Events in Benton Harbor today

A drive-thru community recycling event at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center offers a convenient way to clear out hard-to-dispose-of items. It is limited to Berrien County residents, and waste from businesses is not accepted. The Berrien County Parks Department coordinates the event. There is no admission charge, donations are welcomed to help cover collection costs, and some electronics have fees. This site uses a different entrance than the regular landfill, so follow the yellow yard signs. Drivers proceed through five stations. At the greeting stop, staff provide directions for navigating the line and can accept voluntary donations that support the Berrien County Parks Department’s collection costs. The foam and polystyrene stop takes clean and dry items such as foam coolers, cups, to-go containers, egg cartons, block packaging, and pink or blue Styrofoam, while packing peanuts and soft foam are not taken. The household chemicals station accepts a wide range of home, garden, and garage materials, including used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, gasoline, stains, oil-based paint, varnish, household and vehicle batteries, cleaners, paint thinner, medications and sharps, mercury items, compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes, photo and pool chemicals, small 1-pound propane cylinders, sterno canisters, adhesives, and driveway sealer. It cannot accept grill-size propane tanks, ammunition, fireworks, or latex paint. The on-site paper shredding stop handles paper only, including office paper, mail, brochures, folders, blueprints, and checkbooks. Staples and paper clips may stay in place, documents are removed from vehicles and placed into a collection bin, and the contents are shredded on-site when the bin is full. Non-paper items such as CDs, disks, x-rays, identification cards, binder clips, three-ring binders, cardboard, books, plastic, metal, and other materials are not accepted. The final station collects household electronics that plug in or run on batteries. Examples include computer monitors with a fee per monitor, televisions with a fee per TV, printers, computers and accessories, phones, tablets, routers, DVD or VCR players, stereo equipment, cameras, power tools, vacuum cleaners, holiday light strings, small and large appliances, and items containing Freon with a per-item fee. Freon examples include refrigerators, mini fridges, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and water coolers. Payment for electronics goes to Green Earth Electronics, and materials are processed by Green Earth Electronics Recycling. For questions, send a Facebook message, call 269-983-7111 ext. 8232 or 8133, or email recycle@berriencounty.org.

The weekly St. Joe Farmers Market features vendors with baked treats, locally grown fruits and vegetables, perennials and fresh-cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee, and other selections. Set in Lake Bluff Park with views of Lake Michigan, it offers a scenic spot to shop and stroll. During the Krasl Art Fair, the market will operate with special hours.

On certain Saturday mornings, Fernwood Dog Days welcomes leashed, well socialized dogs to explore the garden and nature preserve alongside their owners. Members receive early entry, and with an active membership both people and pets are admitted at no charge. Visitors are welcomed during public hours with standard general admission and a $5 fee for each dog. To keep the experience safe and enjoyable, dogs must remain under supervision and on leash at all times, including in the parking lot, and should be current on vaccinations and registrations. For the protection of plants and wildlife, please remain on established paved and dirt paths. Owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior. Clean up after your pet and place waste in outdoor receptacles; waste bags can be picked up at the Visitor Center when you arrive. Some spaces are reserved as areas where dogs are not allowed, including natural springs, ponds and other water features, the Fernwood Café, the Fern Conservatory, manicured garden beds, and the Gift Shop. Dogs are admitted only on designated days and during designated hours. Service animals are welcome. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Experience a showcase of trucks, tractors, and other large equipment with treats to enjoy. There is no cost to attend. Food will be available from food trucks. For more information or to sign up a vehicle, email v.voyagers@yahoo.com. Vendors are not charged a fee.

Enjoy free live music at Red Top Winery & Cidery on the back patio. Settle in, take in the atmosphere, and sip a selection of daringly different wines and ciders. Fresh air and live tunes come together for a laid-back way to unwind.

Enjoy live music with no cover charge. Seating is available in the order guests arrive.

Explore vintage and antique discoveries as sellers set up throughout Lake Bluff Park, with views of Lake Michigan. This market features more than 50 vendors and takes place on the first Sunday of each month from May through October, happening in all weather. Prospective vendors can find details on the Vendor Information page.

Enjoy a free live music performance from Shane Lindeman at Red Top Winery & Cidery. Settle into a seat on the back patio, take in the easygoing atmosphere, and savor distinctive wines and ciders while the music plays. Fresh air and live tunes make for a relaxing break.

Enjoy a traditional music session in the event tent where people can take part by playing or singing, or simply relax and listen. This gathering occurs on the first Sunday of the month.

The Speak Of Love Tour comes to the Howard Performing Arts Center with David Phelps, a vocalist widely recognized for extraordinary power and a range that spans more than three octaves. Known for conveying songs with uncommon warmth and clarity, he has earned ovations on many of the world’s most respected stages. With multiple Dove and Grammy honors and several platinum-selling recordings, this performance showcases both dazzling technique and heartfelt storytelling.

This event offers free play for Marvel Crisis Protocol.

Learn a new skill with the Hooked on Yarn group. This free, all-ages gathering meets twice a month in a small meeting room at South Haven Memorial Library. Enjoy a welcoming setting where participants can build skills and connect with others.

Test your music memory at American Legion Post 105 in Benton Harbor with a fast-paced game that offers eight chances to win. Participants listen to brief song clips, identify each tune, mark it on their playing sheet, and try to be the first to complete the required sequence. The action unfolds across eight rounds, with up to 60 songs per round, filling the room with a wide range of music and lively, friendly competition.

Mnomen, the wild rice of the Great Lakes, carries deep cultural and historical meaning for Native communities. Tribal historian Cecil Wilson of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi will share insights into the enduring relationship between mnomen and the Pokagon people, past and present. An interactive display will accompany the talk, with a traditional wild rice camp set up to demonstrate harvesting techniques for this essential food. Museum members attend free, with a $10 ticket for non-members. A virtual lecture pass is available. Tickets can be secured online, by phone, or in person. This lecture series receives support from the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike and Susan Smith. The presenter, Cecil Wilson, is an enrolled citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and a member of the Turtle Clan. He serves as the tribe’s historian through the Center of History and Culture, working under the National Historic Preservation Act to protect and interpret places and materials of cultural and historical significance for his community.

Enjoy a new weekly trivia night at The Livery featuring Tivium, the quiz game popular at bars and breweries across the United States and around the world. Each session offers four rounds with ten questions per round, shown on a big screen and read by the host. Hosting rotates among Livery staff to keep the experience fresh. It is free to play, and winning teams receive Livery gift cards with $15 for first place, $10 for second, and $5 for third. Play solo, pair up, or bring a group of any size since there are no team limits. Settle in with craft brews and scratch-made food while you put your knowledge to the test.

The South Haven Area Young Professionals hosts a monthly social hour at Triple J Bar & Grill. This casual gathering offers a chance to connect with other young professionals in the area, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Newcomers and seasoned pros are welcome, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages mixing, mingling, and meaningful conversations.