Saugatuck's Summer Festivals: A Season of Celebration
Summer in Saugatuck is a season of celebration, where long, sun-drenched days give way to lively festivals, music-filled evenings, and gatherings that unite the community. Perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended summer stay, here’s a look at some of the best summer events in Michigan that are worth building your trip around:
Tulip Time Festival (May)
Few sights signal the arrival of summer quite like fields of tulips in full bloom. Just a short drive from Saugatuck, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival celebrates the season with over six million vibrant tulips, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking display.
Beyond the tulips, visitors can enjoy Dutch heritage parades, traditional dance performances, and artisan markets filled with handcrafted goods at various locations throughout Holland. Food vendors offer typical fair food along with Dutch-inspired treats like oliebollen (Dutch donuts).
Fenn Valley Wine Festival (June)
For wine lovers, there’s no better way to celebrate summer than with a glass of locally crafted wine at Fenn Valley Vineyards. This beloved event is both a festival and an open house, offering behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, guided tastings, and food pairings that highlight the best of Michigan’s wine country.
Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards, this festival is a relaxed yet lively affair, perfect for couples and friends looking to sip their way through summer. Live music adds to the laid-back atmosphere, making it an easygoing yet refined way to spend an afternoon.
Saugatuck PRIDE Festival (June)
Saugatuck has long been known as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, and its Pride Festival is one of the most joyful celebrations of the season. Hosted in June, this vibrant event features a colorful parade, live performances, and a lively street party where everyone is welcome.
Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck (July–August)
For those who appreciate classical music in an intimate setting, the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck is a summer highlight with six weeks of world-class musicians taking the stage for breathtaking performances. Held in the historic Saugatuck Woman’s Club, the festival offers a mix of solo, duet, and small ensemble performances, creating an up-close and immersive experience.
Venetian Festival (July)
Saugatuck’s Venetian Festival brings a touch of European elegance to the Kalamazoo River with a two-day celebration full of dazzling lights, live music, and waterfront fun.
The highlight of the festival is the Lighted Boat Parade, where boats decked out in twinkling displays glide across the water, creating a magical scene against the night sky. The festival also features a lively party at Coghlin Park with live music, dancing, and delicious food.
Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale (August)
Love finding a good deal? Don't miss the Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale! Each year, local boutiques and galleries line the streets with discounted items, from handcrafted jewelry to stylish home decor.
It’s the perfect time to browse unique pieces from local artisans, stock up on gifts, or find a keepsake from your Saugatuck getaway.
More Summer Events to Explore
Beyond the headlining festivals, Saugatuck’s summer is filled with even more exciting events in Michigan that celebrate art, music, and outdoor adventure.
4th of July Fireworks (July)
Saugatuck’s Fourth of July fireworks light up the sky the day after Independence Day, creating a spectacular lakeside display. Visitors and locals gather along the Lake Kalamazoo waterfront to watch the dazzling show reflect off the water. Arrive early to grab a spot, enjoy live music, and take in the warm summer evening before the fireworks burst into color overhead.
Music in the Park (Wednesdays, June–August)
Nothing says summer like an evening spent outdoors with live music. Every Wednesday from June through August, Wicks Park hosts Music in the Park, where local and regional musicians perform everything from jazz to blues and classic rock. Bring a picnic, grab a spot on the grass, and enjoy the sounds of summer as the sun sets over the harbor.
Saugatuck Art Fairs (July)
For those who love discovering unique, handcrafted art, Saugatuck’s summer art fairs are a must. Held in Village Square at the corner of Butler and Main Streets, these juried events showcase an impressive range of artistic talent while supporting local students and creative initiatives through scholarship programs. The Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair features 60 fine artists working in painting, photography, glass, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, basketry, mixed media, fibers, mosaic, printmaking, and sculpture, with awards presented to winning artists in the afternoon. The Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair also highlights a diverse selection of juried works, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful keepsake while celebrating Saugatuck's vibrant art scene.
Big Lake Classic Fishing Tournament (August)
Anglers from across the region gather for the Big Lake Classic Fishing Tournament, one of the most anticipated sporting events of the summer. Hosted by the Saugatuck Sport Fishing Association, this tournament invites both seasoned and amateur fishers to compete for impressive prizes while reeling in salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. Whether you’re participating or just watching the weigh-ins at Sergeant Marina, it’s an exciting way to experience Saugatuck’s deep-rooted fishing culture.
Strolling through downtown, you’ll often find live music performances, pop-up markets, and special events that make every weekend feel like a celebration. No matter your interests, summer in Saugatuck is filled with opportunities to enjoy the town’s culture, community, and creativity.
Make the most of your festival-filled getaway by staying at our Saugatuck Hotel. With luxury accommodations, gourmet breakfasts delivered to your room, and easy access to all the top Saugatuck events, it’s the perfect home base for experiencing the best of summer in Michigan.
