After more than a decade away, the White Lake Area Maritime Festival is making its long-awaited return.
From August 6–8, 2026, residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the White Lake Area’s maritime history with three days of live music, family activities, races, waterfront events, food, and community traditions. Originally established in 1981, the festival was last held in 2012 before returning this summer, celebrating things that make the White Lake Area special.
The festival is organized by the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau, but its success is made possible through the collaboration of other local businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community organizations that have stepped forward to lead individual events and activities throughout the weekend.
“One of the things we’re most excited about is that this truly is a White Lake Area community festival,” said Stephanie Ware, Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “So many organizations have taken ownership of different pieces of the weekend, creating something far bigger than any one group could do alone. That’s exactly what makes the White Lake Area so special.”
Festival activities begin Thursday, August 6, with a free Community Picnic in Goodrich Park and free tours at the White River Light Station. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy the Wooden Boat Show, White Lake Sailboat Regatta, Run White Lake 5K, Float-A-Palooza, continued free tours at the White River Light Station, children’s activities, live music in Goodrich Park featuring Saved by the Band, Tommy Foster, and The Edukators, along with food vendors and a beer tent.
The celebration continues even after the festival concludes, with White Lake Fit on Sunday morning and the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club’s Bacon, Bloodys, and Brews event at North Grove Brewers.
Complete schedules, event details, volunteer opportunities, and additional information are available at www.whitelake.org/maritime.
The White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose support has helped make the return of the Maritime Festival possible.
Event Sponsor: HarborLight Credit Union
Gold Sponsors: Shelby State Bank // Shoreline Restoration & Construction
Silver Sponsors: Hilite International // Legacy of Caring Residential Assisted Living // Linamar Montague // Manpower // Redi Rental
Bronze Sponsors: Diebold Insurance Agency // Scheid Plumbing, Heating & Cooling // White Lake Beacon
Promotional Sponsors: ATA National Title Group // Complete Restoration & Cleaning Services // Lighthouse Title Agency—White Lake, LLC // MasterTag
Site Operations Sponsor: WinBerg Construction
The White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau looks forward to welcoming the community back to one of the area’s most beloved traditions and celebrating the return of the White Lake Area Maritime Festival together.
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