4th of July on the West Michigan Coast

 

Happy (almost) Fourth of July! Since it is one of our favorite holidays, we have compiled a list for you and your family to tackle the holiday in style – all the way up and down the West Michigan Coast. Read along so you can plan ahead!

Holland:

Butch’s 3rd of July BBQ

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Butch’s Dry Dock

Cost: (A very Patriotic) $17.76 per plate

Chef Ryan of Butch’s Dry Dock will be firing up the grill and serving a special holiday BBQ menu. Each plate includes a choice of mouthwatering BBQ protein, two sides, and a sweet treat to top it all off. Also featured: $4 frozen drinks! This special menu will take place on the deck and pub only, reservations encouraged but not required. Spend your evening at Butch’s, celebrating freedom and good food! 

2019 Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast 

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:00am – 10:00am

Where: Graafschap Fire Department

Cost: $5 for Adults, $2 for kids

Start off your 4th of July celebrations getting served pancakes! Firefighters will be serving pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee, and juice. This is also a great photo op: several firetrucks will be on display, so you can document your future firefighters!

Downtown Holland’s Fourth of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where:  Downtown Holland – 8th Street

Cost: Free!

Spend your evening on the streets of Downtown Holland and take in over 30 street performers for free! Expect to see a little bit of everything: musicians, jugglers, aerial acrobats, dancers, magicians, and more. A bonus – if you wear red, white, or blue, you can receive 20% off one item at participating businesses, just follow the balloons for big savings! Check here to see which of your favorite Downtown Holland Businesses will be open for the 4th!

Independence Day Celebration Freedom & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Where: Kollen Park

Cost: Free!

Fireworks start at 10:25

A family-friendly event, bring your kids to Kollen Park for games, vendors, live music, and even a live martial arts demonstration. With plenty of food booths to choose from, nestle in at 10:25 for fireworks at dusk over Lake Macatawa, complete with live music accompanying. This event will guarantee to leave you feeling patriotic – and impressed.

Grand Haven:

Grand Haven 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019

Where: Downtown Grand Haven

Cost: Free!

Experience 4th of July in one of Michigan’s most-loved beach towns! The 4th of July parade runs from 8:30am – 11:30 am, and then spend the day walking around Downtown Grand Haven and on the Public Beach! Round out the day with a highly patriotic fireworks show, beginning at 10:00pm.

South Haven:

South Haven 4th of July Parade

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am -12:30pm

Where: Downtown South Haven, Phoenix Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the community of South Haven! This year’s parade will be a particularly special event, celebrating the 170th anniversary of this particular parade. You’re not going to want to miss it!

South Haven Light Up the Lake – Fireworks

When: July 3rd, 2019, 10:30pm – 11:15pm

Where: Riverfront Park – at the Southside Marina, Water Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Take in some of the best fireworks on the coast the night before the holiday even begins! The show begins at dusk, and can be seen from Riverfront Park, as well as North & South Beaches. An added bonus: coordinating music will be available through Cosy 103.7! Tune in and make the most of your night.

Saugatuck/Douglas:

Saugatuck-Douglas 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Coghlin Park – Culver Street Saugatuck

Cost: Free Admission!

Spend your 4th of July on the Art Coast of Michigan! Activities abound all day: grab a bite at the food trucks and beverage tent from 2:00-3:00pm, take in the parade through downtown Saugatuck, and settle in for the fireworks show, starting at dusk. The Waterfront Festival is a family friendly event, complete with music, food, children’s activities, and more, beginning at noon.

Muskegon/Ludington:

Fireworks On Deck 

When: July 4th, 2019, Dusk

Where: Muskegon Lake

Cost: Free!

Enjoy the fireworks show aboard the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, considered to be the “best seat in the house.” This display over Muskegon Lake is truly unlike any other. This World War II landing ship is located at the Mart Dock in Downtown Muskegon, just yards from where the fireworks will be going off.

St. Joseph/New Buffalo:

Reds, Whites, and Brews 

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am – 6:00pm

Where: 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, MI 49101

Cost: $5 admission

Celebrate the 4th of July by sipping on craft cocktails, wine, and cold brews with fun tunes in the background.

Live Music Lineup:

1:00pm – 3:30pm: J R Clark and the All Star Blues Mob

4:00pm – 6:30pm: Risque band

Independence Day Concert:

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Where: Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park

Cost: Free!

Gates open at 5:30 for a night of music, food, drink, and fun! Van Dyke Revue takes the stage at 6, SMSO Concert begins at 9, and round out the evening with fireworks at 10, accompanied by some of our patriotic favorites. Gather around a picnic table or stretch out on a blanket, and take in the best that summertime has to offer.

Tulip Time: Fast Facts

Local or not, the annual Tulip Time Festival here in Holland, Michigan is an event you’re not going to want to miss. This nine-day festival celebrates everything Dutch, and visitors experience vibrant parades, colorful blooming tulips, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

To add even more excitement into the mix, Tulip Time has been voted one of the Top 10 Best Small Town Festivals. Read along with some of these fun facts about our small town and it’s big party:

Did you know: Holland boasts over 5 million tulips during our festival. Tulips are located in city parks, public attractions and parks, and along our streets! This year, you can even Ask Alexa to track the tulip bloom for you, to keep up with every bulb this year.

The average time spent at Tulip Time for all visitors is 2.67 days. That time could be spent watching the parades, checking out the tulips on Windmill Island, or shopping and eating at Downtown Holland’s very best shops and restaurants.

There are 3 main parades that take place on 8th street. Volksparade comes first, otherwise known as the “People’s Parade.” Kinderparade is on May 9th, and features local school children dressed in their Dutch Best. Lastly, the Muzikparade, performed by marching bands and Holland’s best musicians (did you know: you can stream the parade from wherever you are! Click here to check out your options).

The average rating for visitors of Tulip Time is 9.10 – That means guests are very likely to recommend visiting Tulip Time to others! We are firm believers that it is impossible to have a bad time at the Festival, and this report from Hope College proves it!

At the end of it all: you can take home some bulbs for yourself! Take a piece of Dutch Heritage home with you, buy your own at Nelis’ Dutch Village, Veldheer Tulip Garden, and Windmill Island Gardens.

 

The Tulip Time festival is the pride and joy of our town, and we want you to experience all of it! Check out the full schedule here so you don’t miss a thing.

If Tulip Time is on your schedule this year, stop by and say hi!  We’re located right downtown on 8th street, and we’d love to chat about all the things we love about Holland with you!

 

Holiday Events in Downtown Holland

If the first snowfall didn’t tip you off, the holiday season is upon us! We are looking forward to another exciting season, especially here in Downtown Holland. The decorations are up, lights are lining 8th Street, and we’re ready for all the festive fun in store.

This November and December, the Downtown Holland Principal Shopping District will be hosting special holiday events, available for anyone to attend! Mark your calendars and make sure you share with your friends!

Holland Shop ’Til You Drop

Get your holiday shopping off to an early start with the Shop ’Til You Drop late night shopping event on November 10. Participating merchants will be offering discounts of:
20% off from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
25% off from 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
30% off from 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Stay up late, shop the night away and save big on all of your holiday gifts this year! (Discounted merchandise will vary by store, but will include a discount off at least one item.)

Holiday Open House

On Saturday, November 17, Downtown Holland hosts the annual Holiday Open House from 5 pm – 8 pm! Attendees are invited to stroll the decorated sidewalks and enjoy complimentary refreshments and free gift wrapping in stores while shopping for holiday gifts. The event also features singing carolers, chestnut roasting, a strolling Santa Claus and a reindeer petting corral. The Holiday Open House concludes at 8:00 pm with a tree lighting ceremony in GDK Park.

Small Business Saturday

Join us in supporting our local Downtown Holland businesses on Small Business Saturday on November 24! Participating business will be offering fun giveaways, special promotions and more all day long. And be sure to enter the Small Business Saturday Selfie Contest. Just post a selfie of yourself shopping in Downtown Holland on Small Business Saturday for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Downtown Holland business of your choice. The winner will be selected at random and announced on Monday, November 27.

Parade of Lights

The annual Downtown Holland Parade of Lights will roll down 8th Street on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30pm. During the parade, Santa arrives in Downtown Holland escorted by bands, floats, trucks and more…all decked out in thousands of sparkling holiday lights! The parade begins at the corner of 8th Street and Columbia Avenue and travels west down 8th Street until it reaches the Holland Civic Center Place, home of the Holiday Kersmarkt. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa and his reindeer will take time to greet their fans…young and old alike!

Up on the Rooftops

During Up On The Rooftops, you’re invited to experience an exclusive tour of Downtown Holland’s rarely seen second story…and a few secret gems! Enjoy an elegant dessert reception at the beautiful Fifth Third Bank building on 8th Street either before or after this self-guided tour of homes and offices in the historic buildings of Downtown Holland, all decorated for the holidays by a Downtown business. Tickets are $25 each and are available online at www.upontherooftops.com and can be reserved in the Downtown Holland office at 150 West 8th Street the following Monday.

Shopping Jam

Shop early, come as you are, and save big at Downtown Holland’s annual Shopping Jam! Participating businesses will open early for this special event. From 8:00 am to 9:00 am save 30% off at least one item and from 9:00 am to 10:00 am save 25% off at least one item. For more details on the Shopping Jam, click here!

 

 

Featured Listing | Private Custom-Built Lakeside Cottage

Pairing peaceful surroundings with the excitement of life on the water, this lakeside home debuting to the market is a stunning retreat. Look further into this custom-built home.

exclusive home

1733 Forest Cove Trail, Allegan, MI| $1,350,000

Crafted to the highest standard by Mike Schaap Builders with the accompanying custom millwork of Benchmark Wood Studio, this sophisticated cottage welcomes visitors down a private drive to this exclusive property. Nestled on all sports Lake Allegan, water enthusiasts will take full advantage of the dock with hydraulic boat lift and enjoying wakeboarding, skiing, tubing and more on the refreshing waters.

Lake Allegan

Step inside to an expansive living room, boasting flooring, an ultra-grand ceiling comprised of Alder, complimenting the home’s rustic yet luxurious design. Light a fire in the gas-started wood burning fireplace, as the hues flicker off of the real stonework. Settle into a good book or simply relax and soak up the waterfront views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, as the surrounding landscape of towering evergreens and mature hardwoods nod to the year-round enjoyment.

rustic cottage living room

Your culinary creations will come to life in the intricately-designed kitchen, featuring granite countertops, Cherry island top, and solid Cherry doors. Elevated with three dishwasher drawers, Limestone flooring, and professional series appliances, even the most experienced chef has the proper tools at their disposal. Everyone will have a seat in the dining room, while smaller meals can be enjoyed at the kitchen’s savvy custom built banquette.

luxury kitchen

The convenient bar makes entertaining a breeze with its ice maker and two refrigerated drawers, while surround sound throughout the great room, master suite, and kitchen, as well as the screened in hot tub porch, presents the utmost opportunity for relaxation.

built-in hot tub

Host overnight guests in the multiple main floor en-suites all boasting custom-built bedroom furniture or downstairs in the bunk room featuring 10 beds. The finished basement offers extra space for all your guests’ recreational and gaming desires while you retire to your peaceful main level master suite.

rustic master bedroom suite

An oversized three-stall garage hosts custom storage cabinetry to stow belongings away. Give your beloved family and friends their own private retreat in the garage’s fully-finished upstairs guest apartment, boasting two bedrooms and baths, a full kitchen, and laundry.

deluxe garage apartment

An incomparable escape from the every day, this tranquil retreat is designed for those seeking an inspired lifestyle. Built with regards to privacy, luxury, and comfort, this waterfront cottage serves as a year-round home or charming getaway, harboring your memories for years to come.


Eager to see this beauty in person? Contact us for a tour today.

Featured Listing | Lake Michigan Waterfront Masterpiece

Dreaming of an entirely unique Lake Michigan beach home? Look no further than this inspired oasis, providing a private lifestyle situated near South Haven’s quaint downtown. Take a look into this contemporary beach home where luxury abounds.

Lake Michigan beach house

77280 South Beach Drive, South Haven, MI| $2,495,000

Whether you seek an inviting lakeshore home for entertaining friends and family, or a peaceful environment to soak in the summer sun, this custom-built retreat is your escape from the every day.

South Haven homes for sale

The main level makes entertaining a breeze with a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining, hearth room and living room. The covered patio is ready for an afternoon BBQ, with a sprawling lawn opening up to the beach below.

hearth room

The impressive trim details, including inlaid ceilings and classic built-ins, complement the refreshing coastal flair and underscores the meticulous construction of Mike Schaap Builders.

luxurious master suite

Reserved for rest and relaxation, the upper level provides accommodations for overnight guests, as well as a majestic master suite. Opening up to the deck, enjoy morning coffee or an evening sunset over the water.

Lake Michigan views

Awake to the calming sound of the waves. Waterfront amenities abound, including a beach bathroom and outdoor shower to keep sand at bay.

lakefront patio

Spend all your days on the shore of Lake Michigan or take a short bike ride into downtown South Haven, a hub of fine dining, shops and more. From morning until dusk, your lakefront residence will house your Lake Michigan memories for years to come.


Ready for an in-person tour? Contact Josi Van Horn today.

 

August in West Michigan: What to Do

It’s officially August (we can’t believe it, either) but that doesn’t mean the summer is over. In fact, it’s far from it! Take advantage of the remaining sunny summer days with some great West Michigan events.

Holland

Holland

Aug 2 –Downtown Holland Street Performers

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5 – Outdoor Community Yoga

Aug 7

Aug 8

Aug 9 – Downtown Holland Street Performers

Aug 10-11 – Downtown Holland Sidewalk Sales

Aug 11

Aug 13 – Bike Holland 2018

Aug 15 – Farmer’s Market

Aug 16

Aug 18

Aug 23 – Downtown Holland Street Performers

Aug 29 – Farmer’s Market

Aug 30 – Downtown Holland Street Performers


Saugatuck

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 7

Aug 9

Aug 10

Aug 11

Aug 16 – Annual Sidewalk Sale

Aug 17

Aug 21

Mysteries of Walker’s Landing

Aug 25

Aug 26


Downtown South Haven

South Haven

Aug 2 – Riverfront Concert Series

Aug 4 – Comedy Night at Black River Tavern

Aug 9-12 – National Blueberry Festival

Aug 18

Aug 25 – South Haven Triathalon

Aug 29 – Maritime Music Concert Series

Aug 31 – Concert by Rhonda Larson


Grand Haven

Grand Haven

Aug 2-4 Coast Guard Festival

Aug 4

Aug 6 – Michigan Pirate Festival

Aug 7

Aug 8

Aug 9

Aug 11

Aug 12

Aug 16 – Pere Marquette 1223 Ice Cream Social

Aug 17 – Sidewalk Sales

Aug 18 – Art on the Riverfront

Aug 19 – Ralston Bowles Concert at Camp Blodgett

Aug 21 – Spring Lake Bike Ride/Run/Walk Meet-Up

Aug 22 – Kiwanis Circus

Aug 23 – Performances @The Block: Alexander Zonjic & Friends


Know of an event we may have missed? Leave it in the comments so we can add it to our list!

 

Featured Listing | Harmonious Lake Michigan Retreat

Enjoying your morning coffee with an exclusive view of Lake Michigan, days spent on your private beachfront, and evenings admiring a painted nighttime sky…this waterfront home was made for a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Glimpse into this remarkable lakeshore paradise.

Lake Michigan home

384 N Lakeshore Drive, Holland, MI| $1,699,000

A private, wood-lined drive leads to your Lake Michigan residence that comes complete with a charming interior. Sit by the wood-burning fireplace and take in a captivating view of the water below as sunlight beams in from the large windows. Maple flooring extends from the living room to the kitchen.

fireplace

Ready for your culinary creations, the kitchen is designed with large island, plenty of storage, and boasts Wolf double ovens and range. Store the makings of a delicious meal in the SubZero Pro refrigerator that compliments the Cherry cabinetry.

luxurious kitchen

Invite friends and family over for game night, choose your favorite film to watch in the theater area, or grab a bottle of wine from the cellar to sip outdoors on the lakeside deck.

home theater

Incomparable Details

A drive and walk snowmelt system keeps paths clear year-round, making maintenance a breeze. Find your way to the separate carriage house that includes beach bath, ideal for water toy storage, a private office, or overflow space. The heated garage comes complete with Epoxy flooring and dog wash.

outdoor storage

Toast to Your Lakeshore Home

Your lakeshore paradise is situated on Holland’s treasured Gold Coast. An easy, low bluff is all that separates you from your exclusive waterfront beach, ready for long days on spent on the water. Whether relaxing indoors or out, this home is certain to highlight the harmonious lifestyle Lake Michigan boasts.

lakeside deck


Ready to make this lakeshore paradise your permanent address? Contact Josi Van Horn today!

 

 

Featured Listing | Charming Lakefront Home

If you desire peaceful surroundings, a calm lakefront, and long summer days spent relaxing on the deck or nights spent around the campfire, this charming Christie Lake cottage is made for you. Take a look inside this inspired lakeshore getaway.

Christie Lake

48349 Howard Drive, Lawrence, MI| $535,000

Invite your friends and family over for a day spent on the water! With an open-concept living room and kitchen, you have space to prep a meal or simply relax on the couch, all while natural light streams in from the surrounding windows.

Living Room

Inviting Bedrooms

Retire to any of the four bedrooms, including harmonious master suite with wood paneling. Separate living quarters are featured on the lower level, creating a private retreat for guests.

Lakeshore cottage

Picturesque Landscape

The cottage comes with 75′ of frontage on all-sports Christie Lake, ideal for swimming, boating, and jet skiing, with your exclusive sandy beachfront included. Take in a panoramic view of the blue waters from the patio or deck while enjoying a glass of wine, admiring your peaceful lakefront oasis.

lakeshore deck


Ready to make this waterfront cottage your own? Contact Donna Wilkens today!

 

Featured Listing | Coastal Elegance on the Shores of Lake Michigan

Your exclusive Lake Michigan home awaits you at this well-appointed custom-built beach house. Boasting luxurious details, including wine cellar, custom cabinetry and built-ins throughout, European White Oak hardwood flooring, and a lakeside Ipe deck, this remarkable beach home is your waterfront oasis.

Get a glimpse into this exclusive offering on Lake Michigan’s crystal blue waters or experience it for yourself – contact Josi to schedule a tour today.

 

2018 Fourth of July Fireworks: West Michigan

While the Fourth of July may fall midweek this year, fireworks will still be in full effect! Below, we’ve rounded up West Michigan’s fireworks schedule from communities around the area, so you can plan ahead!

ALLEGAN COUNTY

BARRY COUNTY

BERRIEN COUNTY

BRANCH COUNTY

CALHOUN COUNTY

IONIA COUNTY

  • Ionia | July 3, at dusk

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

KENT COUNTY

MASON COUNTY

MUSKEGON COUNTY

NEWAYGO COUNTY

OCEANA COUNTY

OTTAWA COUNTY

VAN BUREN COUNTY


Don’t see your favorite firework display listed? Comment below so we can add it to our list!