Friday, July 25

Lighthouse Quilt Guild – “Stitched Stories” Quilt Show: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon, Grand Haven. Annual Quilt Show, members showcase over 100 quilts, offer demonstrations, and share stories about their antique quilts. $7. 

Mega ’80s: 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take a handful of your favorite '80s songs, a splash of some retro fashion, a pinch of panache and an eye-popping video spectacle in the background and what do you get? The Mega ’80s, of course. Since their emergence onto the Detroit music scene, the Mega ’80s have taken southeast Michigan by storm. Now veterans of the ’80s cultural milieu, they are still rocking as hard as ever. The proof is in the pudding.

Saturday, July 26

Coast Guard City USA Run: 7:30 a.m. at Tri Cities YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Join us downtown for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Run. For more information about the different run/walk options, visit bit.ly/40bxTTx.

Lighthouse Quilt Guild – “Stitched Stories” Quilt Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon, Grand Haven. Annual Quilt Show, members showcase over 100 quilts, offer demonstrations, and share stories about their antique quilts. $7.

Kids Parade: 10:30 a.m. in Downtown Grand Haven. “Celebrating their Service … Honoring their Sacrifice” is the theme of this year’s 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 Fifth Street and Franklin, West on Franklin to First Street, north on First to Washington, East on Washington to Fifth Street. Sponsored by D&W. Parade Placement is given upon arrival to the staging area 8-8:45 a.m. July 26.

Cardboard Boat Race: 1:30 p.m. at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Two classes of racers will be featured in the 150-yard race at the Waterfront Stadium and will be 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 noon until race time for a public walk-through and People’s Choice vote. Limited to the first 25 entrants.

Simply Queen: 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. Simply Queen is a world-class act. This completely live tribute performs all the iconic songs that have made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time and faithfully recreates the grand scope of Queen’s live shows — musically and visually capturing the amazing live Queen experience that has filled stadiums around the world. The band is fronted by Freddie Mercury impersonator extraordinaire, Rick Rock (vocal/piano/guitar), CC Lambrick (guitar/keyboards/vocal), Mitch Taylor (bass/vocal) and Phil Charrette (drums/vocals). Based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, they are veteran musicians who have performed in festivals, theatres and arenas across North America and beyond.

Sunday, July 27

Cruise-In Car Show: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in Downtown Grand Haven on Washington Avenue between Harbor Drive and Fourth Street. Over 250 cars on display at this great auto event. If you would like to show your vehicle, registration is on-site. Trophies donated by local merchants and awarded at 1:30 p.m. Dash plaques given to the first 150 entrants. All welcome — street rods, muscle cars, trucks, cycles, customs. Enjoy music, give-a-ways and a 50/50 raffle. Awards chosen by Coast Guard personnel and trophy sponsors. No parking prior to 6 a.m. Those parked before 6 a.m. are subject to being towed. Please park in designated, legal parking spaces only. Please do not remove barricades at street entrances. Per city ordinance, no tents will be allowed in public walkways.

Pancake Breakfast: 8-11 a.m. at Coast Guard Festival Office, 113 N. Second St., Grand Haven. $10 per adult; $8 per child or Grand Haven student (18 under); $5 veteran; $30 family of four (two adults and two children).

Flea on Seventh: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Seventh Street between Washington and Columbus. Get ready to shop. Dozens of vendors. Hosted by Vintage Green Antiques.

Community Picnic: Noon-3 p.m. at Mulligans Hollow 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and the city of Grand Haven invite you to enjoy food and games as we celebrate the annual picnic that was the start of the Coast Guard Festival 101 years ago.

Monday, July 28

Parade of Ships: 1 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Help us welcome the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay as they sail into the port of Grand Haven.

Ship Tours: 6-8 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change. 

Beach Party Boys and Elvis Lives: 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. The Beach Party Boys are in their 10th year of non-stop touring — they have been described as the Ultimate Beach Party coming to life. They bring the fun, fun, fun of California’s summer sun and the great music of The Beach Boys to life. The show is fast paced and interactive with a focus on lots of nostalgia to awaken the teenage hearts of all those who carried a transistor radio in the ’60s. The authentic look, musical instrumentation, and detailed harmony of the Beach Boys are reproduced with a bang on representation of the real deal. Elvis Lives – Bruno Nesci is no stranger to the Elvis tribute artist world. He’s graced the stages of the world for the last 22 years performing as Elvis Presley, touring across Canada, the U.S, and even Italy and Australia. Bruno is the only Canadian Elvis tribute artist to place in the top 10 in the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, and has accomplished this feat for four years in a row.

Tuesday, July 29

Kids Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Mulligans Hollow, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Bring the kids down to Mulligan’s Hollow for a great time. 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. 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.

Ship Tours: 1-3 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change. 

Ship Tours: 6-8 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Carnival: 6-11 p.m. 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.

Tributes to Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs: 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. The Premier Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs Tribute. His style of country music, influenced by blues and soul, looks to be attracting a wider audience in all those genres. From the raw, soulful vocals to the electrifying stage presence, every detail captures the essence of a true Stapleton performance. Are you ready to experience a packed venue, a captivated crowd, and a night of standing ovations? This show is more than just a tribute; it’s a full-scale concert experience that fans won’t forget. Backed by a professional band, this is one great show we will not want to miss. You’ll hear all the top hits such as “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Broken Halos,” “Midnight Train to Memphis,” “The Devil Named Music,” “Traveller,” “Hurricane,” “Fast Car” and many more.

Street Dance: 8:30-10:30 p.m. on Washington Street. 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.

Wednesday, July 30

Senior Day: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Mulligans Hollow, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. For a full list of Senior Day events, visit tickets.coastguardfest.org/events/senior-day. 

Coastie Beach Volleyball: 9 a.m. at Grand Haven State Park, 1001 S. Harbor, Grand Haven. Beach volleyball event for active duty and retirees only. Join us for a four-on-four volleyball event at the beautiful Grand Haven State Park. Play will start at 9 a.m. Come out for a day of fun. This is a free event. Spectators are encouraged. 

Ship Tours: 10 a.m.-noon at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change. 

Carnival: 2-11 p.m. 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.

Ship Tours: 1-3 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Ship Tours: 6-8 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Forever Seger/The Silver Bullet Experience with Two Dudes in Flip Flops: 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. Forever Seger creates a dynamic journey through the timeless music of Bob Seger, featuring lead singer Kevin Reid. Authentic vocals, commanding performance and Reid’s unmistakable 1970s Seger look capture the audience and propel The Silver Bullet Experience onto the top-ranking concert stages and festivals in North America.  

Thursday, July 31

Coast Guard Recruiting Presentation: 10-11 a.m. at Station Grand Haven, 601 S. Harbor, Grand Haven. This year, the U.S. Coast Guard is inviting job seekers between the ages of 17 and 41 to meet with local Coast Guard representatives who have the inside scoop on the latest bonuses. If you want to travel, learn a trade, or just explore your options, come to our seminar and learn about the free tuition and healthcare benefits the Coast Guard offers, and see if you qualify for a signing bonus. If you want to learn more, contact Chief Petty Officer Travis Thompson directly at 616-545-0786.

Ship Tours: 10 a.m.-noon at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Carnival: Noon-11 p.m. 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.

Ship Tours: 1-3 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Ship Tours: 6-8 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Grand Evolution (Styx and Journey Tributes) and The Zep Show (Led Zeppelin Tribute): 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. Grand Evolution is a group of five world-class journeymen musicians brought together by their admiration for the legendary sounds of two of the biggest, multi-platinum-selling acts in commercial rock: Styx and Journey. This high-energy act will take you back to the arena rock, vinyl era, performing hit after hit from a catalogue of some of the most iconic and successful songs ever written. Not only are the songs performed with note-for-note precision, but costume changes and the visuals make attending a Grand Evolution live performance even more enjoyable. The Zep Show is a visual and audio spectacle that transports you back to the age when rock was born. The Zep Show is dedicated to thrilling audiences in theatres and festival stages across North America. These four full-time, professional musicians have devoted their lives to performing live rock and the affinity they share with each other and the music they love is as apparent as it is authentic. Masterful musicianship, spot-on vocals and striking visuals make The Zep Show an extremely convincing and authentic rendition of Led Zeppelin from the late ’60s into the early ’70s.

Friday, August 1

Merchants and Makers: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in Central Park in downtown Grand Haven. Merchants and Makers is thrilled to coordinate the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Market, an annual market held in conjunction with the renowned Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. This vibrant two-day event, taking place the first weekend in August, transforms Central Park into a bustling marketplace featuring over 140 talented makers and artisans from across the state. Explore a diverse array of handmade goods, including unique crafts, jewelry, art, and much more, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of Michigan’s most iconic summer festivals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Coast Guard Festival Market offers the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind treasures while celebrating the spirit of the Coast Guard and community. Join us for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and fun in the heart of Grand Haven.

Ship Tours: 10 a.m.-noon at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Carnival: Noon-11 p.m. 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.

Ship Tours: 1-3 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

National Memorial Service: 4 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. A moving tribute to those Coast Guard personnel who have died in the line of duty during the past year.

Sounds of Sting – A Tribute to Sting and The Police with Crush – Bon Jovi Experience: 6:30 p.m. at Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. Born of a lifelong love affair with the music of Gordon Sumner (known to us as “Sting”), Mike Ferfolia’s SOS draws from the best of the best of Sting’s catalogue. No era of his music is off limits. From the soaring reggae-infused rock ’n’ roll of the Police to the driving contemporary R&B-infused jazz of his solo career, the Sting Police covers it all.

Saturday, August 2

Merchants and Makers: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Grand Haven. Merchants and Makers is thrilled to coordinate the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Market, an annual market held in conjunction with the renowned Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. This vibrant two-day event, taking place the first weekend in August, transforms Central Park into a bustling marketplace featuring over 140 talented makers and artisans from across the state. Explore a diverse array of handmade goods, including unique crafts, jewelry, art, and much more, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of Michigan’s most iconic summer festivals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Coast Guard Festival Market offers the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind treasures while celebrating the spirit of the Coast Guard and community. Join us for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and fun in the heart of Grand Haven.

Ship Tours: 10 a.m.-noon at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Grand Parade: 11:45 a.m. in downtown Grand Haven. Grab a seat along Washington between Third and Seventh streets for this year’s Grand Parade. 

Carnival: Noon-11 p.m. 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.

Ship Tours: 1-3 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change.  

Ship Tours: 6-8 p.m. at Escanaba Park, 673 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Take tours of the USCGC Mackinaw and USCGC Katmai Bay. All ship tour times are subject to change. 

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza: 7:30 p.m. at  Waterfront Stadium, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band live. Join us for an evening filled with incredible music, inspiring stories, and a sense of community as we come together to honor our heroes.