MUST-HEAR CONCERTS & PERFORMERS

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Benton Harbor | St. Joseph

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra has been a cultural cornerstone since 1951. Performing primarily at The Mendel Center, the orchestra enriches the community with classical and pop music concerts, a youth orchestra and educational outreach. If you are here in the summer, watch for pop-up performances along the St. Joseph bluff, 4th of July fireworks accompaniment and a musical play at Silver Beach Pavilion.

ST. JOSEPH MUNICIPAL BAND SUMMER CONCERTS

John E.N. Howard Bandshell | Sundays & Holidays

St. Joseph Municipal Band Concerts offer free outdoor musical performances at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Listen to a lively mix of genres while gazing at the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Bench seating is available or bring a lawn chair or blanket. Pick up a takeout picnic or ice cream from nearby downtown restaurants and shops before settling in for the uplifting tunes.

BENTON HARBOR ARTS DISTRICT HOLDS ART HOPS & SPECIAL EVENTS

The Benton Harbor Arts District is a bohemian fusion of live music, visual arts and some of Southwest Michigan’s best chefs and beer makers. Everything takes place in a lively, walkable downtown neighborhood. Hear music at four seasonal Art Hops, The Livery, art galleries, Citadel Dance & Music Center, The GhostLight Theatre and Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park. 

BERRIEN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR WITH LOCAL & NATIONAL ACTS

Berrien Springs | Mid-August

The Berrien County Youth Fair is a summer favorite for all ages. The Fair’s grandstand music acts fit in with midway thrills, blue-ribbon livestock and agricultural shows, traditional favorites and new can’t-stop-eating-them fair foods.

MAKERS TRAIL FESTIVAL

Weko Beach, Bridgman | Early June

There’s something for everyone’s tastes in music, craft wines, beers, ciders and spirits at the annual Makers Trail Festival. This ultimate Lake Michigan beach party showcases local craft beverage makers and an eclectic selection of music and food makers. Park in nearby lots and take free shuttles to and from the beach. Order advance tickets and save half on your gate admission. 

JUNETEENTH PARADE & CELEBRATION

Downtown Benton Harbor | Saturday, Mid-June

Join the Benton Harbor community as they celebrate Juneteenth, the end of slavery in the United States. Local bands, musicians, kids’ activities and food bring people together.

LAKE BREEZE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Shadowland Pavilion at Silver Beach | Saturday, Early July

The annual Lake Breeze Music Festival is a testament to the community’s commitment to musical diversity. Every year offers a refreshing lineup of talent, delicious food and the best of Michigan’s wines and spirits. Come once and you will be back year after year for this open-air venue featuring the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan and a signature sunset as the backdrop.

MR. LEE’S ANNUAL BEACH SOULFEST

Jean Klock Park, Benton Harbor | Mid-July

This annual Beach Soulfest has been delighting soul music fans for decades. Get ready to groove and dance the day away on one of Lake Michigan’s most gorgeous, dune-lined beaches. 

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ON WEKO BEACH

Bridgman | Sundays, May to Early September

The Summer Concert Series delivers a wide range of genres from favorite tunes of select decades to reggae-rock to acoustic goodness. Get free admission to the beach, home to spectacular Lake Michigan sunsets.

MUSIC IN THE PARK 

Baroda | Last Sunday of the Month, June through August

Bring your family and friends for some R&R at the Village of Baroda Music in the Park Concert Series! Come with blankets or lawn chairs, snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments. Food trucks will be on-site serving summer favorites. 

THE COMMON CONCERT SERIES

The Common, Buchanan | June to August on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 

This small-town outdoor venue with a big vibe dishes up progressive rock, shanty, bluegrass, punk, Motown and more. Or attend one of Buchanan’s three music festivals: Shady Grove Fiddle Fest, mid-June; Chippewapalooza, mid-August and Shakedown Saturday, late August, with its jam band music and groovy beats. 

RIVERFRONT CONCERT SERIES

Riverfront Park, South Haven | Thursdays, Mid-June to September

Let an array of music wash over you as you look out at the marina. Watch the boats travel on the Black River and see fantastic sunsets over Lake Michigan.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Dowagiac | Thursdays, Mid-June to Mid-August

The Dowagiac Music in the Park Concert Series lets you vary your music diet. Listen to chamber choirs, blues-tinged with rock, punk, classic rock & roll and country. Local food vendors serve BBQ, sweets, cajun and more.

PLAN YOUR STAY 

Southwest Michigan is rich with other cultural experiences. Book a comfortable hotel to take in museums, nature centers and gardens. Discover the culinary artistry of our chefs at our restaurants serving regional specialties made with locally harvested ingredients.

As you dive into our cultural scene throughout the year, play our Creative Connections game and earn prizes. This multi-faceted creative adventure will intensify your love of the arts.