St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 18-20. The weekend kicks off with the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 18 from 4:00p-8:00p in downtown St. Joe. Step back in time and enjoy over 150 vintage cars lined up along Lake Boulevard as DJ Mark Durocher spins classic hits.
Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1:00p on Friday, July 19. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p (entrance may close before 4:00p if all spaces are filled). Please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. After parking, all participants are asked to register the day of the event between 2:00p-6:00p at the St. Joe Today and Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street. For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union. Special thanks to the Southwestern Michigan Car Collectors.
That is just the beginning of this celebratory weekend, as visitors and residents alike can enjoy extended shopping hours, featured menu items, and other area specials throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest. "There's something for everyone during Love Local Weekends," says Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "It's a joy to see downtown come alive with residents and visitors alike!" Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list of special offers throughout the weekend! Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Silver Harbor Brewing.
The July Love Local Weekend also marks the return of the Friday Night Concert Series. This free, hour-long concert series will be held weekly at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell from 7:00p-8:00p, July 18-August 29. The concert on Friday, July 18 will feature Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (Jazz). Visit stjoetoday.com/
On Saturday, July 19 market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly Farmers Market held from 9:00a-2:00p, in scenic Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph. Shoppers will enjoy a Love Local Weekend special, vendors will be handing out a limited number of free 2025 season market tote bags! For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket. The St. Joe Farmers Market is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver's of Stevensville, NOBO, Renaissance Athletic Club and Third Coast Paddling. The fun continues on the bluff with the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair, held from 10:00a-5:00p. This eclectic craft fair features over 50 vendors and has a little something for everyone! For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/artisanfair. While you stroll the bluff, swing by the Krasl Art Center (KAC) for their Summer Art Market on the Green from 10:00a-5:00p to shop more local artisans on the KAC grounds. KAC has indoor and outdoor exhibitions on view during their event. Additional Saturday fun can be found at the St. Joe Lighthouse, located on the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach! Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free, or buy a ticket to climb to the top for amazing panoramic views! It's just $5/person to climb. Tickets are cash only at the lighthouse (day of), or stop in the Welcome Center in advance. Explore the St. Joe Lighthouse weekly on Saturdays only, from 10:00a-7:00p! Looking for more history? Join us every Saturday at 10:00a for a free, guided walking tour. Visit stjoetoday.com/lighthouse for more information.
On Sunday, July 20, the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7:00p. According to Knapp, "Love Local is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in downtown St. Joseph and discover all the wonderful experiences our beautiful town provides. Whether you're drawn to the iconic fountain, the sandy beach, the historic lighthouse, or the vibrant scene of restaurants, breweries, wineries, and concerts, St. Joseph has an appeal for everyone."
Catch these upcoming summer events:
Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-October (10:00a-5:00p)
Love Local Weekends: Third Weekend of the Month, May-September (All Weekend)
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 24-October 11 (9:00a-2:00p)
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: May 31, July 19, August 16, August 30 (10:00a-5:00p)
St. Joe Lighthouse Tours: Saturdays, June 7-August 30 (10:00a-7:00p)
Wednesday Night Market: Wednesdays, July 2-August 27 (4:00p-8:00p)
Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts: Wednesdays, July 16-August 27 (12:00p-1:00p)
Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 18-August 29 (7:00p-8:00p)
Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 18 (4:00p-8:00p)
Chalk the Block: August 1-3 (All Weekend)
St. Joe Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events and details call St. Joe Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
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