St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 18-20. The weekend kicks off with the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 18 from 4:00p-8:00p in downtown St. Joe. Step back in time and enjoy over 150 vintage cars lined up along Lake Boulevard as DJ Mark Durocher spins classic hits.
Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1:00p on Friday, July 19. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p (entrance may close before 4:00p if all spaces are filled). Please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. After parking, all participants are asked to register the day of the event between 2:00p-6:00p at the St. Joe Today and Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street.
For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union. Special thanks to the Southwestern Michigan Car Collectors.
The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is dedicated to the memory of St. Joseph businessman Mike Yore, the originator of a downtown classic car show and one of the founders of the legendary Venetian Festival on the St. Joseph River more than 45 years ago. Yore also was one of the first personal watercraft dealers in the area when the devices were invented in the 70s. Mike Yore was always on the ‘cutting edge’ of whatever people were doing to create family fun.
The Car Show is just the beginning of this celebratory weekend, as visitors and residents alike can enjoy extended shopping hours, featured menu items, and other area specials throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest. “There’s something for everyone during Love Local Weekends,” says Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. “It’s a joy to see downtown come alive with residents and visitors alike!” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list of special offers throughout the weekend! Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Silver Harbor Brewing.
The July Love Local Weekend also marks the return of the Friday Night Concert Series. This free, hour-long concert series will be held weekly at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell from 7:00p-8:00p, July 18-August 29. The concert on Friday, July 18 will feature Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (Jazz).
Visit stjoetoday.com/fridaynightconcerts for a complete schedule. This series is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and United Way of Southwest Michigan.
On Saturday, July 19 market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly Farmers Market held from 9:00a-2:00p, in scenic Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph. Shoppers will enjoy a Love Local Weekend special, vendors will be handing out a limited number of free 2025 season market tote bags! For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket. The St. Joe Farmers Market is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Culver’s of Stevensville, NOBO, Renaissance Athletic Club and Third Coast Paddling.
The downtown fun continues on the bluff with the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair, held from 10:00a-5:00p. This eclectic craft fair features over 50 vendors and has a little something for everyone! For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/artisanfair. While you stroll the bluff, swing by the Krasl Art Center (KAC) for their Summer Art Market on the Green from 10:00a-5:00p to shop more local artisans on the KAC grounds. KAC has indoor and outdoor exhibitions on view during their event.
Additional Saturday fun can be found at the St. Joe Lighthouse, located on the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach! Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free, or buy a ticket to climb to the top for amazing panoramic views! It’s just $5/person to climb. Tickets are cash only at the lighthouse (day of), or stop in the Welcome Center in advance. Explore the St. Joe Lighthouse weekly on Saturdays only, from 10:00a-7:00p! Looking for more history? Join us every Saturday at 10:00a for a free, guided walking tour. Visit stjoetoday.com/lighthouse for more information.
On Sunday, July 20, the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7:00p. According to Knapp, “Love Local is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in downtown St. Joseph and discover all the wonderful experiences our beautiful town provides. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic fountain, the sandy beach, the historic lighthouse, or the vibrant scene of restaurants, breweries, wineries, and concerts, St. Joseph has an appeal for everyone.”
Take a SJ Lighthouse Tour on ‘Love Local Weekend’
