Between the cherry festival in Traverse City, tulip festival in Holland, and the South Haven blueberry festival, it’s safe to say that Michiganders love their celebrations. The National Blueberry Festival is held during the second week of August every year in the city of South Haven, Michigan. Approximately 50,000 people come from all over the country for the small town atmosphere, gorgeous beaches, and, of course, the blueberries.
Origins of the South Haven Blueberry Festival
It’s important to note that there are multiple blueberry festivals in the Midwest alone, but no one does it quite like South Haven. The first blueberry festival occurred in 1963 to celebrate South Haven as the top county in the nation for the production of highbush blueberries. Since then, the festival has continued annually and events were added to keep up with growing demand and popularity.
What to do at the South Haven Blueberry Festival
Check Out the Festival’s Activities
Activities during the Blueberry Festival include a blueberry pie eating contest, parade, live music, a 5K run/walk, and a craft fair. You can view this year’s schedule and register for each fun event here.
Go to the Local Farmer’s Market
Between fresh fruits and veggies of all kinds, personal bouquets, preservative-free bread, and all natural soaps, the farmer’s market in South Haven is a great morning activity for the whole family. It’s open for visitors on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8am to 2pm.
Explore Nearby Blueberry Farms
There are numerous blueberry farms in South Haven and the Southwest Michigan area. If you’d like an adventure, you can explore some of the blueberry farms that are towards the eastside of the state, or in the Upper Peninsula. Lucky for you, we identified six blueberry farms in Michigan that are definitely worth a visit in this blog, including Bumbleberry Acres in South Haven. At Bumbleberry Acres, families can enjoy picking their own blueberries, a petting zoo, and the market with fresh baked blueberry pastries.
Venture to Other Small Town Gems
Michigan has a treasure trove of small towns that are wonderful places to spend a day or a weekend. A few small towns close to South Haven include Saugatuck, St. Joseph, and Grand Haven. From delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurants to sandy beaches, there’s plenty to do around South Haven. If you happen to venture to Saugatuck or Holland, pay a visit to our tasting room or distillery to try some Farm Stand Cider.
Attending the South Haven Blueberry Festival is a bucket list-worthy activity. This year, the festival runs from August 8 to August 11. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and your appetite. We hope to see you there!
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