Grand Haven Open 2026: Pickleball, Waterfront Events, and a Weekend Guide

Pickleball takes over Grand Haven this weekend as the Grand Haven Open returns August 20–23, 2026.

Presented by the Lakeshore Pickleball Club, the event combines a waterfront kickoff party, Michigan Pickleball League pro matches, and three full days of tournament competition at Mulligan’s Hollow. Spectators can attend for free, making it an easy event to build into a summer weekend in Grand Haven.

Here is what to know before you go.

Grand Haven Open 2026 Event Details

Kickoff: Thursday, August 20
Tournament play: Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23
Spectator admission: Free
Host: Lakeshore Pickleball Club

The tournament is sold out for players, but spectators are welcome throughout the weekend.

Thursday Night Kickoff and Pro Matches

The weekend begins Thursday evening at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in downtown Grand Haven.

Location: 1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven
Time: Approximately 4:00–8:30 p.m.

The kickoff includes Michigan Pickleball League pro competition, food trucks, beverages, and a waterfront setting along the Grand River. The event also features prize-money competition, giving spectators a chance to see higher-level pickleball before the main tournament begins.

Seating is available on the stadium’s raised grass steps, but guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair if they want additional comfort.

Tournament Play at Mulligan’s Hollow

Tournament competition moves to Mulligan’s Hollow Friday through Sunday.

Address: 600 Mulligan Drive, Grand Haven
Play begins: 8:00 a.m. each day
Parking: Free
Spectator admission: Free

The current schedule includes:

Friday, August 21

• Women’s Doubles
• Men’s Singles

Saturday, August 22

• Mixed Doubles

Sunday, August 23

• Men’s Doubles
• Women’s Singles

The tournament uses a round-robin format, and seating near the courts is limited, so spectators may want to bring their own chairs. Food trucks will also be available on site.

Why This Is a Good Event for Spectators

You do not need to be a competitive pickleball player to enjoy the Grand Haven Open.

The event is designed to be spectator-friendly, with free admission, nearby parking, food trucks, and multiple matches taking place throughout the weekend.

For anyone curious about the sport, it is also an easy way to see competitive pickleball up close and get a feel for why the game has grown so quickly.

Make It a Full Grand Haven Day

One of the best parts of attending the Grand Haven Open is that both event locations are close to some of the city’s most popular summer attractions.

After watching matches, consider adding a few of these stops to your day.

Walk the Grand Haven Boardwalk

The boardwalk follows the Grand River toward Lake Michigan and connects downtown with the harbor, pier, and lighthouse.

It is one of the easiest ways to turn a tournament visit into a full waterfront outing.

Explore Downtown Grand Haven

Downtown Grand Haven offers restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and local businesses within a short distance of the waterfront.

If you are attending Thursday’s kickoff, arrive early for dinner or stay downtown afterward.

Visit the Musical Fountain

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is still running nightly at dark through Labor Day, making it a natural evening stop after the tournament or kickoff.

Head to the Beach

If the weather cooperates, Grand Haven State Park and the Lake Michigan shoreline are close enough to combine with a morning or afternoon at Mulligan’s Hollow.

A Simple Saturday Itinerary

8:30 a.m.
Arrive at Mulligan’s Hollow and watch the Mixed Doubles competition.

11:30 a.m.
Grab lunch from a food truck or head downtown.

1:00 p.m.
Walk the Grand Haven Boardwalk and waterfront.

3:00 p.m.
Return to the tournament or spend time at the beach.

6:00 p.m.
Have dinner downtown.

After dark
Finish the evening with the Grand Haven Musical Fountain.

What to Bring

Keep it simple:

• Folding chair
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses or a hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light layer for later in the day

The tournament provides water refill access, and food trucks are available near the courts.

Why the Grand Haven Open Is Worth Checking Out

The Grand Haven Open combines a fast-growing sport with one of West Michigan’s best waterfront settings.

Between the Thursday night pro matches, three days of tournament play, downtown dining, the boardwalk, beaches, and the Musical Fountain, it is easy to make more than a single event out of the weekend.

For locals and visitors alike, it is another example of the variety of outdoor events that make summer in Grand Haven distinctive.

Experience the Grand Haven Lifestyle

Grand Haven offers a combination of Lake Michigan beaches, the Grand River, boating, a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, and community events throughout the summer.

The Andrea Crossman Group at Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt helps buyers and sellers navigate Grand Haven and communities throughout the West Michigan lakeshore.

Whether you are considering a year-round residence, waterfront property, seasonal home, or second home, our team can provide local knowledge and real estate guidance.

Contact the Andrea Crossman Group to learn more about homes and waterfront properties in Grand Haven and throughout West Michigan.