ROAD TRIP-WORTHY HAPPENINGS ON THE SOUTH MICHIGAN SHORE
Say goodbye to cabin fever with this curated guide to spring events. Gatherings around art, food, dance, drink, and music—from spirited parties at the beach and vineyard to a homegrown celebration of Pride.
Granor Farm Dinner Series
Fridays, Saturdays, select Sundays | Three Oaks, MI
Set in a stunning dine-in greenhouse, Granor Farm’s popular weekly dinner series is helmed by James Beard-recognized chef and author, Abra Berens. Tour the farm before settling in for a multi-course, organic Granor-grown meal celebrating the expansive food culture of Southwest Michigan. Served at long community tables that encourage conversation, dinners here are uniquely engaging—and super delicious. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is a must. $130-$200
Saints & Sinners Murder Mystery Dinner at Lakeside Inn
April 15 | Lakeside, MI
For big ‘kids’ lucky enough to still possess a big imagination, Lakeside Inn presents an evening of food, fantasy, and intrigue at this My Mystery Party event. Ideally set in Lakeside’s historic landmark beachfront inn known for its artist residencies, exhibitions, and performances, expect secrets, scandal, and plenty of narrative twists. $45
Cocktail Tour: All Things Rum at Journeyman Distillery
April 20| Three Oaks, MI
An interactive expedition led by Journeyman distillers, All Things Rum begins in Hemmingway’s Cuba to explore rum styles, its global history, and the stories behind two classic cocktails. Sip while you learn to craft each step-by-step, then leave with a bottle of Road’s End Rum and recipe cards to continue the adventure at home. $45
Learn More | Explore Journeyman
Art Attack
April 28–30 | various locations
A three-day, community-wide celebration of ‘All That Is Art.’ Openings, exhibitions, demos, performance, and interactive activities explore a wide range of media from visual art and dance to food and design. No rules or restrictions—Art Attack embraces it all. Our most homegrown and eclectic art event of the year.
Learn More | Explore Art Attack
The Storehouse Film Festival
April 28–30 | Three Oaks, MI
The Storehouse, our beloved, under-the-radar producer of intimate and extraordinary art events, has done it again with a three-film micro-fest Art Attack weekend. Featuring films by Kelly Reichardt, Sam Green, and Rob Hatch-Miller, the weekend includes Q&A, DJ sets, and ‘other surprises’ for early arrivals. Hosted by Vickers Theatre, an historic arthouse cinema serving beer, wine, and real buttered popcorn. $12/film
Cookbook Signing with Abra Berens
April 30, 2–4 | Three Oaks, MI
James Beard-nominated chef and author Abra Berens will be on hand to answer questions, offer tips, and sign her new book Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit. Third and final in her beautiful series of ‘practical guide’ books, Pulp follows critically acclaimed volumes Ruffage and Grist. Hosted by Goods & Heroes.
Mawby Sparkling 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner
May 6 | Three Oaks, MI
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mawby—esteemed Leelanau sparkling winemaker—with a field-to-fork feast at Granor Farm. Like-minded in their approach to sustainable farming and craft, this first-ever Granor/Mawby collaboration offers a rare opportunity to dive deep into Michigan food and wine culture, all from the comfort of Granor’s spectacular glass greenhouse. The evening will begin with Q&A with winemaker Mike Laing, followed by a multi-course meal paired with Mawby wines. $200
Round Barn Winery Sangria Party
May 13 | Baroda, MI
Gather the crew and dust off those lawn chairs! Round Barn’s annual Sangria Party is the unofficial kickoff to summer on the wine trail. Live music, food, and a dangerously delicious Sangria Station prove once again that Round Barn is the estate that knows how to party. $5 cover charge. Guests must be 21+.
St Mary’s Family Festival
May 25–29 | New Buffalo, MI
Small-town family fun, just like you remember it. Carnival rides and games, food your doctor would not approve of, and a beer tent with local bands covering all the classics. You know exactly what this is. Go ahead, enter the time machine.
Granor Farm Organic Seedling Sale
May 26 | Three Oaks, MI
A flagship event for organic gardeners, Granor’s annual sale takes place in its expansive glass greenhouse. (So stunning it alone is worth the visit.) Find certified organic vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings—all grown on site—as well as expert advice from the team. Don’t miss a visit to the farm store while you’re there for fresh produce, grains, and super tasty prepared fare from the Granor kitchen.
Cocktail Tour: All Things Gin at Journeyman Distillery
May 25| Three Oaks, MI
An interactive expedition led by Journeyman distillers, learn gin’s global history, the fundamentals of crafting gin cocktails, and the history of two classics. Sip while you craft each step-by-step, then leave with a bottle of Bilberry Black Hearts Gin and recipe cards to continue the adventure at home. $45
Learn More | Explore Journeyman
Harbor Country Pride
June 1–5 | various locations
Music, dance, drag, and drinks—plus a fun run, beach yoga, makers market, comedy, and trivia. Five days to elevate queer community and expression along the lakeshore. All are welcome to this buoyant, colorful celebration.
Makers Trail Festival
June 10 | Bridgman, MI
Southwest Michigan winemakers, brewers, and distillers gather for an annual day-into-night party at Weko Beach. Live music, food trucks, and a beautiful lakefront setting make for a spirited summer kickoff. $10-20
Three Oaks Music in the Park
Saturdays beginning June 10 | Three Oaks, MI
A perfect, small-town community concert series set in Three Oak’s Dewey Cannon Park. Pack a picnic or grab a phenomenally tasty slice at nearby Patellie’s pizza. The chill, neighborly vibe here is what summer on the lakeshore is all about.
