For all kinds of fun by the shore
True, the beach is summer’s headliner. But when you’re up for another kind of adventure along Lake Michigan, there’s an abundance of experiences and events for the whole crew. Whether you’re into live music under the trees, farm-fresh food, journeys through nature, or chill family-friendly activities, the shore’s your playground all season long.
Here are 19 curated plans for your summer escape. Check back often. We add new events as they’re announced!
FIREWORKS OVER LAKE MICHIGAN
July 3 | New Buffalo, MI
Celebrate the 4th a day early with New Buffalo’s annual fireworks extravaganza over the lake. With prime viewing on the beach, plan to head down before dusk to find your spot in the sand.
GRANOR FARM WHISKEY RELEASE & JULY 4TH WEEKEND CELEBRATION
July 2–4 | Three Oaks, MI
Celebrate Granor’s new whiskey release with a family-friendly farm visit designed for lingering. Picnic without having to pack thanks to Picnic Bar—featuring lobster rolls and pulled pork for the holiday. Take a self-led farm tour or ticketed distillery tour. Or just kick back on a blanket while the kids search through famed Granor Kids Camp’s scavenger hunt.
SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND AT ACORN THEATER
July 16 | Three Oaks, MI
A New Orleans brass band that mixes a wide variety of influences—hip hop, jazz, rock, pop—into one big party of sound. Don’t be surprised to see dancing in the aisles of this historic small-town venue.
CIRCLING CENTER AT INNER FREEDOM FARM
July 23 | Buchanan, MI
An evening of quiet reflection on Inner Freedom’s pastoral grounds. Explore tarot, astrology, gentle stretching, and quiet interaction with four horses and two adorable donkeys. The herd—and your heart—guide the way through a uniquely peaceful experience. $60 suggested donation
Learn More | Explore Inner Freedom
SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN AT ROUND BARN WINERY & ESTATE
August 1 | Baroda, MI
Dead Heads unite for a day of jammin’ in the vineyards at Round Barn’s winery, distillery, and brewery. Featuring an all-day lineup of Grateful Dead cover bands, enjoy drinks, food, and all the tie dye you could ask for.
Learn More | Explore Round Barn
OUTSIDERS OUTSIDE ART FAIR AT JUDITH RACHT GALLERY
September 4–6 | Harbert, MI
On the gallery’s landmark vintage schoolhouse grounds, this 30-year festival celebrates contemporary American intuitive and folk art. It’s a weekend of community and creativity that draws fans from around the country—and this year, it’s worth a special visit. Judith, a longtime champion of self-taught artists, says the 2026 fest will be the last.
Learn More | Explore Judith Racht
BEER30 BIKE TOUR
September 12 | throughout the lakeshore
A 30-mile bicycle tour through Southwest Michigan’s scenic ‘craft beer country’ begins and ends at Watermark Brewing, with stops at some of the area’s best breweries. Registration includes pre-ride donuts and coffee, a Beer30 water bottle and tasting mug, beer samples at participating brewers, and a post-ride party with live music. $40–60
APPLE CIDER CENTURY BIKE TOUR
September 27 | throughout the lakeshore
For everyone from hardcore, kit-wearing packs to families with little ones fresh off training wheels, ACC is the Midwest’s most popular century bike tour. Offering fully supported routes of 15–100 miles through lovely Lake Michigan shore countryside, the ride’s a 52-year tradition for visitors and locals alike. $45–$75. Kids under 12 ride free.
Third Coast Beach Camps
Through Aug 14 | New Buffalo, MI
Three hours of adventurous beach play led by Third Coast’s masters of fun in the sun. Kids 12 and under surf, skimboard, paddleboard, build sand castles, and climb dunes, making the most of summer days on the shore. Healthy snacks and water provided. $230/week
SUMMER DJ SERIES AT OUT THERE
Sundays through Sept 20 | Sawyer, MI
Unlax with low-intervention wines and blissed-out sets by DJs, musicians, and record label folks from near and far. The music industry vets at Out There wine bar invite friends over to play records on the patio every Sunday all summer long.
Learn More | Explore Out There
Granor Farm Dinners
Select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays | Three Oaks, MI
Set in a stunning dine-in greenhouse, Granor Farm’s popular ticketed dinner series is a treat. Tour the farm before settling in for a multi-course, Granor-grown organic meal celebrating the expansive food culture of Southwest Michigan. Notable this season: family-style Summer Suppers on most Thursday nights. $175+
Music in the Park
Saturdays through Sept 5 | Three Oaks, MI
Under the trees in Dewey Cannon Park, a perfect small-town community concert series featuring a wide range of styles. Bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, and take in the peaceful, neighborly vibe. It’s what summer on the lakeshore is all about.
Goat Hikes at Verdant Hollow Farm
Fridays & Saturdays through Oct | Buchanan, MI
A guided, hour-long walk through gardens, pasture, hardwood forest—and yes, hollow—with the farm’s goat herd as your companions and ambassadors. Next level for any nature (and baby-goat video) lover, it’s a delightfully simple way to explore a bucolic farm with its adorably engaging residents. Ages 5 and up. $25
Tickets | Explore Verdant Hollow
SILO MARKET + SOCIAL AT JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY
Thursdays through July 16 | Sawyer, MI
On the lawn behind the distillery’s historic Featherbone Factory, drop by for a laidback evening hang. Meander through artisan stalls, lawn games, and putting on one of the world’s largest putting greens. Best enjoyed with a cocktail of Journeyman spirits.
Learn More | Explore Journeyman
BLUEBERRY PICKING ON THE FARM
July–August | various locations
If summer in Southwest Michigan has an official flavor, the ripe blueberry is it. Visit one of our local U-pick farms, fill a bucket, and taste the berry at peak freshness. And remember: blue-stained fingers are signs of happiness.
FLOWER PICKING AT HOMECAMP
Select days July 17–Sept 26 | Three Oaks, MI
Take an idyllic stroll through a field awash in colorful flowers as you pick your own bouquet or purchase one ready-made from the farm. With styled picnic and private U-pick add-ons, you and your favorite people can even have the picture-perfect beauty to yourselves. (Fri–Sat in July and September, Thurs–Sun in August.)
THROWBACK THURSDAYS AT VICKERS THEATRE
Thursdays | Three Oaks, MI
In honor of the summer tradition of trading the heat for an air conditioned theater, this historic mainstreet movie house hosts a weekly screening of vintage blockbusters. On the roster: E.T., Forrest Gump, Airplane! and more forever favorites. Get a hot buttered popcorn and enjoy the show.
Farmers Markets
Fridays–Sundays | various locations
Farmers markets are a summer staple on the lakeshore, and not only for fresh produce. At Skip’s European Farmers Market (Sat–Sun), grab a coffee and peruse food stalls, artisan-made gifts, crafts, and much more. In downtown New Buffalo, Mick Klüg Farm’s adorable farmstand brings berries, stone fruits, and other snackable bites near the beach (daily). And for an on-the-farm experience, visit the Granor Farm Store year ’round (Thurs–Sun through August).
DIY WORKSHOPS AND ART CLASSES AT HANDMADE STUDIO
Ongoing | Sawyer, MI
Get in touch with your inner artist at Handmade, an artist-run DIY workshop and studio. Try your hand at woodblock printing, ceramics, collage, laser-cutting and more ways to make and play. Especially gratifying when rain delays your beach plans.
words Lena Singer, Collette DiJohn Kemper
updated June 29, 2026
