TWO RIVERS – Summer in Two Rivers is not exactly easing in quietly.
Between beach campouts, fireworks, classic cars, live music, bike rides and enough family-friendly activities to fill a calendar, the “Cool City” is giving residents and visitors plenty of reasons to get outside.
Here are some of the summer events coming up in Two Rivers, from free kids’ activities to big community festivals and a few only-in-Two-Rivers traditions.
Two Rivers summer kicks off with sundaes, cars and beach fun
The season gets rolling June 25 with Sundae Thursday, a sweet tradition that serves up quarter sundaes, children’s games, inflatables and an eating contest. The Manitowoc Marine Band is scheduled to perform at 6:45 p.m.
A day later, the city shifts into classic summer mode with the Cool City Classic Car Cruise and Show June 26-27. The event includes a Friday night cruise and Saturday car show.
Beach Bash returns June 26-27 at Neshotah Beach, bringing live bands, carnival rides, tournaments, a run/walk and more to one of the area’s favorite lakefront spots.
Fourth of July brings a historic celebration to Two Rivers
Two Rivers is planning a big Fourth of July celebration with an extra dose of history.
As the country prepares to mark America’s 250th birthday, the city plans to open a time capsule in Central Park that was placed in 1976. The day will end with community-sponsored fireworks at Walsh Field.
City officials say the fireworks are funded entirely through sponsorships and private donations, not taxpayer funds.
Music, boats and fishing fill the July calendar
July is packed with events that lean heavily into what Two Rivers does best: music, water and community gatherings.
The Cool River Classic and Cool River Classic Boat Show are scheduled for July 11, bringing vintage and classic boats from around Wisconsin to town. The same day, the Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival will fill Central Park West with music in tribute to the “Braille Blues Daddy.”
On July 18, Harmony Lives on the Schmitt Brothers Stage will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schmitt Brothers — Jim, Joe, Paul and Fran — winning an international barbershop championship.
The 47th Two Rivers Fish Derby follows July 18-19, with anglers competing and the public invited to a free festival at Walsh Field featuring live music, food, refreshments and basket raffles.
SnowFest brings winter vibes to July in Two Rivers
Yes, Two Rivers is celebrating snow in July.
SnowFest returns July 24-26 with live music, food, Wisconsin craft beer, a parade, kids’ entertainment and a vendor and craft fair. The craft fair is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Other July highlights include the Scenic Shore Bike Tour on July 26, the Polar Bears Baseball Christmas in July game July 27 and the Great Bike Giveaway on July 29, when children ages 2-12 can win new bikes and helmets.
August keeps the family fun going
August starts with National Night Out on Aug. 4, giving families a chance to get up close to squad cars, fire trucks, city utility vehicles and the people who use them.
Rogers Street Days follows Aug. 7-8 with free live music, food, raffles and plenty of local favorites, including a Susie Q smelt fry, brats, burgers, fries, cheese curds, sweet corn and Cedar Crest ice cream.
Bites on the Beach is scheduled for Aug. 22.
Then, on Aug. 29-30, families can spend a night under the stars during the Great Neshotah Beach Campout. The event includes live music, campfire fun, activities, games and concessions.
Registration is required, and space is limited to 75 families. Pre-registration is $45 per family for up to two tents. Check-in begins at 6 p.m., with checkout at 10 a.m. the next morning.
Late-summer events roll into fall
The calendar does not stop when August ends.
The American Legion Car Show is set for Sept. 5, Paddle Palooza is scheduled for Sept. 12 and Ride For Hunger will take cyclists along Manitowoc County roads Sept. 13 while raising support for neighbors in need.
Ethnic Fest returns Sept. 19 with music, dance, food, a parade of flags, family activities, and arts and crafts vendors.
And for those already thinking about Halloween, the Zombie Zoom 5K is scheduled for Oct. 31.
Two Rivers summer events at a glance
A full calendar of Two Rivers events is available through city activity guides and ExploreTwoRivers.com.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Two Rivers summer calendar has SnowFest, beach nights, music and more
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
