It’s never too soon to start planning your summer in Michigan. Summer will be here before we know it, and every year, South Haven, Michigan puts on some of the best family events between May and August. The beautiful beach town is teeming with things to do in the summer. South Haven has a lively culture, a thriving art atmosphere, pet-friendly parks, and a unique cuisine that’s perfect for any foodie.
Summer events in South Haven bring this close-knit beach community together with celebrations of art, delicious food, and live entertainment. Many events have been going on for years and are what makes South Haven such a lively atmosphere worth visiting.
Here are some upcoming summer events in South Haven to look forward to:
HarborFest
Date: Thursday, June 16 – Sunday, June 19 (Father’s Day Weekend)
Location: Downtown South Haven
Website: https://www.southhavenharborfest.com/
HarborFest is one of the most anticipated annual events in South Haven, Michigan each year. This four-day family festival has been ongoing since 1992 and packs many exciting events into one long weekend. HarborFest celebrates South Haven’s unique maritime history with live entertainment with tribute bands, Dragonboat races, gourmet food, a beer garden, craft fairs, face painting for kids, tethered balloon rides, an early morning pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and many more activities and events throughout the weekend. Guests can enjoy this pet-friendly event for free!
The Classic Boat Show
Date: Saturday, June 18
Location: Michigan Maritime Museum
Website: https://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/
58th Annual Art Fair
Date: Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3
Location: Stanley Johnston Park, South Haven, MI
Website: https://www.southhavenarts.org/
This coastal town is known for its creative and artistic culture. The South Haven Annual Art Fair attracts Fourth of July crowds every year to Stanley Johnston Park, a beautiful wooded park one block from the Lake Michigan shore. South Haven Center for the Arts puts on this wonderful festival annually which showcases artists’ work for sale and many pieces up for awards. Thousands of people visit this South Haven event and come from all over the world to experience local artists’ work.
National Blueberry Festival
Date: Thursday, Aug. 11 – Sunday, Aug. 14
Location: Downtown South Haven
Website: https://www.blueberryfestival.com/
Children watching the South Haven National Blueberry Festival parade.
In 1963, South Haven residents planned a small event to celebrate the blueberry harvest and because South Haven is the hub of highbush blueberry production, the event quickly became a popular summer sensation. The festival now includes events like baking competitions, a blueberry pie social, pie eating contests, a 5K/10K race, live music entertainment, a Blueberry Festival parade, and much more!
33rd Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Date: Thursday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 11
Location: Michigan Flywheelers Museum
Website: https://michiganflywheelers.org/
This four-day event is a fun family experience to close out the summer. The Antique Engine and Tractor Show is in its 33rd year and is one of the largest shows of its kind in Michigan. It takes place at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum which features a flea market and several farming and antique exhibits. Each year, this event draws hundreds of antique tractors and engine collects throughout the nation. There isn’t an event quite like this one, and there are many things for kids to do throughout the weekend-long festival. Guests can visit exhibits like the Farm History Building and children can partake in games, crafts, ride tractors, and watch the Saw Mill demonstration and the Equipment Parade each day.
Thank you to South Haven Visitors Bureau, a South Haven, Michigan event and travel service, for providing this post.