55°FSleek powerboats in brilliant colors zoom across Lake Michigan in a blast of spray as crowds line the shoreline to take in the action. Welcome to the highlight of summer in Northern Indiana, the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City.
The whole family will love this week-long event, set for July 27–Aug 2, 2026, celebrating its 17th year with new and exciting additions. New this year are a Kid’s Event and a Drone Show, adding even more energy to an already action-packed week.
Along with the thrilling offshore races featuring some of the world’s fastest boats reaching speeds near 200 miles per hour, visitors can look forward to VIP parties, a Brewfest, breathtaking flyovers, and a strong field of race teams competing. The excitement continues with an expanded boat parade and block party, live entertainment throughout the week, festival food and drinks, family activities, a golf outing, and opportunities to meet the drivers up close.
Set your sights on Michigan City for the best Race Week yet. With great lodging, restaurants, and endless summer fun, it’s the perfect place to plan an unforgettable getaway packed with Grand Prix excitement and more.
New This Year: kid's Day & Drone Show
Race Week fun begins Monday, July 27, with a Community Kickoff Event that sets the tone for a full week of energy and excitement. On Tuesday, July 28, don’t miss the new Kid’s Day, featuring activities at Washington Park Zoo and the HEROES Museum, plus a movie and vendors in Washington Park. Also, for the first time, a spectacular drone show will be part of Saturday’s Block Party festivities.
Terrific Tee-off
Hit the greens on Wednesday, July 29, with a fun foursome at the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course. The outing includes drinks, lunch, prizes, and an after party at Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. Proceeds benefit the Michigan City Emergency Management volunteers, who play a crucial role in making the Grand Prix a success.
Go Big, Go VIP: Food, Drinks & Front-Row Fun
Take your Race Week experience to the next level! The public is invited to enjoy special VIP events for a charge, including the VIP Party at Stop Zero Beach Cantina on Thursday, July 30, and Brunch on the Boardwalk both Saturday and Sunday, Aug 1–2. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and unbeatable views all weekend long. Tickets are available now at GLGPtickets.com.
brewfest, block Party & Big Parade
The Grand Prix weekend gets underway Friday, July 31, with the Great Lakes Grand Prix BrewFest at Washington Park Boardwalk. Spend the day sampling craft beers, then keep the fun going at the Shoreline Brewery After Party with live music from Aftermath. It is the perfect start to a high energy weekend along the lake.
On Saturday, Aug 1, the action continues downtown with the Block Party and Boat Parade. Enjoy live music, kids activities, and food vendors before the Franklin Street Boat Parade at 6pm, where massive, colorful powerboats cruise through the heart of the city in a can’t miss display. In the evening, Head Honchos takes the stage, followed by the new drone show that will light up the downtown sky.
the races are on!
Head for the shore and grab your spot at Washington Park Beach for the high octane highlight of Race Week, the offshore powerboat races, happening Saturday and Sunday, Aug 1 and 2. Both days begin with breathtaking flyovers that set the tone for a full day of action on the water. This year’s event is shaping up to be an exciting showcase, with boats competing across 11 classes and a full schedule of racing each day. The energy is nonstop, and the best part is it is completely free to attend.
schedule details
Monday, July 27
- 6-8pm – Community Appreciation Kick-Off Event at Shoreline Brewery
- All Week – Chalk the Block at Participating Businesses on Franklin Street
Wednesday, July 29
- 11am – Golf Outing Registration at Michigan City Municipal Golf Course; Noon – Shotgun start
- 5-8pm – Golf Awards & After Party at Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity
Tuesday, July 28
- 10am-4pm – Kid’s Day at Washington Park Zoo
- 10am-8pm – HEROES Museum/Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets
- 7pm – Vendors; 8pm – Movie at Millennium Plaza, Washington Park
Thursday, July 30
- 5:30pm – Opening Ceremony at Stop Zero Beach Cantina Parking Lot
- 6-8pm – VIP Party at Stop Zero Beach Cantina
- 7-11pm – Live Band: Dave Zane’s – The Bigger Picture playing at Washington Park Boardwalk
Friday, July 31
- 11am-10pm – Food Court & Entertainment Alley Open
- 3-7pm – Great Lakes Grand Prix BrewFest at Washington Park Boardwalk
- 7-11pm – The Shoreline Brewery After Party featuring Live Band: Aftermath
Saturday, Aug 1
- 8:30am-3pm – Four C’s Car Show
- 9am-10:30pm – Free Parking/Shuttle Service at Blue Chip Hotel; Semi Lot along Highway 12
- 9am-4pm – VIP Tent Open on Washington Park Boardwalk; 10am-2pm Brunch Served
- 9am-7pm – Food Court & Entertainment Alley Open
- 9:30am-Noon – Offshore Testing
- Noon-10pm – Block Party – Downtown Michigan City
- 12:30pm – National Anthem & Flyover
- 12:30-1:30pm – Race 1 – BRACKET Class
- 1:30-2:30pm – Race 2 – BRACKET Class
- 3-4pm – Race 3 – CAT Class
- 6-8pm – Boat Parade & Flyover – Franklin Street from 9th St to 4th St
- 7-10pm – Live Band: Head Honchos playing at 7th & Franklin St
- 7-11pm – Live Band: Point’n Fingers playing at Washington Park Boardwalk
Sunday, Aug 2
- 9am-4pm – VIP Tent Open on Washington Park Boardwalk; 10am-2pm Brunch Served
- 9am-5:30pm – Free Parking/Shuttle Service at Blue Chip Hotel; Semi Lot along Highway12
- 9am-6pm – Food Court & Entertainment Alley Open
- 10:30am – National Anthem & Flyover
- 11-11:45am – Race 1 – VEE Class
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Race 2 – CAT Class
- 1-2pm – Race 3 – OUTBOARD Class
- 2-3pm – Race 4 – CAT Class
- 3:30-4:30pm – Race 5 – CAT Class
For more information on Race Week, go to: GreatLakesGrandPrix.com
getting around is a breeze
On both Saturday and Sunday, free parking and shuttle service are available at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa; Semi Lot along Highway 12. Free shuttle drops off and picks up at Washington Park and includes a 7th/Washington Street stop during the Block Party/Parade. There is a parking fee and very limited spots if festivalgoers park at Washington Park. See MichiganCityIN.Gov for info.
Don't-miss Vacation tips
Plan a vacation around the Big Race Week in Michigan City, where sandy beaches and Lake Michigan waters invite summer adventures.
Washington Park – This outstanding park and beach might be packed on race days, but come early or stay an extra day or two to enjoy its many pleasures when the crowds diminish. A two-mile stretch of primo sand invites swimming, sunning, and beachcombing – an ideal place to while away a few hours or a full day. The beach is backed by a shady 99-acre park with picnic tables, grills, shelters, and concessions. While you’re there:
Walk the pier – Get a closeup look at the 1904 East Light, Indiana’s only working lighthouse.
Let the Kids Splash – Children frolic in the sprays and fountains at Oasis Splash Pad.
Visit the Washington Park Zoo – Adjacent to the park, some 90 species make their homes here in natural habitats.
See the Old Lighthouse Museum – Learn about lake history in this beautifully restored 1858 lighthouse and climb to the lantern room.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts – Right next to Washington Park, this art center features a high-quality, changing exhibition schedule in four galleries plus a collection of outdoor artworks.
Settle In
Visitors find plenty of options for overnight and longer stays in Michigan City and nearby La Porte, including boutique hotels, name-brand lodgings, and private rentals. Here are some options:
Private rentals – Connect with private cottage and vacation home owners through rental agencies such as Beachwalk Vacation Rentals in Michigan City, VRBO and Airbnb.
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa – Posh hotel rooms and suites in this well-known casino with three restaurants and 24/7 gaming.
Brewery Lodge & Supper Club – A 12-suite boutique hotel secluded on a 40-acre wooded tract with a restaurant, craft beer, and wine bar.
4411 Inn & Suites – Comfortable suites with a fresh, modern look, ranging from king to three-bedroom.
Bridge Inn – Contemporary lodgings with private sitting rooms, within walking distance of Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District.
Name-Brand Hotels – Of course, your favorite name-brand hotels are available too. See Listing Here.
Whatever you prefer, there’s an amazing array of special places to lay your head each night.