Whether you are a spectator or participant, you will find plenty of action-packed fun and entertainment on Michigan City and La Porte's lakes this summer. Three major racing events – Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix, La Porte LakeFest AquaX Grand Prix and the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix – are sure to provide fun in the sun for every member of the family, according to Visit Michigan City LaPorte Convention and Visitors Bureau's Director of Marketing, Linda Simmons.
“We invite everyone to attend all three action-packed family-friendly weekends,” Simmons said. “All of the events are free of charge!”
Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix
Come watch the top watercraft riders battle it out for a qualifying spot in the SBT P1 AquaX Race to the World Championship in the Bahamas, July 7 through July 9. This event marks Round 1 of the Michigan City Series and Round 3 of the National Championship Series. Enjoy exciting jet ski racing, food, brews, bands and more at this family friendly event.
Three days of food, music, racing and fun include: Friday, July 7 from 6-8 p.m., a Welcome Racers Party at Washington Park Beach with music 7-11 p.m. presented by The Muddsharks. On Saturday, July 8, racing begins at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. followed by Point'n Fingers music from 7 to 11 p.m. More racing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday with the awards ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m.
For details, visit michigancitylaporte.com/event/michigan-city-aquax-grand-prix.
La Porte LakeFest and AquaX Grand Prix
La Porte's third annual LakeFest takes place Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30 at Pine, Stone and Clear Lakes (250 Pine Lake Avenue) in La Porte. Additionally, the La Porte AquaX Grand Prix will take place on Saturday July 29 - Sunday, August 30 at Stone Lake in La Porte.
Whether you are curious about P1 AquaX watercraft sports and want to test your skills or want to see experienced racers in action, the AquaX Grand Prix is for you.
LakeFest then features three days of music, art, food, fun and live entertainment that includes ‘90s alt-rock band Everclear for a free show on Saturday, July 29 at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. A limited number of premium stage-front passes also are available for sale. Opening acts include James Neary and Midwest Hype, and a fireworks show caps off the concert.
Friday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. is when the beer garden opens. At 6 p.m. the food court opens with a Catalina Wine Mixer Concert and a DJ as the opening act. On Saturday, July 29, the information tent opens at 9 a.m. (to 4 p.m.); food court and beer garden open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; jet ski racing 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Everclear concert begins at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, July 30, there is a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m. Jet ski racing continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
For more information and full schedule of events, visit laportelakefest.com.
XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix
The 14th annual award-winning XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix takes place August 2 through 6 in Michigan City's Washington Park. The five day festival features many of the world’s fastest and most powerful offshore boats racing on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Walk through Washington Park and chat with owners, racers and team members (who also appear in the downtown boat parade and block party). All weekend long, enjoy live entertainment, family fun, food, drinks and racing.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, there is a golf outing at Michigan City Municipal Golf Course. Drinks, lunch and prizes are included in the $400/foursome ($100 hole sponsor). To get swinging, contact Katie@michigancitylaporte.com.
At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, there is a ribbon-cutting at Sunset Grille followed by the VIP party from 6-8 p.m. RockDogs will be rockin' the Sunset Grille pavilion stage. From 7-11 p.m., AFTERMATH will be playing classic rock and country music at Washington Park Beach.
Friday, August 4 headliners include the Race Team Welcome Party sponsored by CMR from 6 to 10 p.m. at Washington Park Beach. Nawty will be playing Motown hits at the welcome party until 11p.m.
On Saturday, August 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. enjoy the Four A's Vintage Car Show. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. check out the racing time trials. From 12 to 10 p.m. There is a block party, hosted by Lake Life Social Events in downtown Michigan City. Line up for the boat parade from 6-8 p.m. on North Franklin Street. From 7-11 p.m. Point’n Fingers will be rockin' Washington Park Beach.
Sunday, August 6 has a full day of boat racing scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Immediately afterwards, the Kasim Whiting Duo will be performing acoustic hits at the Sunset Grille rooftop.
For event details, visit greatlakesgrandprix.com/schedule. To purchase VIP tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/xinsurance-great-lakes-grand-prix-tickets-613476945057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Looking for another type of water fun on the lakes this summer? Visit Michigan City LaPorte team members also suggest other water activities including charter fishing (mcmarina.org/charters.htm), boating, kayaking (Lake Michigan and La Porte lakes), 'newer' kayak rentals at Stone Lake (rent.fun/la-porte-in), kite-surfing (stokeriders.com) and Harbor Country Adventure Tours/Night parties and cruises (harborcountryadventures.com).
For more information about upcoming events and activities in Michigan City and LaPorte, contact the team at Visit Michigan City LaPorte, Marquette Mall, 4073 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360-7328, 219-872-5055 or online, michigancitylaporte.com.
