Need a break from your busy schedule? Head to the lakeshore! It may be a bit chillier these days but the fun keeps on rolling. Check out some of the fun things happening in South Haven and Saugatuck this off-season! Need a place to stay? Find out which properties are still available here.
South Haven
The Haunted Steamship Oct. 18th- 29th | 10am-4pm
It’s time to get spooky! Check out the haunting new makeover the Golden Age of Great Lakes Passenger Steamship exhibit is getting. The eerie decor is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
Fall Festival Oct. 21st & 28th | 9am
Head to the Kal-Haven Outpost for a spooky weekend of fun! The festival kicks off both Saturday, October 21st and 28th at 9am with the store opening and a free Witches Brew (coffee). Throughout the day there will be plenty of fall fun. There will be a costume bike parade, trunk-or-treat, a bags tournament, live music, a community bonfire, and more!
South Haven Boo Bash Oct. 28th | 12pm-8pm
Get ready for thrills, chills, and laughs at the Huron Street Pavillion! With food trucks, spooky crafts, music, a pet costume contest, and lots more, there will be plenty of spooky fun at the Boo Bash to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Glow Night in the Maze/ Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 28th | 6pm-10pm
Looking for some non-scary fun? Glow Night is the event for you! Midnight Motion Car Club will be there with their Trunk-or-Treat Car Show. There will be a non-scary corn maze, concessions including apple cider, and more!
Shop Til’ You Drop Around The World In SoHa Nov. 11th | 10am-6pm
Head downtown with a friend or two and hit the sales! Each participating business will highlight a country from around the world. It’ll be a great day of shopping, food, and specials.
Holiday in the Park Nov. 24th
South Haven’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place in Dyckman Park. Activities will include free photos with Santa, s’mores around the firepit, a parade, and more!
Hotel Nichols Murder Mystery Event Dec. 30th | 6pm
“It’s the most wonderful crime of the year”! Last year was nearly sold out so get your tickets early for the murder mystery! Hors d’Oeuvers and drinks will be served at 6pm with the mystery starting at 7pm. Tickets are $60.
New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31st
Ring in 2024 in South Haven! Featuring ice skating, warming stations, dancing with the DJ and more, the New Year’s Eve celebration will be fun for any age! Don’t forget about the fireworks at midnight and the 1,000 beach balls that will drop in the city’s center.
Saugatuck/Douglas
Pop-Up on the Porches Oct. 21st | 1pm-5pm
Featuring local and regional artists working in various media, Pop-Up on the Porches is a great chance to enjoy original work. Artwork will be available for purchase.
Halloween Candlelight Concert Oct. 26th | 7pm
For a thrilling collage of voices and instruments, you won’t want to miss this concert! Featured performers include Bob Ruddy on the organ, the Lakeshore Community Chorus, Kristyn Boyce on the piano, and Kristie Nogeura on the violin. This event is a fundraiser for the First Congregational Church of Saugatuck.
Hauntings and History Nights at Felt Mansion Oct. 27th-29th | 7:00pm, 8:30pm, 10:00pm
Venture into the realm of the unknown if you dare! Journey through time as those who personally confronted the mysteries and hear about the estate’s rich history. You’ll also have the chance to explore the estate’s hidden corners during a 60 minute self-guided tour. Tickets are required.
Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults Oct. 28th | 10pm
Head to Downtown Saugatuck to take in the extravaganza of creativity in costuming and performing arts. Make sure to get to downtown early to do some shopping and enjoy some music from DJ Eddie. The parade lines up at 9pm and kicks off at 10pm.
Winter’s Eve Market Nov. 3rd | 4:30pm-8:30pm
Stroll through the booths featuring creatives from local artists! Featuring houseware, decor, hand-crafted wearables, and more, this is a shopping experience you don’t want to miss. Make sure to grab a cocktail (if you’re of age) to sip on while shopping.
Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run Nov. 18th | 10:30am
Bring your dog, family, and friends for a fun run! Or if running isn’t your thing, come out to support the community, the Saugatuck Douglas Rotary, and the 2024 Saugatuck Venetian Fest.
Saugatuck Christmas Parade and Cookie Decorating Dec. 2nd |1pm
What better way to kickoff the holiday season than with a parade? The Christmas parade lines up in front of Wicks Park and kicks off at 1pm. After the parade, head to Santa’s Workshop to decorate some cookies!
Holiday Artisan Market Dec. 16th | 11am-6pm
Featuring over 15 artisans throughout the indoor patio space and tasting room, the artisan market is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping while supporting local artists and businesses!
