**For more-up-to-date information about Michigan’s Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival 2025, please see Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival 2025: The Ultimate Guide**

Travel BLog detailing available vacation rentals during Grand Haven's Coast Guard Festival

2019 marks the 95th anniversary of Grand Haven’s longstanding summer tradition, Coast Guard Festival. What began in 1924 as a small picnic for local Coast Guard personnel has grown into a national annual attraction. Now, every August, the weeklong celebration draws thousands of tourists and high-ranking dignitaries to the West Michigan community.

With a plenty of concerts, parades, free ship tours, and fireworks, there’s no shortage of fun (and beaches!) under the sun. Planning a visit to our beloved hometown during Coast Guard Festival? Look no further for a full list of entertainment. We’ve compiled attractions for young and old to see and do—all in honor of the men and women who serve.

Check out a few of this year’s events you won’t want to miss:

  • Bruce in the U.S.A

Begin the week by taking in tunes of the man, the myth, the legend, Bruce Springsteen. Relive the energetic performances that made “The Boss” a certified rock n’ roll icon—and the tours that made crowds go wild. This musical experience brings back all the party-hopping ballads of one of the world’s best selling artists, which continue to sell out at arenas across the country.

Where: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage

When: July 26, 8:00 PM

Details: $12 general admission.

[btn]Buy tickets[/btn]

  • Cardboard Boat Races

Featuring two classes of racers, the Buoy Class (ages 10-15 years old) and Cutter Class (ages 16 and above), the cardboard boat race presents a creative opportunity to design a boat that will withstand the 200-yard water race. Two-person and three-to eight-person vessels are allowed. Prize categories include fastest time, Fleet Award, Iceberg Award, and a People’s Choice award. The Fleet Award recognizes the best themed boat while the Iceberg Award will go to the best sinking. Prior to race time, boats will be on display for a public walkthrough and People’s Choice voting.

When: July 27, 1:30 PM

Where: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage

  • Grand City Skiers

Witness a water performance unlike any other with the Grand River water aerobatics ski show. As a group dedicated to fun aquatics, these performers provide a spectacle that’s bound to make everyone laugh, clap, and stand in awe of aerobatics skills on skis. Watch for jumps and amazing human pyramid builds in this hour-long thematic show. Even better, it’s a show for all ages and choreographed with expertise to some of today’s pop tunes. Trust us when we say it’s one of the best ways to spend an evening on the waterfront!

When: July 30, 7:00 PM

Where: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage

Details: $5 general admission.

[btn]Buy Tickets[/btn]