[Manitowoc, WI] – Fourth on the Shore, a full weekend of fun to celebrate Independence Day in Manitowoc, returns this year from July 1 to 5, 2026. To celebrate the historic 250^th anniversary of the United States of America, this year’s schedule is longer, jam-packed with activities in downtown Manitowoc and along the lakeshore.

The festivities on July 4^th will begin with the Manitowoc Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the farmers market lot, 720 Quay St. There will be special activities and guests to kick off this big day.

The annual Fourth on the Shore parade is at 10:00 a.m., and this year for the first time, it will be a judged parade to encourage and reward creative floats to ensure a lively show! The top three floats will receive trophies. To register for the parade, go to www.visitmanitowoc.com/4th. The route heads north on S. 8^th Street and Washington Street, turns east on Maritime Drive, and finishes at the Manitowoc Yacht Club.

The Fourth on the Shore layout has changed this year, to allow for a bigger celebration with more event features happening closer together. In partnership with SubFest, the main events will take place right outside the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in the lot to its east and north as in past years, with the addition of a part of Maritime Dr and N 6^th St being closed from after the parade until 4 p.m. Across this area, there will be a bounce house, foam zone, magic shows, ROV tent, inflatable submarine, live music, and plenty of food trucks and drinks.

The day continues with live music at The Wharf, PetSkull Brewing, and the Manitowoc Salmon Derby, music and kids’ activities at the Manitowoc Yacht Club, which is open to the public, and so much more. Fourth on the Shore concludes with the Festival Foods Fireworks Show at 9:30 p.m. over Lake Michigan, which will be a bigger show than past years to celebrate America 250.

While the most activities are on July 4^th, there are events all week and weekend long.

July 1 at 7 p.m.– Kids from Wisconsin perform “America’s Soundtrack” at the Capitol Civic Centre

July 2 at 9 p.m. – Free showing of Jaws (1975), which is set on 4th of July weekend, at Lighthouse Park

July 3 at 5:30 p.m. – Annual July 3^rd Celebration featuring Road Trip & Smoke Road along the riverfront

July 3rd through 5th – SubFest at The Wisconsin Maritime Museum will have submarine tours, historical presentations, and more. Museum admission is $10 on July 4^th and free all weekend long for veterans, retired military, and active duty military.

The full entertainment schedule, list of food trucks, and other activities will be updated as the event gets closer at www.visitmanitowoc.com/4th.

Visit Manitowoc organizes Fourth on the Shore with help from many sponsors and partners including Festival Foods, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, NEWGLSF Salmon Derby, Manitowoc Yacht Club, The Inn on Maritime Bay, Manitowoc Marine Band, Fricke Printing, Pozorski Hauling & Recycling and various City of Manitowoc departments. To become a sponsor, please email Courtney Hansen chansen@manitowoc.org.

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