Cant-Miss Festivals & Events in New Buffalo, Michigan
Located just a short hour's drive from Chicago, New Buffalo is a charming lakefront town in Southwest Michigan that offers a welcome respite from the fast-paced city life. One way New Buffalo fosters a sense of community is through its annual festivals and seasonal events. These gatherings celebrate the music, art, food, and drinks that make this region special.
Below, we've listed some of the most anticipated events in New Buffalo and Southwest Michigan that should be at the top of your list during a vacation to New Buffalo. Take it from the locals — you won't want to miss these events in New Buffalo!
Art Attack
- When: April 25th–27th, 2025
- Where: Harbor County
Art Attack is an annual showcase of creative local art during the last week of April.
Participants can immerse themselves in eclectic, hands-on, art-oriented events. Activities include workshops, exhibitions, open houses, studio tours, and gallery receptions. They encompass visual arts, music, culinary arts, fashion, architecture, and literary arts.
St. Mary's of the Lake Family Festival
- When: May 23rd–27th, 2024
- Where: St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church
Dubbed the "Kickoff to Summer in Southwest Michigan," St. Mary's of the Lake Family Festival is a small-town fair with carnival rides, food vendors, live music, and tons of family-friendly fun. Weather permitting, the carnival is open on Thursday from 4–10 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12–10 PM, and Memorial Day from 12–4 PM.
Maker's Trail Festival
- When: June 8th, 2024
- Where: Weko Beach
Join the local winemakers, brewers, and distillers on and around Lake Michigan at Weko Beach for one of the best summer events. At the Maker's Trail Festival, you can sample hundreds of local wines, beer, cider, and spirits (but payment is cash only — so come prepared!). There are plenty of food trucks at the event to keep you full while sampling drinks.
Tickets are $10 when bought ahead of time or $20 at the door, and kids ten and under are free.
Harbor Country Pride
- When: June 2nd–8th, 2024
- Where: Various Locations
Harbor Country Pride is a week-long event in New Buffalo and the surrounding area. It encompasses several events to celebrate Pride including Queer Markers at the Taproom, Price Open Mic Night, CommUNITY Alliance Advocacy Summit, and Singles Night.
One of the most notable events during Harbor Country Pride is GROM, a prom and graduation party for 6th–12th-grade students. This party celebrates diversity in a safe space with snacks, games, and music.
Big Gay Gallop, another popular event during Harbor Country Pride, is a family-friendly walk that also features a miniature kids' fair at Downtown Union Pier.
Three Oaks Music in the Park
- When: Saturdays from June 8th – August 31st, 2024
- Where: Dewey Canyon Park in Downtown Three Oaks
What goes better together than live music and summertime? We can't think of much!
This summer, Music in the Park is celebrating its 26th season of hosting free hour-long performances at 6:30 PM on Saturdays. The music encompasses various genres including jazz, country, pop-rock, rock 'n' roll, bluegrass, folk, and more. Some bands performing this summer include PT and the Cruisers, On the Lash, Bobby Hunt and the Day Drinkers, and more.
Outsider's Outside Art Fair
- When: August 30th – September 1st, 2024
- Where: Judith Racht Gallery
The Outsider's Outside Art Fair is celebrating its 27th year of bringing visionary folk and self-taught artists, art collectors, and art admirers together at Judith Racht's exhibition space during Labor Day Weekend.
Tickets cost $10 on Saturdays and Sundays and $25 on Fridays. The opening night tickets benefit the Michiana Humane Society and include weekend-long admission, a cash bar, food, and live music.
Apple Cider Century
- When: September 29th, 2024
- Where: Southwest Michigan
Apple Cider Century is one of the Midwest's largest and longest cycling events. The race takes place in September on the last Sunday of the month and ends in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Cyclists can choose routes 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles long, so whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a "newbie" biker, you'll find a trail that suits your abilities and skill level. The trails wind through the orchards, forests, and wine country in Southwest Michigan. Registration costs $45–75, and riders can register online.
Registration prices rise as the race gets closer, so it is smart to register as early as possible. Children under the age of 12 can participate for free when accompanied by a registered adult rider.
New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival
- When: October 12th, 2024
- Where: Downtown New Buffalo
Kick off the fall season with the highly anticipated New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival in Downtown New Buffalo! This event, hosted on Whittaker Street from 12–9 PM, offers live music and dancing, beer and wine tastings from local breweries and wineries, and fun activities for kids. There are also food trucks and a craft and farmers market, where you can shop for regional and artisan goods.
Last fall, some of the vendors at the event included Lemon Creek, Round Barn, and Tabor Hill for wineries and Haymarket and Livery for breweries. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested.
Journeyman Artisan Market
- When: November 23rd–24th, 2024
- Where: Journeyman Distillery
Journeyman Distillery welcomes local artisans on two weekends each year — the first weekend in April and the weekend before Thanksgiving — to showcase clothing, jewelry, gourmet food, home decor, art, and other handcrafted goods. Visitors can shop at the next Autumn Artisan Market at the Featherbone Factory from 10 AM – 5 PM on November 23rd–24th.
Journeyman Distillery hosts other local events in Three Oaks, like a Halloween Dance Party, Father's Day Brunch, and more.
Other Events in New Buffalo, MI, United States
New Buffalo’s annual events, like the ones listed above, are always highly anticipated by locals and visitors. While you’re visiting New Buffalo, keep your eyes peeled for other weekly and seasonal events to attend, like Music at the Park at New Buffalo Township Memorial Park and Skip’s New Buffalo European Farmers Market.
Book your stay with Third Coast Vacations today and attend one of these fun events!