By James Windell
It’s the last holiday weekend of the summer. So, what is there to do in South Haven?
As it turns out, there is plenty to do over the four-day Labor Day weekend.
Of course, if the weather is warm and sunny, both the South Beach and the North Beach will welcome swimmers and sun bathers – albeit without lifeguards. The other five South Haven beaches as well as the boardwalk at Porter Legacy Dunes will all be available to enjoy nature and the shoreline.
Otherwise, South Haven’s Labor Day weekend is highlighted by a mix of a craft fair, racing events, live music, and beach‑season activities.
On Friday, September 4, the weekend kicks off with Labor Day Friday at Filkins Vineyards starting at noon. The free event features the PAC Pizza Food Truck, Lakuna Links Permanent Jewelry and an Elvis Tribute with artist Ron Short.
At 7:00 pm, Michael Shynes & The Long Way Home will be performing a Haven House Concert at 15720 112th Street Northwest, South Haven. Shynes is a Midwest-born singer‑songwriter known for blending folk, pop, R&B, country, and Americana.
Saturday, September 5 is highlighted by the start of the 50th Annual All Crafts Fair at Stanley Johnson Park, 202 Dyckman Ave, South Haven. More than 150 exhibitors will display their crafts throughout the park. The fair lasts through Sunday.
Starting at 2:00 pm on Saturday is Summer’s Last Splash – Labor Day Weekend Pool Party at DayDreamer Domes & Dine, 397 Blue Star Highway.
The GingerMan Raceway, 61414 CR 388, presents 24 Hours of Lemons: The Rust Belt GP. The Rust Belt GP 2026 is the South Haven stop of the 24 Hours of Lemons endurance‑racing series, held on Satrday and Sunday. It’s one of the most popular Midwest Lemons events, known for its mix of grassroots racing, comedy, and creative engineering. A weekend pass is available.
Just down the road from GingerMan Raceway is Lake Arvesta Farms where at 6:00 pm on Saturday, the Resurrection Blues Band will perform in concert. A Southwest Michigan blues‑rock trio known for high‑energy live shows and award‑winning musicianship, the Resurrection Blues Band is a modern, genre‑crossing take on electric blues.
The All Crafts Fair continues on Sunday, September 6, but before you go there’s two breakfasts to choose from. South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) holds their annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:00 am at their Blue Star Station, 90 Blue Star Highway, South Haven. And the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is being served at the American Legion Post 49, 129 Michigan Ave., South Haven from 8:00 am to noon.
There is also an opportunity to breathe, stretch, and flow with the rhythm of Lake Michigan when Bend Yoga meets on North Beach at 9:00 am. No advance registration is needed to participate. Over at DayDreamer Domes, there is Goat Yoga at 10:00 am.
In the afternoon there’s live music and food at Cogdale Vineyards, 7143 107th Ave, when Pieces of Work performs at 1:00 pm. Pieces of Work is a West Michigan cover/party band known for classic rock, blues‑rock, and upbeat bar‑friendly sets.
To top off the day, go to Kruger Comics, 1210 Phoenix, Unit 6, South Haven for Dungeons & Dragons: The Adventure Academy is from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Rounding out your Labor Day weekend, on Monday, September 7, it’s a chance to wind down and explore nature and the great outdoors. Ride a bike or hike on the Kal-Haven Trail, rent a kayak, or go on a fishing trip or cruise Lake Michigan through one of the charter companies on the Black River.
