Summer spirit continues in Southwest Michigan through Labor Day weekend. St. Joe Today invites locals and visitors to check out community events throughout the weekend in and around St. Joseph.
"It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph," said Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "We're encouraging everyone to enjoy one last weekend of summer fun this Labor Day! Find your favorite spot—be it a beach, a downtown shop, or a local brewery—before our fall events begin!"
On Friday, September 4, close out the Friday Night Concert Series with the last concert of the 2026 season. This free, hour-long concert will be held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell from 7:00p-8:00p and will feature the SMSO Feature: The Iridescent Zeal String Quartet (Orchestral). Thank you to our 2026 sponsors, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, United Way of Southwest Michigan, The Batalis Agency and Jam Shack Productions, for a great summer season.
On Saturday, September 5, wake up early to get an up-close look at the sailboats that have raced from Chicago in the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta. Continuing the fun on Saturday morning, 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. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket. The St. Joe Farmers Market runs through October 10 and is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver's of Stevensville, Renaissance Athletic Club, The Batalis Agency and Lest We Forget. 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 with more local artisans on the KAC grounds. KAC has indoor and outdoor exhibitions on view during their event. Additionally, it’s the last day to visit the St. Joe Lighthouse for the 2026 season. 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. Open hours that Saturday will be 10:00a-7:00p. Tickets are cash only at the lighthouse (day of), or stop in the Welcome Center in advance. The St. Joe Lighthouse is located on the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach. Looking for more history? Join us for the last free, guided walking tour at 10:00a. Visit stjoetoday.com/lighthouse for more information.
On Sunday, September 6 early risers can send off the Regatta sailboats as they race the final leg to Michigan City. Music enthusiasts can also enjoy the season’s last Municipal Band concert at 7:00p on Sunday and Monday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell.
The fun doesn’t stop after Labor Day weekend. Kick off the fall season with the return of Fall Fest on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00a-2:00p! Sponsored by RE/MAX by the Lake, Visit Southwest Michigan and the Wee Course at Harbor Shores. Visit stjoetoday.com/fallfest for more information.
Catch these upcoming summer and fall events:
Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-October (10:00a-5:00p)
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 23-October 10 (9:00a-2:00p)
St. Joe Lighthouse Tours: Saturdays, May 23-September 5 (10:00a-7:00p)
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: May 30, July 18, August 15, September 5 (10:00a-5:00p)
Brown Bag Concert Series: Wednesdays, July 15-September 2 (12:00p-1:00p)
Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 17-September 4 (7:00p-8:00p)
Fall Fest: Saturday, September 19 (9:00a-2:00p)
Downtown Spooktacular: Saturday, October 17 (11:00a-4:00p)
