Grand Haven was the first city designated by an act of Congress to be Coast Guard City, USA. Our proud community received this honor on November 13, 1998, due to our long history and ongoing efforts to acknowledge the contributions and services provided by the men and women of the Coast Guard.
Successfully honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard at this annual event would not be possible without the cooperation of the United States Coast Guard, the local municipalities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and generous corporate sponsors.
Parades, memorials, picnics, carnival rides, fireworks, a large juried craft fair, and many more events. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is an annual celebration of all things Coast Guard. The downtown area is home to the carnival while the waterfront is dotted with lots of tasty food treats – if you have an annual carny food splurge this is the place to do it!
The boardwalk will be a bustle with foot traffic leading attendees to and from the lighthouse, beach, ship tours, and downtown. The waterfront stadium, also along the boardwalk, is host to a variety of musical entertainment acts as well as a fun water ski show. The community welcomes a wonderful mix of Coasties, residents, visitors, and local/state dignitaries. If people watching were a sport this would be the Olympics! Come with family and friends or make new ones. Many new friendships have been forged via the Coast Guard Festival – trust us, it’s quite the bonding experience.
All Events
- 7/25/25 - Coast Guard Festival