There will be plenty to do around Southwest Michigan for the Fourth of July this year, whether you’re looking for a fireworks show, food, music, or just a party.
Starting with fireworks, there will be four big displays on Thursday night, July 3. They’re in St. Joseph, South Haven, New Buffalo, and Baroda. Donny Johnson is the assistant fire chief in Baroda and tells us they’re asking people not to park in the big field until 11 a.m. that day. Also, Johnson says they do need to raise money for the fireworks next year.
“To park in the field, there is going to be a $10 fee to get in to park in the field as well,” Johnson said. “I think we tried that last year as well and we were able to raise enough money and have some extra to help start paying for the next year’s fireworks.”
Johnson says volunteers collected money out on a couple of street corners over two days a few weeks ago, and they raised more than $4,000. So, he says the community sure loves the show.
Meanwhile, the fireworks shows in St. Joseph, New Buffalo, and South Haven will all start at the same time as Baroda’s, at dusk.
Other Independence Day activities around Southwest Michigan this week include “Cheers to Reds, Whites and Brews” at Round Barn Brewery in Baroda on Thursday, the July 4 South Haven Parade on Friday at 11 a.m., the Juried Art Fair in Stanley Johnston Park in South Haven Saturday and Sunday, and live music, farmers markets, creative workshops, and lighthouse tours all weekend in St. Joseph.
The city of Watervliet holds an Independence Day celebration all day on Friday, and in Berrien Springs, it’s Pickle Festival time on Friday.
Below is a list of activities this week and links to learn more:
Baroda — July 3
- Cheers to Reds, Whites and Brews at Round Barn Brewery public house: live music (6:30–9:30 pm), BBQ dinner, and fireworks at dusk. ourmidland.com+15swmichigan.org+15juniperholidayandhome.com+15
- Baroda Fire Department Fireworks, on-site at the beer garden. wsbt.com+1swmichigan.org+1
South Haven — July 3–5
- Light Up the Lake Fireworks, July 3 at dusk.
- July 4 South Haven Parade down Kalamazoo/Phoenix Streets at 11 am.
- Juried Art Fair in Stanley Johnston Park on July 5–6, plus ongoing live music and markets. ourmidland.com+11southhaven.org+11manisteenews.com+11
St. Joseph / Benton Harbor — July 2–6
- Live music, farmers markets, creative workshops, lighthouse tours, and a fireworks display in St. Joseph Thursday, July 3rd at 10pm.
- . stjoetoday.com+1swmichigan.org+1
Watervliet Independence Day Celebration (City of Watervliet)
Friday, July 4, 2025 – All day
- “4th of July Celebration” event running from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with various activities throughout the day.
- Airport Fly-In and Festival July 4-6 at Watervliet Airport
Berrien Springs — July 4
- Pickle Festival (10 am–3 pm) with vendor alley, Big Wheel races, pickled piper tastings, contests, dunk tank. swmichigan.org
- Fireworks at Berrien Springs Youth Fairgrounds, dusk. shorelinevisitorsguide.com+6swmichigan.org+6michigan.org+6
Benton Harbor — July 3 & 10
- Karaoke Night at The Livery Brewery starting 7 pm. swmichigan.org
Sister Lakes / Dowagiac — July 3 & 10
- Trivia Night at Sister Lakes Brewing Co. swmichigan.org
Eden Springs Park (Benton Harbor) — July 5–6
- Miniature Train Rides on historic House of David engines, 1–5 pm, $3/adult, kids under 3 free. michigan.org+15swmichigan.org+15swmichigan.org+15
Local Tips & Extras
- South Haven Farm Market is open Saturdays & Wednesdays.
- Warner Vineyards live music through summer.
- Lake Arvesta Summer Concerts ongoing. ourmidland.com+2southhaven.org+2ourmidland.com+2
- Light Up the Lake Festival in South Haven is one of the top July 4 displays statewide. ourmidland.com
