Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival

The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, is the only one of its kind in the entire state of Wisconsin. This two-day event at Manitowoc’s Red Arrow Park and Beach is a unique festival featuring competitive semi-pro sand sculptors constructing masterpieces and an amateur competition. Throughout the weekend, attendees can watch and chat with competing sculptors in action in addition to enjoying a variety of live performances, food trucks, cold drinks, and vendor booths.

Semi-Pro Competition

Eight semi-pro sand sculptors from across the country will compete for the top prizes of the weekend. Sculptors will sculpt both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday until 3 p.m., event attendees can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. The semi-pro awards ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. under the entertainment tent.

Amateur Competition 

The 2026 Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition will take place Saturday and is open to both individuals and teams. Registration runs 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. The contest kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. The awards ceremony takes place at 4:00 p.m. under the entertainment tent.

Registration for the amateur competition is now open! To register yourself or a team, complete the form. Teams are limited to up to 6 members. The fee to enter the competition is $10 per registration and is collected the day of the competition. All sculptors are responsible for bringing their own tools and collecting water from the lake for their sculptures.

Event Schedule

The festival runs Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The semi-pro sand sculptors will be working on their masterpieces that entire time. The amateurs will be working throughout the day Saturday and sculptures can still be viewed Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, a DJ will be playing music in the entertainment tent in the park. Special performances and activities under the tent tentatively include:

Saturday

Johnny C Acoustic

S.S. Badger Bingo

Sunday

S.S. Badger Bingo

Memory Lane featuring Bobby Allen and Jean Alice

Food Trucks

In addition to burgers, brats and hot dogs by the Knights of Columbus all weekend, food trucks and vendors will be on site.

Food truck registration is full. A list of participating establishments will be published closer to the event date.

Vendors

From jewelry to toys, shop a variety of vendors in the park.

Vendor registration is now open. To register, complete the application here. Completed applications can be sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

Parking

Free street and lot parking is available surrounding the event site.

Limited handicap parking is available at the entrance of Red Arrow Park.

Event Rules and Reminders

• No dogs are allowed in the fenced off sculpting area.
• Do not park in private business parking lots surrounding the event, like Late’s Diner across the street from Red Arrow Park.
• No coolers, please. There are food and drinks available for purchase inside the event.