Wisconsin is known for its festivals, and it’s about to get a new one like none other in the state that perfectly celebrates Manitowoc’s sandy beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.
July 14-16, 2023 will mark the Inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, a three-day event centered around ten semi-pro sand sculptors who will compete for first place and people's choice. Using nothing but sand and a mix of water and natural adhesive, these sculptors will create giant works of sand art that are sure to blow your mind.
This unique event encourages visitors to be a part of the action, with the Amateur Sand Sculpting Tournament on Saturday, July 15. Participants will start crafting at 10:00 a.m., and then judging will take place that same day at 3:00 p.m. Looking for tips on how to get started? Attend one of the many free hands-on lessons.
The grand sculptures may be the main event, but you won’t want to miss the Speed Sculpting Shows, aptly named Quick Sand. Two semi-pro sculptors will compete head to head on stage to see who can make the best sand sculpture according to a random theme called out by an audience member. The competitors only get ten minutes and one bucket of sand to create their masterpieces.
Other event features include live music, food trucks, vendors, Reading in the Sand with the Manitowoc Public Library, and Badger Bingo with Shelby of the S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry.
Admission is $5 per day or $10 for a 3-day pass. All proceeds go to the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary, a local nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers that carry out charitable and educational projects.
For a full schedule of events at the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, see our event page here.
