The last weeks of summer are upon us, and we need to take advantage of these longer days by making the most of them. Fortunately, Lakeshore residents have plenty of options in August. From festivals to music, art shows to sidewalk sales, and 5Ks to family movie nights, there are plenty of things to do this month in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. Just don’t forget the sunscreen if you’re headed outside. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.
Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven
July 29 through Aug. 7
Join the fun in Grand Haven, Coast Guard City USA, and celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. While the festival began in 1924, it was officially recognized in 1971. From a parade and fireworks to a craft fair, carnival, kids’ day, and community picnic, there is definitely something for everyone.
Details:
www.coastguardfest.org
Summer Concert Series in the Backyard
Ridge Point Community Church, in the Backyard, 340 104th Ave., Holland
Every Wednesday through Aug. 31, 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: Free but paper tickets are required to enter. No ticket is needed for children younger than 10.
Outdoor concert series in Ridge Point Community Church's backyard amphitheater. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. During inclement weather, everything moves indoors.
Aug. 3: Soul Syndicate will perform rock, oldies, R&B, and classics.
Aug. 17: Brena will perform current hits, classics, and smooth R&B.
Aug. 31: Micah Tyler, a Christian recording artist, currently touring with Mercy Me
Details:
https://fearlessfollower.org/thebackyard/
Almost Home: The Phoenix disaster of 1847
Pump House Museum and Learning Center, 2282 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland
Thursday, Aug. 4; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the program starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
In November of 1847, the propeller steamship Phoenix, loaded beyond capacity with passengers, cargo, and crew, caught on fire when just 5 miles from their new home. 250 aboard the Phoenix were forced to choose death by fire or jumping into the freezing water. Only two dozen immigrants survived. Craig Rich presents their story.
Details:
www.historicottawabeachsociety.org
Sweet Summer Night
Downtown Zeeland in the Splash Pad Area at Elm and Main streets
Thursday, Aug. 4, Seating and concessions begin at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend a Sweet Summer Night with an outdoor movie experience of watching "Night at the Museum" under the stars. Complimentary popcorn and treats. The movie starts at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.) at the Zeeland Splash Pad.
Details:
https://www.cityofzeeland.com/409/Sweet-Summer-Night
Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck Concert
Thursday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Saugatuck Woman's Club, 303 Butler St. Saugatuck
Cost: $25
Celebrating more than two decades of music making, the Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds has inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Here is a rare opportunity to see the world-famous group at the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck.
Details: Call 269.857, ext. 1424 or go to
https://www.saugatuck.com/event/imani-winds-chamber-music-festival-of-saugatuck-concert/
After Dark Tour
Hackley and Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Friday, Aug. 5, 9-10 p.m.
Experience the Hackley and Hume Historic Site after dark. See all five floors of the houses on this classic tour, offered on the first Friday of every month from May through October. Learn more about the lumbering business, the Hackley and Hume families, and the Victorian Era in Muskegon.
Details:
https://lakeshoremuseum.org/event/after-dark-tour-2/2022-08-05/
Art In The Park
Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave., Holland
Cost: Free to attend
Up to 300 artists and artisans from eight states will be displaying their work. Art in the Park is the main fundraiser to support Holland Friends of Art’s commitment to bringing about awareness and encouraging the creative talents in the Holland area.
Details:
http://www.hollandfriendsofart.com/art-in-the-park.html
Big Lake Classic Fishing Tournament
Boats departing from Saugatuck, Holland, or South Haven
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7; times TBD
Cost: The application fee starts at $250
This is a nonprofit tournament for a top prize of $1,000 put on by sportsmen for sportsmen and organized by the Saugatuck Sport Fishing Association Tour Committee. This tournament is open to any fishing team willing to participate and abide by official tournament rules and state-specified DNR regulations.
Details: 616-218-6686, 1137watson@gmail.com, or
https://midwestoutdoors.com/event/big-lake-classic-fishing-tournament/
Milwaukee Clipper Captain 100th Birthday & Whistle Blowing
Milwaukee Clipper, 2098 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
Saturday, Aug. 6, 7:30-10 p.m.
Cost: $10 (friends and family of the captain and members admitted free)
Join the Milwaukee Clipper in celebrating the birthday of Capt. Robert Priefer, the last captain to serve on the Milwaukee Clipper. Captain Bob is turning 100 years old. Everyone is invited to celebrate this huge accomplishment.
Details:
https://www.milwaukeeclipper.com/events/
The Legendary Soul Jam
Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Suite 200, Muskegon
Sunday, Aug, 7, 6 p.m.
Cost: $65 (ticket price does not include fees)
Crosswinds Productions presents The Legendary Soul Jam, featuring some of the top R&B artists from the past few decades, including The Dramatics, The Manhattans, Enchantment, and Harold Melvin's Blue Notes. This will be a night to remember.
Details:
https://shows.frauenthal.org/the-legendary-soul-jam
WEEK 2
Wicks Park Gazebo Music in the Park
Wicks Park, Water Street, Saugatuck
Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sit and relax in beautiful Wicks Park as the band plays tunes. Free shuttle service on Interurban Transit Authority from Saugatuck High School.
Details:
https://saugatuck.com/event/wicks-park-gazebo-music-in-the-park-6/
Callisto Quartet (& Drew, too.) – Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck Concert
Saugatuck Woman's Club, 303 Butler St, Saugatuck
Thursday and Friday, Aug. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
The prize-winning Callisto Quartet will perform a concert of beautiful string quartet music in the first half, joined by Andrew Le for a piano quintet in the second half.
Details:
https://saugatuckmusic.org/tickets/
Music on Main Street
Main Street between Elm and Church streets
Thursday, Aug. 11, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Cos & Cos, a band made up of brothers Jeff and Michael Costello, will play acoustic classic rock from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Details:
https://www.cityofzeeland.com/520/Music-on-Main-Street
Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Holland
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Downtown merchants will bring thousands of great deals outdoors for savvy shoppers. Eighth Street will be closed off to vehicle traffic, allowing you to roam from store to store looking for the perfect purchase. You'll find amazing bargains from Downtown Holland's unique collection of gift shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores, and more.
Details:
https://www.holland.org/downtown-holland-sidewalk-sales
Movie In the Park
Friday, Aug. 12. Dusk to 11 p.m.
Coughlin Park, 60 Griffith St., Saugatuck
Cost: Free
Mill Pond Realty is sponsoring its annual Movie in the Park for the community. Fun for the entire family.
Details:
https://saugatuck.com/event/movie-in-the-park/
Macatawa Water Festival
Windmill Island, Holland
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
A celebration of the Macatawa Watershed with activities that educate people about efforts to restore this amazing natural resource.
Details:
https://bit.ly/3OvKgB2
Great Lakes Surf Festival
Pere Marquette Public Beach, 3510 Channel Drive, Muskegon
Saturday, Aug. 13, 12:30-6 p.m.
Cost: $10 – $20
The fourth annual Great Lakes Surf Festival welcomes boardheads, artists, and yogis.
Details:
http://www.greatlakessurffestival.com
Mariachi & the Movies concert
Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland
Satuday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Gentex
/Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC) Community Concert will feature Mariachi & the Movies, with music from Coco and more. Hear the Holland Symphony Orchestra perform in the Kollen Park Henry VanderLinde Bandshell with special guests Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca. Bring your own chair and a picnic, and enjoy a beautiful evening of music for the whole family.
Details:
https://hollandsymphony.org/events/free-community-concert-mariachi-the-movies/
Discover the Dunes
Rosy Mound Natural Area, 13925 Lakeshore Ave., Grand Haven
Saturday, Aug. 13, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join a naturalist for a hike through geological history as you wander the backdune forest of Rosy Mound and out to the shores of Lake Michigan. Along the way, you'll be introduced to the processes that formed these unique freshwater dunes and how they continue to be a dynamic system of change.
Details:
bit.ly/3v78fj3
Astronomy: Public Star Gazing
Hemlock Crossing, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for informal public telescope observation after sunset (weather permitting). Telescopes will be available. Dress appropriately and a bring lawn chair, bug spray, and a red lens cover for your flashlight. Restricted to ages 10 and up.
Details:
bit.ly/3ROAuNk
Mona Lake Boat Poker Run
Mona Lake Boat Club, 372 Randall Road, Norton Shores
Sunday, Aug.14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $10-$30
The 12th annual Mona Lake Boat Poker Run, hosted by the Child Abuse Council, is open to all motorized water crafts. On-site registration and check-in are from 11 a.m. to noon. There will be five stops on Mona Lake. All poker hands must be turned in by 3 p.m. There will be a prize for the winning hand.
Details:
https://bit.ly/3aZEAl6
WEEK 3
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The Zeeland Historical Society's annual Ice Cream Social.
Annual Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Saugatuck, on Butler, Hoffman, and Mason streets
Thursday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saugatuck shopkeepers will take to the streets with their colorful canopies and street-side bargains. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, art, antiques, accessories, and home and garden items are just some of what shoppers will find marked down for the sidewalk sale. Sponsored by the Saugatuck Douglas Area Business Association (SDABA).
Details:
https://saugatuck.com/event/annual-sidewalk-sale-1/
Ice Cream Social
Dekker Huis Museum, 37 E. Main Ave., Zeeland
Thursday, Aug.18, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Zeeland Historical Society is hosting its annual Ice Cream Social with music, old-fashioned games, and ice cream. The Dekker Huis Museum and historic barn will be open for tours as well. This year, attendees will also be able to see a sample of one of the very first poultry feeders, invented right in Zeeland, courtesy of Big Dutchman.
Details:
https://bit.ly/3veABIl
Waterfront Concert series
Grand Haven waterfront, 1 North Harbor, Grand Haven
Aug. 18, 5:30-9 p.m.
Cost: $60
Courtyard Concerts presents the 2022 Summer Sessions Waterfront Concert series with the final performance, featuring John Waite and Ambrosia.
Details:
https://bit.ly/3PNkrO0 and the Seven Steps Up Calendar
Enchantment of Encanto
Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $10, children younger than 5 admitted free
Ready for School is hosting Enchanment of Encanto La Familia Fiesta. All are invited to come with their little ones dressed as their favorite Encanto characters to meet Mirabel, enjoy family-friendly rides, play games, have their faces painted and enjoy delicious food.
Details:
https://www.readyforschool.org/
Summer Night Sounds
Connor Bayou, 12945 N. Cedar Drive, Grand Haven
Friday, Aug. 19, 8:30-10 p.m.
Cost: $5
As darkness falls on the forest, sounds can become creepy and unfamiliar. Bring a flashlight and join a naturalist to explore some of the sounds of nocturnal critters in the woods.
Details:
bit.ly/3PJSsyz
Arts and Drafts Festival
Ross Park, 82 Randall Road, Norton Shores
Saturday, Aug. 20, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
The ninth annual Arts & Drafts Festival includes the 45th edition of the traditional Art Fair, plus the yearly Arts & Dash 5K at 8 a.m., the Arts & Wheels Car Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a children’s activity area. Arts & Drafts beverage tent is for 21 and older. Also on tap is free, live music featuring Kari Holmes from noon to 3 p.m., Westside Soul Surfers from 4-7 p.m., and 28DAYS from 8-11 p.m.
Details:
https://nortonshoresliving.com/event/arts-and-drafts-festival/
Beer on the Boat
The Star of Saugatuck, 716 Water St., Saugatuck
Saturday, Aug. 20, 4 p.m.
Cost: $60
A 90-minute cruise while a representative from New Holland Brewing will provide samples and information on a selection of their brews. Must be 21 or older. Valid ID required. No discount for non-drinkers.
Details:
https://saugatuck.com/event/beer-on-the-boat-featuring-new-holland-brewing/
ACEH Party in the Park
Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave., west of River Avenue, across the Unity Bridge, Holland
Sunday, Aug. 21, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: The event is free to attend; donations are gratefully accepted
Sponsored by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony, this is a family-friendly community gathering to share cultures, friendships, and a commitment to anti-racism and social justice. Lunch provided (burgers, hotdogs, vegetarian option, sides, dessert, beverages), but please register so organizers will have a head count. There will be games and activities. This fun event provides an opportunity to meet your neighbors.
Details:
http://www.harmonyalliance.org/events.html
WEEK 4
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New for Pumpkinfest 2021 were puppet shows and “Music on Main” concerts, an extension of the live music events hosted throughout the summer by the city of Zeeland.
Hudsonville Community Fair
Hudsonville Fairgrounds, 5235 Park Ave., Hudsonville
Aug. 22-27
The “Biggest Little Fair in Michigan” features great fair food, rides, livestock shows, still exhibits, and the always-popular grandstand events. Don’t miss the motocross, truck and tractor pulls, and all the fun the fair has to offer.
Details:
https://hudsonville-fair.com/
Music on Main Street
Main Street, between Elm and Church streets
Thursday, Aug. 25, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Catfish and the Man will perform a unique blend of classic rock, blues, and American music.
Details:
https://www.cityofzeeland.com/520/Music-on-Main-Street
Buster Keaton and the Bluffton actor’s colony in Muskegon
Pump House Museum and Learning Center, 2282 Ottawa Beach Road.
Monday, Aug. 25, doors open at 6:30; the program starts at 7 p.m.
By 1911, more than 200 theater personalities flocked to the Bluffton actor’s colony near Muskegon each summer. They included Buster Keaton and his family. Buster Keaton is recognized, with Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, as one of the creative geniuses of silent film comedy. Ron Pesch, a member of the board of the International Buster Keaton Society, presents the story.
Details:
https://www.historicottawabeachsociety.org/2022-events/
Ox-Bow Friday Night Open House
Ox-Bow Campus, 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck
Friday, Aug. 26, 5-9 p.m.
Ox-Bow is bringing back its historic "clothesline" sale and launching its first community "open studio" with a fall art sale featuring artists from the greater community. Parking is limited on campus. The Interurban will be available for transportation from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Details:
https://www.saugatuck.com/event/ox-bow-friday-night-open-house-1/
Shoreline Jazz Festival
Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St., Muskegon
Friday-Sunday, Aug. 26-28
Alexander Zonjic presents the Shoreline Jazz Festival with artists Najee, Maysa, James Lloyd, Lindsey Webster, Lin Rountree, Eric Darius, West Michigan Symphony, 496 West, Organissimo, and Serieux.
Details:
https://www.shorelinejazzfestival.com/
Machines Up Close
Muskegon Heritage Museum 561 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Saturday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free (part of MHM Free Community Day)
Take a tour behind the rails at the Muskegon Heritage Museum. See working steam engines and metalworking machines up close. Get a glimpse of the machine shop equipment of days gone by and discover what it was like to work in industry before modern safety standards came to bear.
Details:
https://lakeshoremuseum.org/muskegon-heritage-museum/
The Amazing Tale of Petoskey Stone
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park, 8115 W Olive Rd, West Olive
Saturday, Aug. 27, 3-4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, but space is limited
If rocks could talk, the Petoskey Stone could tell you much about Michigan's history and geology. Following a short presentation, you will have the chance to polish your own Petoskey Stone while learning more lore and facts about this unique specimen. Bring a stone to polish; there will be a small number available if you do not have one. This program is made possible through collaboration with members of the Tulip City Gem and Mineral Club. Restricted to ages 6 and older.
Details:
bit.ly/3PHFPnK
Prairie Wildflower Walk
Hemlock Crossing, 8115
West Olive Road, West Olive
Saturday, Aug. 27, 3-4 p.m.
Cost: Free, but space is limited
The dazzling colors of our restored native prairies are a delight to experience. Come through the summer to see how they change and what flowers are in bloom at each park. For ages 10 and older.
Details:
bit.ly/3BaENNe
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Pere Marquette Public Beach, 3510 Channel Drive, Muskegon
Saturday, Aug. 27, 3-10 p.m.
Cost: $10-$150
A celebration of beer, beach, art, and music, Burning Foot Beer Festival offers the perfect way to wind down the summer. Beach camping and barefoot entry make it unique, and the Brewers’ Ring makes it extraordinary. Musical artists include Plain White Ts, Everlast, Lit, Passafire, and Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water.
Details:
https://burningfoot.beer/
Art x All
Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven
Saturday, Aug. 27, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Donation
Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective's biggest show of the year will feature live music by The PHDs, and nibbles by Lake Effect Catering. LVAC artists — jewelry makers, painters, ceramicists, sculptors, and photographers — will be selling their work. A donation at the door and 10% of artists' sales help LVAC continue to bring innovative art events to unexpected places along the lakeshore.
Details:
http://www.lakeshorevac.com/events.html