The spot where space junk from the unmanned 10,000 pound Korabl-Sputnik 1, also known as Sputnik 4, fell to earth and landed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on September 5, 1962. BillChizekPhotography@gmail.com / Depositphotos.com

Manitowoc to Celebrate Sputnik on Saturday

By Kevin Zimmermann Sep 11, 2026 | 5:03 AM

Manitowoc is getting ready for an out-of-this-world celebration Saturday. Sputnikfest runs from noon to six, marking the spot where a piece of the Soviet Sputnik Four
satellite crashed more than 64 years ago.

The festival includes a 5K run and walk, live music, food, kids’ games, costumes and a parade.