In the summertime, Manitowoc’s downtown and parks are filled with can’t-miss festivals and events. Read more below about five upcoming summer events that you need to add to your calendar!
1. Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival
One of this summer’s biggest events is the inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival on July 14-16, 2023. The only of its kind in the state, the festival will feature 10 semi-pro sand sculptors who will create massive sand sculptures like you’ve never seen before along Red Arrow Park Beach. Live entertainment, sand sculpting lessons, craft vendors, and food trucks are just some of many things that make the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival a can’t-miss event. The Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary will host this event and put the proceeds back to serving the community. Tickets are available day-of during the event.
Each year, thousands of people flood downtown Manitowoc for Lakeshore Balloon Glow, an annual family-friendly event hosted by the Manitowoc County Chamber of Commerce. The free event features glowing hot air balloons, delicious food trucks and cold drinks, a water ski show, kids’ zone, entertainment, fireworks and more! Lakeshore Balloon Glow 2023 is set for Friday, August 18 from 5:00-9:00 pm.
Malt City Brewfest is back in 2023 after a successful inaugural event! This beer-lovers festival, hosted by Manitowoc’s Briess Malt & Ingredient Co., is set for Saturday, August 5. The event will feature over 30 brewers personally serving up their favorite craft brews alongside live music and tasty food trucks. It all takes place in downtown Manitowoc along the riverfront.
4. Fourth on the Shore and Subfest
When many people hear “summer,” they immediately think of the heart of the season and Independence Day. Manitowoc celebrates the holiday in a big way with Fourth on the Shore. This event takes over the downtown riverfront and extends along the Lake Michigan shores, complete with food trucks, live music and entertainment, a parade, and fireworks to cap off the day. In conjunction with this event, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum hosts Subfest from July 1-4, with a jam-packed schedule of kids activities, ceremonies, and live music.
You don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy this fast-paced downtown bike race! Part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland series, the largest bike series in the United States, the Maritime Bay Classic takes over downtown Manitowoc on Sunday, June 18. Throughout the day, hundreds of racers will zip through the downtown streets. This year’s event will be even bigger and better than ever before, featuring live music, children’s entertainment so the whole family can enjoy Father’s Day together, delicious food and cold drinks.
