The festival celebrates a 1936 snow-in-July surprise with eight bands, family activities, vendors, raffles and a parade.
Two Rivers summer events include fireworks, festivals and beach fun
A comprehensive guide to the festivals, beach nights and family fun happening in Two Rivers throughout the 2026 summer season.
Wochit, Brandon Reid
- In 1936, a snow pile was discovered in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, during the month of July.
- The city commemorates this event with an annual festival called SnowFest.
- This year’s festival, SnowFest 2026: Cool City Vibes, will take place from July 24-26.
- The event will feature live music, a parade, family activities and snow.
TWO RIVERS – You’ve heard of Christmas in July. But how about snow in July?
Ninety years ago, Two Rivers residents were tickled to find a snow pile that had lasted to the middle of summer under a pile of dirt at a construction site on the city’s south side.
How a July snow pile became a Two Rivers festival
The snow, discovered July 9, 1936, astonished community members and attracted attention far beyond Wisconsin.
But the city didn’t let the unusual occurrence fade into local folklore. Instead, it launched a tradition of celebrating snow in July.
SnowFest 2026 returns to downtown Two Rivers
That tradition returns this year with SnowFest 2026: Cool City Vibes, taking place July 24-26 in downtown Two Rivers. The festival celebrates the city’s remarkable story while showcasing the community that has grown around it, according to a city news release.
“Every year, we’re reminded that SnowFest started because of something truly extraordinary,” SnowFest organizers said in the release. “Finding snow in July isn’t something you expect to see anywhere, let alone in Wisconsin. It’s a story that makes people smile, sparks curiosity and gives us a reason to celebrate the community that has kept the story alive for generations.”
This year’s theme is “Cool City Vibes,” meant to capture what visitors enjoy about the area, including downtown Two Rivers and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
What to know about SnowFest 2026 events
The event includes live entertainment from eight bands, family-friendly activities, a vendor fair, free bingo, raffles, and local food and beverages. A parade will feature the city’s mascot, Chiller, and snow.
Events are held at Neshotah Park, 2111 Pierce St., in Two Rivers, right across from one of Lake Michigan’s best sandy beaches.
The Two Rivers SnowFest Parade will take place at 11 a.m. July 25. This year’s parade features a new route along Garfield Street from 29th Street to 22nd Street, ending two blocks from Neshotah Park.
Where to find the SnowFest schedule and updates
For a complete event schedule, raffle ticket locations, volunteer opportunities and festival updates, visit trsnowfest.org or follow Two Rivers SnowFest on social media.
Contact reporter Patti Zarling at [email protected] or call 920-606-2575.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.htrnews.com ’
