I love July in South Haven. The beach days are long, the lake is warm, and the town is buzzing. But if you want to know a secret, my absolute favorite time of year around here is that magical “bridge” season between late August and October.
The air gets just a little crisper, the orchards start dripping with fruit, and the local festival calendar explodes. Best of all? Every single one of these incredible events is within 15 miles of the front porch here at Glenn Meadow.
If you are planning a trip to the lakeshore over the next few months, here is your insider guide on what’s happening, how to build the perfect day around it, and why you should let us handle the hospitality while you explore.
August 6–9: The National Blueberry Festival (The Big One!)
Tourism Guide: Visit South Haven – Blueberry Festival
Distance from Inn: ~7 miles
We aren’t called the “Blueberry Capital of the World” for nothing! This 4-day celebration is packed with live concerts, a massive craft fair at Stanley Johnston Park, a parade, and—yes—legendary blueberry pie-eating contests.
Michigan Beach Towns
- While You’re There: Before or after hitting the festival downtown, take a short 10-minute drive to Bumbleberry Acres. You can pick your own bucket of fresh berries, visit their petting zoo, and grab some fresh-baked blueberry pastries to bring back to the Inn.
Farm Stand Cider Co. - The Glenn Meadow Advantage: Trust me, after navigating the festival crowds and walking the downtown streets, you will want to escape. Come back to our 115 acres, kick off your shoes, and watch the sunset by the pond with a quiet cup of coffee.
September 3–6: The Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Distance from Inn: ~5 miles
Held right down the road at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum, this is one of the largest vintage farm equipment shows in the state. It features live blacksmith demonstrations, massive tractor parades, and a flea market. The highlight is Friday night when the old tractors parade right down Phoenix Street in downtown South Haven!
Michigan Beachtowns
- While You’re There: You are right in the heart of our local farm country. Stop by Overhiser Orchards (less than 10 miles away) to pet the farm animals, grab some early-season apples, or try your hand at hands-on farm activities.
- The Glenn Meadow Advantage: Traveling with a group of friends or family who love history and heavy machinery? Renting out our house gives you 10 beds, 6 bathrooms, and a massive professional kitchen to gather in at the end of the day to trade stories.
September 11–12: South Haven Jazz Festival
Distance from Inn: ~7 miles
There is nothing quite like smooth jazz drifting through the crisp September air. Head over to Dyckman Park in the Downtown Social District, grab a lawn chair, and enjoy incredible live performances. Because it’s in the Social District, you can grab a drink from a local spot and walk around while you listen.
Michigan Beachtowns
- While You’re There: Make it a true maritime day. Pop over to the Michigan Maritime Museum right across the river before the music starts. You can tour the docks or even book a public afternoon sail on the historic tall ship, Friends Good Will.
- The Glenn Meadow Advantage: Love to sleep in after a night of great music? Perfect. Our chef-prepared, locally sourced breakfast is served on your schedule. Just let us know your dietary needs ahead of time, and we’ll have a hot plate waiting for you.
October 3–4: Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour
Distance from Inn: Spans within 15 miles
If you want the ultimate fall color experience, this is it. This self-guided driving tour takes you through the beautiful autumn landscape to nine different local artisan studios between South Haven and Saugatuck. You get to watch live pottery throwing, jewelry making, and painting demonstrations while the fall colors are at their peak.
Michigan Beachtowns
- While You’re There: Pair your art tour with a glass of local flavor. Stop by Cogdal Vineyards (within minutes of the Inn) for a tasting of West Michigan’s finest wines surrounded by fall foliage.
Ready to Show Up for Autumn?
Here is the honest truth: hotels get sterile, and Airbnbs give you a laundry list of chores to do before you check out. When you stay at Glenn Meadow, you get the best of the lakeshore without any of the stress.
Our late summer and fall calendar fills up faster than you’d think—especially for festival weekends and whole-house family reunions.
Don’t wait until the leaves start changing! Click here to check our availability and book your stay today or give us a call directly at 269-767-4194. We’ll save a seat at the kitchen table for you!
-Tracey and Mark The Innkeepers at Glenn Meadow B&B
Tags: South Haven Michigan summer festivals, things to do in South Haven fall, family friendly lodging South Haven, National Blueberry Festival housing, Glenn Meadow Bed and Breakfast events.
