Calendar of Events
Near Lake Michigan

October & November 2015

Sailboat moored along the Kalamazoo River in October with leaves turning in trees on the shore
October 2015
1-11Grand Haven ArtWalk. Artists display their work in Grand Haven’s downtown and Centertown. This 18-day event ends Oct. 11.
2-112015 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 "All's Well That Ends Well".
1-10"Light & Illumination" by local artists at the Nuveen Center, 106 E Colby Road, Whitehall. Works of art by local artists that were inspired by or use light in a unique way. Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Call 231-893-2524 during Gallery hours for details.
13-29"Circles of Life" by Muskegon artist William Randall at the Nuveen Center, 106 E Colby Road, Whitehall. Works of art by local artist William Randall in the format of circles using paint and ceramics. Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Call 231-893-2524 during Gallery hours for details.
1Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
2-321st Annual Buster Keaton Society Convention & Film Festival, Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue and the Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Tour the Keaton family home, watch Buster Keaton films and TV footage, and more.
3Saturday 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.
3Vander Fest 2015, 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.
4-31The 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 $17, Children 2-12 $15, Seniors 60+ $16. Call 616-997-7000 for information.
   The Olive Mill in Saugatuck, Michigan at Halloween
3Depot 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.
2Fire Truck Parade, downtown Holland. 7pm. Over 50 fire trucks will parade down 8th Street from College Avenue to the Holland Civic Center. Trucks will be on display afterwards and safety demonstration will be given at the Civic Center.
3-426th Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour. 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 eleven artist studios and can be downloaded. Call 269-236-9260 for info or visit www.BlueCoastArtists.com.
7Classic Car Cruise, N. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo. 6-9pm. Classic Cars are free to join, no signup necessary. 50’s & 60’s music on the corner.
7Wednesday 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.
8Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
10Saturday 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.
   Country road with leaves turning in west Michigan
109th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Country Road Rally, Departs from Barden's Farm Market, South Haven at 1pm. $20 per vehicle on the day; $15 in advance. A fun-filled ride through lakeshore country as teams follow clues and look for back road destinations. Trophy awarded to winning team.
10Harvest & Wine Festival, Lions Beachfront 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 under 12 are free.
10Pumpkin Fest and Fall Fest, downtown Montague. Farmers market, pumpkin painting, lunch, bake sale, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin pie contest, Dowling Hill Pumpkin Roll and more. Registration at 9:30am and the fun begins at 10am.
10Depot 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.
10DeGrandchamp’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.
   Man sitting on bench along the river in South Haven, Michigan
11Art & 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.
10Country 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.
10-1138th Annual Gallery Stroll Weekend, downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Noon-5pm.
9-11Annual 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.
24Wedding Walk, downtown Grand Haven. Upscale open-house bridal show event for future brides interested in bridal fashion, décor, tablescapes and much more. 11am-4pm. Call Cassie at cassie@whitedressevents.com for details.
11Chili-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 616-886-0749 or e-mail cowhill777@yahoo.com for more information.
11Harvest 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.
11Skip’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.
14Wednesday 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.
15Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
17Saturday 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.
   Carved pumpkin faces in west Michigan
17Depot 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.
18Star of Saugatuck Cruise, Water Street, Saugatuck. Last trip of the season. 1pm.
22Wednesday 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.
23Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
25Saturday 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.
31Halloween 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.
   Pumpkins and mums in west Michigan
24Haunted 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.
25Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat, downtown New Buffalo. Mechanic from Thompson to Harrison. Contact Bonnie at 269-469-3180 for details.
31Adult 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.
31Trick or Treating along Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven. Local merchants provide treats for families with children in this fun annual event. 4-6pm.
31Halloween Trick or Treat, downtown St. Joseph. 4:30-6pm. Kids go trick or treating at participating area stores.
   Halloween costumes at Douglas, Michigan Adult Halloween Parade

November 2015
4Wednesday 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.
5Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
7Mona 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.
7Saturday 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.
11Wednesday 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.
12Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
12-154th Annual Women's Only Weekend, South Haven - Ladies only getaway weekend.
13-14Holiday Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale, First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck. 9am-4pm. Crafts, homemade baked goods, jams. 269-857-2929.
13-30Mistletoe 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 13th from 5-7pm. Market runs through Dec. 24th.
14Saturday 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.
18Wednesday 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.
19Thursday Farmers Markets - Spring Lake: 9am-2pm, Muskegon: 6am-3pm.
20Light 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.
21Saturday 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.
   Mill pond with water wheel and fall turning trees
19-29Festival 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 29. Call 231-720-2571 for more information.
20Luminary 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.
20-21White 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.
21Saturday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 9am-3pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
21Holiday 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.
   Turning trees reflected in pond - west Michigan
21Holiday 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.
25Ice 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.
27-30Parade & 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. 27th. Festival ends December 6th. 269-637-4342.
28-29Holiday 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
27Friday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 11am-5pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
28Saturday Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Market Place Holidays, Holland. 9am-5pm. Open-air European Christmas market. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
28Family Christmas, Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. Carolers, tree lighting, hot cocoa and holiday activities. Call 231-724-3180 for details.
29Holiday 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.
28Miracle 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.
28The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20th. 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 $17, Children 2-12 $15, Seniors 60+ $16. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information.
   Turkey in Fennville, Michigan

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

October - November 2015