Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival

05/27/2026

The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival is one of Manitowoc's can't-miss events of the summer!

Discover summer events in Manitowoc WI! See sand sculptures and attend the hot air balloon festival.

05/26/2026

Did you know our event was once featured on an episode of Beach Battles? Check out the episode below to learn more about some of the elements you'll see, including our amateur competition! Our amateur competition registration will be launching in the coming days.

Beach Battles brings host, Tatyana Arrington, to the most unique and bizarre beach contests in America, including the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival in Manitowoc! Watch the full episode to see

05/19/2026

Coming to Manitowoc for the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival this July 18 and 19? Book your room today below!

Find the best places to stay in Manitowoc, WI! From modern hotels to cozy vacation rentals. Find the perfect place to stay for your Manitowoc getaway.

04/14/2026

Calling all vendors! Our 2026 vendor application is now open and available on our website. Learn more and apply today here: http://www.visitmanitowoc.com/wssf

04/10/2026

Interested in volunteering your time to support the annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival? Click below to view the available slots and sign up to be a part of the fun this summer!

Interested in volunteering your time to support the annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival? Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival takes place at Red Arrow Park & Beach in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The park address is 1931 S 9t...

01/30/2026

We can't wait for another Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival this summer!

07/20/2025

The 2025 Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival is complete! Congratulations to all semi-pro competitors on their hard work this weekend!

Judge’s Choice
🥇 “Us and Them” by Josh Jakubowski
🥈 “Hatching Dragons” by John Kruse
🥉 “Lost in a Book” by Gina Diliberti

Sculptor’s Choice
🏅”Lost in a Book” by Gina Diliberti

People’s Choice
🏅 “Hatching Dragons” by John Kruse

Thank you to everyone who came to the third annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival. We’ll see you on the beach next July! 📆

07/20/2025

Good morning from Red Arrow Beach! 👋 The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival continues all day today! 🏖️☀️ Stop by to see the semi-pro sculptors finish their sculptures, play on the beach, shop vendor booths, enjoy a cold drink and meal, and more 10 am to 5 pm.

🗳️ All event attendees between 10 am and 3 pm can play a role in the judging process! You’ll receive a poker chip before entering the beach to drop in the bucket of your favorite sculpture. The People’s Choice winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at 4:30 pm.

Find today’s full schedule of events at www.visitmanitowoc.com/wssf.

07/20/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2025 Amateur Sand Sculpting State Championship! Last night we announced the winners in both categories. Congratulations to all!

Family Group
1st “Who Buried Toothless”
2nd “Wild Nile”
3rd “Good Eats”

Adult Solo
1st Ryan Metzner
2nd Josiah Woelfel
3rd Rebecca Struck

We can’t wait to see who wins our semi-pro competition later today!

07/19/2025

We’re ready to welcome you to Red Arrow Park & Beach for some sand sculpting. Day one of the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival kicks off at 10:00 am today!

REMINDERS

⏰ Festival times:
Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

💰 Admission is FREE!

🐶 With no entrance fee, the event grounds in the park are not gated this year. Pets are allowed there, but not in our fenced off beach area to avoid damage to any sculpture.

🍔 Knights of Columbus is serving burgers, brats and drinks, plus there are food and coffee trucks!

☀️ We’re on rain or shine!

💻 For the full event schedule visit www.visitmanitowoc.com/wssf