Get Ready, It's Blue Water Fest Week!

Published 7/12/26

Blue Water Fest is Port Huron’s week to shine. It changes a little bit every year, but one thing stays the same: loads of family fun. Blue Water Fest is often called Boat Week because it is the week when all the sailboats arrive in town to prepare for the Port Huron to Mackinac Race.

What’s the Schedule?

WEDNESDAY

Rotary International Day Parade: Wednesday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. This is a massive parade with bands, floats, candy, and more. Thousands of spectators line Huron Avenue (Main Street) in Downtown Port Huron. The parade starts at Glenwood Street and ends at Court Street. This year’s theme is Happy Birthday, USA, so expect to see a lot of red, white, and blue. More information can be found at paradeday.net.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY

Family Night: Thursday, July 16th, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Located on the grass near the northeast side of the 10th Street Bridge in downtown Port Huron. This annual family-friendly party features tents and booths from many different community organizations, each hosting a game or activity for kids. There will also be a Petting Zoo, a rock wall, bounce houses, hair braiding, games, crafts, prizes, giveaways, a free pro wrestling show (5:00-9:00 p.m.), and live music from the 4th and Wall Collective band (6:00-8:00 p.m.).
Kid Zone: Thursday, July 16, from 4:00–9:00 p.m. and Friday, July 17th from 2:00–7:00 p.m. around the McMorran Plaza and the Southeast McMorran Parking Lots. The Kid Zone features a high ropes course, an inflatable obstacle course, bounce houses, a video game trailer, mini golf, face painting and glitter tattoos, Paul Mitchell hair braiding, Foam party, Epic yard games, Little Skipper Boat Races, and more.
Drone Show: Thursday, July 16th, at 10:00 p.m. at Desmond Landing in Port Huron.
Live music: Live bands will perform at multiple stages throughout Downtown Port Huron. The full lineup and schedule can be found at thebluewaterfest.com/music.
Street Fair: Over 80 vendors will be selling their products on Thursday, July 16th, from 4:00-9:00 p.m. and Friday, July 17th, from noon to 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY

Boat Sendoff: The boats start heading out to the lake to begin the race on Saturday morning. Bring a camp chair and a snack, and relax near the Black River in downtown Port Huron while you watch the sailboats head out. Breakfast at Dockside will also be held along the Black River under the Huntington Bank building. You can learn more about the race at bycmack.com/faq and track the boats live during the race using the YB Races tracking app.
Car Show: The Keels and Wheels Classic Car Show will be held in the McMorran North parking lot on Saturday, July 18th.

What About Food?

Food trucks will be located throughout downtown Port Huron on Thursday, July 16th from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, and Friday, July 17th, from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. According to the Blue Water Fest website, these vendors will be serving up their best:

Another One Bites The Crust
D&T Catering
Jamaican Jerk
Little Drink Co.
Mama C’s North of The Border
Mexican Street Corn
Port Huron Masons
Ride or Die Dough
Santana’s Tasties LLC
Savvy Sliders
Shake That Glass
Sugar Kanes Concessions
Suvells
The Property Farms and McCallum’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Unicorn Minis Miniature Doughnuts
Your Mom’s House

Downtown restaurants will also be open for business throughout the festival week.

Is Everything Free?

The majority of the family events are completely free! All activities on Family Night, the Kids Zone, the Drone Show, and the parade cost nothing to attend.

Most of the concerts are free, though the evening headlining acts are ticketed events (you can check ticket details at thebluewaterfest.com).

Food trucks will have typical festival pricing, and please note that there is no carnival this year.

Pro-Tips for Families

Watch the Water: Activities are spread out across town, and the biggest crowds are near the docks on the Black River. Because there isn’t a conotinuous guardrail along the water, keep little ones close by. Strollers, wagons, and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Talk to the Sailors: Remind kids that the crews are getting ready for a big race. Many boaters are incredibly friendly and happy to talk about their boats and sailing experience with families—just ask.
The Best Drone Show View: There is plenty of room at Desmond Landing for the drone show. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, spread out, and enjoy the show.
What to Pack: Sunscreen, water bottles, and hats are essential, as open shade can be limited.
Parking & Logistics: You can map out your driving route and find available shuttle options using this handy festival map brochure.

Note for Parents: Friday night brings a high-energy party crowd, which isn’t ideal for younger kids. To get the best family experience, plan to see the sights and explore the festival earlier in the day on Friday before the later evening shift begins!

Have fun at this year’s Blue Water Fest!

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com.