Embrace the Festive Vibes: Your Guide to Saugatuck's Top Events for Food, Music, and Art Lovers!

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and vibrant community spirit during its festivals. From the renowned Waterfront Film Festival to the exhilarating Saugatuck Venetian Festival with its stunning boat parade and fireworks, there's something for everyone. The town's artistic flair shines during events like the Arts and Crafts Fair and the Saugatuck-Douglas Blue Coast Artists Studio Tour, showcasing local talent and creativity. With its quaint streets, friendly locals, and stunning lake views, Saugatuck beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its lively festival atmosphere, promising cherished memories and a true taste of Michigan's summer charm. Stay with us at our Michigan bed and breakfast while you indulge in the Saugatuck festival season!

Delightful Gastronomic Adventures

Saugatuck offers a culinary scene that rivals many big cities in both diversity and flavor. You’ll find an impressive array of exceptional eateries here, from the seasonal, farm-focused fare at Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions to the elevated Appalachian cuisine at The Southerner.

The Summer Farmers Market at Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a true highlight of the season. Each week, growers, and artisans from across Southwestern Michigan come to the market bearing farm-fresh produce, crafts, and handmade goods. You will find fruits and vegetables, homemade breads, jams and preserves, meat and dairy products, eggs, honey, and maple syrup. The market is held on Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm, starting Memorial Day weekend and continuing through the end of September.

Saugatuck is also a gateway to the Fennville American Viticultural Area (AVA), a fertile wine region on the shores of Lake Michigan. Moderate temperatures make our part of the state just right for growing the grapes used to make Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. There’s always plenty see and savor at local wineries like Fenn Valley Vineyards, which offers tastings and tours by reservation, and hosts live music at the vineyard every Thursday and Saturday from June through October.

One last tip for foodies visiting the Saugatuck area: don’t forget about apple season, which starts in early September and runs through October. Crane Orchards, just 15 minutes from Saugatuck, offers you-pick apples all season and hosts its annual Ciderfest at Crane’s Pie Pantry on September 7.

Harmonious Melodies and Rhythms

Make no mistake: live music is alive and well in Saugatuck. Music has always been part of the fabric of our town, dating all the way back to the 1950s and 60s when legendary performers like Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie came here to play at our annual downtown jazz festival. To this day, Saugatuck remains a destination for national and regional touring artists as well as a hotbed for local talent.

Never is that more apparent than during the summer months, when festivals and concert series return and live bands take the stage every week at local breweries, wineries and music venues. The annual Saugatuck Venetian Fest is one of the most anticipated local festivals of the summer season, and it’s slated to return on July 26 and 27 this year. StarFarm, a high-energy ‘80s tribute band, will take the stage on Friday night of the festival, followed by a lighted boat parade and fireworks on Saturday. For more live outdoor music, head to Wicks Park for the weekly Gazebo Music in the Park series on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm. Local bands will perform in the park each week through early September.

Keep an eye on the events calendar at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts as well. A community gathering place as well as a performance venue, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts hosts concerts, plays and a wide range of other entertainment in their state-of-the-art theater space. This summer, we’re excited to see the Million Dollar Quartet, a musical performance dedicated to the songs of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, which runs from August 10 to September 1. Plus, the Center for the Arts happens to be a 10-minute walk from our doorstep at the Hotel Saugatuck!

If you want to take in some live music and enjoy Saugatuck’s diverse food and drink options at the same time, you’ll have ample opportunity to do so. Saugatuck Brewing Company hosts live music in their Douglas Pub & Barrel Room every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. They also serve some of the best burgers in Allegan County, and few things are more refreshing than enjoying one of their Black Cherry Lemonade Shandies on a warm summer evening.

Captivating Artistic Experiences

The section of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline that includes Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas is often referred to as Michigan’s Art Coast. It’s an area that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the regional art scene, and maybe create some art of their own. You’ll quickly discover Saugatuck's thriving art community as you stroll along the streets lined with galleries, studios and public art installations.

Art takes center stage at several annual festivals and events during the summer season. The Village Square Art Fair takes place on July 27th this year bringing dozens of exceptionally talented artists, crafters and creators to Village Square in Downtown Saugatuck. Be sure to also mark your calendar for September 14, when Saugatuck Art in the Park and the Saugatuck Film Fest will simultaneously take place. Art in the Park will offer numerous local and regional vendors selling their arts and crafts in Wicks Park, accompanied by live music from 10 am to 4 pm. You’ll still have time to attend the third annual Saugatuck Film Fest at the Saugatuck Women’s Club from 1 pm to 9 pm.

Art galleries like Roan and Black and J. Petter Galleries offer an opportunity to browse works by a tremendous variety of artists, many of them local. You might just find the perfect souvenir to bring home with you. Consider taking one of the Summer Art on the Meadow Workshops offered by the Ox-Bow House, and the souvenir you take home could be one you made yourself.

Saugatuck stands as a gem of the Great Lakes region, particularly during its vibrant summer festival season. Whether indulging in the arts, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the breathtaking lakeside vistas, visitors are sure to find themselves captivated by the town's unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Saugatuck's festivals not only celebrate community and creativity but also offer a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and create lasting memories. Book your stay with us at our luxury Michigan getaway today!