2026 South Haven Festivals & Celebrations

Friday | May 8, 2026

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

Saturday | May 9, 2026

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in downtown South Haven with Muffins, Mimosas, and More! Bring your mom or gather friends for a fun day out as you browse spring finds from a mix of local businesses including home décor shops, clothing boutiques, antique stores, and relaxing spas and salons, with each participating location featuring a delicious “M”-inspired treat to enjoy while you shop, making the day all the sweeter. Shoppers can pick up their Shopping Passport at any participating business, and when you spend $15+ at 6 participating businesses, you’ll be entered to win raffle prizes at the after party.

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May 9 - June 13, 2026
Opening Reception Friday, May 8th from 5-7 pm

The South Haven Center for the Arts invites the community to experience the 77th Annual Themed Member Exhibition, featuring original work from SHCA members inspired by this year’s theme, Off the Page. Expect a wide range of interpretations, from collaged text and visual responses to written works to mixed media and 3D elements that push beyond the canvas, all showcasing how artists bring words and ideas to life through art.

Learn more at southhavenarts.com

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | May 15-17, 2026

The South Haven Steelheaders Sport Fishing Association (501c3) invites anglers and fans to the 41st Annual South Haven Pro Am, presented by The Lodge. Boats from across the Great Lakes region will compete over two days for cash awards (including a $10,000 top prize), plus prizes and trophies.

Check out our fishing charter listings to book your own hassle-free fishing trip on your own time!

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

Kick off your South Haven getaway at the South Haven Farm Market, held beneath Huron Street Pavilion. Shop fresh, in-season produce along with local favorites like jams and jellies, cheese, and specialty treats, plus unique gifts and apparel from area vendors, all set to cheerful tunes that make the morning feel like a mini event. With free nearby parking and a central location within walking distance of downtown attractions and Lake Michigan, it’s an easy, can’t-miss stop.

Open 8am-2pm, Saturdays May through October,
and Wednesdays in June, July, and August.

More info at southhavenfarmmarket.com

Friday | May 22, 2026

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

Monday | May 25, 2026

Each Memorial Day, South Haven turns out for a time-honored parade through downtown—an uplifting show of community pride and appreciation. The procession concludes with a ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery.

Book Your Stay for Memorial Day Weekend

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | June 12-14, 2026

GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival returns to Gingerman Raceway this June for a high-energy weekend of music, camping, and total car culture immersion. From dozens of live performances and hundreds of race cars on track to elite drifting, e-sports, car shows, vendors, and amazing food, it’s all part of an open, all-access experience built for festival fans, gearheads, and the simply car-curious. Whether you’re a seasoned GRIDLIFER or coming for the first time, come join the GRIDFam for one of the Midwest’s most unforgettable festival communities.

Get your tickets at gridlifemidwest.com

Saturday | June 13, 2026

Once part of the South Haven Harborfest lineup, the dragon boat races are spinning off into a seperate spectator event, providing a full day of uninterrupted on-the-water races at "Michigan's Ultimate Family Recreation Park", Lake Arvesta!

Connect with the South Haven Dragon Boat Association online and join a few open paddles in the weekends leading up to race day!

Friday & Saturday | June 19-20, 2026

Celebrate South Haven’s rich maritime history at Harborfest, the first big on-the-water celebration of the year. This family-friendly festival brings the shoreline to life with live entertainment, artisan markets, kids’ activities, and plenty of food vendors. After you’ve soaked up the harbor views, you’re just a short walk from South Beach for even more lakefront time.

Online at: southhavenharborfest.com

Saturday | June 20

Join the Michigan Maritime Museum for the First Annual Ruth Wiser Portal Plastic Boat Regatta! A hands-on, family-friendly event for kids and adults alike. Kids will build and race boats made from recycled plastic bottles, while adults can join the fun by constructing their own plastic-bottle boats and attempting to sink their competitors. Great prizes will be awarded to winners, and all funds raised will benefit the Museum.

Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum Online

Saturday | June 27, 2026

SHOUT for South Haven and The South Haven Scott Club partner to a curate lineup of standout homes and cottages during the Cottage Walk, held annually on the last Saturday in June. Drawing hundreds each year, it’s a great way to find inspiration for your next remodel!

Details at shoutforsouthhaven.org

Friday | July 3, 2026

Light Up the Lake is South Haven’s biggest night of the year for a reason. Tens of thousands pack the shoreline for an unforgettable fireworks show over Lake Michigan, with music synced up and a live broadcast from 103.7 COSY FM. Set up your spot at Riverfront Park, North or South Beach, or along the Monroe Boulevard bluff, then settle in for the main event. Expect this one to swell even more in 2026 since July 3 lands on a Friday, so make it a full Independence Day Weekend getaway, plan ahead, and arrive early!

Book Your Stay

Satuday | July 4

Watch as the streets of South Haven host a procession of spectacular floats, festively decorated by local organizations and community groups. It’s a classic way to experience South Haven’s small-town community and patriotic spirit, with Main Street USA energy! Bonus: it's also a farm market day, try our famous local blueberries!

Book Your Stay for 4th of July Weekend

Saturday & Sunday | July 4-5, 2026

The South Haven Art Fair is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore and features a spectrum of mediums like 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 shady Stanley Johnston Park.

Visit southhavenarts.org

Saturday | July 11, 2026

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.

Connect with the South Haven Garden Club

Saturday | July 18

Boaters come together for a great cause at the South Haven Dinghy Poker Run. With cenic stops along the Black River, it’s a laid-back adventure perfect for making memories while giving back to South Haven High School athletics. Caution: competing players come prepared with spray nozzles!

Follow South Haven Dinghy Poker Run on Facebook

Thursday through Sunday | August 6-9, 2026

Since 1963, South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival has been the city’s can’t-miss summer tradition, celebrating our “Blueberry Capital of the World” status every second weekend in August with a full lineup of family fun downtown: free live concerts, the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair, a classic parade, kids activities and carnival rides, blueberry pancake breakfasts, and the famous pie-eating contests (plus plenty more blueberry-themed surprises). Make it a full getaway and book your overnight stay early since lodging fills up fast for festival weekend.

Follow along at blueberryfestival.com

Saturday & Sunday | September 5-6, 2026

Organized by the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, the All Crafts Fair returns to Stanley Johnston Park for its 50th anniversary, bringing that classic South Haven tradition back to the lakeshore with rows of handmade vendors, mouthwatering food trucks, and a laid-back, stroll-and-shop afternoon under the trees. It’s the kind of hometown event where you take your time, find something special, and leave with a full belly and a bag of treasures.

Visit southhavenmi.com for craft fair information

Thursday-Sunday | September 10-13,2026

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

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | September 11-13, 2026

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

Saturday | September 19, 2026

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.

Register at at lhride.com

November 21-December 13, 2026

Get a jump on the holidays with an early escape to South Haven, where the Mistletoe Market kicks off the holiday shopping season! As you browse fine art and handcrafted works (from decor, holiday cards, to apparel and jewelry), you’ll find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that don’t exist on big-box shelves., each piece is an heirloom-in-the-making!

Visit the South Haven Center for the Arts Online

Saturday, December 5, 2026

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!

Thursday | December 31

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.

Book your stay early and start the new year totally refreshed!

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | Februrary 5-7, 2027

Celebrate the sunnier side of winter at Ice Breaker Festival, a three-day weekend when more than 40 dazzling ice sculptures line the streets of downtown South Haven. Take a spin on horse-drawn wagon rides, cheer on the frozen fish fling, catch the snowsuit fashion show, and warm up with a professional chili cook off. With events for all ages, it’s the perfect time to book a stay in South Haven and experience it all in one winter-bright getaway.

More on Ice Breaker by the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce at southhavenmi.com