Blue Water Fest is officially underway in Port Huron. This year’s celebration brings a packed lineup of family activities, live music, and sailing enthusiasts to the downtown area.
Wednesday, July 15: The Kickoff Parade
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The Main Event: The Rotary International Day Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday USA,” celebrating the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme.
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The Route: The parade starts at Huron and Glenwood Avenues and concludes at Court Street.
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Special Feature: The parade will showcase a brand-new City of Port Huron parade float, designed and built by the Detroit-based Parade Company.
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Early Closures: Due to road closures, all St. Clair County downtown campus buildings (including the Administration Building, Courthouse, Public Defender’s Office, main library branch, and Fort Street Health Department) will close at 12:00 p.m.. County offices reopen Thursday for regular business hours. City of Port Huron offices and facilities will also close at 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 16: Family Night
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Blue Water Street Fair: Runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Huron Avenue, featuring over 80 art vendors and extended shopping hours at downtown businesses.
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OT Transformation: Located near the 10th Street Bridge from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring Chaos Wrestling, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, games, music, and more.
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Kids Zone & Foam Party: Located at McMorran and Huron. Activities include an aerial ropes course, race boats in the fountain, a Ninja course, bounce houses, a game trailer, and a putt-putt course. A free foam party featuring 2 giant foam cannons will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. behind Sperry’s.
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Live Music: An ’80s Elektrik Dream party will take over the main stage in the parking lot next to the Zebra Bar.
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Drone Show: A patriotic drone light show begins at 10:00 p.m. at Desmond Landing.
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Early Closures: City of Port Huron offices and facilities close early at 2:30 p.m.
Friday, July 17: Boat Night
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Blue Water Street Fair: Runs from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Huron Avenue.
- WPHM Business Network Boat Week Kickoff Reception: A welcoming party held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at The Bank Building exclusively for Business Network members.
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Kids Zone: Reopens from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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Live Music: The festival expands to 6 stages, including the main stage, beer garden, Grand River stage, Port Huron’s new Pocket Park (featuring Port Huron Civic Theatre acts), and the Port Huron Yacht Club. A ’90s Fool House party headlines the Zebra Bar parking lot stage.
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Food Trucks: Food vendors will set up on McMorran and inside the Zebra Bar parking lot.
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Early Closures: City of Port Huron offices and facilities close early at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: Sailboats & Car Shows
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Bayview Mackinac Sailboat Race: Over 200 sailboats depart starting around 8:00 a.m. heading for Mackinac Island. Viewing parties will be hosted at several downtown venues.
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Kiwanis Breakfast at Dockside: The 49th annual community breakfast takes place from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the dockside parking garage, underneath Huntington Bank on Water Street. Adults are $12, children 5-12 years of age are $8 and children under 5 are free.
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Keels & Wheels Classic Car Show: Runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. downtown, showcasing over 300 classic vehicles.
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Taste of Port Huron: Local restaurants will set up sidewalk dining booths to serve signature items.
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Grand Finale Concert: Magic Bus performs on the plaza from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Parking: Blue Water Area Transit is providing free rides to and from downtown and a parking location at Desmond Landing 4:00 p.m. until midnight Thursday and Friday
Complete festival details are available at thebluewaterfest.com
