Inaugural Summer Programming Season At Canal Commons
Cornerstone Alliance Launches Inaugural Summer Programming Season At Canal Commons, Kicks Off June 25
New Lineup of Weekly and Special Events Brings Fitness, Food, Families, and Live Music to Benton Harbor Waterfront
Cornerstone Alliance is launching a season of free summer programming at Canal Commons and inviting the community to celebrate with a kickoff event on Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Food trucks, lawn games, a short historical presentation by The Morton House on the history of the Benton Harbor canal, and a live performance by the 131 String Trio, a Pop Up! ensemble of musicians from the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra at 6:30 p.m., will mark the start of weekly and special events running July through August. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating is limited.
Canal Commons is a one-acre public waterfront gathering space nestled between Benton Harbor's historic shipping canal and the Emma Jean Hull Flats, brought to life through a broad public-private partnership led by Cornerstone Alliance involving municipal, state, philanthropic, and private partners.
"Canal Commons was designed to foster community and be a place where friends and neighbors gather," said Andrew Haan, Senior Vice President, Cornerstone Alliance. "This summer's programming is about bringing that vision to life, and giving people a reason to come to the waterfront week after week. We are grateful for the partners who made this multi-faceted programming possible and excited to see Canal Commons events become a staple."
All programs are free and open to the public. Move Well Monday, running Mondays from 7 to 8 a.m., July 6 through August 24, offers weekly sunrise movement sessions with Renaissance Athletic Club, with rotating formats including yoga, stretching, and mobility work. Lunch at the Commons brings a weekly food truck rally to the waterfront each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 9 through August 27. Run, Plunge, Repeat with The House of Plunge offers a casual run club for all levels followed by a community cold plunge on July 11, 25 and August 8, 22, from 9 to 11 a.m.
"Movement is for everyone, and Move Well Monday is our way of bringing that belief to the waterfront," said Sean Todman, president and owner of Renaissance Athletic Club. "We are proud to partner with Cornerstone Alliance to offer free fitness programming in the heart of Benton Harbor."
Canal Commons will also serve as a hub during the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, June 27 and 28, with pop-up vendor activation featuring Zo's Mini Donuts, Lost Coast Shaved Ice, and Munchie Man.
Additional special programming includes Curious Kids Discovery Day on Saturday, July 18, from 9 to 11 a.m., when Curious Kids transforms Canal Commons into a pop-up learning playground with hands-on stations for families.
For schedules and updates, visit cstonealliance.org/canal_commons and follow Cornerstone Alliance on social media.
About Canal Commons
Canal Commons was developed in collaboration with Cornerstone Alliance, the City of Benton Harbor, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Berrien County, the Whirlpool Foundation, Abonmarche, and Progressive AE. Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment owns and maintains the site for long-term public use.
About Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is the economic development organization dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Cornerstone Alliance drives innovation and opportunity, positioning the region for sustainable economic success. As the leading advocate for the local business and development sector, Cornerstone Alliance delivers tailored business assistance across Berrien County.
