There's nothing quite like spring: flowers beginning to peek their heads out from the thawed ground, ice melting away to bring the lakes and rivers back to life, and trees are readying to blossom with color and bring their green leaves back in style.
It's a special time of year, when the air smells richer and we can pack away the heavy winter coats in exchange for our favorite light jackets or sweaters. Lake Michigan is especially beautiful during the spring, and with so many fun activities and events it's the perfect time to visit! You can book a Michigan lake house rental, or stay in an amazing vacation rental in the New Buffalo area and still be close enough to enjoy the wonderful events below.
Looking for some outstanding springtime activities around the area?
Three Oaks' Journeyman Distillery
Three Oaks' Journeyman Distillery is hosting the Spring Artisan Market on April 1st and 2nd. Housed in the historic Featherbone Factory, you can find a lavish assortment of handcrafted jewelry and home décor there, as well as locally sourced gourmet foods and personal care items. At this event, you're welcome to even enjoy a craft cocktail as you shop... so don't miss out!
Spring Artisan Market (Free Admission)
Sat., April 1 (11 am - 7 pm) - Sun., April 2 (10 am - 5 pm)
109 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, MI
The Blossomtime Festival
The Blossomtime Festival, held on the second Saturday in May (May 13th), is Michigan's oldest and largest multi-community festival, established in 1906. Southwest Michigan has long been regarded as a premier fruit-growing region and in 1923, a local fruit processor came up with the idea of a floral parade to promote the area's expanding industry. Now you can come celebrate the beauty of Spring at the Grand Floral Parade (starting at 1 pm), with over 120 beautifully-decorated floats going from St. Joseph across the bridge to Benton Harbor. There's also the Run for the Buds, a 5K Run/Walk starting at 10:30 am that same day. And the Miss Blossomtime Pageant will crown a new Queen, as well, during this delightful annual festival that draws more than 200,000 spectators each year.
2023 Blossomtime Festival (Free Admission)
Saturday, May 13th (Events all day—see link below for info)
2330 South Cleveland, St. Joseph, MI
St. Joseph Farmers Market
Beginning Saturday, May 27th is the outdoor Farmers Market on the bluff at Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph, which will continue every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm throughout the summer. There is nothing quite like a farmers market to bring in the warm months. Shop to your heart's delight for homemade goods, cut flowers, fresh produce, meats and cheeses, all while overlooking magnificent Lake Michigan.
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm starting Saturday, May 27th
Lake Bluff Park - 201 Lake Boulevard (between Broad and Pleasant Streets)
St. Joseph, MI
People in Southwest Michigan love springtime and there is always something to do. Fishing, beach glass hunting, hiking, biking, birdwatching and dune climbing, just to name a few. This is also a fantastic time to visit and stay in a Lake Michigan vacation rental!
