Independence Day Fireworks 

July 4
Noon–10 pm (Fireworks begin at dusk)
Lake Macatawa & Kollen Park

To culminate your patriotic activities, look no further than a good showcase of fireworks. If you’re in the Holland area for America’s birthday, there will be a brilliant display of fireworks over Lake Macatawa. While there are many viewpoints you can see these fireworks, most recommend Kollen Park, Holland State Park, or Tunnel Park. In the hours before fireworks are set off, there will be various fair food trucks available in the afternoon at Kollen Park. This free event invites you to cozy up in your favorite blanket (if the heat wave permits it) and take in the breathtaking display of fireworks as they reflect across the lakeshore. Please visit the website for more information. 

Gentex Street Performer Series

June 11–August 13
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
8th Street, Downtown Holland 

If you want a leisurely walk downtown, but don’t know how to keep the kids entertained, look no further than 8th Street. This summer, the annual Gentex Street Performer Series will regroup, ready to perform on the streets. These performances are not only entertaining, but equipped with music, magic, dance, and more (they’re also free to experience). There will be magicians, dancers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, jugglers, and more. For more information, visit the event page here. 

‍Food Truck Mondays

Every Monday, July 6–27
11 am–2 pm
Windmill Island Gardens, Holland

If you have a taste for, well… almost anything, then you’ll love this event. Each Monday of July, Windmill Island Gardens will host two food trucks during lunchtime. The lineup will vary each week, so make sure to check the schedule so you're there when your favorite visits. You can take your lunch to-go, eat at the picnic shelter, or even set up a picnic in the park. And the best part… you won’t have to pay admission to visit the food trucks, just make sure you’re on time! For more information on food trucks and times, visit the website here. 

Zeelmania Opening Weekend 

Every Monday, July 6–27

Each year, the City of Zeeland proudly hosts Zeelmania. The beloved annual event will take place each Monday during July from 6 to 8 pm. This family-friendly tradition features engaging activities, entertainment, and opportunities to “Feel the Zeel.” Both residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come experience the lively atmosphere that changes by the week. This year's themes, in order, are as follows: Hawaiian Night, Under the Bigtop, Heroes Night, and Summer Showdown. 

Happenings on Harvey Street

July 9–30
6 pm–8 pm
Harvey Street, Hudsonville 

July 9 – USA 250th

July 16 – Superhero & Princess

July 23 – Sports

July 30 – Aloha 

This summer, Gemmen’s Ace Hardware presents a series of family-friendly events every Thursday evening in July. Each week will feature a different theme, and this year you’ll get to experience the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on Harvey Street. This free event will include various children’s activities and showcase local businesses, outdoor music, and more. A dessert food truck will be hosted at each event as well. From an exciting obstacle course to water activities to superheroes and sparklers, check out the event page for more information on what all will be offered. 

‍Show & Shine Car Show & Cruise

July 10–11
Times Vary
Downtown Zeeland

It’s that time of year again, when the old-fashioned, vintage cars are finally able to get out on the town. With over 200 vehicles, this car show will have anything from hot rods to classic, vintage cars on display at the Gentex Parking Lot in Zeeland. The admission for visitors is FREE, but $15 for anyone who wants to showcase a beloved classic car. There will be time to walk around, talk to car owners, and wrap it all up with a cruise through the charming streets of downtown Zeeland. For more information on this event, please visit the website. 

Grand Haven Beach Vault

July 10–11
Times Vary
Grand Haven State Park

This event will launch you right into summer! If you wish to see elite athleticism, look no further than this sporting event. While it may not be your traditional soccer or football, the art of pole vault is a spectacle sport. At the annual Grand Haven Beach Vault, athletes across various age groups will compete right on the water of the state park. Over the course of two days, these athletes will showcase their skills atop the beach sand. This is a free-to-witness event, so if you happen to be at the beach this day, you can assuredly make the worthwhile stop here. For more information on this event, please visit the website.  

Chalk the Walk

July 11
9:30 am–1:00 pm
Windmill Island Gardens, Holland

If you’re looking for an interactive, affordable experience, take a look at this year’s annual Chalk the Walk hosted at Windmill Island Gardens. There will be plenty of things happening, from live demonstrations of chalk art by artist Halle LeBlanc, displays of chalk art to walk by and admire, and spots to draw up your own chalk creations, to free ice cream courtesy of Holland Polar Patrol (from 11 am–1 pm). This event is included with admission to the gardens, but free for anyone who provides proof as a Holland resident. For more information, please visit the event page here. 

Coast Guard Festival 

July 23–August 1
Times Vary
Grand Haven

The return on the beloved Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is upcoming. This week-long festival blends the perfect amount of tradition, patriotism, and entertainment against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan. So, whether you’re drawn to maritime heritage, spectacular carnivals, or stunning fireworks, this event is a class summer staple for locals. There are plenty of activities to honor both the rich local culture and our nation. There will be numerous parades, cardboard boat races on the channel, ship tours, carnivals, retiree beach volleyball, and a cruise-in car show. There is plenty more to this event, so make sure to check out the website to get the full scoop.