Manitowoc weekend events include sand art and live music

Visit Manitowoc, Special to Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Wed, July 15, 2026 at 9:11 AM UTC

MANITOWOC – Looking for fun things to do in Manitowoc this weekend? From towering sand sculptures and Lake Michigan views aboard the S.S. Badger to live music, theater and art, here are some can’t-miss events to put on your calendar.

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Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival brings giant beach art to Manitowoc

What to know: See massive works of art at the fourth annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival at the newly renovated Red Arrow Park & Beach. Throughout the weekend, semi-pro sand sculptors will create large sculptures in the beach sand. An amateur competition will take place Saturday. Attendees can watch and chat with competing sculptors, enjoy live performances, play S.S. Badger Bingo, and visit food trucks, cold drink stands and vendor booths. Spectators can vote for their favorite sculpture for the People’s Choice award from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: Red Arrow Park & Beach, 1931 S. Ninth St.
Cost and information: Free. A suggested $5 donation supports Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary’s charitable community efforts. For full event details and to enter the amateur competition, go to www.visitmanitowoc.com/wssf.

Read more about the festival: Red Arrow Park to host Wisconsin Sand Sculpting competition July 18-19

Take a Lake Michigan shoreline cruise aboard the S.S. Badger

What to know: Sail the Manitowoc coastline aboard the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan car ferry. During the two-hour Shoreline Cruise, passengers can enjoy the historic vessel without going too far from home. The cruise includes music by Henry Herig, appetizers and desserts. Drinks will be available for purchase.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m.
Where: S.S. Badger dock, 900 S. Lakeview Drive

See ‘Evil Dead the Musical’ at the Mikadow Theatre

The Mikadow Theatre stages ‘Evil Dead the Musical’ July 17-19.

What to know: “Evil Dead the Musical” continues for a second weekend. The show combines elements of the cult classic films “The Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead 2” into one funny, bloody, over-the-top theatrical experience. The musical follows five college students who go to an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them into demons. There’s even a splatter zone where part of the audience gets covered in fake blood.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18; 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: Mikadow Theatre, 1118 Washington St.
Cost and information: Tickets range from $34 to $45. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to mikadow.com. This production is rated R.

Rahr-West Art Museum hosts Art of Conversation with John Olbrantz

Manitowoc’s Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St., was established as a cultural center in 1950, after the house was donated by Clara Rahr for public use in 1941.

What to know: Attend the latest installment of Art of Conversation, featuring a discussion with John Olbrantz, curator of “Antiquity Unveiled,” now on display at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Olbrantz is the Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. During the discussion, he will trace David Roberts’ colorful career and discuss the exhibit.
When: 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St.