October & November 2014

October 2014

1	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
1-12	Grand Haven ArtWalk. Artists display their work in Grand Haven’s downtown and Centertown. This 18-day event ends Oct. 12.
1-6	2014 Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, Grand Valley State University, Allendale Campus. Michigan’s oldest Shakespeare Festival attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year. Renaissance Faire, Greenshow, food, and more. This year’s Shakespeare production is "Much Ado About Nothing".
1-30	Stone Carvings by October's featured artist Jim Troutman at the White River Gallery, 8701 Ferry Street, Montague. Wildlife carved in Brazilian and Quebec soapstone, Italian alabaster and other media by local artist Jim Troutman. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30am - 5:30pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, and Sunday 12pm - 4pm. Call 231-894-8659 during Gallery hours for details.
1-26	5th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Artists from the Great Lakes States of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Prizes awarded. Show runs thru Oct. 26th. 269-637-1041.
2	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
2-4	20th Annual Buster Keaton Society Convention & Film Festival, Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Tour the Keaton family home, watch Buster Keaton films and TV footage, and more.
4	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
4	Annual Vander Fest, Vander Cider Mill and Winery, 14921 Cleveland Avenue, Spring Lake. Vander Mill hosts its Fall Craft, Beer and Cider Festival. Local restaurant owners, beer and cider producers. 4pm-10pm. Check out their FaceBook page for details.
4-26	The Famous Pumpkin Train, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through the month. Passengers will be entertained by The Grand Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Little Crow. Children pick a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch at the end of the train ride. Children under 2 ride free. Adults $15.50, Children 2-12 $13.50, Seniors 60+ $14.50. Call 616-997-7000 for information.
4	Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour, Muskegon. Self-guided touring route that visitors can drive or bike. Stop at all the designated sites and become eligible to win a wonderful prize. Call 231-724-3100 or visit www.VisitMuskegon.org for details.
4	Historic Tour of the Grand River and Spring Lake Aboard the research vessel D. J. Angus, Grand Haven. $15 for the 2.5 hr tour with pre-registration required. Noon - 2:30pm. Seating very limited. Ages 10 and above. Learn about how the Tri-Cities evolved into a thriving Great Lakes hub for transportation, commerce, industry, and tourism, all while viewing these historic locations from the water. Call 616-842-0700 for more information or to register.
4	Bangor Apple Festival, downtown Bangor. 5K and Fun Run, Renaissance Faire, bake sale, classic car show, horseshoe tournament, live music, kids’ events, arts & crafts fair, food and more. Call 269-350-3759 for more info.
4	GrooveWalk, downtown Holland. 9pm-1am. Purchase a wristband in advance and get ready to enjoy what has been called “the coolest night in town.” Eleven bands will cut loose in eleven different downtown locations starting at 9pm. Call 616-796-1210 for more information.
4-5	25th Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour Weekend. 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday. Travel the back roads of Saugatuck, Fennville and South Haven while visiting local artist studios and galleries. Maps are available to direct you to twelve artist studios and ten Lakeshore Harvest Country farms. Call 269-236-9260 for info or visit www.BlueCoastArtists.com.
5	Antiques on the Bluff, Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph. Antique show. 10am-5pm. Free parking, no admission.
8	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
9	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
10	Steel City Rovers at Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. New Celtic Roots Music. 7:30pm. Tickets: Reserved $15 | General $10 | Members $8 | Students $5
11	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
11	8th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Country Road Rally, Departs from Barden's Farm Market, South Haven at 1pm. A fun-filled ride through lakeshore country as teams follow clues and look for back road destinations. Trophy awarded to winning team.
11	Harvest & Wine Festival, Lions Park, downtown New Buffalo. Wine tasting, live music, free children’s activities, pumpkin patch, bounce house, food, crafts, horse-drawn hayrides and more. Noon-10pm. Admission: $5. Children free.
11	Pumpkin Fest, Montague. Farmers market, pumpkin painting, lunch, bake sale, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin pie contest, Dowling Hill Pumpkin Roll and more. The fun begins at 9:00am.
11	Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour, Muskegon. Self-guided touring route that visitors can drive or bike. Stop at all the designated sites and become eligible to win a wonderful prize. Call 231-724-3100 or visit www.VisitMuskegon.org for details.
11	DeGrandchamp’s Cranberry Harvest Day, DeGrandchamp Farm, 76241 14th Avenue, South Haven. 10am-4pm. Hay wagon rides to the cranberry bogs to watch the harvesting of ripe cranberries. Shop for cranberries and other farm fresh products in the farm store. Call 888-483-7431 for details.
11	Art & All That Jazz, Center Street, Douglas. Visit the shops and galleries of charming downtown Douglas. Live music. 6-8pm. Call 269-857-4210 for details.
11	Country Fair, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. 11am-3pm. Free. Rummage sale, kids’ activities, country kitchen lunch, wagon rides and more. Call 269-927-4832 for more information.
11-12	37th Annual Gallery Stroll Weekend, downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Noon-5pm.
11-12	31st Annual Fennville Goose Festival, downtown Fennville. Goose Festival Parade, Wild Goose Chase 5k, classic car show, arts & craft show, petting zoo, live music and more. For more info, visit FennvilleGooseFestival.com.
11	Wedding Walk, downtown Grand Haven. Upscale open-house bridal show event for future brides interested in bridal fashion, décor, tablescapes and much more. 11am-3pm. Call Cassie at 616-402-2733 for details.
12	Chili-Cook-off, Wicks Park, Water Street, Saugatuck. 1-5pm. Admission $5.00, children free. Eat chili from some of your favorite area restaurants. Live music. Call River Market at 616-886-0749 for more information.
12	Harvest Days Chili Cook-Off, Skip’s Restaurant on the corner of Red Arrow Highway & Lakeshore Road, New Buffalo. Eleven teams compete for the Best Chili Award. 1-5pm. $10 entrance fee, ½ price for children. 269-469-3341.
12	Skip’s Open-Air European Farmers Market, corner of Red Arrow Highway & Lakeshore Road, New Buffalo. Open-air European market selling food, jewelry, flowers, clothing, soaps and more. 1-5pm. 269-469-3341.
14	West Michigan Drum Circle, Shore Acres Park, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township (adjacent to Saugatuck Dunes State Park). Held in front of the Felt Mansion every second Tuesday of the month through October. Free, family oriented. Percussion instruments are available. 6:30-8pm.
15	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
16	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
17	Colin O'Brien at Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Singer Colin O'Brien plays banjo, fiddle and guitar along with percussive dancing. 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 - $15 suggested donation.
18	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
18	Fall Arts & Crafts Show, New Buffalo High School Gym, New Buffalo. More than 90 booths. Baked goods and lunch foods. Food. 9:30am-4pm. Admission: $1. Call 269-469-3180 for details.
18	Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour, Muskegon. Self-guided touring route that visitors can drive or bike. Stop at all the designated sites and become eligible to win a wonderful prize. Call 231-724-3100 or visit www.VisitMuskegon.org for details.
18	In Search of the Great Pumpkin, Overhiser Orchards, 6405 109th Avenue, South Haven. 3pm. Kids pick their own big pumpkins. Prize awarded for whoever finds the great pumpkin. $2.00 fee includes a pumpkin. Call 616-836-3341.
18	Star of Saugatuck Cruise, Water Street, Saugatuck. Last trip of the season. 1pm.
22	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
23	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
25	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
25	Halloween Harvest Festival, downtown Saugatuck. Noon-5pm. Children’s Halloween Parade, Pet Halloween Parade, live music, craft booths, storytelling, entertainment and more. Family costume parade at 4pm. 269-857-1701.
25	Haunted Museum, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. 2-4pm. Museum members and the Central Park Players will be ready to haunt visitors. Free. Call 616-842-0700 for details.
25	Grand Haven Zombie Walk, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. 4-6pm. Dress like zombies and join the fun for Grand Haven’s annual zombie walk. Participants are asked to bring a canned or boxed food item for donation to a local food pantry. The walk begins downtown at 4pm. Call 616-842-0700 for details.
25	Adult Halloween Parade, downtown Douglas. Parade begins at 10pm. Various locations in the area, such as the Dunes Resort, will host costume parties and contests immediately afterwards. Grab a costume and join the parade. Great fun.
26	Ivan Akansiima - Latin Jazz Experience at Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Local musician Ivan Akansiima plays Latin/Jazz fusion music. 5:30 - 7pm. Tickets: $10 - $15 suggested donation.
26	Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat, downtown New Buffalo. Contact Bonnie at 269-469-3180 for details.
30	Peppino D’Agostino at Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Virtuoso guitarist Peppino D'Agostino plays classical and rock music. 7:30pm. Tickets: Reserved $20 | General $15 | Members $13 | Students $7
31	Trick or Treating along Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven. Local merchants provide treats for families with children in this fun annual event. 4-6pm.
31	Halloween Trick or Treat, downtown St. Joseph. 4:30-6pm. Kids go trick or treating at participating area stores.

November 2014

1	Mona Shores Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Mona Shores High School, 1121 W. Seminole, Muskegon. Annual arts & crafts show held the first Saturday of November. Over 165 Michigan exhibitors. 9am-3pm. Admission $1.00. Call 231-780-4748 for more information.
1	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
1	Art & All That Jazz/Glass Stroll, Center Street, Douglas. Visit the shops and galleries of charming downtown Douglas. 6-8pm. Live music. Call 269-857-1438 for details.
5	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
6	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
8	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
12	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
13	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
13-16	4th Annual Women's Only Weekend, South Haven - Ladies only getaway weekend.
14-15	Holiday Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale, First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck. 9am-4pm. Crafts, homemade baked goods, jams. 269-857-2929.
15-30	Mistletoe Market, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. This annual holiday boutique is a perennial favorite with lakeshore shoppers. Over 40 local artists represented. Portion of proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts. Preview Party for Members Only on November 14th from 5-7pm. Market runs through Dec. 24th.
15	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
19	Wednesday Farmers Markets - Benton Harbor: noon-5pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Hudsonville: 8am-2pm, Allendale-GVSU: 10am-1:30pm, Coopersville: 9am-1pm, Montague: 8am-noon.
20	Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
21	Light Night, downtown Grand Haven. Grand Haven turns on their holiday lights. Holiday open houses at participating stores. Luminaries line the streets. 5pm – 8pm. Call 616-844-1188 for info.
22	Saturday Farmers Markets - Three Oaks: 9am-2pm, St. Joseph: 9am-2pm, South Haven: 8am-2pm, Holland: 8am-3pm, Grand Haven: 8am-1pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm, Muskegon Sweetwater Local Market: 9am-noon, Montague: 8am-noon.
20-30	Festival of Trees, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. For 11 days, visitors to the museum will be able to view trees and wreaths decorated by local artists. A silent auction for these creations will be held. Other activities include a Teddy Bear Breakfast with Santa and a holiday movie festival. Ends November 30. Call 231-720-2571 for more information.
21	Luminary Festival, downtown St. Joseph. Dusk to 9pm. The holiday season begins as stores stay open late and 1000 luminaries light the streets. Refreshments, free horse-drawn trolley rides. Vote for your favorite holiday window.
21-22	White Lake Area Holiday Walk. Ride the free Muskegon trolley between Whitehall and Montague to start your holiday shopping. Visit with Santa. Carriage rides, carolers, and more. Friday:10am - 8pm, Saturday: 10am - 6pm.
22	Saturday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 9am-3pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
22	Holiday Preview, Saugatuck/Douglas. Downtown shops and galleries welcome the holiday season. Stores open until 9pm. Luminaries will line Center Street. Merchants offer free refreshments. Free trolley transportation between the villages of Saugatuck and Douglas. 269-857-1626.
22	Holiday Open House, downtown Holland. 6pm-9pm. Enjoy downtown Holland’s decorated streets, shops, galleries, carolers, roasting chestnuts and more. Call 616-796-1210 for details.
24	Ice Rink Opens for the Season. Huron Street Pavilion, across from City Hall, downtown South Haven. Covered pavilion, ice skate rental. Call 269-639-1113 for open skate hours.
28-30	Parade & Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven. 269-637-4342. Annual fund-raising event offers holiday trees and wreaths for sale. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Parade on Nov. 28th. Festival ends December 7th. 269-637-4342.
28-29	Holiday Tours, Hackley & Hume Historic Site, downtown Muskegon. 5pm-8pm. The Hume site’s holiday decorations celebrate the late 1800s and early 1900s; the Depression Era Scolnich House is decorated circa late 1920s. Free horse-drawn carriage rides between the sites. Call 231-722-0278 or visit www.LakeshoreMuseum.org
28	Friday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 11am-5pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
29	Saturday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 9am-5pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
29	Family Christmas, Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. Carolers, tree lighting, hot cocoa and holiday activities. Call 231-724-3180 for details.
29	Holiday Market, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. Shop for fresh greens, plants, wreaths, artisan gifts, baked goods, jams, jellies, cocoas and teas.
29	Miracle on Whittaker Street, downtown New Buffalo. Breakfast with Santa at the Michigan Thyme Café, 9am-Noon. Santa and the Reindog Parade at 4pm on Whittaker Street. While children visit Santa, adults can enjoy hot chocolate and shopping at participating businesses. Annual tree lighting and caroling at 6pm.
29	The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21st. Elves escort children to sit with Santa who has a reserved seat in each of the train’s vintage passenger cars. A princess will read from The Polar Express. Every child receives a gift. Cars are heated; each car has a restroom. Children under 2 ride free. Adults $15.50, Children 2-12 $13.50, Seniors 60+ $14.50. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.