Things to do in July: Fireworks and music, car shows, Fiesta and magic

Break out your sparklers and get ready to ooh and aah with the best of them. The Fourth of July is nigh and fireworks will flash across the sky. Our list includes a half-dozen communities hosting Independence Day activities. Other events on the July calendar include LAUP’s Fiesta Week, boat races, theater, music, magic, and a murder mystery train. There also are a few learning activities. Enjoy the month with family and friends in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.


Week 1 (July 1–9)
Fourth of July fireworks can be found all along the Lakeshore.
‘Through the Fairy Doors’ Garden Walk
Hosted by Muskegon County Garden Club; see website for a list of gardens
Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 (available in advance at The Bird House in North Muskegon and the Muskegon Convention & Visitor’s Center; at each garden July 1)
Enjoy exploring beautiful gardens across Muskegon  
Details: http://muskegongardenclub.org/events


‘Tuck Everlasting’
Hope Repertory Theatre, DeWitt Theat 
July 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Cost: $40 adults, $35 seniors and staff, $15 children
In this musical for the whole family, 11-year-old Winnie Foster goes on an adventure as she decides between her ordinary life and a life of unending youth.
Details: https://hopecollege.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=2547

Lakeshore Fourth of July Events
Allendale — Activities at Allendale Community Park are set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 4, featuring food, games, a car show, and a concert. Fireworks, at the Allendale Public Schools Campus, start around 10 p.m.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/photo/a.558043143034438
Grand Haven — Fireworks will coincide with the Musical Fountain’s patriotic performance on July 1 and will begin around dusk at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium.
Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com//4th-of-july-fireworks/
Holland — Watch the fireworks over Lake Macatawa from Kollen Park. Beechwood Grill and various fair food will be available from noon to 10 p.m. on July 4. The event is free to attend. Fireworks begin around dusk.
Details: https://www.holland.org/independence-day-fireworks
Muskegon — Fourth of July fireworks begin in downtown Muskegon at approximately 10:20 p.m. on July 4.
Details: https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/4th-of-july-fireworks/4077/
Saugatuck — Join the armed forces, bands, and floats as they march down Butler Street. The parade starts at noon on July 4. Fireworks and laser light show begins at dusk, but activities in Coghlin Park begin at 8 p.m.
Parade details: https://www.saugatuck.com/events-1/4th-of-july-parade-2-1/
Fireworks details: https://www.saugatuck.com/events-1/4th-of-july-fireworks-1/
White Lake — Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a parade from White Lake City Hall to Montague City Hall. After the parade, stick around town for some outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining — then fireworks at dusk over White Lake.
Details: https://www.whitelake.org/event/4th-of-july-parade-2/


Pajama Storytime
Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
Cost: Free
Bring your favorite stuffed animal and come in your jammies for stories and songs. For children ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver.
Details: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/6463b610023dc43e008205f8


Music at the Point
Mill Point Park, School and Exchange streets, Spring Lake
Thursday, July 6, 7–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
The Annual Summer Concert Series at Spring Lake’s Mill Point Park continues with the RetroVibe Band.
Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com/event/music-at-the-point/2023-07-06/


Fennville City Music Hall Series
City Hall, 125 S. Maple St., Fennville
Thursday, July 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Join your friends and neighbors as the city kicks off its summer concert series in downtown Fennville. The series, sponsored by the Fennville Downtown Development Authority, will feature the Austin Benzing Band.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/events-1/-series-austin-benzing-band/


Show and Shine Car Show & Cruise
Main Street, Zeeland
Saturday, July 7, 6–8 p.m.; and Sunday, July 8, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
On Saturday night, enjoy the car cruise (lineup is in the Zeeland Stadium parking lot). Spectators can line up anywhere along the Main Street cruise route. And don't miss this spectacular car show Sunday, featuring over 200 classic cars from more than 43 cities.
Details: https://www.holland.org/events/show-and-shine-car-show-cruise

Super Saturday — Free Family Fun Day
Muskegon Art Museum, 396 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by Howmet Aerospace, MMA’s July Super Saturday event features free general admission to the museum’s permanent collection galleries and a free kids’ STEM activity — torn paper collages. 
Details: https://muskegonartmuseum.org/super-saturday-free-family-fun-day-4/

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social
Cappon House, 228 W. Ninth St., Holland
Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Holland Museum is bringing the community together again this summer for its annual ice cream social. The event celebrates the rich history of the Cappon House and the family that called it home. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and lunch to enjoy the lawn, where ice cream, kid-friendly lawn games, and crafts will be available. Families also may visit the Cappon and Settlers Houses.
Details: https://hollandmuseum.org/event/old-fashioned-ice-cream-social-2023/


Week 2 (July 10–16)

Latin Americans United for Progress' Fiesta is Wednesday–Saturday, July 12–15.
Magic with Brad Lancaster
Muskegon Area District Library, Montague Branch, 8778 Ferry St., No. 2, Montague
Monday, July 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
This family-friendly show is filled with magic, puppets, books, and storytelling.
Details: https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/magic-with-brad-lancaster/4157/
Photo: magician’s website
Brad Lancaster will perform in Muskegon on July 10.

‘Tuck Everlasting’ Book Discussion
Herrick North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland
Monday, July 10, 4–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join us to discuss June’s Postcard Book Club pick, “Tuck Everlasting,” with the cast and crew from Hope Repertory Theatre’s production of the musical adaptation. For ages 9-13.
Details: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/644a92500e0afc410071d332

Free Popcorn & Movie: The Sandlot 
Momentum Center, 345 W. 14th St., Holland
Monday, July 10, 5:30 p.m. 
Cost: Free
The Momentum Center in Holland will host the monthly Movie Night featuring the film, “The Sandlot," a coming-of-age story that hits on life lessons: the importance of childhood friendships, the struggles of first crushes, fitting in and getting out of your comfort zone, and the joys of being a kid during summertime, both on and off the baseball field. This movie will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles. 
Details: https://www.momentumcentergh.org/events-1/free-popcorn-amp-movie


Home is Where the Art Is
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Tuesday, July 11, through Friday, July 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $280
During this four-day program, participants will learn skills and hobbies they can take home with them. Campers will work with professional artists Jenny Bongiorno, Mindy Trafman, and Rachel Hefferan.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/events-1/home-is-where-the-art-is-1-1-1-1/

Fiesta Fun at the Farmers Market — Kids’ Activities
Northwest parking lot outside Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Wednesday, July 12, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
As part of the inaugural Fiesta Week in Downtown Holland, Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) will join the market to host a bilingual Kids Activity at the Mercado. Join the excitement and celebrate Latino culture together with a frutas y vegetales activity. 
Details: https://www.facebook.com/hollandfarmersmarket

LAUP Fiesta Week
Downtown Holland, various locations
Wednesday–Saturday, July 12–15
Cost: Free to attend
Latins United For Progress Fiesta kicks off with kids’ activities at the farmers market, at Holland Civic Center Place, 10–11 a.m. Wednesday. Next up is Latino entertainment as part of the downtown Holland Street Performer Series, along Eighth Street between Pine and Columbia avenues, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday. From 6:30–8:30 p.m. Friday at Kollen Park, join LAUP for great music and food trucks at Concert in the Park. LAUP Fiesta’s grand finale takes place from noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, featuring entertainment, a market, a car show, and dance.   
Details: https://laupfiesta.weebly.com/


Murder Mystery Train
Coopersville & Marne Railway, 306 Main 311 E. Danforth St., Coopersville
July 14, 15, 21, 22, 7–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $49 (age 13 and up)
Ride back to the groovy 1960s aboard vintage coaches, collecting clues to solve a murder mystery. Passengers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the 1960s, so dig out those bell bottoms and help find out whodunit.
Details: https://mitrain.net/train-rides/murder-mystery/


Week 3 (July 17–23)
Every Thursday evening this summer 30 artists and groups will perform for free in Downtown Holland.

Are You Ready for an Electric Bike?
Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
Monday, July 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
E-bikes offer an efficient and fun way to get around. What do you need to know before riding an E-bike? Brad White, owner of Velo City Cycles, will help sort through participants’ questions.
Details: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/644aa4345a33d42800c9bf94


Land and Water Appreciation at the Farmers Market — Kids’ Activities
Northwest parking lot outside Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Wednesday, July 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
The Outdoor Discovery Center Network’s Land and Water Division will lead hands-on activities to help kids (and their parents) learn more about all the ways they can be good stewards of our land and water. Activities focus on energy and water conservation, preventing pollution, and taking care of the nature around us with hands-on activities and information to take home.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/hollandfarmersmarket

SPIN Club Understanding Water
Hemlock Crossing, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Wednesday, July 19, noon to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Do you want to learn more about Michigan’s abundant water? Join Ottawa County 4-H for an opportunity to kayak and survey for curly-leafed pondweed. This is an excellent opportunity to get youth ages 12–19 involved with learning about the Lakeshore’s water resources. Sign up with 4H for this and future workshops.
Details: https://4honline.com/#/user/sign-u


Sousa and the Symphony
Heritage Landing, 1050 Seventh St., Muskegon
Wednesday, July 19, 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Donation
March along as the West Michigan Concert Winds and the Shoreline Community Orchestra present a summer concert featuring marches by John Philip Sousa, as well as American favorites including “Buckaroo Holiday,” “An American Rhapsody,” and “America the Beautiful.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/5%7D%7D%5D%22%7D


Street Performer Series
Downtown Holland, Eighth Street, between Columbia and Pine streets
Thursday, July 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
From musicians and break dancers to caricature artists, balloon twisters, jugglers, face painters, and more, 30 artists and groups perform for free in Downtown Holland. You'll find every performance art imaginable during the series! 
Details: https://www.holland.org/events/2023-street-performer-series

Rock the Coast (benefit)
Grand Haven Municipal Marina, 101 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven
Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Donation; free to spectators
This year’s West Michigan Offshores event will be held July 21–22. The weekend — which supports local charity partners — will include the Keith Holmes Memorial Run on Friday evening and the Rock The Coast Great Sticker Poker Run on Saturday. Whether you’re participating or watching from shore, this is a fun event for all.
Details: https://www.westmichiganoffshore.com/rock-the-coast-1 


Branching Out: Charcoal and Beyond
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Friday, July 21, 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $65
In this workshop designed specifically for teens, participants learn drawing and art-making techniques using willow, compressed, and powdered charcoal.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/branching-out-charcoal-and-beyond-1-1-1-1-1/



Week 4 (July 24–31)
Enjoy ‘80s music from StarFarm at the 21-and-older Venetian Festival concert on July 28.
Enviroworks Summer Camp
Muskegon Museum of History & Science, 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon
Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, 9:15–11:45 a.m.
Cost: $25 for museum members, $30 for nonmembers
Children ages 6 to 11 who are interested in science and history are invited to this year’s camp, which features topics that include sports science, looking at the museum’s newest exhibit, “Urban Renewal,” and a trip to the Muskegon Heritage Museum to learn about paper making and printing. Register at https://enviroworks23.eventbrite.com.
Details: https://lakeshoremuseum.org/event/enviroworks-2/


McMann Mayhem Breakout
Herrick North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland
Tuesday, July 25, 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kids and teens, put your puzzle and sleuthing skills to the test as library staff challenge participants to a McMann Mayhem breakout, inspired by Lisa and Matt McMann’s books. Come see if you've got what it takes to solve this breakout. Stick around afterward for an author visit with the McManns. 
Details: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/644a9641414bdd2f00452630

Grow Your Own Farm at the Farmers Market — Kids’ Activities
Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Wednesday, July 26, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Grow your own farm in a glove ... yes, a glove. With the help of Ottawa County Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom, kids will plant five different seeds in the fingers of a food handler’s glove. Given a few days, and some water, the glove will be alive with growing sprouts. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in a Market Scavenger Hunt.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/hollandfarmersmarket

Brian Regan — Comedian
Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Thursday, July 27, 7:30–10 p.m.
Cost: $40–$60
Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. With the perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, he fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations.
Details: https://www.holland.org/events/brian-regan-comedian


Venetian Festival Concert
Coghlin Park, 303 Culver St., Saugatuck
Friday, July 28, 5–11 p.m.
Cost: $15–$50
Join the fun at Venetian Fest 2023. This 21-and-older show features music from StarFarm, which brings a totally awesome collection of 1980s songs. 
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/events-1/venetian-festival-concert-1/
Photo: Venetian Festival website
Enjoy ‘80s music from StarFarm at the 21-and-older Venetian Festival concert on July 28.


Flea on 7th
Vintage Green Antiques, 7 N. Seventh St., Grand Haven
Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Shop the outdoor flea market, featuring 80+ vendors selling handmade items, antiques, and more.
Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com/event/flea-on-7th/


Need suggestions for specific destinations or activities, check out these tourism resources for details:
Holland Area Visitors Bureau
Grand Haven CVB
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Saugatuck CVB
Allegan County Parks & Recreation