Manitowoc will host the 2nd Annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival at Red Arrow Park and Beach July 19-21, 2024. Beginning on Friday, 17 competitive semi-pro sand sculptors from five states will construct massive sculptures along the beach. The sculpting and weekend will conclude Sunday afternoon with an award ceremony where the winning sculptures will be named.
Visit Manitowoc and the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary are once again partnering with professional master sand sculptor, Bill Knight of The Sand Lovers, on this can’t-miss event.
“Last year we welcomed over 8,000 attendees to our beautiful beachfront throughout the inaugural event weekend and are gearing up for thousands more to visit Manitowoc to experience one of our largest, most unique, family-friendly events of the summer,” said Courtney Hansen, Visit Manitowoc’s Director of Tourism. “With seven more sculptors, a brand-new doubles division and a welcome sculpture featuring a shipwreck, a nod to the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary along our coastline, we’re confident that visitors will agree that this year’s event is even bigger and better than our first.”
On Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., both individuals and teams can compete in the 2024 Amateur Sand Sculpting State Championship. There are six categories – children up to age eight, children ages nine to twelve, families/groups, business teams, teens ages 13-17, and adults 18+. Registration will take place ahead of the amateur competition from 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Prepare for the amateur competition or just learn skills from the pros at the new Sand Sculpting Boot Camp on Wednesday, July 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Red Arrow Beach with The Sand Lovers. The boot camp is free and open to the public of all ages. Pre-registration online is required.
Throughout the weekend, festival attendees can watch and chat with the competing sand sculptors, participate in hands-on lessons and watch speed sculpting shows. In addition to the sand sculpting events, there will be live performances, food trucks, beverages, and vendors each day.
Admission is $5 per day or $10 for a three-day weekend pass. Children two and under are free. While some vendors accept credit cards, only cash is accepted for admission. Proceeds from this event go to the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary to fund their charitable community efforts as well as The Haven of Manitowoc County as they serve as the volunteer coordination partner for the event.
For the full event schedule and additional details, visit the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival event page.