Wisconsin is known for its festivals, and a unique one in Manitowoc celebrates the city's beautiful sandy beaches and boasts a family-friendly atmosphere.
July 19-21, 2024 will mark the second annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, a three-day event centered around 17 semi-pro sand sculptors who will compete for the top prize in both the solo and brand-new doubles division. 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 20. 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 or register for the free Sand Sculpting Boot Camp with master sand sculptors earlier in the week on June 17 at 6:00 p.m.
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, sand sculpting demonstrations, Badger Bingo with staff from the S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, and more!
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, and The Haven of Manitowoc County, a men's homeless shelter.
For a full schedule of events at the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, see our event page here.
