Fourth of July Celebrations in Southwest Michigan

A young girl playing with sparklers on the beach as the sunset sky glows orange and the light begins to dim

An overview shot of Fourth of July fireworks celebrations in Benton Harbor, with the river, boats, and docks visible in the background

It’s officially summer in Southwest Michigan and there’s no better time to visit than Fourth of July week! From dazzling fireworks and lively concerts to fun festivals and scenic lighthouse tours, the celebrations stretch well beyond July 4. Whether you come for the day, a long weekend or the entire week, you’ll find endless ways to make memories — from beach time and farmers markets to tasting your way along the Makers Trail. Pack your bags and gather your family or friends — we’re excited to celebrate with you!

July 3: Cheers to Reds, Whites and Brews!

Celebrate America’s birthday in festive fashion at the annual Baroda Fireworks Celebration in the Beer Garden at Round Barn Brewery and Public House. The evening kicks off when gates open at 5 p.m. and continues with live music by What You See Is What You Get from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sip cold drinks from the Beer Garden’s special menu and savor Uncle Sam’s Chicken BBQ dinner with potato salad and coleslaw. The grand finale? Dazzling fireworks at dusk! Cover is just $5 for guests 21+.

July 3: A Salute to America Concert on Silver Beach

Join us for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s annual tribute to America at Shadowland Pavilion on Silver Beach — gates open at 7:30 p.m. This inspiring evening features a rousing mix of patriotic favorites, beloved film scores and iconic American works. The best part? Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, perfectly synchronized to a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan! Families will love stopping by the instrument petting zoo station for kids, provided by the Citadel Dance & Music Center. Throughout the night, enjoy bites and drinks from on-site food trucks and a Bar Tent. This year’s delicious lineup includes Crepes by the Lake, La Chula Mobile, Ben’s Soft Pretzels and Lost Coast Shave Ice. Gather together for an uplifting night of music, food and fireworks!

July 4: Pickle Festival

Get ready to pucker up — the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival is back for its 5th anniversary! What began as a “what if” idea in 2020 has grown into one of Southwest Michigan’s quirkiest and most beloved events. This year’s festival is expected to draw over 7,500 attendees for a full day of dill-ightful fun on July 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the History Center at Courthouse Square and the Berrien Springs Community Library.

Families can enjoy fan favorites like Vendor Alley, the Pickle Fling, Big Wheel races, the Pickled Piper Tasting Room, the Flamm Pickle & Packing Company Relish Eating Contest and a dunk tank benefiting Friends of Berrien County Animal Services.

Can’t wait for July 4? The pre-event festivities begin with Pickle Fest Preview Weekend, featuring the coronation of the 2025 Pickle Festival Royalty on June 13 at 6 p.m. and the 4th annual “In a Pickle 5K Run & Walk” on June 15 at Andrews University. Plus, don’t miss the wildly popular Pickle Fest Scavenger Hunt running June 23–29. All week, pickle fans are invited to search for hidden Dillards, the official Pickle Festival mascot at participating Berrien Springs businesses. Participants can pick up their scavenger hunt sheet at the Berrien Springs Village Hall, the History Center at Courthouse Square and the Berrien Springs Community Library for a chance to be entered in a drawing for a Pickle Festival prize.

With whimsical spirit and small-town charm, this Big Dill event promises a briny good time for all ages!

Miniature train at Eden Springs Park on a sunny day, with American flags on the front and children riding in the background

A young girl wearing sunglasses and a bright floral dress smiles while riding a small handcar on a miniature railroad track at Eden Springs Park

July 5 & 6: Miniature Train Rides

All aboard for flag-waving fun at Eden Springs Park in Benton Harbor. These historical House of David engines and passenger cars take you through this former amusement park. Fun for all ages! Train ride schedule.

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

All across Southwest Michigan, communities light up the skies with pops, bangs and cascades of sparkling color. Many towns offer pre-fireworks activities, delicious food and live music. Arrive early, bring your blankets and chairs and get ready to ooh and ahh as the night sky comes alive at dusk!

June 27 | Dowagiac | Dowagiac Municipal Airport and Russom Park
July 3 | Baroda | One of the best displays in the Midwest!
July 3 | New Buffalo | New Buffalo Beach
July 3 | St. Joseph | Silver Beach County Park
July 4 | Berrien Springs | Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds
July 4 | Edwardsburg | Painter, Juno & Christiana Lakes
July 4 | Niles | 17th and Lake Streets (Rain Date, July 5)
July 5 | Sister Lakes | Magician Lake

Three women singing at the Box Factory for the Arts, with the focus on the woman to the right as the main singer

More Family Fun Before and After the Fourth

There are so many more reasons to be in Southwest Michigan this week — beach time, scenic trails, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables at nearby farms and markets and tasting our craft wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Intersperse these fun activities with:

July 2 & 9 | Wednesday Night Market | Court Place Plaza | St. Joseph
July 2 & 9 | Open Mic Night | Box Factory for the Arts | St. Joseph
July 3 & 10 | Karaoke Night at The Livery | Livery Brewery | Benton Harbor
July 3 & 10 | Trivia Night | Sister Lakes Brewing Co. | Dowagiac
July 4 | Free Live Music Fridays | Lemon Creek Winery | Berrien Springs | Brian McClure Celtics and Classics + Evelyn Mae’s BBQ Food Truck
July 5 | Dog Days | Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve | Niles | Pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve
July 5 & 12 | Lighthouse Tour | Lighthouse at Tiscornia Park Beach | St. Joseph
July 5 | St. Joe Farmers Market | Lake Bluff Park | St. Joseph
July 6 | Antiques on the Bluff | Lake Bluff Park | St. Joseph
July 11-13 | Krasl Art Fair Block Party & Krasl Art Fair | Krasl Art Center & Lake Bluff Park | St. Joseph
July 12 | Lake Breeze Music Festival | Shadowland Pavilion | St. Joseph

4th of July Celebrations

Plan Now for Your Best 4th of July Ever

You will have no trouble filling your days from sunrise to starry night with relaxation, adventure, picnics and wonderful memories in Southwest Michigan. To make the most of your visit, do a little pre-planning. Book your hotel early — rooms fill up fast in the summer, especially during Fourth of July week.

Before you come, check our events calendar so you don’t miss concerts, markets or one-of-a-kind experiences happening during your stay.

While here, explore the local dining scene to find the best restaurants for every craving and favorite picnic spots. Add more fun to your trip by participating in the free Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge, Creative Connections and Murals Challenges to earn prizes or following the Makers Trail. We look forward to celebrating with you — Happy 4th!

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