In September of 1962, in the heat of the Space Race and well before "space junk" was something to worry about, a piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed smack-dab in the middle of one of Manitowoc's busiest streets and right outside the Rahr-West Art Museum. The impact dug the 20 by 8 cm piece of aircraft three inches into the pavement, and apart from some small fragments landing on a nearby church, no other pieces were ever recovered.
To pay homage to this unique history, Manitowoc celebrates Sputnikfest, a one-day wacky festival of all things alien and art. It takes place the first Saturday after Labor Day each year, and is held right outside the Rahr-West Art Museum and on the street with the crash site. This year, the festival is on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Festival-goers are encouraged to get creative and show up in space-themed costumes, the best of which will be awarded in adult, child, and pet categories. The costume contests are the hallmark of this event, and every entry can feel like a star as they walk the green carpet up the stage. The 501st Legion sets the mark for costumes by having outfitted screen-accurate Star Wars characters roam the event ready for photo-ops.
Sputnikfest blasts off with a 5k Art Walk/Run, which takes the runners and walkers around public art installations and murals in downtown Manitowoc. The crash site and alien archway act as a finish line. Costumes are highly encouraged!
Food trucks and beer tents will be available, often with menu items that fit the theme including green Sputnik burgers. One of the most popular stands is the "Floatation Station," which serves Cedar Crest's Deep Space ice cream (Blue Moon and Zanzibar Chocolate swirled). Then, take your food to the music tent and listen to space jams from Xposed 4Heads.
There's plenty to do for the little astronauts as well! Art Space is a tent dedicated to space-themed crafts for the kids. A merchandise table with Sputnikfest toys and T-shirts is also available.
To see the full schedule of events, register for the 5K and learn why Reader's Digest named Sputnikfest one of the "Top Five Funkiest Festivals in the Country," go to the official Sputnikfest website.
