Family events in Berrien County, MI

Enjoy an all-day building session with a massive assortment of LEGO bricks. Families can collaborate on original creations, then place their finished builds on display for others to see.

Free Friday concerts bring jazz, big band energy, classic hits, and more to the John E.N. Howard Bandshell, with the St. Joseph River as a scenic backdrop and sunset views. The lineup includes Blue Shoes, PT and the Cruisers, Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, Sankofa, Municipal Jazz Band, The Backups, The Electric Cars, and an SMSO feature with The Iridescent Zeal String Quartet. Support comes from The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, The Batalis Agency, Jam Shack Productions, and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Zo’s Mini Donuts will be at the St. Joseph Farmers Market serving hot, fresh mini donuts. The market also features music, games, and scenic lake views. The setting is family friendly and welcoming to pets.

Spend the day building together at an all-day event featuring a large collection of LEGO bricks. Families can create their own masterpieces and place them on display for everyone to see.

A welcoming gathering for anyone passionate about cars takes place at Berrien County Courthouse. Every type of vehicle is invited. A different make and model are featured each month based on the event’s cover photo, and owners whose cars match that spotlight are encouraged to bring them to display. If you plan to attend as a spectator rather than show a car, please use the Biggby and Zoup parking lot. For everyone’s safety and courtesy, do not do burnouts or rev engines in the parking lot, as this will lead to immediate removal from the group.

Fernwood Dog Days welcomes members and visitors to explore the garden and nature preserve with their leashed canine companions. Members receive early entry, and an active membership covers admission for both people and dogs. Visitors are admitted with standard general admission pricing plus a $5 fee per dog. For safety and care of the landscape, dogs must remain leashed and under supervision at all times, including in the parking area, and should be well socialized with current vaccinations and registrations. Please stay on established paved or dirt paths, clean up after your pet, and use the outdoor trash receptacles; waste bags are available at the Visitor Center. Owners accept full responsibility for their dogs while on site. Some areas are pet free, including natural springs, ponds and other water features, the café, the conservatory, manicured beds, and the gift shop. Dogs are permitted only on designated Dog Days and during the stated hours. Service animals are welcome, while emotional support animals are not allowed.

Experience the St. Joseph Lighthouse by exploring both the Inner and Outer lights on the North Pier. Step into the first floor of the North Pier Inner Light at no charge, where exhibits share the nautical story of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, then choose to purchase a ticket to climb to the top for sweeping views for $5 per person. A stroll along the pier leads to the Outer Lighthouse, a favorite spot for watching boats and sunsets. A complimentary guided walk from the start of the North Pier to the Lighthouse is offered once each Saturday. Free, one hour interactive Lighthouse Presentations can be enjoyed individually or as a three part series, and afterward the Lighthouse opens for a period of free tours. Learn how these beacons have aided navigation since the mid 1800s and supported local commerce that continues today, from cargo vessels moving agricultural products, lumber, aggregate and other construction materials to a lively recreational boating scene. Tickets are sold in person with cash at the lighthouse, or with cash or credit at the St. Joe Today Welcome Center. Activities are weather dependent, so look to the St. Joe Today Facebook page for the latest updates. Parking is available at Tiscornia Park.

Dog Days of Summer is a community pet adoption event at The Common in downtown Buchanan. Organized by the Buchanan Business Boosters in honor of Ned Gardner, it benefits the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan and brings together families, local businesses, animal welfare groups, pet service providers, and neighbors to help dogs find loving homes. Attendees can meet adoptable dogs, learn about the adoption process, and even prequalify through the Humane Society’s QR code featured on the event poster. Highlights include therapy dog appearances, 4-H pet demonstrations, on-site dog demonstrations by Echo Club, nail trims and other services from BluePaw Pet Spa, gourmet dog treats and pup cups, lawn games and activities for children, a Blessing of the Animals led by Buchanan First Presbyterian Church, participation from the farmers market, and opportunities to donate in support of the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. The event is supported by local partners including Good Boy Vodka, Tractor Supply Company, Chewy, Pet Supplies Plus, South Bend Animal Clinic, BluePaw Pet Spa, and others, with Tractor Supply Company contributing dog and cat food to help new adoptions. Community members may bring their pets, and for everyone’s safety, pets must be on a non-retractable leash, with owners prepared to show proof of current vaccinations if taking part in adoption activities.

Visit the Friends book sale in the Lower Level Classroom at the Niles District Library. All ages are welcome. Purchases directly support the library and the Niles History Center. No registration is required. Membership in the Friends group is available for those who want to make an even greater impact.

Savor hot, fresh donuts while taking in sunset views from the bluff in downtown St. Joseph. This casual gathering is kid friendly and dog friendly, with yard games, upbeat music, and an easygoing atmosphere. It works for a date night or a family outing, and the donuts are served fresh for everyone to enjoy.

Hosted by the Bridgman Open Air Market, this family-friendly community gathering supports teachers and students throughout Berrien County, Michigan. Now in its third year, the event brings neighbors together with a shared purpose, making sure classrooms are stocked from day one so educators are not left buying essentials themselves. Donations of school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and other everyday items are collected and shared to meet real classroom needs. Families can explore the market, spend time together, and connect with others while showing appreciation for the educators who inspire local youth. The day centers on generosity, gratitude, and community spirit. When teachers are supported, schools grow stronger, and the whole community benefits.

A community car show rolls into the shop with something for every enthusiast. All makes and models are welcome, including cars, trucks, and bikes, and custom builds are especially encouraged. Registration is free and handled on the day of the show, with limited space and no guaranteed spots. Standout entries will be recognized with Best of Show, People’s Choice, and Top 3 Shades awards. The setting is family friendly and safety is a priority, so burnouts and reckless behavior are not permitted. Enjoy sweet treats and savory bites from Nothing Bundt Cakes and the BURGERS N BOWS smashburger food truck. When the show winds down, the day continues with a Tattoo Flash Sale.

Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan brings adoptable cats and kittens to FuzzyButz Pet Bakery for a friendly meet and cuddle experience. Visitors can spend time with the animals, get to know their personalities, and discover a favorite future companion.

Settle in for a faith based film with complimentary popcorn. It is a simple movie night with a focus on the feature and a free snack.

Designed for ages 8 to 13, this small-group summer camp blends interactive LEGO builds with engaging science activities in a creative setting where kids learn through play. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants to keep the experience personal and collaborative. Campers take on a fresh construction challenge each day, experimenting, problem solving, and sharing ideas along the way. On the final day, everyone brings home a special project they built themselves.

Kids ages 3 to 12 can dive into a creative art session in the MakerSpace where getting a little messy is part of the fun. A total of 60 projects will be available on a first-come basis. No registration is required.

Celebrate summer reading at The New Buffalo Memorial Park with recognition of top readers and prize giveaways, a big water balloon fight, and lots of treats. Bring a towel and swimsuit.

Tea Talks Tuesdays offers a calm setting to unwind, connect, and focus on whole-person wellness. Held at The Wellness HUB, this weekly Tuesday gathering brings a supportive community together for meaningful conversations in a warm, come-as-you-are environment. The atmosphere emphasizes safety, healing, and empowerment, and the event is child friendly.

Make something new during craft time at the library. A different project is offered each week, with supplies available while they last.

Enjoy free live music at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell. Bring a lunch, unwind for a mid-day break, and take in performances from a season lineup that includes The Weko Boys, Diane & Lisa, Tim Velez, Mike Talbot, Ellen Wallenfang, Leonardo, Jack Adams, and Richard Schwartz. Support for the series comes from Mighty Dog Roofing and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Young readers can build confidence by practicing their reading with a therapy dog. This activity focuses on helping children feel more comfortable as they learn to read.

Olde Boys Toys Car Club presents a car cruise in at Riverfront Park in Niles. This gathering is part of a 13-show series at the park and welcomes both participants and spectators at no cost. Enjoy music from a DJ, prize drawings, and awards recognizing participating vehicles.

Part of a weekly series at Court Place Plaza, this family-friendly evening offers no-cost entertainment along with free crafts and activities for all ages. This installment features an inflatable planetarium. Across the season, the lineup also rotates to include Family Challenge Night, a Youth Musicians Showcase, magic with John Dudley, live music with Leonardo, and a foam party.

Explore lighthouse navigation during a one-hour interactive session at Plank's Tavern on the Water. This program can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a three-session series. Learn how oils, lamps, lenses, light characteristics, daymarks, and catwalks guided mariners, and how keepers accomplished the work without electricity. The innovation of range lights, including the pair on the St Joseph North Pier, is featured. A safe, hands-on night simulation invites participants to pinpoint a boat’s location using lighthouse signals. Designed for learners from sixth grade through high school and adults, with younger children welcome when accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by Plank's Tavern. Immediately after the presentation, the Lighthouse opens for free tours. Presented by Marie A. Blunt, a longtime lighthouse enthusiast who has visited more than 500 lighthouses across the United States and Canada. She presents through the United States Lighthouse Society Speakers Bureau, incorporates photography by her husband, Allan, has authored several lighthouse books, contributed articles to the society’s Keeper's Log, and volunteers as a docent at the St Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse.

The Little Bucks Bookmobile is making regular rounds with weekly stops and special appearances throughout the community. Look for it at the Boys & Girls Club at Buchanan Middle School, Little Bucks Day Care, Hills Haven, and Riverside Estates, with additional visits planned for National Night Out and Faith & Family Day. Check the schedule to see when it will be at each location.

Kids will mix and shake their way to homemade ice cream using a simple bag method in this hands-on session. All materials are provided. This program is for ages 6 to 12. Space is limited, so registration is required. To register, call the Howard Branch at 269-487-9214.