Jordan Wilcox
Assistant Publisher
After a short delay due to road construction, the Midwest Soda Pop Festival is back for its 16th year. On this Sunday, October 5, from noon to 4 p.m., Klassic Arcade 1.0 on M-40 will transform into a celebration of sweet nostalgia, family fun, and community spirit.
What began as a small gathering for soda enthusiasts has grown into one of Southwest Michigan’s most anticipated fall traditions. The festival invites visitors to sip their way through a wide variety of sodas, from classic colas to quirky craft flavors, all while enjoying an afternoon of music, games, and entertainment.
This year’s event promises plenty to see and do. Children can dive into activities at the kids’ corner, test their luck at music bingo, or even send a local volunteer into the splash of the dunk tank. Shoppers will find a lively craft and vendor market, where artisans and food makers display their wares. And filling the air will be the sounds of The Nikki Prince Band, bringing a live soundtrack to the day’s festivities.
The festival also holds a deeper purpose. Proceeds benefit the Big Dreamers Scholarship Fund, which awards $1,000 each to one graduate from Paw Paw and Gobles High Schools. It’s a reminder that the fizz and flavor of the event extend well beyond the soda bottles, leaving a lasting impact in the community.
For car lovers, the celebration is expanding with the Fizz & Fenders Car Meet, held alongside the festival. Drivers will roll in beginning at 11 a.m. to showcase classics, hot rods, exotics, and trucks. Spaces are limited, but the show promises to add chrome and horsepower to the festival’s fizz.
Best of all, the Midwest Soda Pop Festival remains free to attend, making it an easy destination for families looking for an afternoon outing. Organizers recommend coming early, as vendor spots and parking tend to fill quickly.
With a mix of sweet flavors, small-town charm, and the roar of engines, this year’s festival captures both the taste of tradition and the joy of community celebration. More information, including updates and vendor registration, can be found on the festival’s website − https://sodapopfest.com
