The Blue Water Festival Bayview Mackinac Race July 15-18
Port Huron, MI 48060 (810) 984-9718
https://www.thebluewaterfest.com/
Contact: Lisa Delong
Email: delongl@porthuron.org
Phone: (810) 984-9718
It's the 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race!
The Blue Water Festival, Port Huron's Boat Weekend returns July 15-18, 2026. Familiar favorites such as Concerts, OT's Family Night, Street Fair and Mannequins Making a Difference join us for the festivities, all being kicked off by the Rotary International Day Parade on Wednesday in Downtown Port Huron.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
6:30PM Rotary International Day Parade: Happy Birthday U.S.A!
- The parade route is along Huron Ave. and Military St. between Glenwood Ave. & Court St. (Street closures start at noon on Quay St. and 3PM on Huron Ave.)
- Rotary would like to celebrate the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence with a red, white and blue color palette and patriotic theme.
6:30-9:30PM Live Music Yacht Club Stage: Blue Skye
THURSDAY, JULY 16
4-9pm Blue Water Street Fair
- Postponed to Friday due to weather advisory.
4-9PM Kid Zone - Near McMorran Plaza
- Ninja Obstacle Course, Yard Games, Lil' Skipper Boat Races, Face Painting, Paw Patrol Bounce House, PHPD Gaming Trailer, Foam Party (5-7PM) Aerial Ropes (4-8PM)
5-6PM Pocket Park Stage
- Port Huron Civic Theatre Mamma Mia! & You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
5-7pm Fantastic Foam Party
- Area around the McMorran Plaza & SE McMorran Parking Lot
5-9pm OT Family Night
- Operation Transformation, along with their main sponsors, are offering FREE family activities on the lawn just Northeast of the 10th Street Bridge.
5:30-9:30PM Live Music Grand River Stage: Blue Skye
5:30-10pm Mannequins Making a Difference
- Mannequin Models will be inside the Wrigley Center for tonight only due to the smoke.
- Vote for your favorite Mannequin by donating to that organization!
6-8PM Live Music OT Stage: 4th & Wall Collective
6:30-7:30PM Pocket Park Stage: Huronia Brass Band
7-10pm Main Stage 80s Party
- Moved to McMorran Theatre due to weather advisory.
- An authentic 80s tribute experience for all ages, featuring Elektrik Dream.
- Cost: Purchase tickets in advance ($7 plus credit card fee) or at the gate ($10).
- Enjoy an exclusive bar on site and Food Truck Court in close proximity.
7-10PM Live Music McMorran Beer Garden: Alter Ego
8-10PM Pocket Park Stage: Cabana Boys
8pm-Midnight
- Los Gringos - Port Huron Yacht Club Stage.
- Synchronized light display with 200 drones along the riverfront at Desmond landing.
Eat & Drink
- Food Truck Court: 4pm-midnight
- Restaurants
- Social District
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Noon-9pm Blue Water Street Fair
- 80+ art vendors from all over Michigan along Huron Ave.
1-3PM Live Music Grand River Stage: Joe Groves Steel Drums
2-7PM Kid Zone - Near McMorran Plaza
- Ninja Obstacle Course, Yard Games, Lil' Skipper Boat Races, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Aerial Ropes (3-7PM)
3:30-5:30PM Live Music Grand River Stage: Dave Frendt
5:30-10pm Mannequins Making a Difference
- Mannequin Models will be located on Military Street Bridge in Downtown Port Huron.
- Vote for your favorite Mannequin by donating to that organization!
6:30-9:30PM Live Music Grand River Stage: Josh Wiegand & Matt Jones
7-9:30PM Pocket Park Stage: Paul Shonk
7-10PM Live Music McMorran Plaza Stage: Y'All Band
8-10:30pm Main Stage 90s Party
- The Ultimate 90s throwback extravaganza for all ages, featuring Fool House, on the Zebra Lot Mainstage (Quay Street West Lot).
- Cost: Purchase tickets in advance ($10 plus credit card fee) or at the gate ($15).
- Gates open at 7pm with an exclusive bar on site and Food Truck Court in close proximity.
8pm-Midnight
- Gobies at Port Huron Yacht Club Stage.
- Ticketed Event, must be 21+.
Eat & Drink
- Food Truck Court: 11am-midnight
- Restaurants
- Social District
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Watch as 203 boats and 1,600 sailors embark on the world's longest continuously run long distance freshwater yacht race! Boats typically leave the black river starting around 8am, sailing up the St. Clair River, under the Blue Water Bridge, and into Lake Huron.
Launch Parties
- Port Huron Yacht Club and Huron Light Ship.
Start times: Typically starting at 11:30am with subsequent starts every 10 minutes until 1:30pm (Official times TBA).
Track your favorite sailors through the duration of the race!
7-11am Kiwanis Breakfast at dockside
- 49th annual breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis Club on the morning of the Mackinac Race.
- Located at the dockside parking garage, under the Huntington bank on Water Street.
- Enjoy all you can eat pancakes, French toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and milk.
- Cost: Tickets are available at the door for $12 per person, Children 5-12 years of age are $8 and children under 5 are free.
10am-4pm Keels & Wheels Classic Car Show
- Lining the streets of downtown on Huron Ave., there will be a display of automotive excellence for all to enjoy. Plus, there will be food, music, shopping, and more!
- Registration $20 ( cash only) day of show and a first come first serve basis. Limit: approx. 300 vehicles.
7-10PM Live Music McMorran Plaza Stage: Magic Bus
Eat & Drink
- Food Truck Court: 10am-4pm
- Restaurants
- Social District

FREE Shuttle Service with Blue Water Transit, Thurs. - Fri. 4 pm to Midnight from Desmond Landing (51 Court St.) to the center of the festival (720 McMorran Blvd.
BWROC and Lion’s Club will shuttle guests on golf carts from outer parking lots to the festival.