Join Us for the Festival of Sail Duluth

Set Sail for Adventure

Please note: The Festival of Sail operates on a three-year rotation. Following our spectacular July 2025 installment, the festival won’t return to Duluth until summer 2028! While the July 10–13, 2025 festival has passed, this guide highlights what made the celebration special and what visitors can look forward to when the tall ships return to Lake Superior.

Clear your calendar and set your sights on the horizon for the next Festival of Sail Duluth. This festival brings towering masts, billowing sails, and a sea of maritime magic to the sparkling shores of Lake Superior.

Held at the newly transformed Harbor Plaza, the festival serves as the premier showcase for Duluth’s $30 million Seawall renovation — and there’s no better way to celebrate the city’s connection to the water than with a fleet of historic tall ships sailing into port. Whether you’re a lifelong sailor, a curious landlubber, or looking ahead to an unforgettable summer adventure, Festival of Sail Duluth is your ticket to the experience of a lifetime.

What to Expect

Historic Tall Ships

Get up close to a grand fleet of majestic tall ships, which has included the Pride of Baltimore II, Alliance, Inland Seas, When & If, Zeeto, Schooner Charley, Liberty Clipper, Abbey Road, and even a gigantic rubber duck — just to name a few vessels that have visited Duluth over the years. And for the first time ever, Duluth’s own William A. Irvin is offering tours during the festival!

The festivities typically kick off with the Grand Parade of Sail, as the full fleet enters port beneath the iconic aerial lift bridge. Limited spots are available to actually sail in this dramatic entrance — a once-in-a-lifetime chance for true ship lovers.

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck Returns

Get ready to quack with excitement! One of the most anticipated and undeniably unique attractions is making a grand return to our harbor this summer. The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, affectionately known as Mama Duck, is waddling her way back to Duluth as a special guest of the Festival of Sail!

“Mama Duck loves Duluth, and we’re excited to bring her to Tall Ships Duluth,” shared Head Duck Wrangler, Craig Samborski. “Tall Ships Duluth is such a fun, iconic event, and it is a perfect fit for the big duck. We’ve made so many friends there during prior visits; it will be sort of a homecoming.”

Her return is sure to bring endless smiles and photo opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to welcome back this beloved, buoyant visitor!

Introducing the Superior High Dive Challenge

This year’s Festival of Sail isn’t just bringing towering masts to Duluth — it’s making waves with a jaw-dropping, first-of-its-kind competition: the Superior High Dive Challenge, presented in partnership with USA Diving. Duluth’s newly constructed sea wall will transform into a high-stakes dive platform, launching elite athletes from 66 feet (20 meters) into the chilly depths of Lake Superior. This stands as the first-ever professional high diving competition on the Great Lakes, and it’s all included with your festival admission.

Enjoy an opening showcase, two days of fierce international competition, and a finale event. The challenge features five male and five female divers from around the globe, including Minnesota’s own Nate Jimerson and top U.S. diver Maya Kelly, fresh off a 6th-place finish at the 2024 High Diving World Cup. Helping judge the daring drops? None other than Aidan Heslop, 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Champion.

It’s gravity-defying. It’s historic. And it’s happening right here in Duluth.

Sail, Explore, and Discover

Whether you’re here for the history or the high-seas adventure, the festival has something for everyone. Climb aboard majestic ships from around the world during guided tours, or book a 75–90-minute day sail to experience Lake Superior like never before. On land, enjoy live music, local food vendors, craft brews, and artisan goods that capture the spirit of Duluth’s creative community. For those 21+, the THC Lounge by Bent Paddle Brewing Co. offers a refreshing new take on waterfront relaxation.

Want to upgrade your experience? The Luxe Lounge includes VIP perks like front-of-the-line ship access, early entry, and complimentary food and drinks in a private, climate-controlled space. And if you’re coming with a crew, don’t miss the Family and Friends bundles — groups of 3–12 can receive 20% off admission by booking in advance online!

Sailing With Purpose

Among the attending vessels, Abbey Road and Zeeto bring more than just timeless beauty — they represent the mission of Lake Superior Tall Ships Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to youth development through sailing.

Since 2014, they’ve helped over 5,000 youth and adult participants experience life-changing, unplugged sailing adventures across the Apostle Islands and Chequamegon Bay. Their trips build teamwork, leadership, and a deep love for Lake Superior’s ecosystem and maritime legacy. This is more than a sail — it’s an investment in the next generation of stewards, adventurers, and change-makers.

Want to support their mission? You can!

2025 Festival Details and Tips

Location: Harbor Plaza near the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC).
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Hours:

Reminders: No pets (except service dogs), strollers, or backpacks allowed. Day Sail tickets require a life jacket for children under 40 lbs.

Follow for event updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter @festofsail.

Tickets

Ticket options range from $47.50 for Festival Admission and On Deck ship tours to $297 for the Luxe Premium Pass — but tickets are limited and Sailing Experiences typically sell out well in advance. Don’t wait!

Don’t Miss the Boat!

With historic ships, stunning sails, and a new waterfront experience, Festival of Sail Duluth is a summer spectacle you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or just chasing lake breeze magic, this is your moment! Chart your course, plan ahead, and get ready to experience Duluth like never before when the tall ships return in 2028!