XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix Returns for 17th Year in Michigan City

The XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix returns to Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana, July 27 through August 2, 2026, marking its 17th year as one of the premier offshore powerboat racing events in the country.
The event features offshore powerboat racing on Lake Michigan with boats reaching speeds near 200 miles per hour. Racing takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 1–2, and is free for spectators at Washington Park Beach and surrounding shoreline viewing areas.
The Grand Prix generated an estimated 29 million dollars in economic impact for La Porte County last year.
“This event continues to be one of the most significant tourism drivers in our region and a major summer highlight for Michigan City,” said Jack Arnett, CEO of the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “The XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix brings together visitors, residents, sponsors, and volunteers in a way few events can. It’s really become a signature part of the summer here.”
Race Week programming runs July 27 through August 2 and includes live entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, and community events centered at Washington Park and downtown Michigan City.
New for 2026 is Kid’s Day on Tuesday, July 28, featuring activities at Washington Park Zoo and the HEROES Museum, along with a family movie in Washington Park. Participants will receive a $10 vendor voucher for evening use.
Also new is a drone show on Saturday, August 1, sponsored by GOOGLE and Graff Auto Campus, taking place downtown on Franklin Street as part of the GOOGLE-presented Block Party and Boat Parade. The signature downtown event will feature live entertainment, sponsored by Graff Auto Campus, food vendors, kid’s activities, and a parade of offshore race boats, with the evening continuing as the drone show lights up the night sky.
Additional events include a Community Kickoff on July 27, a golf outing benefiting Michigan City Emergency Management volunteers on July 29, and BrewFest on July 31 at Washington Park Boardwalk with craft beer sampling, live entertainment, and the Shoreline Brewery After Party.
VIP experiences will be offered at Stop Zero Beach Cantina and Washington Park Boardwalk. BrewFest and VIP events are ticketed.
Free parking and shuttle service will be available from the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa parking lot with service to Washington Park and Block Party.
Information, schedules, and tickets are available at GreatLakesGrandPrix.com.