This fall, The Neighborhood Hotel is a supporting sponsor of Up On A Hill, a new outdoor concert series taking place at Apple Blossom Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan on three Wednesday evenings in September. Every ticket sold benefits three local nonprofits: Neighbor by Neighbor, the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation, and Dune Coast Baseball. If you are looking for live music near New Buffalo Michigan this fall, this is the event to plan around.
About the Festival
Up On A Hill is a first-year event held on an 18-acre private estate just 70 miles from Chicago. Each night features a different artist — guests are invited to attend one evening or all three. Concerts are held rain or shine under a tent that seats 300 guests. The festival is family friendly and welcomes guests of all ages.
The 2026 Lineup
- Wednesday, September 2 — Elizabeth Moen, a Chicago-based songwriter known for indie rock woven through Midwestern folk. She has toured and performed alongside Hozier, Kevin Morby, and The Violent Femmes.
- Wednesday, September 16 — Big Sadie, an award-winning acoustic ensemble blending country, folk, and bluegrass into a modern Americana sound.
- Wednesday, September 30 — Liam Kazar, a Chicago-based songwriter drawing on soul, folk, and classic pop, with a touring history alongside Jeff Tweedy, Sam Evian, and Hannah Cohen.
- Gates Open at 4:00 pm ET, with DJ Quin Kirchner starting at 4:30 pm and the featured artist taking the stage at 6:00 pm.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit three local organizations: Neighbor by Neighbor, Dune Coast Baseball, and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation.
Why The Neighborhood Hotel Is Involved
New Buffalo is home to one of our properties, and Harbor Country is the kind of place we build for: a small town with a strong sense of community and a calendar full of reasons to visit. Supporting Up On A Hill is a direct way to invest in that community while giving our guests a reason to plan a weekend around something memorable.
SW Michigan, The Fall Destination
September is one of the best months to visit Harbor Country. The summer crowds have thinned, the lake is still warm in the early weeks, and the region’s farms, distilleries, and restaurants are running at full stride. Granor Farm in Three Oaks hosts harvest dinners through the fall. Journeyman Distillery is a short drive from the venue. PostBoy on Whittaker Street, from James Beard semifinalist James Galbraith, is the right dinner before or after a concert. A Wednesday night in New Buffalo is an easy excuse to make it a two-night trip.
Book Your Stay for the Festival Weekend
All three concerts fall on Wednesday evenings, which makes a midweek stay the practical choice. Drive out Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon, attend the concert, and take Thursday morning at your own pace before heading back. The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo is about ten minutes from Apple Blossom Resort, close enough to be easy, far enough that you will want to stay the night.
Both of our nearby properties work well for a concert stay:
Midweek availability in September is limited. We recommend reserving before you finalize your concert tickets.
- The Neighborhood Hotel, New Buffalo — closest to the venue, about ten minutes from Apple Blossom Resort. Book Now.
- The Neighborhood Hotel, Grand Beach — a 15 minute drive away, with beach access for guests who want to make a full midweek escape of it. Book Now.
For more info about where to see live music near New Buffalo, MI – check out this post!
Festival Q&A
Can I attend more than one night? Yes. Tickets are sold separately for each date, and organizers encourage guests to attend one evening or all three.
What time should I arrive? Gates open at 4:00 pm ET. A DJ set starts at 4:30 pm, and the featured artist takes the stage at 6:00 pm.
Where does the festival take place? Apple Blossom Resort, an 18-acre private estate in New Buffalo, Michigan, about 70 miles from Chicago.
What does ticket money support? All ticket sales benefit three local nonprofits: Neighbor by Neighbor, Dune Coast Baseball, and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation.
Where should I stay for the weekend? The Neighborhood Hotel has two nearby properties: New Buffalo, closest to the venue, and Grand Beach, a short drive away with beach access. Both are good options for a festival weekend, and we recommend booking early since September weekends in Harbor Country fill up quickly.
What else is there to do in Harbor Country for a midweek concert stay? September in Southwest Michigan is worth more than one evening. Granor Farm in Three Oaks hosts harvest dinners through the fall. Journeyman Distillery runs tastings and tours a short drive from the venue. Beer Church Brewing Co. and PostBoy, are both in New Buffalo and about ten minutes from Apple Blossom Resort. The lake, the beach towns, and the farm stands are all in peak season. It is an easy two-night midweek stay.
For additional questions, see the festival FAQ page.
