July 24 -25, 2026
Get ready for the highlight of your summer—Venetian Fest in Saugatuck! For decades, this beloved tradition has brought people together for fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From lively entertainment to cherished community traditions, it’s a celebration of everything that makes this place so special. Come for the fun, stay for the memories!
Venetian Fest is more than just a great summer celebration—it’s a festival with purpose. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Saugatuck-Douglas, a dedicated, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization, the event supports meaningful local impact. Every dollar raised stays right here in our community, helping fund youth education and leadership programs, environmental initiatives, and efforts that strengthen our local economy.
Friday, July 24 Concert in Coghlin Park
The action kicks off Friday night with an unforgettable concert in Coghlin Park! This year, the one and only StarFarm—the ultimate 1980s cover band—is back to rock the stage. With great music, local food vendors, and a full bar, it’s the perfect way to start the weekend.
Tickets are $16 each now through May 15, $18 each May 15 through July 23, and $20 each at the gate.
Heads up! This year’s Venetian Fest Friday Night Concert Party will be CASHLESS. Please plan to use credit/debit cards or mobile payment options for all purchases.
Gates open at 6:00 pm, StarFarm takes the stage at 7:00 pm, and the event wraps up at 11:00 pm. This is a 21+ event—valid ID required. No re-entry permitted.
Follow the link below to purchase your tickets for the Friday Night Concert in Coghlin Park.
Saturday, July 25 Dinghy Poker Run
Get your engines (and squirt guns) ready for the wild Dinghy Poker Run!
Dinghies race from stop to stop along the Kalamazoo River and Lake Kalamazoo, collecting poker cards at each location before returning to Coghlin Park by 3:00 pm. The best poker hand wins!
Dinghies only. Motorized boats required. No pontoons.
Starts and ends at Coghlin Park
12:00–3:00 pm
Saturday, July 25 Douglas Duck Dash
Join the excitement in downtown Douglas as hundreds of rubber duckies race to victory—fun, prizes, and quacktastic memories await!
Sponsor one duck for $6, a flock of 5 for $25, or a waddle of 15 for $65.
Business sponsorships for the Duck Dash are also available for $150.
Beery Field
1:00–4:00 pm
Saturday, July 25 Fireworks
Venetian Fest culminates in a breathtaking grand finale—a stunning fireworks display lighting up the Kalamazoo River in a burst of color and excitement! Enjoy live music by Funky Brewster in the Wicks Park gazebo starting at 7:00 pm as you wait for the show.
Suggested viewing locations include Coghlin Park, Cook Park, Wicks Park, Mt. Baldhead Park, The BARge, The Butler Patio, Coral Gables, The Old Boat House, and the lawn area between the Red Dock parking lot and Blue Star Hwy.
Become a Sponsor
Make a splash where it matters—become a Venetian Fest sponsor!
Venetian Fest isn’t just a celebration, it’s a force for good. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Saugatuck-Douglas, every dollar raised stays right here in our community—supporting youth programs, environmental initiatives, and local economic vitality.
Your sponsorship makes a real, visible impact. In 2024, sponsor support helped fund a $20,000 contribution to combat invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil in the Kalamazoo River—protecting our waterways, improving safety for boaters, and preserving the natural beauty of our shoreline. In 2025, we continued that momentum with a $10,000 donation in support of the Kalamazoo River Greenway—advancing efforts in environmental restoration, recreation, conservation, and education along the river corridor.
Join us in creating an unforgettable event while investing in the future of our community.
Thank you to our incredible 2025 Sponsors!
