In 2023, nearly 4,000 people from 16 different states and Canadian provinces and eight different countries attended what has now become one of the largest surf festivals in the world.
After a hugely successful event last summer, the Great Lakes Surf Festival returns for its sixth annual event, taking place on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 12:30 – 6 p.m. at one of the most beautiful beaches on the Great Lakes, Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon, Michigan.
Pure Michigan recently called the Great Lakes Surf Festival one of the most family-friendly festivals in Michigan. For 2024, event organizers have put together a full slate of activities, including surf and paddleboard lessons, along with practicing yoga directly on the beach. Music, food and a raffle will also take place. 10 surfboards and paddleboards will be given away, along with a surfing trip for two to Costa Rica's Witch's Rock Surf Camp located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica—a premier surf camp that caters to surfers from all levels. If Mother Nature doesn't provide waves for the event, organizers will make small artificial waves for lesson-goers.
The Matt Jennings Band will be performing a live beach concert, a few steps away from the shores of Lake Michigan. The Minnesota-based band has toured the U.S. extensively, sharing the stage with such acts as Rodrigo y Gabriela, Bombino, Tropa Magica, Anuhea, Donavon Frankenreiter, Dengue Fever, Devotchka, 311 and many others.
Event Co-Founder Joe Bidawid shared his excitement about what's on slate for the weekend.
"We encourage anyone interested in a fun and family-friendly beach day to come out and join us," Bidawid said. "Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes who share the same passion. That is our goal."
Learn more by visiting Great Lakes Surf Festival.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Surf Festival.
