Sizzlin' Summer Nights Scheduled for End of August

Aug. 27, Island Night, 6-11 p.m.

Nearby Lake Michigan will set the stage for jamming and dancing to live and DJ music by Waverland. This West Michigan band is renowned for putting everyone in an island vacation state-of-mind with its mix of Caribbean ease and infectious dance beats. Cash bar and snacks available. Cover charge: $5 per person. 18 & Over.

Aug. 28, Swing Dance Night,
7-11 p.m.

Southwestern Michigan will rediscover why hundreds are pouring into the streets and onto ballroom floors in cities and on campuses across the country with the revitalization of swing dancing. The 18-piece Tom Milo Big Band will create summer memories in Shadowland’s elegant ballroom. Swing dancing lessons from 7-8 p.m.; dancing from 8-11 p.m. Cash bar and refreshments available. Cover charge: $10. 18 & Over.

And for more fun!

Throughout the weekend families can also ride the hand-carved Silver Beach Carousel, explore learning activities at the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, tour the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum or splash outdoors in the interactive Whirlpool Compass Fountain. And this is weekend is one of the last opportunities in Southwestern Michigan to see the traveling, internationally acclaimed Grossology® exhibit – The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body –included with admission to Curious Kids Discovery Zone through the Sunday before Labor Day (Sept. 5). It is entertaining hands-on education for toddlers through teens.

Chill Out at Shadowland during Venetian Weekend

It's time for the Venetian Festival in St. Joseph Michigan! Join us on Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, at the Silver Beach Center and chill out in the Shadowland Ballroom. The A/C and beachy atmosphere will provide you with perfect place to stop in and relax while taking in all that the festival has to offer. Beverages including beer, wine, pop and water will be available for purchase. Hours of operation are noon-10 p.m. on both days.

The Silver Beach Carousel will also be open during the entire Venetian Festival and the Curious Kids' Discovery Zone will be open their regular hours (Thurs 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri/Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun noon-5 p.m.).

Fun-packed Week Planned at Silver Beach Center, June 21-27

Concerts, Family Entertainment and Special Events Mark Founders’ Week Celebration

In 1891, two boat owners had an amusing idea ... and now you can celebrate their fun-loving spirit all week long.

Please join us during our first annual Founders' Week, June 21-27. This special week will be jam-packed with all sorts of fun that includes concerts, family entertainment and special events. The Silver Beach Center is located at 333 Broad St. in St. Joseph, Michigan. For a complete schedule of events see below. For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Founders’ Week Schedule of Events

June 21: Watch the beautiful weathervane go up on the Silver Beach Carousel roof. Installation is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Carousel from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Visitors who donate $1 to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen will receive two tokens. Limit one promotion per guest. Doughnuts and beverages will be served. Carousel rides are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June 22: Kiddies Day. Families can participate in games, take photos with Splash the Silver Beach Center mascot, listen to balloon storytelling by Michigan’s most famous professional stilt walker, eat hot dogs and enjoy special deals throughout the day. Storytelling times are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carousel rides are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June 23: PS Dump Your Boyfriend Live Music Concert. The evening’s live rock music and crazy fun starts at 6:30 p.m. A concert ticket is $10. Snacks and cash bar will be available. Carousel rides are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June 24: See the Sand Pirate sculpt an amazing sand masterpiece throughout the day. Located under the shade of a tent, this artist will begin her work at noon. Stop by, see her creation and ask questions about her work. Carousel rides are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June 25: Get the Hottest Ticket in Town! Five Emprees return to Silver Beach for a live show and dance. DJ “Rockin’ Randy” Poole starts the night off at 7 p.m. Ticket price is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Carousel rides are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Click here for more info about this event.

June 26: Beach Ball Mania. Bounce beach balls in the interactive Whirlpool Compass Fountain. See the LiveStatue perform on the Silver Beach Center boardwalk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take photos with Splash the Silver Beach Center mascot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ride the carousel and listen to the new band organ play favorite tunes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

June 27: Founders’ Brunch. Join the community in honoring the Drake family. Brunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. There will also be a presentation by “Silver Sands and Golden Memories” author Daryl Schlender. Tickets are $15 each in advance only and may be purchased at the Silver Beach Center admission desk. Visitors can also ride the carousel from noon to 10 p.m.