This weekend in Berrien County, MI

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.

Discover fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market, where vendors feature baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and fresh-cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee, and more. The market takes place on Saturdays in Lake Bluff Park with views of Lake Michigan. Please note that hours will change during the Krasl Art Fair, with further details to be announced.

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.

Shop fresh local produce, goods, and more at the St. Joseph Farmers Market. It runs from late morning through the early afternoon at Lake Bluff Park.

The Single Action Shooting Society holds a match at this event running April through October. Registration opens at 9:30 AM, and shooting begins at 10:00 AM. The entry cost is $15. The event also includes contact information for Dave Springer for questions.

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.

A waterside weekend steeped in the spirit of the blues awaits at the Ship & Shore Blues & Soul Festival. Enjoy live blues and soul performances, tastings of craft beer and local wines, and a mix of thoughtfully selected food trucks, all with Lake Michigan as the backdrop. It is a celebration of the blues by the water.

Enjoy an open creative session at the Sandpiper Gift & Yarn Shop/Hoof-to-Hanger Fiber Mill, where artists and makers can settle in with their own projects and spend time with others who create. All kinds of mediums are welcome, including knitting, crochet, spinning, scrapbooking, painting, quilting, woodworking, felting, and jewelry making. Bring something you are working on, swap ideas, and relax in the friendly company of fellow designers and crafters. Participants receive 15% off purchases in the gift and yarn shop.

At New Buffalo Yacht Club, a public, on-the-water dinghy trivia poker run supports Berrien County Cancer Service and Southwest Michigan Meals on Wheels. No membership is required. Crews decorate their dinghies and travel from station to station, collecting poker cards and answering trivia questions along the way. The route features Harbor Hunt checkpoints, with prizes for strong poker hands and standout decorations. Food and drinks will be available, and the focus is on community and a good cause. Details about registration, the schedule, and sponsorship opportunities will be shared by the organizers.

A recurring session centered on Warhammer 40K gameplay. This weekly gathering is dedicated to tabletop matches and focused time for games of Warhammer 40K.

Set during the Days Between, Grahame Lesh & Friends bring Shakedown Saturday to The Common in a celebration of the music of the Grateful Dead. The Happy Campers and Breakfast For Dinner join the bill. A Shakedown Street atmosphere will feature vendors, food, and a social district. Organizers indicate that vendor signups will be announced soon, and inquiries can be made via private message. Vendors should offer food, beverages, or items that fit the Shakedown Street vibe, and MLM booths are not permitted.

Live acoustic music fills the Dockside Bar with Dan Maxon delivering stripped down versions of rock classics, country tunes, and pop hits. Guests can lounge by the pool or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail along the docks while soaking up waterfront views and gentle summer breezes. Part of a Saturday summer series, it offers a relaxed evening by the water with familiar songs and an easygoing vibe.

A live performance from The Significant Others at RyeBelles Restaurant and Bar marks the final evening before Mark returns to Carolina.

White Summer brings a live classic rock showcase to Sandbar & Grille with special guests the All Niters. Expect a set packed with favorites, covering artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, the Doobie Brothers, the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cream, the Moody Blues, Bon Jovi, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Blue Oyster Cult, Robin Trower, Ted Nugent, Dire Straits, Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Alice in Chains, Uriah Heep, Theory of a Deadman, the Black Crowes, the Cult, Steppenwolf, Neil Young, CCR, Mountain, Blackfoot, the Animals, Pat Travers, and Ursa Major. A $10 cover applies, with the All Niters kicking things off before White Summer takes the stage for the headlining performance.

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.

Settle into a cozy evening of live acoustic music at The Chocolate Cafe St Joe. Acoustic Buffet blends folk, country, rock, bluegrass, and Americana with modern rhythms, featuring 6 and 12 string guitars, harmonica, and vocals. The performance moves from gentle ballads to lively bluegrass and a touch of rock, offering something for a wide range of tastes. Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a cup of coffee while the music unfolds.

Big Dog Mercer takes the headlining slot at the Ship and Shore Blues and Soul Music Fest at Lions Park in New Buffalo.

Each year, beginning on Mother’s Day and continuing into mid October, local vendors gather for a weekly open air market. Visitors can wander the stalls, enjoy fresh offerings, find handmade goods, and chat with the makers behind them. It is a welcoming setting where neighbors connect and local businesses take the spotlight. The market invites shoppers, browsers, and those interested in becoming vendors, all with a focus on supporting local enterprises and strengthening the community.

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.

Get ready for a Steel Challenge match held on bays 2 through 9 at the Bend of the River Conservation Club. Registration opens at 9:00 AM EST, there will be a safety briefing at 9:45 AM EST, and the match starts at 10:00 AM EST.

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.

Aaron James Wright presents a performance of his own Americana-style songs.

Swizzle Stick debuts a new project at Vineyard 2121, recasting classic hits as mellow lounge interpretations with touches of jazz and bossa nova. A relaxed, easygoing vibe sets the tone for a leisurely afternoon.

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.

At Jean Klock Park, this guided meditation and energetic alignment centers on the Lion’s Gate Portal, creating space to reclaim scattered energy, receive insights, and share a drum blessing at the lake. For 2026, the portal is described as emphasizing personal empowerment, spiritual awakening influenced by Sirius, and collective transformation, encouraging confidence, creativity, deeper inner work, and awareness of broader change. The session offers a guided journey to release what no longer serves and to reconnect with inherent joy, providing a simple practice that can complement any path. No experience is required. The gathering will be held as a sacred circle with phones silenced and only brief questions so everyone can remain present. Please bring drinking water, a blanket, towel, or yoga mat to lie on, a drum or rattle if you have one, a journal for reflections after the meditation, and anything else that supports comfort. Led by Rhonda Skinner, a Shamanic Healing Practitioner, artist, and drum maker with 13 years of experience as a Hollow Bone Healer. This is a free gathering, with parking fees separate.