Top things to do in Manitowoc for Valentine’s week, from music to art

MANITOWOC – Kick off your Valentine’s week with Manitowoc’s best things to do — from live music and cozy winter fun to art, concerts and even cuddly piglets.

Here are the top events locals won’t want to miss Feb. 13-15. For more events and live music schedules, go to https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/events/.

Have a cozy Winter Weekend

• What to know: Winter fun takes center stage during February Winter Weekend at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, where visitors can embrace all things warm, handmade and historic. Guests can create a Vintage Valentine by exploring old-fashioned love notes, paper folding and scrapbook styles. An antique horse-drawn sleigh rally brings Pinecrest Village to life at 1 p.m., with drivers competing in several categories, weather and conditions permitting. Throughout the day, blacksmiths will also be at work in the forge, demonstrating their historic trade and sharing insights into early craftsmanship. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy winter traditions indoors and out.
• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
• Where: Manitowoc County Historical Society (924 Pinecrest Road)
• Cost and information: Museum members are free; adults $15, seniors $13, youth $10, and children younger than 4 are free. More details at https://www.manitowoccountyhistory.org/programs/winter-weekends-february2026.

Celebrate Valentine’s with ‘Gershwin and Song’

• What to know: Music and romance fill the air during “Valentine’s: Gershwin and Song” at the Capitol Civic Centre. The evening features soprano Cassie Glaeser and tenor Zachary Glaeser, joined by pianist Kelleen Strutz performing George Gershwin’s playful and heartfelt piano concerto. The program also highlights beloved opera arias exploring love, longing, flirtation and defiance from classics like Carmen and Turandot. With hometown talent returning to the Lakeshore, the performance offers a meaningful way to spend Valentine’s Day through music. It’s an elegant night suited for longtime classical fans and first-time concertgoers alike.
• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
• Where: Capitol Civic Centre (913 S. Eighth St.)
• Cost and information: Tickets range from $36 to $43, with $20 tickets available for ages 35 and younger and free admission for ages 11 and younger. More details at https://cccshows.org.

Visit an art-filled open house

Sculpture outside the Rahr-West Museum in Manitowoc, Wis., covered in snow.

• What to know: Art lovers are invited to wander and explore during the Open House at the Rahr-West Art Museum celebrating the reopening of the Vilas-Rahr Mansion. Visitors can enjoy the final presentation of “Keith Haring: Subway Drawings” alongside newly installed mansion exhibits. The day includes guided mansion tours, a hands-on Quick Create activity for making Keith Haring-inspired buttons, and a gallery walk led by Alex Trimper of Trimper Gallery. Additional exhibits from the museum’s collection are displayed throughout the historic mansion, offering plenty to see at a relaxed pace. All activities are designed for guests of all ages and interests.
• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15
• Where: Rahr-West Art Museum (610 N. Eighth St.)
• Cost and information: Free and open to the public. More details at http://rahrwestartmuseum.org.

Meet cute piglets

An exterior of the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center as seen, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Manitowoc, Wis.

• What to know: Valentine’s Day gets an adorable twist during Piglet Day at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Guests can meet, pet and play with a whole litter of piglets thanks to Farm Wisconsin’s partner, Peter Family Show Pigs. These energetic and curious piglets offer a hands-on experience that’s fun for couples, families and animal lovers alike. The event turns a traditional Valentine’s outing into something memorable and interactive. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the reception desk on the day of the event.
• When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
• Where: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center (7001 Gass Lake Road)
• Cost and information: General admission pricing applies. More details at farmwisconsin.org.

Listen to live music around Manitowoc

PetSkull Brewing and Salute to Everyone host live music this weekend.

There’s plenty of opportunities to catch up with buddies over drinks and live music this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 13

• Bare Bones Blind at PetSkull Brewing (1015 Buffalo St.) — 7 p.m.
• Keith Daniels at Salute to Everyone (1107 S. 10th St.) — 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14

• Time Machine at PetSkull Brewing (1015 Buffalo St.) — 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 15

• The Cajun Strangers at PetSkull Brewing (1015 Buffalo St.) — 2 p.m.

Visit Manitowoc is the city of Manitowoc’s Department of Tourism. Find more events and live music schedules at https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/events/.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Top things to do in Manitowoc for Valentine’s week, from music to art