Midwest Powerboat Racing Challenge 2024

It’s one of the biggest weeks of the summer at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: Powerboat Racing weekend! Welcoming the powerboat races back to the shores of Lake Michigan for a second year in a row, the Sheboygan Midwest Challenge is the event of the summer and there’s plenty of festivity packed into this weekend.  With competitors flocking to our very own Malibu of the Midwest from around the globe, both racers, watersport enthusiasts, families, and thrill seekers are sure to enjoy this exciting weekend of competition taking place on the waves of Lake Michigan.

Powerboat Races

Competitors in this year’s American Powerboat Racing Association’s (APBA) National Championship have gathered in Sheboygan from countries around the world including Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Italy, Puerto Rico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Powerboat racing is typically for ocean-going powerboats that can race at speeds of over 160 mph! This year, there are approximately 40 more boats competing in the 6-mile lakeshore course than last year’s Midwest Racing Challenge, and the event draws thousands of spectators to flock to Sheboygan’s lakeshore. Because of this, I’m here to share with you the viewing areas, parking lots, activities, food and beverage stations, and more insider tips so that you and your family can enjoy this festive weekend maximally!

Parking and Transportation

Because of the sheer size of the racing events and activities taking place this weekend, there are several road closures spectators should be aware of. Broughton Drive between Ontario to Pennsylvania avenues are closed, the east portion of Pennsylvania Ave. (by Rotary Riverview Park), South Pier Drive starting at Fisherman’s Row to the end of the pier, and south 7^th St between Clara Ave. and Union Ave. are all closed for Powerboat related events.

 Thankfully, if you’d prefer not to do the driving to get to the races, the Harbor Centre Midwest Challenge Shuttle Route is a free trolley carting visitors through the downtown, lakeshores, and riverside areas on August 10^th and 11^th. The trolley runs on Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and from 9am to 6pm on Sunday.

If you are planning to drive yourself to the races, click here to be brought to the official parking map for the city of Sheboygan Midwest Racing Challenge.

Where to Watch the Races

No need to worry about where to get a good view of the races, we’ve got you covered on the best viewing spots along the lakeshore. Deland Park as well as South Beach King Park are open race viewing areas open to the public. Check out the lakefront hill that’s between Swift St. and Dillingham Ave. for the southernmost viewing point. South Pier and Blue Harbor Resort have a large stretch of lakefront viewing lined with concessions, drinks, local vendors, and more for your convenience during the races. Speaking of, let’s get into food and beverage locations!

Food, Drinks, Bars, and more!

Concession spots stretch from the field that lies between Illinois Ave. and Indiana Ave., to King Park, South Pier, and Blue Harbor Resort. Blue Harbor’s lakeside stretch has several bar stations you should know about heading into the weekend. If you start on the south side of the resort (the waterpark side) you’ll find the Sandbar pool deck bar featuring frozen cocktails and a full bar. Heading further north, walk up the grand staircase of Blue Harbor to enter On The Rocks Bar and Grill at the top left-hand side of the patio for Good Boy Vodka Bloody Mary Bar. Build your own perfect Bloody Mary, ranging from mild to spicy for $10 each. On the northern-most side of the resort (the conference center side) Lakeside Terrace offers a full bar selection including non-alcoholic options. In addition to these bar options, you can find our Good Boy Vodka container bar on the southeast corner of the paid parking lot near South Beach. The container bar will serve burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, and canned beverages for purchase. Food trucks can be found in the Fan Zone on the end of South Pier and King Park. Don’t forget to hit up On The Rocks Bar & Grill for the after race party on Saturday and Sunday, open from 4pm-11pm.

Other Powerboat Festivities

To kick off Powerboat weekend, the city of Sheboygan is holding a Friday Night Block Party in Downtown Sheboygan! This family-friendly event is your ticket to seeing the race boats and their teams up close. 7^th and 8^th Street from Center Ave. north to Niagara Ave., in addition to the block of Wisconsin Ave. north of the JMKAC and the block of New York Ave. south of the arts center are all closed off for the block party. Gather around City Green Park for live music by King of Mars, and check out all the food and beverage tents, including a beer tent. Click here for more information about the Block Party and parking.

Additionally, the Weill Center is hosting Boat Bash on Friday, August 9^th 6pm-10pm. This event is free and open to the public as well! Boat Bash includes a DJ, dancing, and drink specials.

As for the race schedule, click here to view the full weekend itinerary including race testing, the race times, events, ceremonies, and awards.

Happy Powerboat Weekend everyone!