The third annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, returns to Manitowoc’s Red Arrow Park and Beach July 19-20, 2025. This two-day event, which attracts thousands to Manitowoc, features a weekend-long semi-pro sand sculpting competition, plus an amateur competition, vendor booths, an entertainment tent with live performances, food trucks and so much more. 

The event opens Saturday at 10 a.m. Six semi-pro sand sculptors will have already begun sculpting their multi-ton masterpieces. Throughout the weekend, festival attendees can watch the action and chat with the competing sand sculptors. On Sunday, visitors can even join the judging fun by casting their vote for People’s Choice. Also at 10 a.m. Saturday, the 2025 Amateur Sand Sculpting State Championships kicks off. This competition is open to both individuals and teams. Registration is still open, but limited sand plots remain. In addition to the sand sculpting events, there will be live performances, food trucks, Knights of Columbus selling brats and burgers, beverages, and vendor booths each day.

For the first time, this event is free to the public. Generous sponsors offset the costs of putting on the event. Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary, an event organizing partner, will be accepting donations to fund their charitable community efforts.

For the full event schedule and additional details, including amateur competition and volunteer sign up, go to www.visitmanitowoc.com/wssf. 

Visit Manitowoc and Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary organize the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival with The Sand Lovers LLC and many sponsors and partners including Fox Communities Credit Union, TDS Telecom, Tietz’s Piggly Wiggly, Eck Industries, Festival Foods, Hockers I Smokey Barbier, Lakeshore College, Prevea/HSHS, Vinton Construction, Seehafer News, Knights of Columbus, Just Orthodontics, Manitowoc Trophy, Holiday Inn, Pozorski Hauling and Recycling, and various City of Manitowoc departments.