Manitowoc hosts exciting events: USS Cobia’s historic send-off, Sputnikfest, Mid-Lakes Fair and live music. Don’t miss these unique experiences and celebrations!
S.S. Badger arrives in Manitowoc
The iconic S.S. Badger ferry from Luddington, Michigan made its first visit to Manitowoc for 2025 Friday.
- The USS Cobia will depart Manitowoc for dry dock in Sturgeon Bay Sept. 4.
- Sputnikfest, commemorating a piece of Sputnik IV falling in Manitowoc, takes place Sept. 6.
- The Mid-Lakes Agricultural Fair and Thresheree offers a glimpse into 19th- and 20th-century farming Sept. 6.
- The Flyover Silver Creek bike race challenges riders with varied terrain Sept. 6.
- Live music performances will occur throughout the weekend at various venues.
MANITOWOC – Here’s your look at can’t-miss events in the Manitowoc area this week. For more events and live music schedules, go to https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/events/.
Watch the Cobia dry dock send-off
Something historic is happening in Manitowoc as the USS Cobia departs the river for dry dock Sept. 4.
About once every 20 years, this World War II submarine must be lifted out of the water for hull cleaning, inspection and painting to keep her preserved for generations to come.
Around 7 a.m. Sept. 4, tugboats will begin to attach to the Cobia, with departure expected at 8 a.m. as she makes her way to Sturgeon Bay’s Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, arriving around 6 p.m.
The public is invited to watch this occasion from viewing spots like the Inn on Maritime Bay, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Shipbuilder Park, Burger Boat Park, the Briess Lot (720 Quay St.) and The Wharf.
More details about the dry docking can be found at wisconsinmaritime.org.
Celebrate Manitowoc’s weird history at Sputnikfest
It’s time to get a little wacky at Sputnikfest Sept. 6 at the Rahr-West Art Museum (610 N. Eighth St.).
This out-of-this-world event runs from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and commemorates the day a piece of Sputnik IV fell in Manitowoc in 1962.
The day is packed with fun including a 5K run/walk, live music, kids’ games, food, vendors, and multiple costume contests and parades ranging from alien pets to cosmic kids to adults.
Special entertainment includes DJ Dan, Masquers Inc., the 501st Wisconsin Garrison and the famous Alien Drop raffle.
Whether you love sci-fi, live music or just want to dress like an extraterrestrial, Sputnikfest is the place to be.
For a full schedule and more info, visit rahrwestartmuseum.org.
Step back in time at the Mid-Lakes Agricultural Fair and Thresheree
Travel back to the 19th and early 20th centuries during the Mid-Lakes Agricultural Fair and Thresheree from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6.
This lively event at Manitowoc County Historical Society (924 Pinecrest Road), presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club, recreates the sights and sounds of a traditional agricultural fair.
Guests can experience threshing demonstrations, antique haying, corn shelling, sawmill operations, pie baking, farming animals and more.
Enjoy timed experiences such as a narrated sawmill tour at 11 a.m., a parade at noon, a haymaking demo at 1:30 p.m., and a threshing narration with audience participation at 3 p.m.
Along with farm and flea markets, carnival games, and tasty preserves, the fair offers something for all ages to enjoy.
For admission details and more information, visit manitowoccountyhistory.org.
Cheer on the bikers at Flyover Silver Creek
Cycling fans won’t want to miss Flyover Silver Creek Sept. 6 at Silver Creek Park (3001 S. 10th St.).
Known for its unique mix of terrain, the racecourse includes grass, pavement, sand and the famous flyover — stepped on one side and ramped on the other.
Riders will also take on Heckle Hill, with cash and prize hand-ups waiting for those who push to the top.
Day-of registration opens at 8:15 a.m. and closes 15 minutes before each event, with pre-registration also available online.
Spectators can enjoy the thrills for free while cheering on racers in one of the most exciting courses in the WI CX Series.
For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/flyoversilvercreek.
Listen to live music around Manitowoc
Grab a friend and a drink, then take in live music around Manitowoc.
Friday, Sept. 5
- Dead Eye Ry at Salute to Everyone (1107 S. 10th St.) — 5:30 p.m.
- The Chili Dogs at PetSkull Brewing Company (1015 Buffalo St.) — 6 p.m.
- Star Six Nine at The Wharf (606 Quay St.) — 6:30 p.m.
- Tanglefoot at Salute to Everyone (1107 S. 10th St.) — 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 6
- The First Wave at PetSkull Brewing Company (1015 Buffalo St.) — 2 p.m.
- Nathan Decker at The Tipsy Tomato (1228 Memorial Drive) — 5 p.m.
- The Glam Band at The Wharf (606 Quay St.) — 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7
- Susie and the Detonators at The Wharf (606 Quay St.) — Noon
- Kolache Brothers at Salute to Everyone (1107 S. 10th St.) — 3 p.m.
Visit Manitowoc is the city of Manitowoc’s Department of Tourism.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.htrnews.com ’
