An insider's guide to the season's most inspiring things to do
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 our curated plans for your summer escape. Check back often. We add new events as they’re announced!
Up on a Hill Fall Music Festival
September 2, 16, & 30 | New Buffalo, MI
Curated by Erik Hall, celebrated local composer and friend of NBX, an outdoor fest’s inaugural season brings Midwestern talent to Apple Blossom Resort’s private estate. A poolside patio and lush garden set an intimate stage for Elizabeth Moen’s full-power vocals and rootsy rock (Sep 2), Big Sadie’s danceable country jams (Sep 16), and Liam Kazar’s gentle, folksy tunes (Sep 30). Join for all three evenings or buy tickets à la carte. Either way, you’re supporting a great cause: Neighbor By Neighbor, a nonprofit that provides life essentials to those in need.
Tickets | Explore Apple Blossom
Setting at Inner Freedom Farm
September 4 | Buchanan, MI
On a national tour, the North Carolina trio Setting makes a special stop in Inner Freedom’s century-old barn. Their improvised electro-acoustic performance is enhanced by a rainbow of psych-out visuals by local (and three-time Grammy-nominated) designer/multimedia artist Tim Breen. BYO refreshments, chairs, and appetite for vibes.
Tickets | Explore Inner Freedom
ENCORE OUTSIDERS 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
Music in the Park
Saturdays through September 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.
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. $1 per rider
SUMMER DJ SERIES AT OUT THERE
Sundays through September 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
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.
Granor Farm Dinners
Select Fridays & 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 multicourse, Granor-grown organic meal celebrating the expansive food culture of Southwest Michigan. $175+
FLOWER PICKING AT HOMECAMP
Select days through September 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. Thursdays–Sundays in August. Fridays–Saturdays in September.
Goat Hikes at Verdant Hollow Farm
Fridays & Saturdays through October | 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
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: The Producers, The Graduate, 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 (Thu–Sun).
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 August 19, 2026
