The festival unofficially began in 1924 as a Coast Guard personnel only picnic when the local Coast Guard station held rowing competitions for those service members stationed in Grand Haven. Today the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival has become a premier event with attendance of over 350,000 people including the nations highest ranking Coast Guard dignitaries from Washington, D.C.

The focus of the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is the National Coast Guard Memorial Service honoring those who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country while fulfilling their motto “SEMPER PARATUS” (“Always Ready”). Each year since the first picnic in 1924 and the first festival in 1937, we have celebrated our heroes, the men and women of the United States Coast Guard with fun filled family events at the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. Grand Haven is honored by its designation as “Coast Guard City, USA” by an Act of Congress and signed by the President of the United States on November 13, 1998.

Successfully honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard at this annual event would not be possible without the cooperation of the United States Coast Guard, the local municipalities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and our generous corporate sponsors.

Schedule:

Friday, July 28, 2023  

10am-5pm: Lighthouse Quilt Guild Quilt Show - $7.00

Annual Quilt Show “Of Sky and Sea”, members
showcase over 100 quilts, offer demonstrations,
and share stories about their antique quilts.
St. Patrick’s Church, 901 Columbus Ave.

Saturday, July 29, 2023

10:30am: Kids Parade - Free

“Global Guardians….. Hometown Heroes” is the theme of this parade as we honor the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard.  Get geared up and come on down for this parade for all ages.  Parade route: start at 5th St. & Franklin, West on Franklin to 1st St., North on 1st to Washington, East on Washington to 5th St.  Sponsored by D&W.

1:30pm: Cardboard Boat Race Competition - Free

Two classes of racers will be featured in the 150-yard race at the Waterfront Stadium and limited to 20 boats. The Buoy Class is for youth, ages 10-15.

The Cutter Class is open to anyone age 16 and older. Two-person and 3 to 8- person vessels are allowed.

Prize categories include fastest time, Fleet Award, Iceberg Award and People’s Choice. The Fleet Award goes to the best themed boat, while the Iceberg Award is for the best sinking.

The boats will be on display from about 12:00 p.m. until race time for a public walk-through and People’s Choice vote.

9am - 4pm: Lighthouse Quilt Guild Quilt Show - Saturday $7.00

Annual Quilt Show “Of Sky and Sea”, members
showcase over 100 quilts, offer demonstrations,
and share stories about their antique quilts.
St. Patrick’s Church, 901 Columbus Ave.

Sunday, July 30, 2023

7:30am – 2:30pm: Cruise-In Car Show - Free
Plan to join us after the Car Show from 1-4pm at the Coast Guard Festival Community Picnic. Located at Coast Guard Park, Ferrysburg

If you would like to show your vehicle, registration is on site!

Trophies Donated by Local Merchants and awarded at 1:30pm Dash plaques given to the first 150 entrants
ALL Welcome—Street Rods, Muscle Cars, Trucks, Cycles, Customs
Enjoy Music, Give-A-Ways, 50/50 raffle and food in the heart of downtown Grand Haven, Michigan!
Awards Chosen by Coast Guard Personnel, Festival Committee & Trophy Sponsors

10:00am-4:00pm: Flea On Seventh - Free

Get ready to shop! Dozens of vendors! Hosted by Vintage Green Antiques. 7th street between Washington and Colombus.

1pm-4pm: Community Picnic - Free

Enjoy food, games and music as we celebrate the annual picnic that was the start of the Coast Guard Festival 98 years ago.  This picnic is hosted by the City of Ferrysburg at Coast Guard Park, 1 mile west of 174th St. off N. Shore Dr.

Monday, July 31, 2023

1PM - 3:00PM: Parade of Ships - Free

Help us welcome the CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, and CGC BISCAYNE BAY as they sail into the port of Grand Haven.

6pm – 8pm: Ship Tours - Monday - Free

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY (arriving 8/3) —Escanaba Park

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

6pm-11pm: Carnival - Tuesday - $25 Armband

Located Downtown in Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot. The annual Coast Guard Festival Carnival strives to provide a friendly environment for adults and children alike. Furnishing the midway with over two dozen carnival rides, family friendly games, professional food concessions in our food court, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk, there is something to appease the whole family. Friendly staff engage in providing the best experience possible! Respect and courtesy are at the top of the list for guests.

10am-2pm: Kids Day - Free

Bring the kids down to Mulligan’s Hollow for a great time. Games, displays, storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, and the Prince and Princess contest are offered at Kids Day!

Enjoy games, crafts, entertainment, and events for kids! Get your photo taken on the Red Carpet and then look for it on our Facebook Page. Come play on all the bounce houses and learn building basics. Attractions are FREE!

Come visit the Meijer Food Truck, as well as the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure Area. Held in Mulligan’s Hollow, over 4,500 kids and their caregivers are expected to attend the event. Volunteers from businesses throughout the Tri-Cities, public safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard work to make the day a safe and fun-filled celebration.

8:30pm - 10:30pm: Street Dance With Brena - Free

The Grand Rapids cover band, Brena, returns to the festival to bring the crowd to their feet in the middle of Washington Street. You’ll be dancing and singing along to hits from the 80s, 90s, and NOW. From “Shout” to Motown, rock, and country, the show has something for those young and old to enjoy. Easy listening and fun “moving and grooving” to the beat.

6pm – 8pm: Ship Tours - Tuesday - Free

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY —Escanaba Park

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

6:00pm: Waterball Competition - Free

Join us at to watch a friendly competition including members of the Public Safety Departments, Local Fire Departments, and US Coast Guard Personnel. Washington Street between 3rd and 4th Street.

2pm-11pm: Carnival - Wednesday - $25 Armband

Located Downtown in Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot. The annual Coast Guard Festival Carnival strives to provide a friendly environment for adults and children alike. Furnishing the midway with over two dozen carnival rides, family friendly games, professional food concessions in our food court, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk, there is something to appease the whole family. Friendly staff engage in providing the best experience possible! Respect and courtesy are at the top of the list for guests.

8am - 2pm: Senior Day - Free

5:30pm-8:30pm: Red Carpet Photos - Free

Bring the kids down and get your free Coast Guard Festival photo taken on the Red Carpet, then look for yourself on our Facebook page.

8:30AM: Softball Tournament

For many years, our local and visiting Coasties have been participating in a friendly yet competitive softball tournament.  The tournament is for Coast Guard personnel only,  but public spectators are welcomed and encouraged to cheer!

10am-8pm: Ship Tours - Free   

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY —Escanaba Park

5pm: The Retirees Dinner (Private Event) - Free

Thursday, August 3, 2023

2pm-11pm: Carnival – Thursday - $30 Armband

Located Downtown in Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot. The annual Coast Guard Festival Carnival strives to provide a friendly environment for adults and children alike. Furnishing the midway with over two dozen carnival rides, family friendly games, professional food concessions in our food court, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk, there is something to appease the whole family. Friendly staff engage in providing the best experience possible! Respect and courtesy are at the top of the list for guests.

5pm: Community Dinner (Hero & Legends Dinner)

10am-8pm: Ship Tours - Thursday - Free

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY —Escanaba Park

Friday, August 4, 2023

4:00-5:00 PM: National Memorial Service - Free

A moving tribute to those Coast Guard personnel who have died in the line of duty during the past year.

2pm-11pm: Carnival - Friday - $30 Armband

Located Downtown in Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot. The annual Coast Guard Festival Carnival strives to provide a friendly environment for adults and children alike. Furnishing the midway with over two dozen carnival rides, family friendly games, professional food concessions in our food court, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk, there is something to appease the whole family. Friendly staff engage in providing the best experience possible! Respect and courtesy are at the top of the list for guests.

2:30pm: Welcome Reception

12pm (noon): Walk of Coast Guard History

The dedication of the “newest” point of Coast Guard History. Grand Haven City Hall

8:30am: Coast Guard Spouses Breakfast

10am-3pm: Ship Tours - Friday Free

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY —Escanaba Park

9am-6pm: Coast Guard Craft Fair - Friday Free

Join us for one of the most popular craft fairs in Michigan, held during one of the state’s biggest festivals—The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival! Quality exhibits, high attendance, along with the Coast Guard parade and fireworks all mean you will have a successful event, and a great time while you’re here!

The Coast Guard Craft Fair is an annual event put on by The Chamber of Commerce – Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysberg.

Saturday, August 05, 2023

12pm-11pm: Carnival - Saturday - $20 Armband*

Located Downtown in Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot. The annual Coast Guard Festival Carnival strives to provide a friendly environment for adults and children alike. Furnishing the midway with over two dozen carnival rides, family friendly games, professional food concessions in our food court, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk, there is something to appease the whole family. Friendly staff engage in providing the best experience possible! Respect and courtesy are at the top of the list for guests.

10am-8pm: Ship Tours - Saturday Free

CGC HOLLYHOCK, CGC SPAR, CGC NEAH BAY, CGC BISCAYNE BAY, CCGS RISLEY —Escanaba Park

11:45am: Grand Parade - Free

9:00am-5:00pm: Coast Guard Craft Fair - Saturday -  Free

Join us for one of the most popular craft fairs in Michigan, held during one of the state’s biggest festivals—The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival! Quality exhibits, high attendance, along with the Coast Guard parade and fireworks all mean you will have a successful event, and a great time while you’re here!

The Coast Guard Craft Fair is an annual event put on by The Chamber of Commerce – Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysberg.

Date: July 28 - August 5, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Grand Haven, MI

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