Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (2024)

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to Grand Haven’s biggest event, the 2023 Coast Guard Festival? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through all the amazing activities, attractions, and entertainment that this spectacular festival has to offer. We’ll provide detailed information on the event, including a schedule of events, a list of special events, and helpful tips on how to make the most out of your Coast Guard Festival experience. Whether you’re planning a visit to the festival or just want to learn more about it, this guide is sure to be a valuable resource.

Main Events – All You Need To Know

Every year, the beautiful town of Grand Haven, Michigan celebrates the Coast Guard Festival, an event honoring the coast guard personnel of the United States Coast Guard. The festival is full of events and activities for all ages, with plenty of music, food, and fun to be had. We will explore some of the main events of the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, so if you’re looking for a great way to show your support for the Coast Guard, this is the perfect event for you!

YMCA Coast Guard 5K run

The YMCA Coast Guard 5K run is one of the most popular and anticipated events of the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan. The event kicks off the festivities of the festival and is a great way to get everyone excited for all the activities to come.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (1)

The 5K run usually takes place in the morning and attracts both professional and recreational runners from around the area. Not only is the YMCA Coast Guard 5K run a great way to get into the spirit of the festival, it also serves as an important fundraiser for the local YMCA. The foot traffic leading attendees also play a very vital role.

Cardboard Boat Race

The Cardboard Boat Race is one of the most exciting and creative events at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. This race is a beloved event among families, groups of friends, and other local organizations. Everyone cheers on the teams as they race to the finish line! Judges score the boats based on several criteria, including originality, creativity, seaworthiness, and time.

Kids Parade

The Kids Parade at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven is a can’t-miss event! It’s one of the highlights of the festival and brings a special kind of joy to families, old and young. The grand parade allows children of all ages to express their creativity. At the end of the parade, awards are given for the best costumes and creative displays.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (2)

This is a great opportunity for kids to have fun and compete for prizes. The Kids Parade at Coast Guard Festival is a unique way to showcase the city’s talented youth and celebrate their creativity.

Coast Guard Ship Tours

One of the highlights of the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan is the ship tours. During this event, visitors get the opportunity to explore and appreciate the amazing vessels that are utilized by the US Coast Guard. Guests can walk around and marvel at the impressive ships as well as learn more about their inner workings.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (3)

Coast Guard Memorial Service

Each year, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival pays tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with a memorial service that honors their sacrifices and dedication. This annual celebration is one of the highlights of the ten-day festival and draws thousands of visitors to Grand Haven, Michigan. It’s a solemn and inspiring ceremony that celebrates the Coast Guard and the important work they do for our nation.

Everything You Need to Know About Grand Haven United States Coast Guard Festival

The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is one of the Midwest’s most beloved summer traditions. Every year, thousands of people flock to the picturesque lakeshore town of Grand Haven, Michigan for a week of entertainment and celebration in honor of the United States Coast Guard.

What Is The Coast Guard Festival?

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is an annual event held in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is the longest running festival of its kind in the United States and celebrates the rich history and culture of the U.S. Coast Guard. The festival dates back to 1924, when the first Coast Guard station was established on the shores of Lake Michigan. Since then, the celebration has grown and expanded to become a popular event for both locals and visitors alike.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (4)

During the festival, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities that honor and celebrate the service and dedication of the U.S. Coast Guard. These activities include carnival rides, parades, fireworks, food vendors, and live entertainment.

When Will The Coast Guard Festival Happen?

In Grand Haven, Michigan, there is an annual commemoration of the US Coast Guard known as the Coast-Guard-Festival. The festival takes place each summer and is typically a ten-day event. The festival will take place from 28th July to 6th August in 2023. It is the largest celebration of the Coast Guard on the Great Lakes and one of the largest festivals in the state of Michigan.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (5)

Where Will It Happen?

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is held in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of the United States Coast Guard. Every year it is hosted by the City of Grand Haven and is held along the waterfront. The city’s picturesque downtown area serves as the main venue for the festivities, with numerous activities taking place along the Boardwalk and throughout the city streets.

Coast Guard Festival Fun: Maps, Parking, And Transportation

Whether you’re a local or coming from out of town, it’s important to know the best ways to navigate the city during the event. From maps to parking information to transportation options, you should be familiar with everything to make sure your trip to the Coast Guard Festival is a success! The festival provides a unique and enjoyable quite the bonding experience for current and former service members.

Explore Grand Haven Festival Map

The main festival area, which is close to the Grand Haven pier and contains the carnival midway, food vendors, entertainment stages, arts and crafts tents, tasty food treats, service members stationed, fun water ski show, annual carny food splurge and more, is depicted on the Coast Guard Festival map.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (6)

Other well-known venues nearby include the classic car show on Washington Street, the sand sculpting competition on the beach, and the art market at Chinook Pier.

Install Grand Haven Festival App

Although the Coast Guard Festival is a thrilling occasion, it may be challenging to stay on top of all the details. The Grand Haven Festival App should be downloaded as a result. It is totally free and accessible for both iOS and Android smartphones.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (7)

All of the spectacular activities taking place throughout the festival are covered by the app. You may learn more about parking, scheduling, maps, and other aspects of the Coast Guard Festival. Additionally, there is an area where you can interact with other festival goers and arrange meetups there.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (8)

Things To Do In Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

There are so many things Coast Guard offers. You can enjoy your kids and families in Grand Haven festival.

Things To Do With Kids

  • Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Museum: If you’re looking for an educational and informative experience for your kids during the Coast Guard Festival, then you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Museum. You will have community welcomes.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (9)

  • Watch The Fireworks: One of the festival’s most thrilling and aesthetically stunning attractions is the Coast Guard Festival Fireworks Show. You can certainly enjoy it with your kids in the Grand Haven area.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (10)

Things To Do With Families

  • Play A Miniature Golf: If you’re looking for a wonderful mix of fun and competitive activity to do with the family during Coast Guard Festival, look no further than miniature golf. Miniature golf is the perfect activity for all ages, as it’s a game that everyone can play and have fun at. During the festival, you can find several miniature golf courses around the area, all of which offer a unique and exciting experience.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (11)

  • Attend A Concert: One of the most popular activities at the Coast-Guard Festival is attending a concert. It is a premier event downtown stretch. A variety of musical entertainment acts from all genres take to the stage for an evening of entertainment for the entire family.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (12)

FAQ And Trivia

Are you looking for all the information you need to know about the Coast Guard Festival? We’ve got you covered!

Grand-Haven was the first place to be named Coast Guard City, USA, by a congressional act. Due to the long history and continued efforts to recognise the accomplishments and services rendered by the men and women of the Coast Guard, our proud town was given this award on Nov 13, 1998.

Without the assistance of the US Coast Guard, the nearby towns of Grand Haven, hundreds of committed volunteers, and kind corporate sponsors, this yearly event would not be able to successfully celebrate.

Coast Guard Festival – 2023 Guide to Grand Haven’s Biggest Event | grandhaven.fun (2024)

FAQs

How many people go to Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival? ›

For several years the Coast Guard has been serving in the Grand Haven area. This festival celebrates the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving in the West Michigan area. How many people go to the Coast Guard Festival? Approximately 350,000 people attend this popular Michigan festival each year!

How long does the Grand Haven Coast Guard festival last? ›

The Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan, runs July 28 – Aug 6, 2023. The Coast Guard Festival on Lake Michigan is one Michigan's biggest festivals. Each year 350,000 people pour into Grand Haven in one week. That's more people than in the entire city of Grand Rapids!

What time does the Grand Haven parade start? ›

The Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday, May 29 at 9:30am beginning at Washington Street from 6th Street leading to Harbor and ending the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront stadium. A short ceremony will follow, including a speech by local veteran, Captain Tom Walcott.

Why is Grand Haven Coast Guard City USA? ›

Coast Guard City USA – Grand Haven

Grand Haven was designated Coast Guard City, USA, by an act of Congress that was signed by President Bill Clinton on November 13, 1998. Grand Haven also is the home of the Coast Guard's National Memorial Service honoring fallen members of the service.

Who is the executive director of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival? ›

michael j smith - Executive Director - Coast GuardFestival | LinkedIn.

How many people go to the Cherry festival in Traverse City? ›

More than 500,000 locals and visitors alike flock to Traverse City for the Festival every year!

How long is the Grand Haven musical fountain? ›

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized water and light show accompanied with music of all varieties. Each 20-minute show features a different theme. A different show plays at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

How long is Palomino Festival? ›

Palomino Festival is a single day festival taking place at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

How long has Country Fest been in Ohio? ›

The Country Fest, which began in 2010, has grown into one of the largest privately owned country music festivals in the United States. The festival was launched by Aaron Green and Joel Beichler, who have committed to keeping the event, which can attract more than 20,000 fans in a single day, in Stark County.

What time is the Jingle Bell parade in Grand Haven? ›

Ring in the holidays with the 30th Annual Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade on December 3, 2022 starting at 6pm through the streets of Grand Haven.

What time is the New Haven parade? ›

Sunday, March 12, 2023. Step-off is 1:30 pm. Where does the Parade start? Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue.

What time does the new roads parade start? ›

The Community Center Carnival parade rolls at 11:00am on February 21, 2023. The 2023 theme is “Winter Wonderland”. The Lions' Club celebrates its 79th parade this year with the theme, “Music For the Ages”. This parade begins at 2:00pm.

What is the largest Coast Guard base? ›

The Coast Guard Base Kodiak Command encompasses 23,000 acres of land on Kodiak Island. It is the only Base Command in the Coast Guard that supports both cutters and aircraft. Personnel assigned to Base Kodiak play a key role in Coast Guard operations in Western Alaska.

What state has the largest Coast Guard? ›

Located in the city with the same name in Alaska, Integrated Support Command Kodiak is currently the largest operating installation run by the United States Coast Guard.

Where is the largest Coast Guard station? ›

United States Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater (CGAS Clearwater) is the United States Coast Guard's largest air station. It is located at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in Clearwater, Florida and is home to nearly 700 USCG aviation and support personnel.

How long is Dominator festival? ›

Dominator Festival 2022 takes place on the 15th & 16th of July in Eersel, The Netherlands.

How many days is North Coast festival? ›

North Coast Music Festival, now in it's 13th year, continues as Chicagoland's biggest Labor Day Weekend party, happening September 1-3, 2023, returning to the recently renovated campus at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL, just 30 minutes outside the city of Chicago.

How long is North Coast Music Festival? ›

What time does the festival start each day? The festival starts at 2 PM CT. End time is 12 AM midnight CT on Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 PM CT on Sunday.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6243

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.