8 Midwest Outdoor Events to Enjoy This Summer

8 Midwest Outdoor Events to Enjoy This Summer

Written by: Erica Zazo

Festival season has officially (and finally) arrived!

Here at Sandhill Coffee, we’re beyond excited to get out and make up for lost time at outdoor events in and around the Midwest this summer. We’re also excited to roll-up to local Chicagoland events in our new Sandhill Mobile Cafe (more info to come) and serve you drinks right from our mobile cafe window.

To help you plan your summer festival schedule, we’ve put together a list of Midwest outdoor events featuring street fairs, live music, art expos, local breweries, food vendors – and a whole lot of community.

Heads up: Sandhill Coffee will be attending, brewing, and selling coffee at all events marked with ** below.

ILLINOIS

Chicago, IL – Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 21

Price: Free

Go garden gazing at this unique street fair in Sheffield neighborhood on Chicago’s northside. Take a self-guided tour of more than 100 neighborhood gardens or buy tickets for a guided tour – led by local master gardeners and landscape experts – of some of the most beautiful home gardens in the city. This festival features beer, art, and local vendors, and all proceeds from the fest provide support for neighborhood schools, organizations and community projects in and around Sheffield.

Chicago, IL – Saturday, July 18

Price: $8 in advance / $10 at the entrance

Shop local and support small businesses when they need it most at this downtown market on Morgan St. in Chicago. The curated market gathers local and independent small businesses selling hand-made goods – like coffee (like Sandhill!), paintings and ceramics, and even hot sauce.

Lemont, IL – Saturday, June 6 & Saturday, September 26

Price: $5 at the entrance

Mable’s Market in downtown Lemont takes their shop to the street to create the most charming outdoor market around. Spilling onto Canal street from it’s shop door, visitors can shop curated goods, hand-crafted accessories, and local products in the fresh summer air. The market announces events on a rolling-basis throughout the summer, so check out the site for more event dates.

We’ll be debuting our new Sandhill Mobile Cafe at these events – so make sure you come see us!

WISCONSIN

Deerfield, WI – Sunday, September 26

Price: Free

Summer festival on an apple farm? Yes please. We highly recommend checking out Applefest at Bittersweet Blessings Farm, an heirloom apple orchard in rural Wisconsin. They’ve got apple-everything at this fest – from cold and hot cider and apple tastings to cider donuts and apple butter. This annual event is a family favorite, and after running for more than 90 years, the organizers really know how to throw a great festival.

MICHIGAN

South Haven, MI – Thursday, August 12 - Sunday, August 15

Price: Free

Blueberry lovers from around the region gather in Southwest Michigan to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of blueberries, blueberry production and agritourism. The state produces more than 100 million pounds of blueberries each year – and there’s no better place to enjoy the festivities than at South Haven’s local parks and on the downtown waterfront.

Muskegon, MI – Saturday, August 28

Price: $50 in advance / $55 at the entrance

Ditch your flip flops at Michigan’s only barefoot beer festival on the beach. Enjoy views on the lakeshore along with 70+ breweries from all around the Great Lakes and music from local artists on Pere Marquette Beach. And camping lovers can even pitch a tent nearby. Keep an eye out on the Burning Foot Beer Fest Facebook page for updates on event timing, participating breweries, and music lineups. 

Lansing, MI – Friday, September 10 - Saturday, September 11

Price: $6 at the entrance / $20 VIP ticket

Browse creations and curations of vintage and handmade goods in Lansing-based art market. 90+ artists and vintage purveyors from around the midwest gather to sell and share their creations – but you can also grab a drink or listen to music while you shop.

Pentwater, MI – Friday, September 24 - Saturday, September 25

Price: Free

Pentwater is known for its many art galleries, boutique stories, and antique shops. At this street festival, Pentwater brings its creativity to the streets with more than 100 vendors selling their crafts, artwork, and creations. Take time to walk, eat, and enjoy the music and scenes at the festival – and we’d recommend hiking or paddling in Pentwater before or after the fest.

Look for the crane and you will find the coffee!!