THE GRAND HAVEN COAST GUARD FESTIVAL RAMPS UP FOR 2023


By bburbridge
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Ramps up for 2023

This July, Grand Haven, Michigan hosts its 86th annual Coast Guard Festival. This festival celebrates men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving in the West Michigan area as well as the rest of the nation. With years of history in honoring the aquatic military branch under its belt, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival has developed many traditions and activities to last a full ten days. From its humble beginnings to the extravaganza it is today, the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven is a worthy mainstay of U.S. national military celebrations and holidays. Related read: Could Lake Michigan Become “Area 52”?

How the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Began

Starting in 1924, the local Michigan Coast Guard began holding annual picnics for personnel only. This unofficially kickstarted the tradition. It wasn’t until 1937 that the Coast Guard expanded beyond the gingham tablecloths and woven baskets to establish the first festival. One of the first events was a rowing competition between service members stationed in Grand Haven. These festivals featured tons of fun family events that influenced activities that characterize the festival today. The festival became so popular over the years that Grand Haven was officially honored by its designation as “Coast Guard City, USA” by an Act of Congress signed by President Clinton in 1998. Suggested read: When is the Coast Guard Birthday? Coast Guard History & Facts

Events at the Coast Guard Festival Today

Today, approximately 350,000 people attend the festival each year. This year, Coast Guard Festival 2023 is taking place from July 28th - Aug 6th. The event schedule is packed with competitions, craft shows, live entertainment, and much more.

Some Events You'll See at the Festival Include:

  • Lighthouse guild quilt show: This show features over 100 quilts with speakers sharing stories about their antique quilts.
  • YMCA Coast Guard City USA Races: These races include a 5k Run/Walk, a 10k Run/Walk, and a 1 Mile Family Run Run. Register here to participate.
  • Tribute bands: The bands playing at the festival are Simply Queen, The Caverners, Country Legends Tributes, Trilogy Classics Live, Sunset BLVD, and Face 2 Face. Buy tickets to see the bands here.
  • Parades:

Kids Parade | July 29th | @10:30 am Parade of Ships | July 31st | @1 pm Grand Parade | Aug 5th | @11:45 am

Coastie Golf | August 1st | @9 am | Registration closed Softball | August 2nd | @8:30 am | Register here Corn Hole | August 1st | @5 pm | Register here

  • Carnival: The carnival located on Harbor Front has over two dozen rides, loads of food trucks, and tons of games. The carnival is set to take place Tuesday, August 1st - Saturday, August 5th. Armbands for rides cost $25.
  • Red carpet photos: This photo opportunity allows families to come away with a free festival picture taken on the red carpet.
  • Fireworks: The festival's finale falls on the last day, August 5th, at 8 pm. Accompanied by The Modern Gentlemen, the firework extravaganza is a concert and firework show all in one. Buy your tickets here.

Attending the Coast Guard Festival

Most events at the festival cost money. Tickets can be bought beforehand and online for shows and events. Tickets and armbands for the carnival are to be purchased on-site and in person. The festival is located in downtown Grand Haven, Michigan right on the waterfront. Information for parking and other important details can be found on the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Website.Read next: Herman the Cat Slayed Foes Aboard U.S. Coast Guard Ships


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