Lakeshore Balloon Glow, a free, family-friendly event in downtown Manitowoc, returns to light up the riverfront Friday, August 14, 2026 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
This can’t-miss annual event features colorful hot air balloons that glow along the Manitowoc River and reflect in the water. Additional entertainment includes the Webfooters Water Ski Show, aerial dancers, and a variety of children’s activities including bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, Mischief & Magic performances, Lakeshore FIRST Robotics, activities provided by the Manitowoc Public Library and more.
The event will take place on both sides of the Manitowoc River, in and around the parking lot at 720 Quay Street and the Manitowoc Public Library’s parking lot, and also at Shipbuilders Park. Available for purchase on both sides of the river will be food from 20 food trucks, corn on the cob served by the Manitowoc Lion’s Club, and beverages, including beer, soda and water. The night will conclude with a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.
A free shuttle service will be provided between 4:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. from three remote parking areas including: Lincoln High School JFK Field House, Roncalli High School and Faith Church. The shuttle will stop at each location every half hour, and the last shuttle from the event will leave at 9 p.m. The drop off and pick up zone at the event is on 8th Street near the Manitowoc Public Library.
The event would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors: Title Sponsor, Fox Communities Credit Union; Water Ski Show Sponsors, Bank First and Comcast; Fireworks Sponsors, RE/MAX Port Cities Realtors; Media Partner, WOMT 100; Children’s Area Sponsors, Festival Foods and Kohler Credit Union; Entertainment Sponsor, Ansay & Associates LLC; Beer Area Sponsors, First American Title Insurance Co. and SB Law; Trolley Sponsors, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Nicolet National Bank and Van Horn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Manitowoc; Map Sponsors, Alliance Laundry Systems, Manitowoc Public Utilities and Nicolet National Bank.
This event is organized by The Chamber of Manitowoc County in partnership with the City of Manitowoc and Visit Manitowoc. For more information, call 920-684-5575, visit the Chamber's event page or follow Lakeshore Balloon Glow on Facebook.