Art is alive in Southwest Michigan (SWMI), especially during Chalk the Block in St. Joseph, MI! All weekend long, catch amateur and professional artists from around the country as they showcase their chalk masterpieces downtown. But the fun doesn’t end there, attendees will also enjoy a Farmers Market, Antiques on the Bluff, live music and much more throughout SWMI! Read on for a full weekend guide.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
Chalk the Block kicks off as artists start to grid and outline their designs. In the early evening, walk around the block and watch them start their masterpieces.
INSIDER TIP: Artists are located on Broad St. (between Lake Blvd.
and State St.) and Pleasant St. (east side of Main St. by 221 Main,
Silver Harbor Brewing and The Market).
Sarett Nature Center hosts an Animal Appreciation event from 10:00a-11:30a! Join a Sarett naturalist while they care for Sarett’s animal ambassadors and you might even get to assist! Space is limited, reservations are recommended.
Groove to the sounds of jazz, big band, classic hits and more at John E.N. Howard Bandshell during the Friday Night Concert Series from 7:00p-8:00p. This weeks concert features the B-Side Growlers (Americana). Take in beautiful sunsets during these free concerts held weekly on Fridays, July 14-September 1. Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro with support provided by: The John & Dede Howard Endowments held at the Berrien Community Foundation.
Take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel! Summer hours include Monday-Thursday from 12:00p-5:00p and Friday-Sunday from 12:00p-8:00p.
Want to take a break and lounge at the beach? Take a look at the links below. There’s a real-time update of the water temperatures as well as the swimming conditions, and the Silver Beach County Park Beach Cam.
GREAT LAKES WATER TEMPERATURES & SWIMMING CONDITIONS
SILVER BEACH COUNTY PARK BEACH CAM
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Friday lineup:
Dablon Winery - Live Music with Matt Gabriel from 3:30p-6:30p
Lemon Creek Winery - Friday Music Series from 5:00p-8:00p
Plank’s Tavern - Dockside with Chris Burch from 5:30p-8:30p
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio with Birdsong Blues Band from 7:00p-10:00p
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
Stop to get some fresh eats at the St. Joe Farmers Market, running from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park. Market-goers will find a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more!
INSIDER TIP: If you can’t catch it this weekend due to all the festivities,
no problem! The Farmers Market is every Saturday until October 14.
You can also catch the Wednesday Night Market, a blended market
that features both artisans and farmers weekly from 4:00p-8:00p!
Chalk the Block artwork starts taking shape as artists grind the day into their masterpieces. Check out the artists, and get the opportunity to vote for People’s Choice! Voting is open from 12:00p-8:00p, and only costs one dollar per vote (CASH ONLY), visit the People’s Choice Tent located on Broad St. Additional fun can be found from 12:00p-4:00p at the Chalk Kids Zone hosted by United Federal Credit Union in the Giannola Parking Lot across from Wanderlust Outfitters. Kids of all ages are welcome!
INSIDER TIP: Voting is also open on Sunday from 11:00a-2:00p.
To get a vote, just stop by the People’s Choice tent to let
artists know just how amazing their art is - the winner will
be announced Monday, August 7.
Celebrate Round Barn Brewery & Public House’s 10th Anniversary! The fun kicks off a at 5:00p. Attendees will enjoy free admission, a Beer Tasting Experience (additional cost), live music and a cash bar + food menu! VIP tickets available for purchase which include a special anniversary glass. This event is hosted at The Beer Garden at Public House!
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Saturday lineup:
12 Corners Winery - Live Music with Richard Schwartz from 3:00p-6:00p
Chill Hill Winery - W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. from 5:00p-9:00p
Plank’s Tavern - Dockside with Elliot & Joel from 5:30p-7:30p
Silver Harbor Brewing - Live Music with Matt Gabriel from 7:00p-10:00p
Watermark Brewing - Bedford Live from 7:00p-10:00p
Sarett Nature Center - Kennedy’s Kitchen at 7:00p
As a part of their summer movie series, join the City Of St. Joseph for their screening of Sonic 2 at 7:30p at Milton Park. Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
Start your Sunday off with Antiques on the Bluff. Take a small walk through history as you browse over 50 vendors. This event takes over Lake Bluff Park and is open from 10:00a-5:00p.
INSIDER TIP: If you can’t catch it this weekend due to all the
festivities, no problem! Antiques on the Bluff runs the
first Sunday of the month, May-October.
Chalk the Block wraps up as artists put final touches on their chalk masterpieces! There are 46 blocks this year, did you see them all? Remember to put your vote in for People’s Choice from 11:00a-2:00p! Each vote is one dollar (CASH ONLY) and can be purchased at the People’s Choice tent located on Broad St.
Explore what’s in the galleries and the lab at the Krasl Art Center! On view now In The Galleries, “The Art of Elizabeth Catlett, from the Collection of Samella Lewis” (through Spetember 4); In The Lab, “Theda Sandiford: Triggered, Truth & Transformation” (through September 17).
INSIDER TIP: KAC Hours (April 1-December 31) include Monday,
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00a-5:00p and Wednesday,
Thursday 11:00a-8:00p.
The First Congregational Church UCC hosts Jazz for Good Cheer event this Sunday at 7:00p! Join them for a night of live music with Lake Effect Jazz Big Band. This annual fundraiser supports the Berrien County DHS; $10/person or $30/child sponsor (admits 4). Guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs, the concert is held on the front lawn!
Catch additional live music throughout Southwest Michigan! See below for the Sunday lineup:
Coach’s Bar & Grill - Live Music on the Patio feat. Tom Askey from 1:00p-4:00p
Sister Lakes Brewing - Courtyard Concert Series feat. Aaron Wright at 2:00p
City of Bridgman - Courtyard Concert Series with Jim St. James from 2:00p-5:00p
Tabor Hill Winery - Grace Theisen Solo from 2:30p-5:30p
Dablon Winery - Live Music with Marty Miles from 2:30p-5:30p
Plank’s Tavern - Dockside with Jack Adams from 4:00p-7:00p
The Livery | Benton Harbor Arts Association - Open Stage from 5:00p-8:00p
City Of St. Joseph - Municipal Band concert from 7:00p-8:00p
City of Bridgman - Summer Concert Series with Kyle Brown & The Human Condition at 7:00p
