Fourth on the Shore

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day, and Manitowoc is going to celebrate in a big way, with all the classics of Fourth on the Shore, plus plenty of new, fun activities. With everything that’s going on, Fourth on the Shore is a full weekend of fun in Manitowoc!

The annual 4th of July parade kicks off the day at 10:00 am and continues with live music, food trucks and much more in downtown and along the lakefront. 4th on the Shore concludes with the Festival Foods Fireworks Show at dusk. Subfest at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is also part of the day of festivities along the lakeshore.

Schedule of Events

The complete schedule of the weekend’s events will be published in the coming months.

July 1

• 7 p.m.– Kids from Wisconsin perform “America’s Soundtrack” at the Capitol Civic Centre

July 2

• 6 p.m. – Alex Wilson Band, PetSkull Brewing
• 9 p.m. – Free showing of Jaws (1975), which is set on the fourth of July, at Lighthouse Park

July 3

• Manitowoc Salmon Derby
• 1:30 p.m. – Sock Puppets performing until 4:30 p.m., plus food vendors and $1 from every beer served will be donated to People Earth Water, Hop Locker
• 2:30 p.m. – Conscious Pilot, PetSkull Brewing
• 5 p.m. – Sub Pub at Wisconsin Maritime Museum open to watch downtown festivities
• 5:30 p.m. – July 3rd Celebration concert with Road Trip & Smoke Road downtown presented by Brennan Seehafer Productions

July 4

• Manitowoc Salmon Derby
• 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Manitowoc Farmers Market
• 10 a.m. – Fourth on the Shore Parade
• 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Manitowoc Yacht Club open to the public with live music by Radio Effect and Barebones Blind, drinks and food. There will also be kids activities.
• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse open house
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Kids area in the lot north of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum with a bounce house, ROV tent, historical reenactors, crafts, foam party, and magic shows
• 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Experience Subfest! Live music and food trucks in the lot east of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. The Sub Pub is open. Museum admission is $10 on July 4th and free all weekend long for veterans, retired military, and active duty military.
• 12 p.m. – Fishing at Salmon Derby ends, live music entertainment begins
• 2 p.m. – The Wharf hosts live music by Blue Cheese Combo
• 9:30 p.m. – Festival Foods Fireworks Show

July 5

• Manitowoc Salmon Derby
• Tolling of the Boats Ceremony at Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Parade

The annual 4th of July parade kicks off the day’s festivities at 10:00 a.m. New this year, the parade is judged, and the top three floats will bring home trophies! The route begins heading north at the intersection of 8th and Washington Streets and turns right onto Maritime Drive, continuing to the Manitowoc Yacht Club. Remember to stay on or behind the curb to allow room for the floats and throw away your candy wrappers in the trash barrels provided along the route.