Today the City of Manitowoc launched a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which allows patrons of participating, licensed establishments the unique opportunity to sip and stroll through downtown while enjoying the city’s vibrant riverfront, parks, public art, and local businesses.

The DORA will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. within a designated area of downtown Manitowoc. Participants can purchase alcoholic beverages from DORA-licensed establishments and carry them outdoors in city-approved, unbreakable, transparent or semi-transparent containers clearly marked with the official DORA sticker and the name of the participating business. DORA will run annually April 15^th through October 31^st, with the inaugural 2025 season starting on July 11.

“This is a really fun way to encourage citizens and visitors to enjoy the fresh air and riverfront during the warmer months,” said Director of Tourism Courtney Hansen. “The zone includes Burger Boat Park, Shipbuilders Company Park, and the River Point District, all of which are ideal places to savor your favorite drink.”

To utilize this program, ask for your beverage in a DORA to-go cup, sip it within the DORA zone, and then properly dispose of the cup before entering another food and beverage establishment or leaving the area. Check with local shops before carrying-in your drink.

Establishments with a valid liquor license within the DORA zone are able to register annually at the City of Manitowoc’s Clerks Office to be part of the program. Participants currently include: Brick's Downtown Bar & Grill, Chewy's, Craft Creek Brewing Company, Digger Dave's, Legend Larry's, Pizza Garden, Shoot the Bull, The Shrunken Head, and Wrap It Up.

The City of Manitowoc would like to remind participants that all laws regarding legal drinking age, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and traffic rules still apply. Patrons should reach out to a taxi cab or the SafeRide Program for a reliable way home if needed.

All rules and regulations, a map of the DORA zone, and currently registered businesses can be found at www.visitmanitowoc.com/DORA.