The City of Sheboygan is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2nd Annual Sheboygan Midwest Challenge, hosted by Powerboat P1, from August 9-11. This thrilling event promises an exhilarating weekend of world-class powerboat racing on Lake Michigan, coupled with vibrant community festivities. Important updates regarding road closures to impact the surrounding area and event logistics are detailed below to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Road Closure Announcement:
Block Party (August 9)
Please be advised that the following roads will be closed starting at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 9th, and will reopen at 11:00 PM:
- N 8th St – from Center Ave to Niagara Ave
- N 7th St – from Center Ave to Niagara Ave
- New York Ave – from N 8th St to N 6th St
- Wisconsin Ave – from N 7th St to N 6th St
All Weekend (August 9-11)
Additionally, the following roads will be closed starting at 7:00 AM on August 9th and will reopen at 6:00 PM on August 11th:
- Broughton Dr – from Pennsylvania Ave to Ontario Ave
- Pennsylvania Ave – from N 4th St to the end of the road
Lakeshore Drive
Lakeshore drive will be closed on August 10th from 7:00 AM until the conclusion of the event that evening and will again close on August 11th starting at 7:00 AM until the event concludes. This closure extends from Clara Ave to Ashland Avenue.
S Pier Drive
South Pier drive will also be impacted:
- South Pier Dr Circle will close on Friday, August 9th at 7:00 AM and will remain closed until the conclusion of the event on Sunday, August 11th.
- From Lakeview Dr to the end of the road, it will close on August 10th at 7:00 AM and remain closed until the end of the event on August 11th.
- The northbound lane of S Pier Dr from Fisherman’s Row to Lakeview Dr will close on August 10th at 7:00 AM and reopen following the event. On August 11th, this section will close again starting at 7:00 AM and will reopen after the event concludes.
Event Highlights:
Block Party: The Midwest Challenge will kick off on Friday, August 9, with a lively Downtown Block Party. Beginning at 6:00 PM, the Block Party will feature powerboats on display, a variety of food and drink options, and live music. Road closures begin at 4:00 PM to support travel routes for Powerboats as they make their way to the Block Party at City Green!
- Alcohol consumption is permitted within the Block Party parameters.
- Patrons must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
- Beverages shall be purchased at participating vendors within the Block Party.
- The consumption of alcohol outside of the Block Party parameter is strictly prohibited.
- Safety laws are still enforced.
- Enjoy the Block Party responsibly, be respectful of residents and businesses and never drink and drive.
- The City of Sheboygan is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. Additional police presence and refuse collection will be provided to maintain public order and cleanliness.
- Deland Park Pit Space: Experience the thrill of powerboat racing up close and personal! Dive into the heart of the action at the Harbor Center Marina, where the “Pit Space” has transformed into a bustling hub of activity. Explore this exclusive area to witness the powerboats, meet the race teams, and observe the crews as they prepare for high-speed competition. Navigate the Pit Space with ease by using the Fan Zone tab on the Midwest Challenge event map, ensuring you don’t miss any of the excitement.
- Please be mindful of road closures and restricted areas to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all.
South Pier (August 10 & 11): The excitement continues on Saturday and Sunday with over 50 race teams, including Class 1 teams reaching speeds up to 160 mph, competing for the coveted checkered flag. The optimal viewing locations for the races will be along the picturesque lakefront at the end of South Pier Drive, as well as along the South Beach shoreline extending to King Park and the scenic overlook on Lakeshore Drive. Bring your chairs, blankets, food, non-alcoholic beverages and watch the races on the six-mile offshore course along Sheboygan shoreline!
- Alcohol possession and consumption is PROHIBITED ON ANY BEACH area in the city.
- This excludes the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district delineated on South Pier.
The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will be active in the South Pier district from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on August 10th and 11th, allowing for the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages within designated areas.
- Patrons must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
- DORA beverages should be purchased at participating liquor establishments.
- Stay inside the DORA boundaries.
- Dispose of cups in trash receptacles located throughout the event locations.
- Finish your drink before entering another establishment.
- No open containers allowed in parking lots.
- Drinks should be in unbreakable transparent or semi-transparent containers or their original packaging; however, NO GLASS ALLOWED.
- The consumption of alcohol on the beach is strictly prohibited.
- Safety laws are still enforced.
- Enjoy DORA responsibly, be respectful of residents and businesses and never drink and drive.
The City of Sheboygan is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. Additional police presence and refuse collection will be in place.
Shuttle Service and Event Trolley Route:
Special Service and Route on August 10th and 11th for the P1 Midwest Challenge Powerboat Races. Shuttle Service and the Event Trolley Route are free and open to all customers.
Shuttle Service Schedule
- Shuttle service is provided to and from outlying free parking lots via shuttle buses that run every half hour (UWGB) or hourly (North & South HS). Please wait by the designated sign located within the parking lot.
- Shuttle service links outlying parking lots to the Shoreline Metro Bus Station where customers may then board the Event Trolley Route to and from the event, area restaurants and local businesses (see Event Shuttle Route Schedule below).
Event Trolley Route Schedule
- Enjoy trips to and from the event, area restaurants and local businesses. Take the route between event locations at King Park, South Pier and Deland Park/Marina. Please wait by the designated Route Stop signs located along the route.
- Service provided on the :00 and :30 departures is the Shoreline Metro trolley; service provided on the :15 and :45 departures is a Shoreline Metro public transit bus.
- All event buses will utilize the Southbound Lane at the Shoreline Metro Bus Station (please look for signs).
- Use the Midwest Challenge Trolley Route map all weekend!
Additional Information:
- Handicap Parking: Available on South Pier Drive.
- VIP Parking: Managed by Powerboat P1 Offshore, with details available online.
- Food Trucks: Located on South Pier Drive and at King Park for the Food Truck Party; check the event map for exact locations.
- Pets: Pets are prohibited in all city parks and beaches except those designated and posted as being either on-leash or off-leash, Sec. 8-16. This includes that pets are prohibited in both Deland and King Parks and their beaches.
- First Aid: Utilize the Fan Zone tab within the Midwest Challenge event map to help navigate throughout the weekend! View live music schedules, vendors, food trucks, restrooms, parking locations, First Aid Locations, and event details.
Applicable Links:
►Use the Midwest Challenge event map all weekend!
►Official Midwest Challenge Website
►Visit Sheboygan
►Midwest Challenge Event Map: DORA District
►Blue Harbor Resort Events & Parking
►Shuttle Service Schedule
►Event Trolley Route Schedule
►Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
For more information about the Midwest Challenge, please contact Veronica Valdez, Mayors Assistant/Communication Specialist at Veronica.Valdez@sheboyganwi.gov.
