Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Where Creativity Comes Alive on Michigan's Art Coast
If you’ve ever spent time exploring Saugatuck, you’ve likely noticed that this lakeside town has an undeniable appreciation for creativity. While art spills from the galleries and sculptures brighten the streets, there’s one destination where it all comes together under one roof.
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) is the cornerstone of Michigan's Art Coast. Here, you can enjoy a Broadway-caliber musical one evening, wander through contemporary exhibits the next afternoon, and even join a pottery or painting workshop over the weekend. It’s a place where imagination and community meet in equal measure.
From Pie Factory to Performance Hall
The story of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is one of humble beginnings. What began as an abandoned pie factory has become one of Michigan’s most inspiring arts destinations. In 2003, a group of local visionaries saw the potential to transform this forgotten space into a hub for creativity. Today, its 420-seat theater (once the factory’s freezer) serves as a testament to Saugatuck’s spirit of reinvention.
The SCA now anchors the region’s artistic identity, offering a warm, approachable space where residents and visitors can connect through performance, exhibitions, and education. Each production, concert, and gallery show reflects the center’s mission: to connect people, build community, and transform lives through the arts.
What You'll Discover at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Step inside the SCA and you'll quickly understand why it's become an essential stop for anyone exploring Saugatuck's vibrant art scene. The center offers an ever-evolving calendar of experiences that celebrate creativity in all its forms.
Mason Street Warehouse: Broadway in Saugatuck
Each summer, the SCA's theater, Mason Street Warehouse, brings Broadway-quality theater to West Michigan with talent from all over the country. Productions like Mamma Mia, In the Heights, and Legally Blonde have lit up the stage, earning the venue a loyal following.
The experience is unforgettable, with professional performances in an intimate space where every seat feels close to the action. If your getaway includes a summer stay, plan ahead; shows often sell out quickly, especially on weekend evenings.
Rotating Art Exhibitions
The SCA’s galleries highlight the diversity of the modern art scene, featuring both established and emerging artists from across the country. From bold sculpture to thought-provoking mixed media, each season brings a new perspective. Many exhibits include artist talks, giving visitors the chance to connect directly with the creative minds behind the work.
Workshops and Adult Programming
The SCA offers a variety of programming year-round for adults, including gallery talks and conversations with artists, hands-on artmaking workshops, cooking and tasting classes, and more. What makes these programs particularly engaging is how they often intertwine with current exhibitions, allowing participants to explore themes or techniques featured in the gallery work.
Past adult workshops have included everything from watercolor techniques and pottery classes to wine and painting nights, culinary experiences, and creative writing sessions. The offerings change seasonally, reflecting the center's commitment to keeping programming fresh and responsive to both artist availability and community interests.
Concerts, Films, and Special Events
Throughout the year, the SCA hosts concerts, film screenings, and community events that draw audiences from across the region. Favorites include the Mountainfilm on Tour documentary series and live music spanning folk, jazz, and contemporary styles.
In fall, the SCA showcases local talent and youthful creativity through the Art à Loan program, featuring original works by Saugatuck Public School students. Running from September through October, this long-standing tradition allows visitors to view and even purchase art created by the area’s emerging young artists.
As autumn transitions into the holiday season, the SCA becomes a warm and festive gathering place. The Outdoor Holiday Market invites guests to sip artisan cocktails, sample local bites, and shop Michigan-made wares under twinkling lights. The event features hand-crafted decor, cozy wearables, and sweet treats from top local creatives.
The holiday celebrations continue with Our Holiday Wonderland, an annual concert that celebrates the season and beauty of the area with timeless songs performed by the Lakeshore Community Chorus.
As spring approaches, the Mountainfilm on Tour brings world-class documentary filmmaking to Saugatuck, screening thought-provoking and award-winning short films that explore adventure, environment, and culture. Held each year in March, this event draws film enthusiasts from across the region for an evening of compelling storytelling and post-screening discussions.
The Annual Spring Market welcomes warmer weather with local artisans, craftspeople, and makers gathering to showcase their work, and the Summer Farmers Market transforms the SCA grounds into a weekly celebration of local agriculture, artisan foods, and handmade goods. Beyond the produce and products, it's a gathering place where the community comes together, making it a wonderful way to experience authentic Saugatuck culture.
Soon after, warmer days give way to the most anticipated highlight of the SCA calendar: Summer Musicals. The Mason Street Warehouse summer season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with multiple productions offering something for every theatrical taste. From classic Broadway favorites to contemporary hits, these professional productions provide the perfect cultural complement to days spent at the beach or exploring downtown galleries.
The SCA also hosts special fundraising events, dinners, and Friday evening concerts throughout the year, so be sure to check the SCA calendar before planning your visit.
Get Involved with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts thrives because of the people who believe in its mission. There are several ways to support this remarkable community resource:
- Make a Donation: Help sustain performances, exhibitions, and education programs that bring the arts to life all year long.
- Become a Member: Enjoy exclusive benefits, early access to tickets, and the satisfaction of supporting local arts.
- Volunteer: From assisting at events to welcoming guests, volunteers play an important role in creating memorable experiences.
Every contribution, big or small, helps the SCA continue its work as a cultural cornerstone on Michigan’s Art Coast.
Plan Your Visit
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is conveniently located just a few minutes from The Hotel Saugatuck, making it an easy addition to any stay on Michigan’s Art Coast.
From The Hotel Saugatuck:
Take a short drive or a leisurely walk towards downtown Saugatuck, and you’ll find the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on your right at 400 Culver Street, just before the downtown shops and restaurants. Limited on-site parking is available, but street parking is nearby.
Regular Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Creating Your Perfect Arts-Centered Getaway
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is the perfect cultural anchor for a getaway any time of year. Plan your stay around a Mason Street Warehouse performance, an art exhibition, or one of the center’s creative workshops. Spend your days exploring Saugatuck’s galleries, local markets, and public art, then end your evening with a concert or film at the SCA, just minutes from The Hotel Saugatuck.
After a day surrounded by inspiration, return to the quiet comfort of your suite. Unwind by the glow of your fireplace or enjoy a rejuvenating soak in your Jason Hydrotherapy Tub. In the morning, savor a gourmet breakfast delivered to your door, and at night, indulge in house-made desserts for the perfect finish to a day filled with art, connection, and relaxation.
Book your stay today and let culture and comfort come together in one unforgettable escape.
