2025 July Love Local Weekend | July 18-20

The third weekend of the month, May through September, celebrate all things Southwest Michigan (SWMI) during the Love Local weekends! This month, attendees will enjoy special offers, live music, the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show, the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair, a Farmers Market, Lighthouse Tours and other area events in addition to extended shopping hours and special offers throughout SWMI. Read on for a complete weekend guide! 

Love Local is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Silver Harbor Brewing.

SWMI EVENTS

View the classic cars from days gone by as they line up along Lake Boulevard for the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 18 from 4p-8p. Attendees will “cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits as they take in over 150 eye-catching vehicles in downtown St. Joe! Sponsored by Honor Credit Union.

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 7p-8p. Take in beautiful sunsets during these free concerts held weekly on Fridays, July 18-August 29. This week’s concert features Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (Jazz). Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

INSIDER TIP: The Wednesday Brown Bag Concert Series returns July 16-
August 27! Enjoy free weekly concerts on Wednesdays from 12p-1p
at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Sponsored by Mighty Dog Roofing
and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Discover fresh finds at the St. Joe Farmers Market held weekly on Saturdays (through October 11) in Lake Bluff Park from 9a-2p! Market-goers will find a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more. Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver's of Stevensville, NOBO, Renaissance Athletic Club and Third Coast Paddling.

INSIDER TIP: While you’re downtown, stop by the bluff stairs for a
photo op with our temporary summer stair mural! Thank you
to the Schalon Foundation for their partnership!

Over 50 local and regional artisans will display their handcrafted goods during the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair on Saturday, July 19 from 10a-5p in Lake Bluff Park! Shoppers will enjoy a variety of goods including candles, jewelry, clothing and more. Sponsored by Culver’s of Stevensville.

INSIDER TIP: Head to the Krasl Art Center for additional artisans during their
Summer Art Market on the Green from 10a-5p. This outdoor market on
KAC grounds that features 12 regional artists, including one Emerging Artist!
KAC sculpture and gallery exhibitions will be open to explore before or after
you shop the market.

Visit the St. Joe Lighthouse weekly on Saturdays from 10a-7p, now through August 30. Explore the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free, or buy a ticket ($5/person) to climb to the top. Tickets are cash only at the lighthouse on Saturdays, or stop by the St. Joe Today Welcome Center in advance. ⁠Looking for more history? Join us every Saturday at 10a for a free, guided walking tour.

The Box Factory for the Arts hosts the Opening Reception for Gallery Series 4 on Friday, July 18 at 5:30p. Meet the artists and enjoy light snacks and a cash bar. The Series 4 exhibit will be on display until September 7. 

Forever Books hosts their annual Where's Waldo scavenger now through July 31! Stop by Forever Books to pick up your passport and visit participating locations to find Waldo. Turn in completed passports for an entry into their grand prize drawings!

Henna Design House hosts a Pop-Up in front of G&M Variety on July 18-20, from 11a-7p. Stop by and get a beautiful design that will last 1-2 weeks! 

Downtown St. Joe will enjoy a new summer vendor located on the corner of State & Pleasant, KT’s Rasoi! Come by and enjoy our refreshing Mango Lassi, crispy Samosas, creamy Kulfi (Indian ice cream pops), and more delicious treats!

Local Pour hosts a weekend of events! On Friday, July 18, enjoy Karaoke from 6:30p-8:30p. On Saturday, July 19, take in some Live Music from 4p-7p.

Head to Sister Lakes Brewing on Saturday, July 19, for the 4th Annual Soapbox Derby at 3p. Enjoy a family fun day with soap box derby races, delicious food and tasty drinks. Bring your Soap Box Derby car and join the fun! 

The Acorn hosts live music all weekend long! On Friday, July 18, enjoy music by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at 8p. Then head back on Saturday, July 19, for the Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals at 7p. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, July 20, with music by the Jack Whittle Trio: Midwest mad (Blues, Roots) at 3p.

Catch The GhostLight Theatre’s latest production, “The Wolves”, a play by Sarah DeLappe. This is a special GhostLight Theatre Young Apprentice Production. Show times include Thursday-Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 3p.

Join the YMCA of Greater Michiana for their 14th Annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K Walk/Run on Saturday, July 19 at 8:30a. The start and finish lines are at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum! 

Zo’s Mini Donuts hosts Sunset Specials from 7p-10p, Friday-Sunday! They’re open late, so stop by and enjoy the freshest donuts in town. 

GREAT DEALS

Shop special sales throughout 1232 Broad Street Mercantile. Shoppers can register to win a $25 gift card!

Enjoy 25 % off Aveda, Eleven Australia and Kevin Murphy products, all weekend long at Affinity Salon & Spa!

Enjoy a free gift with purchase at FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery! For purchases over $100, get a free FuzzyButz Silicone Travel Bowl. For purchases $50-$99, get a free FuzzyButz Waste Bag Dispenser.

Glik’s offers Sidewalk Sales + Men's Clearance of 25% off 1897 pants, Party Pants, Men's Surf + $25 off Select Styles of Women's Birkenstocks.

Lana’s Boutique offers 20% off all regular priced clothing! 

New releases at Lazy Ballerina Winery during July Love Local Weekend! Check out their latest products - Peachtacular Wine and Coconut Rum. 

Lee & Birch will host racks outside and offer special discounts all weekend!

Get 10% off when you mention Love Local Weekend at Olive Cart!

The South Bend Chocolate Cafe hosts a June Love Local Weekend special—any of our sandwich options with a choice of side and a drink for $15. Plus, enjoy Live Music Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 from 7p-9p!

Head to the St. Joe Community Taproom for outdoor seating in the Pleasant Street Plaza + Social District Drinks to go! 

State Street Stuff hosts a Sidewalk Sale + get a free gift with purchase!

Cool down with 15% off your Third Coast Paddling rentals, July 18-20, with promo code BeatTheHeat15 at check-out. (Valid for online advance reservations only.) Choose from our six Southwest Michigan locations - hours may vary; check "book now" calendar to see availability!

Check out White Pine Winery's Summer Special! Take 5% off any 4 bottles, 10% off any 6 bottles and 15% off any 12 bottles (case).