Light Up the Lake Fireworks
Kicking off a Star Spangled Weekend on Lake Michigan
Celebrate Independence Day in a place where memories linger like the glow of a firework spiraling over Lake Michigan. South Haven’s Light Up the Lake Fireworks dazzle on Wednesday, July 3rd, launching a full weekend of star-spangled celebrations on and off the water.
Download: Our weekly event flyer provides a handy rundown of the week's best events.
Light Up the Lake Fireworks Date:
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Time: Fireworks begin at roughly 10:20 PM and end by 10:42 PM
Location: North Beach and South Beach, South Haven
South Haven’s annual fireworks glitter over Lake Michigan—here’s exactly what you need to know to plan your day and evening:
Beach Access & Safety
• Pier Closures (9:00 AM): Both North and South piers close at 9:00 AM to establish the launch-zone safety radius.
• No alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or glass containers on any city beach or park.
• All coolers, bags and containers are subject to search before you enter.
• No amplified sound devices—please leave speakers at home.
• No animals allowed on beaches.
• Disorderly conduct (fighting, disturbance) may result in arrest and trespass notices.
• Extra law enforcement and private security will monitor all beach entry points. Command posts will be at the North Beach triangle and the South Beach lot (west of the Water Filtration Plant).
Dyckman Bridge Operations
9:30 PM: Last bridge opening for boats before the show; channel then closes to all marine traffic.
10:20 PM – 10:42 PM: Fireworks display.
10:45 PM – 11:15 PM (approx.): Bridge remains down for pedestrians and vehicles.
11:15 PM: Bridge raises to admit boats and stays up until marine units clear all vessel traffic (1–2 hours). No vehicle or pedestrian crossing during this time.
Post-show, marine patrol will first admit the Friends Good Will, the Sunsetter and the Elsie J; all other boats follow on marine-unit directions.
Parking Restrictions
Erie Street: No parking at any time on July 3 (emergency vehicle route). Violators will be ticketed and towed.
Temporary no-parking zones are in effect on residential streets around North and South beaches (see map here). Vehicles parked in these zones or in hazardous locations will be ticketed and towed without exception.
Plan to park in official lots or farther out and walk in—late arrivals should expect a longer walk. Locate free all day public parking with this map!
Post-Show Traffic Flow
• Outbound traffic will be directed via Monroe Boulevard → Aylworth Avenue → Blue Star Hwy, Phillips Street → M-43, and I-196 ramps.
• Law enforcement will staff numbered traffic-control points and guide you to main highways.
• Delays are expected; allow extra time when exiting the city.
Independence Day Parade (Click Here for Map)
Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM start (road closures begin ~10:30 AM)
Plan ahead, follow posted signs and officer directions, and enjoy a safe, unforgettable Light Up the Lake evening in South Haven!
Independence Day Weekend Events
South Haven Stories
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