The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: Friday. July 26 - Monday, August 3
What began as a picnic for Coasties and their families to celebrate the founding of the Coast Guard in 1790, has evolved 100 years later into a massive festival that begins with a 21-gun salute on July 26 and culminates with a Grand Parade and spectacular fireworks display on Saturday, August 3. In between every day is jam-packed with summer fun: loads of great music and many tribute bands, kids activities and a carnival, car shows, craft fairs, community picnic, and pancake breakfast. And then there are the crazy fun cardboard boat races and actual tours of the massive Coast Guard ships that have sailed in just for this event. Also, while in town be sure to stop into the Tri-Cities Museum, which is open most nights until 8:00 p.m., and view their special exhibit titled, Picnics and Parades: 100 Years of the Coast Guard Festival, which is going on until Sept 22. Check out the Grand Haven website for each day's activities, times, and if any tickets are required.
Black Star Farms Sunday Brunch; Ongoing through October
Black Star Farms is a Northern Destination all to itself. Nestled into the rolling countryside of the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula, this 160-acre winery estate, with many internationally award-winning wines, has amazing events to make your weekend special. Their Acturos WIne Dinners with local farm-fresh cuisine are especially popular and people rave about the Latin Dancing Series, Charcuteries Workshops, and special Happy Hours with Live Music. While visiting Black Star Farms be sure to enjoy this unique landscape with over three miles of hiking trails, vineyard walks, and outdoor patios, and be sure to take a stroll past the many horse paddocks. This Sunday or any Sunday through October, make a point to visit for an amazing Sunday Brunch. Make your personalized selections from their 3-course brunch menu and enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning surrounded by the sounds of nature. Prices vary depending on the entree you choose and reservations are recommended.
Oliver Art Center Bourbon and Brass, July 26, 6:00 p.m.
If you love top-drawer music and top-drawer spirits, beautiful art, and the great outdoors with some amazing water views thrown in for good measure, then be sure to head on up to Frankfort, to the Oliver Art Center on July 26. The acclaimed brass band, Bourbon & Brass from Louisville, KY with their energetic and creative performances, is in town for a FREE outdoor concert. They provide the high caliber brass and as for the Bourbon? Well, distillery cocktails and refreshments will be available from the local Iron Fish Distillery. Where else could you have a ringside seat with views of Betsie Bay than the Oliver Art Center, whose doors will be open to view the many inspiring art exhibits that support local and regional artists in many different media. Gates open at 5:30 and the concert begins at 6:00 p.m., but be sure to go online to reserve your seat for this free concert. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the concert moves indoors.
Lake Odessa Area Arts Commission Art in the Park, Saturday, August 3; 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Art in the Park is happening on Saturday, August 3, at the Lake Odessa Village Park on lovely Jordan Lake. And it's an easy jog down I-96, only 39 minutes south of Grand Rapids, so no excuses to just sit home when over 127 artists are waiting to wow you with their unique creations. This annual event, from 9-4 p.m., is filled with lots of lively small-town fun with the Lakewood High School band and choir and a local dance studio performing, as well as many local bands and musicians. Be sure to take the kiddos to the Make and Take Zone for craft activities from 9:00 - 2:00 p.m. with a special drumming and rhythm activity with Josh Dunigan at noon.
