GRAND HAVEN — Coast Guard in Grand Haven is back and better than ever. Read below for your guide to Coast Guard 2026. 

The original Coast Guard unofficially began in 1924 as a picnic for Coast Guard personnel only and has evolved in the last 102 years into a 10-day-long event with attendance of up to 400,000 people. 

The annual Coast Guard festival honors those who have served their country while fulfilling the motto “semper paratus” (“always ready”). Each year, the festival has gotten bigger and brighter while staying true to its mission of honoring the members of the Coast Guard. 

This year, the festival has added an extra day of concerts (the first Sunday).

Annie Lengkeek, director of marketing, also cited the drone show as new in the past few years of festivals. 

While still a festival, the event focuses on highlighting events that honor the Coast Guard, such as the arrival of the Coast Guard on July 27, ship tours, or the popular Grand Haven Coast Guard community picnic. 

Here’s more information:

July 24

Lighthouse Quilt Guild:

• Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 
• Location: Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Road, Grand Haven 
• About: 32nd anniversary quilt show; members showcase over 150 quilts. Admission: $7. 

Mega ’80s Tribute Band: 

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Joining the Mega '80s band at the Waterfront Stadium for a retro party you won’t want to miss. Voted “Best Tribute Band” by readers of the Metro Times in 2025, they are taking Michigan by storm, and on July 24, they come to you. Tickets can be purchased for $20 here. 

July 25 

Lighthouse Quilt Guild:

• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 
• Location: Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Road, Grand Haven 
• About: 32nd anniversary quilt show; members showcase over 150 quilts. Admission is $7. 

Coast Guard City USA Run:

2026 Coast Guard City USA Run, presented by Trinity Health Grand Haven

• 7:30 a.m.: 5K run/walk ($40)
• 7:30 a.m.: OAM/i’move Combo 5K+10K Coastie Challenge ($55)
• 8:30 a.m.: 10K run/walk ($45)
• 8:45 a.m.: 1-mile fun run/walk ($15)
• 9:30 a.m.: 1-mile fun run/walk ($15)
• 10:30 a.m.: OAM/i’move Combo 5K+10K Coastie Challenge ($55)

About: The Tri-Cities Family YMCA invites you to this year's Coast Guard City USA Run; it’s the event for all ages with races for all abilities that aims at promoting healthy lifestyles and community in the Tri-Cities area. Sign up here.

Kids Parade: 

• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Location: Parade route: Start at Fifth Street and Franklin, West on Franklin to First Street, North on First to Washington, East on Washington to Fifth Street
• About: Bring your best smiles and plenty of red, white, and blue for this parade aimed at all ages. This year's theme is: “1776 Gave us a Nation … 1790 Gave us its Guardians." Join in as the parade honors the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. Parade registration can be found here. 

Cardboard Boat Race Competition: 

• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage
• Cost: Free
• About: Join Grand Haven at this fun-filled event guaranteed to make you smile. Build a boat and join in on the fun, or watch the chaos; the 150-yard race is limited to 20 boats. There will be two classes: the Buoy Class (ages 10-15) and the Cutter Class is open to 16+. Two-person and 3- to 8-person boats are allowed. Prize categories for this event include: fastest time, fleet award (best themed boat), Iceberg Award (best sinking boat), and People’s Choice. Boats will be displayed from noon until race time for People's Choice voting and public walkthrough. To register, visit the link here. 

The Kings of Queen Band: 

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Join the hottest Queen tribute in the country at this year's July 25 concert. Tickets are $20 per person; tickets can be purchased here.  

July 26 

Hark Up

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Close up week one of Coast Guard with Hark Up, with musicals from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s and more. The show will also feature a special collection of patriotic favorites in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. 

Cruise-In Car Show: 

• Time: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven on Washington Avenue between First Street and Fourth Street
• About: Over 250 cars will be displayed; free. 

Pancake Breakfast: 

• Time: 8-11 a.m.
• Location: Coast Guard Festival Office
• About: This pancake breakfast is a fundraiser for the Grand Haven Bucs Sports Boosters. Adult ticket prices are priced at $10, $8 for children or Grand Haven students (under 18), and $30 for a family of four (two adults and two students)

Flea on Seventh: 

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Seventh Street between Washington and Columbus
• About: Hosted by Vintage Green Antiques, get ready to shop with dozens of vendors.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Community Picnic: 

• Time: Noon-3 p.m. 
• Location: Mulligan’s Hollow
• About: Enjoy hot dogs fresh off the grill, good music, great company, and spirit that brings the community together to honor the Coast Guard at this community outing. 

July 27

• Time: Ships arrive around 1 p.m.; get there early to get a good spot.
• Location: Along the waterfront
• About: Watch as the USCGC Mackinaw, USCGC Sequoia and decommissioned USCGC Sundew sail into port.

Ship Tours: 

• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Sequoia. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Abbamania- Night Fever and A Tribute to Cher: 

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Don’t miss out on classic Abba music. Songs such as “Waterloo, S.O.S, and Dancing Queen” will be played. Tickets are $15 and available here. 

July 28

• Time: 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Sequoia, along with the decommissioned USCGC Sundew. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Kids Day: 

• Time: 10 a.m-2 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Join in on a day of smiles with Kids Day at the Grand Haven Coast Guard festival. Enjoy bounce houses, games, red carpet photo opportunities, and more. And the best part? It's free.

Carnival Day: 

• Time: 6-11 p.m.
• Location: Downtown at the Harborfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots
• About: See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a night of fun at the carnival. Unlimited rides with wristbands available as well as single ride tickets. 

The Trifecta of American Classic Rock: 

• Time: Begins at 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Classic rock show featuring the Steve Miller Band, John Cougar and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. 

Street Dance: 

• Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m. 
• Location: Washington Avenue between Third and Fourth streets
• About: Live music by Brena, and lots of energy. No fancy lessons required — just dance.

July 29

• Time: 10 a.m- noon, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Sequoia, along with the decommissioned USCGC Sundew. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Senior Day: 

• Time: 
  • 8 a.m.: Pickleball Tournament
  • 10 a.m.: Health and Wellness Expo
  • 10:45 a.m.: Fitness Demonstrations
  • 11:30 a.m.: Announcements
  • Noon: Boxed Lunch provided by sponsors
  • 12:45 p.m.: Bingo and Prizes
  • 12:45 p.m.: Musical Entertainment by Silverado
  • 2 p.m.: Senior Day concluded
• Location: Mulligan’s Hollow
• About: Enjoy a relaxed day of festival fun as the Coast Guard festival honors the contributions of the community's senior members

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Volleyball Tournament:

• Time: Play begins at 10 a.m.
• Location: Grand Haven State Park beach
• About: Participation for the event is limited; register at the link here. Play will be four-on-four; sign up as a team or a single. 

Carnival Day: 

• Time: 2-11 p.m.
• Location: Downtown at the Harborfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots
• About: See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a night of fun at the carnival. Unlimited rides with wristbands available for $30 as well as single ride tickets. 

Retiree Dinner: 

• Time: 5 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Eagles, 20 N. Second St., Grand Haven
• About: Coast Guard Retirees Dinner; register here. 

Forever Seger-The Silver Bullet Experience

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Featuring lead singer Kevin Reid, don’t miss out on a commanding performance and Reid’s unmistakable 1907’s Seger look. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. 

July 30

Ship Tours: 

• Time: 10 a.m-noon, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Sequoia. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Coastie Golf Tournament*: 

• Time: 
  • Registration: 7:30 a.m. 
  • Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Pigeon Creek Golf Club
• Entry fee:
  • Active duty/reserve: Free
  • Retiree/auxiliary: $55

*Limited to first 88 golfers, retired and current Coast Guard personnel only

• About: 18-hole four-person scramble, shotgun start 8:30 a.m. 18 holes concluded with a luncheon and awards ceremony

Coast Guard Recruiting Presentation: 

• Time: 10-11 a.m. 
• Location: Sector Field Office at 650 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven
• About: The U.S Coast Guard is inviting job seekers between the ages of 17-41 to meet with local Coast Guard representatives. Learn about free tuition and healthcare benefits.

Carnival Day: 

• Time: Noon-11 p.m.
• Location: Downtown at the Harborfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots
• About: See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a night of fun at the carnival. Unlimited rides with wristbands available for $30 from noon-6 p.m. and for $35 from 6-11 p.m., as well as single ride tickets. 

Crazy Train-The Ozzy Experience

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: It's the best touring Ozzy Osbourne Tribute show hosted by Vinny Cormier out there. With a captivating show featuring hits such as Sabbath and Patient No. 9. Tickets are $20. And can be purchased here. 

July 31

Ship Tours: 

• Time: 10 a.m-noon and 1-3 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Sequoia and the decommissioned USCGC Sundew. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Merchants and Makers at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: 

• Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 
• Location: Between Washington and Columbus Avenue
• About: Enjoy a diverse assortment of handmade goods, unique crafts and so much more. Live music and food trucks will be at this event. 

Carnival Day: 

• Time: Noon-11 p.m.
• Location: Downtown at the Harborfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots
• About: See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a night of fun at the carnival. Unlimited rides with wristbands available for $30 from noon-6 p.m. and for $35 from 6-11 p.m., as well as single ride tickets. 

National Coast Guard Memorial Service: 

• Time: 4 p.m.
• Location: Escanaba Park
• About: Join the Grand Haven Coast Guard festival as they pause and honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. 

Legends of New Country: Wallen & Wilson + Drone Show: 

• Time: 6:30 p.m. 
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Country like you’ve never seen before, the ultimate tribute show that brings together two of country’s stars: Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. 

Drone Show: 

• Time: After the evening waterfront show
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: Get ready for the sky to light up with this drone show.

Aug. 1: 

Ship Tours: 

• Time: 10 a.m-noon, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: Don’t miss out on your chance to walk the rails of the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Sequoia. Times and open ships are subject to change day to day. 

Merchants and Makers at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: 

• Time: 9-5 p.m. 
• Location: Between Washington and Columbus Avenue
• About: Enjoy a diverse assortment of handmade goods, unique crafts, and so much more. Live music and food trucks will be at this event. 

Grand Parade: 

• Time: 11:45 a.m.
• Location: Downtown Grand Haven
• About: This year's festival theme is “1776 Gave us a Nation - 1790 Gave us Its Guardians.” So bring out your festival spirit and prepare for music, color, and community pride.

Carnival:

• Time: Noon-11 p.m.
• Location: Downtown at the Harborfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots
• About: See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a night of fun at the carnival. Unlimited rides with wristbands available for $25 from noon-4 p.m.; after 4 p.m., no wristbands. 

Elton and Billy: The Tribute + Fireworks Spectacular: 

• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Grand Haven Waterfront
• About: The ultimate live experience of the legendary piano man. Come experience the magic with songs such as “Only the Good Die Young and Bennie and the Jets.” Then stay after to see fireworks that close out this year's Coast Guard. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. 

Parking

Harbor Transit offers a Park and Ride service. The service is free July 24 through July 31, and day passes cost $2 per person for full-fare riders on Aug. 1. 

July 24-31 

Times: 

• Friday, July 24: 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 26: Noon-10:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 27: Noon-10:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 28: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 29: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, July 30: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 31: 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Parking location: Harbor Island Soccer Field

Downtown drop-off location: Third Street and Columbus Avenue

Saturday, Aug. 1: 

9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Parking locations: 

• Ferry Elementary School (Grand Haven)
• Griffin Elementary School (Grand Haven)
• Trinity Reformed Church (Grand Haven)
• First Christian Reformed Church
• First Baptist Church (Spring Lake)
• All Shores Wesleyan Church (Spring Lake)
• Ferrysburg City Hall

Downtown drop-off location: Fourth Street (Loutit Library) between Fulton and Columbus.

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.