Annual Events
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Be sure to plan ahead and prepare for these annual events in Duluth. They may become your new tradition.
Grandma’s Marathon
June 17, 2023
This iconic Duluth tradition highlights breathtaking scenery, unparalleled hospitality, and passionate community spirit. The runners and their families will cherish this 47th annual event, including an expo, kids races, 5K, half marathon, and the renowned marathon alongside Lake Superior.
Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
(218) 727-0947 | grandmasmarathon.com
CHUM Rhubarb Festival
June 24, 2023
The 18th annual event features rhubarb in myriad forms – as pies, muffins, and crisps, plus rhubarb brats and burritos. There will also be live music, games, crafts, auctions, and stage shows.
Location: Stella Maris Academy – Holy Rosary Campus
(218) 720-6521 | chumduluth.org
Park Point Art Fair
June 24 – 25, 2023
The free Park Point Art Fair is an annual showcase of visual artwork by 120 juried artists working in clay, photography, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, fiber, jewelry, wood and glass in a stunning outdoor environment on the shores of Lake Superior. Music, demonstrations, hands-on activities and food.
Location: Park Point Recreation Area
(218) 348-7338 | parkpointartfair.org
City of Duluth Fourth Fest
July 4, 2023
The Midwest’s greatest Fourth of July celebration and fireworks extravaganza! Duluthians and visitors alike will enjoy this FREE community event. Gates open at 4 p.m. with music beginning at 5 p.m.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 722-4011 | bayfrontfestivalpark.com
DOWNTOWN DULUTH Movies in the Park
July 7, 14, 21, and 28; August 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2023
Free outdoor movies every Friday night at sunset during the summer. Join us this summer as the movies come to life on a giant outdoor screen in Leif Erikson Park overlooking the shores of Lake Superior.
Location: Leif Erikson Park
(218) 727-8549 | downtownduluth.com
Sidewalk Days Festival
July 12-14, 2023
Sidewalk Days is an annual 3-day festival in the heart of Downtown Duluth with live entertainment, food, music, vendors, and fun.
Location: Downtown Duluth (Superior Street)
(218) 727-8549 | downtownduluth.com
Duluth Air & Aviation Expo
July 15-16, 2023
Minnesota’s largest air show returns to the Duluth International Airport in 2023. Presented by Essentia Health, it features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force A-10 Demonstration Team, and one of the largest displays of military aircraft in the Midwest.
Location: Duluth International Airport
(218) 628-9996 | duluthairshow.com
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
July 15, 2023
Enjoy our 17th annual festival showcasing internationally touring performers while you enjoy ethnic foods, beverages, and a variety of artisans displaying their wares. Enjoy Lake Superior views from this beautiful open-air venue. Visit the website for updates on the lineup, tickets, hotel accommodations, directions, and camping information.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 525-8099 | bayfrontworldmusic.com
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest
July 29, 2023
On the beautiful Lake Superior shores, celebrate craft beer from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, plus select regional craft brands. Meet the brewers and enjoy beers, food, live music, and craft-beer education.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(612) 677-2246 | mncraftbrew.org
Spirit Valley Days
Aug. 3 – 5, 2023
Join us in celebrating Spirit Valley days! A full street of local vendors, crafters, food trucks, and more! Support local. Support small. Bring the whole family. Visit spiritvalleydays.com for more information.
Location: West Duluth
(218) 491-5312 | SpiritValleyDays.com
CITY ON THE HILL MUSIC FEST
Aug. 3 – 5, 2023
Established in 2015, City On the Hill Music Fest brings together thousands of Christians from across the country for three days of worship, music and praise.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(800) 854-1320 | cityonthehillmusicfest.com
Bayfront Blues Festival
Aug. 11 – 13, 2023
The 34rd Annual Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the oldest and largest annual outdoor music events held in the upper Midwest. Each year nearly 20,000 fans enjoy 30 different acts on two full-size concert stages featuring the top names in blues and blues/rock.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(715) 817-6933 | bayfrontblues.com
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Aug. 19 -20, 2023
Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair offering
an opportunity to purchase works from more than 100 regional artists, including jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(952) 473-6422 | artinbayfrontpark.com
The Tribute Fest
Aug. 25 – 26, 2023
The Tribute Fest features many tribute concerts
of Country & Rock. We bring together the best tribute bands to raise funds for homeless Veterans. Family-friendly and free for all Veterans, active duty, and their families (including food and beverages).
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 940-3513 | thetributefest.com
Duluth Superior Pride
Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2023
Celebrate Pride in the Twin Ports on Labor Day weekend. Duluth-Superior Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Allied, Queer, Intersex Pride leads
the event to celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, education, acceptance, respect, healthy living, self-esteem and equality. It promotes a positive image of the GLBTAQI community and seeks to end discrimination based upon sexual identity.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(866) 865-0652 | duluthsuperiorpride.com
Duluth Oktoberfestival
Sept. 15 – 17, 2023
Duluth’s largest Oktoberfestival celebration returns to Bayfront Festival Park. Come experience all things German as we bring the best of Munich to Duluth. Don’t miss the largest bier hall tent ever erected at Bayfront along with live music, youth activities and so much more. Grab your lederhosen and dirndl.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 628-9996 | duluthoktoberfestival.com
Northshore Inline Marathon
Sept. 15 – 17, 2023
Participate in the nation’s largest inline skating event with 2,500 inline skaters along the shores of Lake Superior from Two Harbors to Duluth. Event includes Friday – Expo and free kids inline sprints, Saturday – inline half/full marathons, rollerski marathon, “Wheels Off” half marathon run and the MN Power “Tunnel 10K” run.
Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
(218) 723-1503 | northshoreinline.com
Bienvenue coffee fest
September 30th, 2023
Bienvenue Where Coffee and Culture Meet. The mission of our coffee fest is – Connecting community with coffee culture in an extraordinary building. We are working with industry experts to bring speakers/seminars, latte art competition, demonstrations, vendors, music, children’s activities, and don’t forget the Coffee.
Location: The St. Louis County Depot
(218) 733-7571 | experiencethedepot.org
Duluth Superior Film Festival
October 5 – 8 , 2023
An incredible annual event, Duluth Superior Film Festival screens numerous independent films, produces music performances and hosts parties in an extravaganza of film, music and art. DSFF brings film directors and industry professionals to the Twin Ports for receptions hosted by the festival, Q & A sessions after screenings and panel discussions.
Location: Zinema 2 and Multiple Additional Venues
(612) 227-8015 | http://dsfilmfest.org
Catalyst Content Festival
October 4 – 7, 2023
Catalyst is a worldwide community of actors, writers, directors, producers, executives, agents and fans discovering the best new programming created on independent (aka, non-network) budgets. We come together each fall to showcase new shows and discover new talent. Join us for the fun!
Location: Historic Arts District
(218) 208-0140 | http://catalystories.org
William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, October 5 – 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
Submerge yourself in the horrors aboard the historic Lake Superior steamer, the SS William A. Irvin. Tickets and full tour schedule available online. Guests under 12 will not be admitted without a parent. What are you afraid of?
Location: S.S. William A. Irvin Museum
(218) 722-7876; (218) 623-1236 | duluthhauntedship.com
Christmas City of the North Parade
Nov. 17, 2023
The Christmas City of the North Parade has been a Northland holiday tradition since 1958. Today, it is the most attended public event in the Northland — bringing together residents from all walks of life and uniting generations of family with memories of its Christmas spirit and fun traditions.
Location: Downtown Duluth (Superior Street)
(218) 720-9600 | northlandsnewscenter.com/parade
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Nov. 18 – Dec. 26, 2023
Experience America’s largest free walkthrough lighting display! This quintessential holiday event has something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by the 4 million+ lights, the 128 ft. Christmas tree and all the free treats! Children 10 and under can receive a new knit hat and a bag of cookies from Santa.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 740-3535 | bentleyvilleusa.org
DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE
Dec 2 – 3, 2023
The festive greens, your favorite shops, hot drinks, and fire pits. Stroll through the outdoor Winter Village you’ll love at its waterfront home with Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge as your backdrop. The location is steps away from Canal Park and Bentleyville, with plenty of parking and additional festivities, dining and shopping nearby.
Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(218) 722-5573 | http://duluthwintervillage.com
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Jan. 28 – 30, 2024
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Every year, world-class mushers compete in the nearly 400-mile event. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska.
Location: From Duluth to the Canadian border and back to Duluth
(218) 461-1834 | beargrease.com
COLD FRONT
Generally early February. Check website for dates.
Come together and celebrate the best of winter fun! This free event offers all day fun including ice skating, dog sled rides, luge sledding and more.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 730-4300 | coldfrontduluth.com
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
April 30 – May 7, 2023
An annual celebration of original, diverse music around the Twin Ports. The festival includes nearly 200 local musical acts at over 30 venues, a children’s music showcase, poetry, visual art, film, fire spinning, and a kickball game. Nearly half of the festival’s events are free and accessible to all-ages audiences.
Location: Multiple Venues in Duluth and Superior
(218) 349-4540 | duluthhomegrown.org
Events for All
In Duluth, we don’t believe in boredom. With twelve months of festivals and fun-filled events, our calendar offers many options for go-getters to get together 365 days a year.