Lakeshore Balloon Glow, last swim of summer at Aquatic Center among Manitowoc’s can’t-miss events

Visit Manitowoc
·3 min read

MANITOWOC - Here's your look at can't-miss events in Manitowoc this week. For more events and live music schedules, go to https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/events/.

1. Be dazzled by glowing hot air balloons

One of the largest events of the summer, Lakeshore Balloon Glow, returns to downtown Manitowoc’s riverfront from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18 for a night of entertainment and family fun.

There will be a water ski show, glowing hot-air balloons, a children’s area, food trucks, beverages, an aerial dance performance, fireworks, and more.

The event has expanded this year and will take place on both sides of the Manitowoc River — in and around the parking lot at 720 Quay St. and the Manitowoc Public Library and also on the roof deck and around the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive.

A free shuttle service will be provided between 4:45 and 9 p.m. from three remote parking areas: Lincoln High School JFK Field House parking lot, Roncalli High School parking lot and Faith Church parking lot.

Check out all the details at https://chambermanitowoccounty.org/lakeshore-balloon-glow-2023/9222/.

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2. Take in cool print designs

Really Big Prints is an annual event in which artists are invited to make oversized prints at Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum in Two Rivers with help of the museum's staff.

This year, the artists made 40 prints, all with unique and thought-provoking designs. See the results of this event on display now until Sept. 17 at the Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St. Learn more at https://reallybigprints.org/.

3. Celebrate the American WWII Heritage City designation

World War II American Heritage City logo
World War II American Heritage City logo

Manitowoc is known for a lot of things, including its brewing history and being the Maritime Capitol of Wisconsin.

Recently, Manitowoc added another claim to fame. The city has been recognized by the National Park Service as an American WWII Heritage City because of its contributions to the war efforts through work like fabricating submarines and metal manufacturing.

Celebrate this designation on the rooftop at Wisconsin Maritime Museum with select speakers at 1 p.m. Aug. 17. This event is free and open to the public. Museum admission is not required to go to the rooftop. The museum is at 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc.

4. Sip wine with the alpacas

Take an evening to relax with wine and alpacas at LondonDairy Alpacas, 6827 State 147, Two Rivers.

Sip on boutique South American wines and try different cheese pairings and desserts.

Handlers will be walking alpacas around the property so you can pet and take selfies with them.

Three alpacas at the LondonDairy Alpacas Ranch in Two Rivers.
Three alpacas at the LondonDairy Alpacas Ranch in Two Rivers.

The Alpaca Threads Gift and South American Wine Store will be open so you can go home with a souvenir, in addition to the etched logo wine glass every attendee receives.

Tickets are $30. Call 920-793-4165 to check availability and reserve tickets. Learn more at https://www.londondairyalpacas.com/.

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5. Take a final dip at the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center

Youngsters float along the cool waters at the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Manitowoc, Wis.
Youngsters float along the cool waters at the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Manitowoc, Wis.

Summer is coming to a close, and so is the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center’s season.

To wrap up the summer, they are hosting a Customer Appreciation Day from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 19. Admission is only $3 per person and children younger than 2 are admitted free.

Soak in that last bit of sun and cool off in the pool! Learn more at www.manitowoc.org/774/Aquatic-Center-Mini-Golf. The Aquatic Center is at 940 N. 18th St.

Visit Manitowoc is the City of Manitowoc's Department of Tourism. Email tourism@manitowoc.org, call 920-686-3508 or go to Visit Manitowoc's downtown Visitor Center, 824 S. Eighth St., open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays (closed holidays). For more about upcoming events, follow @VisitManitowoc on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc hot air balloon glow, last weekend at Aquatic Center set