 62nd National Blueberry Festival

South Haven's premier event since 1963, celebrating the city's title as Blueberry Capitol of the World! It is always held on the second weekend in August, and includes free concerts, the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair, a parade, kids carnival rides, blueberry pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests, and much more! Download the Blueberry Festival app and plan on having a berry good time!

Visit blueberryfestival.com

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Radiant Landscapes Photography

August 22 | 4th Annual Rock the Boat Benefit Concert

The Michigan Maritime Museum puts the FUN in fundraising! Get ready to dance the night away on the Michigan Maritime Museum’s waterfront campus with The 1985 Band, bringing you the ultimate ’80s music experience! It’s an evening of fun, food, and nostalgic joy!

Browse all Michigan Maritime Museum events

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Michigan Maritime Museum

August 30-31 | 49th Annual All Crafts Fair

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!

Visit southhavenmi.com for craft fair information

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Radiant Landscapes Photography

September 4-7 | Antique Engine & Tractor Show at The Michigan Flywheelers Museum

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! Even Downtown South Haven gets in on the fun when the Flywheelers pull their rigs down Phoenix Street in a grand Tractor Parade!

Visit michiganflywheelers.org

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Radiant Landscapes Photography

September 5-7 | Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival

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!

Visit wineandharvestfestival.com

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Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival

September 12-13 | South Haven Jazz Festival

Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of the South Haven Jazz Festival, a two-day celebration in Dyckman Park. With the Downtown Social District adding a fun twist, you can sip, savor, and sway to the tunes in the heart of Downtown. Don't forget a light jacket and your lawn chairs! The Jazz Festival is organized in collaboration with Foundry Hall.

Visit southhavenjazzfestival.com

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Marissa Hoard Photography

September 13 | 14th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride

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 between South Haven and Saugatuck, 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.

Visit and register at lhride.com

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Lakeshore Harvest Ride

October 4-5 | Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour

Discover creativity against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage during the Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour. With nine studios featuring live demonstrations and original artwork, it’s the perfect reason to plan a weekend stay and immerse yourself in West Michigan’s scenic autumn countryside.

Visit bluecoastartists.net

Pictured Above

Mark Williams at work in his South Haven studio.

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Blue Coast Artists

October Dates TBA | Cranberry Harvest Days at DeGrandchamps Farm

Witness fall beauty in its full splendor at DeGrandchamp Farm's Cranberry Harvest Day. Take a trolley ride to the bogs, watch cranberries being harvested, and enjoy tastings, activities, and a retail market filled with cranberry-inspired treats—an ideal fall getaway in South Haven.

Further information at degrandchamps.com

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DeGrandchamp Farms

November TBA | Mistletoe Market at South Haven Center for the Arts

Add a touch of artistry to your holiday shopping at the South Haven Center for the Arts Mistletoe Market. Featuring fine art and artisan creations, it’s the ideal way to find thoughtful gifts while enjoying a festive escape to South Haven.

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South Haven Center for the Arts

November 28 | Holiday in the Park

Kick off the holiday season with the community of South Haven at Holiday in the Park! Activities include the Santa Paws Pet Parade with Decadent Dogs, tree lighting ceremony with the South Haven Blossomtime Court and Paul Layendecker of 103.7 COSY FM, and free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves! Additional festivities include ice skating, campfires & s'mores, the annual Lighting of the Luminaries fundraiser for Corewell Health hospice, all with the holiday lights of downtown twinkling!

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Radiant Landscapes Photography

December 31 | New Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year lakeside in downtown South Haven, where the streets are open to pedestrians, setting the stage for fireworks, a beach ball drop, DJ-fueled dance party, and a few surprises! Stroll freely between food vendors & warming stations. It’s the perfect way to welcome the new year—and maybe even linger a little longer with a weekend stay.

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Radiant Landscapes Photography