The Harbor Beach Maritime Festival was created in 2001 as a celebration for the Lighthouse transfer of ownership from the U.S. Government to the City of Harbor Beach. Now in its 23rd year, the Maritime Festival has expanded from just a celebration of our local beacon to a 4-day live music venue, numerous family events and some of the best fireworks display in the Midwest.
With the entire festival just feet from Lake Huron, "Maritime" as it's commonly referred as, offers a venue unlike any other. With over 24 hours of free, live music being played on the beach by some of the finest up-and-coming bands, Maritime stands by itself in quality entertainment. No cover charge, the ability to roam the entire festival grounds, viewing the World's Greatest Man-Made Harbor from the Trescott Street Pier and all while enjoying your favorite beverage (that you can bring in!), it is a festival-goer's dream come true.
The entire Maritime Festival kicks off with the Harbor Beach Community Hospital’s Maritime 5k Run/Walk along the Harbor Beach View Trail, following the shoreline through town, onto the breakwall and back to the beachfront for the photo finish Wednesday evening. The fun continues Thursday evening with the Bocce Tournament on the beachfront. With an average tournament size of 60+ teams of four (4), it is believed to be the largest Bocce Tournament in the state of Michigan. Enjoy some of the best food, beverages and desserts from our local vendors, including the Zion Lutheran Concessions. Don't miss out on the action of the annual Cornhole (or "bags") tournament Friday evening. You’ll want to see the Maritime Lighted Boat Parade at dusk. All events and activities take place on the lawn directly next to the beach, on the beach or on the actual water.
Many events take place throughout the day Saturday including a co-ed Volleyball tournament, craft show, the world famous Maritime Frog Jumping Contest, Kids Carnival, Sand Castle Building, Kid & Pet or Bike parade, Jet Ski Races, Strongman Competition, and plenty more. The only break in music action is for the fireworks display Saturday night at dusk, best seen from the beach front and Trescott Street Pier. No where else can the fireworks' glow off of the harbor and rumble along the lakeshore be duplicated. Upon the final firework, the music strikes up again to close out the nights.
Sunday wraps up the festival with a community church service in the morning, the Maritime Car Show, Craft Show, a fish fry, with the finale of Dueling Pianos and the Maritime Big Money Raffle.
The Maritime Festival is a great time to visit Harbor Beach and enjoy its natural beauty via the beachfront, beach and water. Mark your calendar for July 10-14, 2024 and make some summer memories for the ages - and even better, for free!
Keep Maritime Free & Help Us Grow!
Follow The Maritime Festival for news and information.
