The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: July 26 – Aug 4, 2024
The Coast Guard Festival on Lake Michigan is one of Michigan’s biggest festivals.
Each year 350,000 people pour into Grand Haven in one week. That’s more people than in the entire city of Grand Rapids!
What is it about this festival that makes it so popular?
Everything. And it’s on majestic Lake Michigan, so it’s the epitome of a summertime festival.
Come see fireworks, ship tours, parades, a car show, craft show, a carnival and lots of musical entertainment
– including Grand Haven’s ever popular Musical Fountain.
All of this in celebration of our amazing United States Coast Guard servicemen and women!
in this article
Best Stuff to do at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
1 – Watch the Parade of Ships on Monday
Grand Haven Boardwalk & Lake Michigan Pier
Monday, July 29, 2024, 1 PM
People love cheering on these magnificent vessels as they come in to dock, horns blaring and sprayers spraying.
This year four big ships will float the channel in the Parade of Ships at approximately 1 PM on Monday afternoon.
Cheer on the Coast Guard crews and let them know we appreciate and support them and all of the work they do to keep our waters safe.
2 – Go to a Foot Parade or Two!
Downtown Grand Haven pulls out all of the stops for the two Coast Guard Festival Parades.
If you like candy, floats, music and fanfare, this big parade is where you want to be.
Kids Parade – Saturday, July 27, 2024, 10:30 AM
“Celebrating a Century” is the theme of this parade
as we honor the Men and Women of the United
States Coast Guard and celebrate the 100th Annual
Coast Guard Festival.
The Kids parade starts at 5th and Franklin and makes a loop, turning first onto 1st Street, then Washington.
Get to the route early for the best seats. Putting chairs out early in the morning is common.
Grand Parade – Saturday, August 3, 2024, 11:45 AM
Ready for 100+ parade entries full of pomp and pride for the U.S. Coast Guard?
Grab your spot in Downtown Grand Haven and have your candy collecting bag handy because they’ll be handing it out along the route.
Use this map of the parade route to find your spot. (See below for tips on getting a spot for a parade.
3 – Stay Up Late for the Incredible Fireworks
Grand Haven Musical Fountain – Waterfront Stadium, 1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
August 3, 2024
We might be biased, but we think the Coast Guard fireworks may be the best firework shows in the state.
Set in front of the Musical Fountain, expect lots of oohs and ahhs at this big, colorful show, along with musical accompaniment!
Like the parades, people set out blankets early for the fireworks show. (I also plan my getaway – where you park for the fireworks can mean waiting for a few hours to leave if you don’t think ahead.)
You can also buy a ticket to the mainstage show that night, which includes the absolute best spot to watch fireworks. This year you can see Yachtley Crew and catch the fireworks basically front row, for $30.
4 – Get Tickets for a Concert
LMCU Waterfront Stage
1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Tribute bands and a cardboard boat competition are just a few of the things you’ll find at the mainstage this year.
Located right on the channel, the waterfront stage is a beautiful spot for live music and entertainment. Tickets.
| Fri – July 26 | AC/DC Tribute Band |
| Sat – July 27 | Simply Queen Tribute Band |
| Tues – July 30 | Parrots of the Caribbean Jimmy Buffet Tribute |
| Fri – Aug 2 | The Modern Gentlemen |
| Sat – Aug 3 | Yachtly Crew & Firework Finale |
5 – Fill Up on Elephant Ears & Ride the Carnival Rides
Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot
This family friendly carnival has over two dozen rides, lots of great food, games and more. This carnival prides itself on having friendly, helpful staff for the best experience.
Tips for the Coast Guard Festival carnival:
– Buy all-day armbands instead of individual tickets (price varies by day).
– Bring cash for carnival games.
– Rides for younger kids are at one end with larger rides at the other.
| Date | Daily Special | Hours of Operation |
| Tuesday | $25 daily armband | 6pm-11pm |
| Wednesday | 2pm-11pm $30 armband | 2pm-11pm |
| Thursday | 12pm-5pm $25 armband // 5pm-11pm $30 armband | 12pm-11pm |
| Friday | 12pm-5pm $25 armband // 5pm-11pm $30 armband | 12pm-11pm |
| Saturday | Valid from 12pm-4pm: $20 armband; tickets only after 4pm | 12pm-11pm |
6 – Tour a Coast Guard Ship – for Free!
Escanaba Park – 673 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
When else can you tour these massive, decked out Coast Guard ships for FREE?
Ship tours are available Monday through Saturday. This is the ship tours schedule:
| Date | Time | Event Name/Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jul 29 | 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Tue, Jul 30 | 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Wed, Jul 31 | 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Thu, Aug 1 | 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Fri, Aug 2 | 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE (Note: USCGC SPAR closed all day for special event) |
| Sat, Aug 3 | 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
Coast Guard Festival Ship Tour NOTES:
– Strollers aren’t allowed on ships. Bring a baby carrier for small children.
– Ships are not air conditioned and can be stuffy and hot.
7 – Cheer at the Cardboard Boat Race
Saturday, July 27, 2024 1:30pm
Twenty Cardboard boats vie for bragging rights at this build-your-boat competition.
See who will go the fastest, has the best theme, and who sinks in the most dramatic fashion!
8 – Shop the Coast Guard Craft Fair & the Flea on Seventh
Flea on Seventh: Dozens of vendors will be set up for shopping on 7th Street between Washington and Columbus in Grand Haven.
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Craft Fair: Central Park – 421 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Friday, August 2, 2024, 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, August 3, 2024, 9 AM – 5 PM
This craft fair is one of the best artisan’s markets in West Michigan so come ready to SHOP! Only original, handcrafted items are accepted for this show, making it a delight to explore the over 170 booths.
The Coast Guard Craft Fair is held in conjunction with the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival in Central Park, downtown Grand Haven for the two day show.
Full Schedule – Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
July 26 – Aug 4, 2024
Day by day schedule of the festival events.
| Date/Time | Event Name/Description |
|---|---|
| Fri, Jul 26, 9AM – 7PM | Lighthouse Quilt Guild: 30th anniversary Quilt Show, 150+ quilts, demonstrations, stories, $7 Admission |
| Fri, Jul 26, 6PM | 21 Gun Salute – AC/DC Tribute: Tribute to AC/DC, $15 General Admission |
| Sat, Jul 27, 7:30AM | Coast Guard City USA Run: 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk |
| Sat, Jul 27, 9AM – 5PM | Lighthouse Quilt Guild: 30th anniversary Quilt Show, 150+ quilts, demonstrations, stories, $7 Admission |
| Sat, Jul 27, 10:30AM | Kids Parade: Theme “Celebrating a Century”, honoring Coast Guard |
| Sat, Jul 27, 1:30PM | Cardboard Boat Race: 150-yard race, prize categories, public walk-through, FREE |
| Sat, Jul 27, 6PM | Simply Queen – Tribute to Queen: Iconic songs, $15 General Admission |
| Sun, Jul 28, 8AM – 11AM | Pancake Breakfast: Fundraiser, $10 adult, $8 child/student, $30 family |
| Sun, Jul 28, 7:30AM – 2:30PM | Cruise In Car Show: 250+ cars, $10 per car entry, free admission for spectators |
| Sun, Jul 28, 10AM – 4PM | Flea on Seventh: Dozens of vendors |
| Sun, Jul 28, 2PM – 5PM | Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Community Picnic: Food, games, music |
| Mon, Jul 29, 1PM (Approx.) | Parade of Ships: Ship Arrivals – Welcome USCGC ships, FREE |
| Mon, Jul 29, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Mon, Jul 29, 6PM | Silver Stallion – Tribute to The Highwaymen: Country tribute, $15 General Admission |
| Tue, Jul 30, 9AM | Coast Guard Festival Golf Tournament: Coast Guard personnel only |
| Tue, Jul 30, 10AM – 2PM | Kids Day: Games, crafts, entertainment, free attractions at Mulligan’s Hollow |
| Tue, Jul 30, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Tue, Jul 30, 6PM – 11PM | Downtown Carnival: Unlimited rides with wristbands |
| Tue, Jul 30, 6PM | Parrots of the Caribbean – Tribute to Jimmy Buffett: Trop-Rock show, $15 General Admission |
| Tue, Jul 30, 8:30PM – 10:30PM | Street Dance with Brena: Grand Rapids cover band, FREE |
| Wed, Jul 31, 10AM | Volleyball Tournament: Coast Guard personnel only, spectators encouraged |
| Wed, Jul 31, 8AM – 2PM | Senior Day: Free events, pickleball, health expo, fitness demos, lunch, bingo, music |
| Wed, Jul 31, 10AM – 12PM, 1PM-3PM, 6PM-8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Wed, Jul 31, 2PM – 11PM | Downtown Carnival: Unlimited rides with wristbands |
| Wed, Jul 31, 5PM | Coast Guard Retirees’ Dinner: Reunion barbecue, retirees free, reservations required |
| Wed, Jul 31, 6PM | CANCELED: Waterball Competition: Public safety departments, fire departments, US Coast Guard, FREE |
| Wed, Jul 31, 6PM | Barracuda – Tribute to Heart: Iconic rock songs, $15 General Admission |
| Thu, Aug 1, 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM – 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Thu, Aug 1, 10AM -11AM | Coast Guard Recruiting Presentation: Job opportunities, benefits, signing bonus info |
| Thu, Aug 1, 12PM – 11PM | Downtown Carnival: Unlimited rides with wristbands |
| Thu, Aug 1, 5:30PM | Honorees Dinner: By invitation only |
| Thu, Aug 1, 6PM | Van Halen Invasion: Tribute show, $15 General Admission |
| Fri, Aug 2, 9AM – 6PM | Coast Guard Festival Craft Fair: Handmade arts and crafts market |
| Fri, Aug 2, 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Fri, Aug 2, NOON | Walk of Grand Haven Coast Guard History: Dedication of new points of Coast Guard History |
| Fri, Aug 2, 12PM – 11PM | Downtown Carnival: Unlimited rides with wristbands |
| Fri, Aug 2, 2:30PM | Commanding Officers Reception: By invitation only |
| Fri, Aug 2, 3:45PM | US Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team: Prelude to Memorial Service |
| Fri, Aug 2, 4PM | National Coast Guard Memorial Service: Tribute to Coast Guard personnel |
| Fri, Aug 2, 5PM | Coast Guard Enlisted Dinner: Enlisted/Active-Duty Coast Guard personnel only |
| Fri, Aug 2, 6PM | The Modern Gentlemen: Vocal harmony group, $25 General Admission |
| Sat, Aug 3, 9AM – 5PM | Coast Guard Festival Craft Fair: Handmade arts and crafts market |
| Sat, Aug 3, 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM, 6PM- 8PM | Ship Tours: USCGC ships, FREE |
| Sat, Aug 3, 11:45AM | Meijer Grand Parade: 150+ entries saluting Coast Guard |
| Sat, Aug 3, 12PM-11PM | Downtown Carnival: Unlimited rides with wristbands, tickets after 4PM |
| Sat, Aug 3, 6:30PM | Yachtley Crew – Yacht Rock Band: Nautical-suited band, $35 General Admission |
| Sat, Aug 3, Dark | Fireworks Extravaganza and Drone Show: Sponsored by Gun Lake Casino |
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival FAQs
What is the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven?
This festival is a 10-day celebration honoring the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who gave their lives in service to their country.
While its official purpose is to honor the fallen Coast Guard members, it’s really a celebration of all our Coast Guard, past and present.
Coast Guard dignitaries from around the country come to this festival, as well as impressive Coast Guard ships that you can tour.
When did the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival start?
Grand Haven has been nuts about our amazing Coast Guard for nearly a century!
1924 marks the first Coast Guard celebration in Grand Haven, but it was really just a cool picnic and rowing competition for service members stationed here.
It bloomed into a festival in 1937 and became an official event in 1971.
What is a Coast Guard City?
A Coast Guard city is a specially-designed town that supports the Coast Guard and its service members. It fosters understanding in the community of the Coast Guard and builds morale.
Grand Haven became the nations’ first Coast Guard city in 1998 when the United States Coast Guard bestowed this honor upon it.
And we are guessing a lot of this had to do with their massively popular festival.
Today there are 29 Coast Guard cities across America.
Tips for Visiting the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
As a very busy festival, you’ll want to be ready for anything.
1 – Save Your Seat for the Parades
If you can. put out a blanket or chairs to save your spot along the route.
Many people do this the night before, though the city’s official stance on parade seats is that items cannot be placed until after 12:01 AM the day of the parade.
Regardless of when you claim your spot, everyone seems to respect the call for dibs.
2 – Coast Guard Festival Parking & Getting Around
Plan to walk a lot for this festival. (So wear appropriate shoes!)
Because once you park, you’re on your own. You likely won’t find a single Uber or taxi that will come anywhere near downtown during this massive festival.
Harbor Transit offer shuttle service at select festival times, too.
Parking Tips:
– Park at the first spot you find. Don’t wait to find a better spot – it probably doesn’t exist.
– Many neighbors will sell parking spots in their yards (going rate is $20).
– Tag Team It. Have one adult drop off the rest of the family close to the action and use cell phones to meet up.
– Use this map from the city of Grand Haven for public parking lots:
3 – Where to Find Restrooms
Public restrooms are found mostly along the waterfront and at Harbor Island.
4 – What to Bring to Coast Guard Festival
It’s the top of summer during the Coast Guard festival. Be prepared for sun and hot temps.
Travel light. Leave extra items in the car if you have an extra adult that can walk back to fetch things.
Recommended gear for visiting the Coast Guard festival with kids:
– Sunscreen
– Water bottles
– Baby carrier, instead of stroller (unless you’re cool with navigating a stroller through massive crowds)
– Snacks or buy good eats from the many vendors available
Did We Miss Something?
What’s your favorite part of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival?
Amber Smith
Maria V. Zehner
Ron Coller
Jaime Klingler
RJ Reedy
Does anyone know how much the carnival all-day bands are?