Events & Festivals in Duluth
Good Times on the Great Lake
We don’t believe in boredom in Duluth! With 12 months of festivals and fun-filled events, our calendar is packed with great times all year long and all across the city. Whether it’s a large-scale festival in Bayfront Festival Park, a sporting event in AMSOIL Arena, or a community gathering in one of our many parks, you’ll find endless opportunities to make memories. Explore our event calendar to see what’s happening in Duluth and plan your perfect visit.
Duluth’s Annual Events
Duluth is home to a fantastic lineup of annual events that draw visitors from across the region and beyond. These are the traditions that define our city’s seasons and bring the community together in celebration. Look out for favorites like Grandma’s Marathon in the summer, the Bayfront Blues Festival in August, and the festive Bentleyville Tour of Lights during the holidays.
Find Upcoming Duluth Events
Ready to find your next adventure? Our event calendar is packed with happenings, big and small, from today and into the future. Browse by date, category, or name to discover a wide variety of activities, including music, sports, theater, recreation, and more!
Glensheen in Plein Air
Join us during your visit to view our special art exhibit, featuring pieces painted live at Glensheen by the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota. Glensheen in Plein Air invites travelers to experience the beauty, history, and artistic spirit of Minnesota through a collection of plein air paintings created on the grounds of Glensheen Mansion. Produced by members of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, each work was painted live on-site, capturing the estate’s landscapes and architecture in real time and natural light. From quiet woodland creeks and vibrant formal gardens to the intricate details of the mansion and boathouse, this exhibit showcases the diverse perspectives of artists immersed in Glensheen’s setting. The spontaneity of plein air painting brings an immediacy and authenticity to each piece, reflecting not only the environment but the moment in which it was experienced. This gallery is available for viewing at the end of our regular tour route...
Murder Mystery Express
August 13-30, Thursday – Sunday, 5:30pm-8:00pm We need your help to find out "who dunnit" on this one-of-a-kind elegant dinner train & show. Tickets available at www.DuluthTrains.com
Great North Tattoo Fest
ABOUT GET A TATTOO! Get ready for the ultimate weekend celebration of skin and art at the Great North Tattoo Fest! Step into an immersive world where the needle is the paintbrush and the body is the canvas. This is your exclusive chance to witness the best in the industry, with 150 of the world’s most talented tattoo artists gathered under one roof in Duluth. Whether you’re planning your next major piece or looking for spontaneous new ink, the floor will be buzzing with unparalleled creativity. Forget months-long waiting lists—this festival is your golden ticket to spontaneous self-expression. Artists will be making tattoos all weekend long, and many of them will be accepting walk-ups! It’s the perfect opportunity to get inked by an award-winning professional you might not otherwise have access to. Beyond the tattooing, this festival is a celebration of expressing your individuality. It’s a space where every style...
Flock ArtFest
Flock Artfest will take over Bayfront Festival Park on August 21 and 22, bringing a vibrant weekend of art, creativity, and community to the shores of Lake Superior. The two-day festival invites attendees to browse original work from a wide range of talented artists, watch live art being created, and take part in hands-on art classes and interactive experiences. Families are encouraged to attend, with activities for all ages, including a dedicated Kid Artist Tent designed to inspire young creatives. NEW ADDITIONS: ✨Supply swap with Resource Renew: Does your craft corner need a refresh? Swap your gently used arts and craft supplies! Donations of fine art supplies, fiber arts, paper crafts, pottery tools, printing supplies, instructional books, hand tools, organizers, and more will be collected in the weeks leading up to the event (locations TBD). Then, join us at Flock ArtFest to shop the free store of donated items (donation not required to...
Whoopsa Daisy Farm
Come and explore the farm with your family. Jump in the corn pit, dig in the sandbox, or explore Dinoland and Fairyland. There are two playgrounds, yard games, a wagon ride through the Whimsical Woods and so much more. Feed the donkeys, goats, and chickens and walk through the berries. We are off highway 53 in Duluth at 5399 Samuelson Road.
Great North Tattoo Fest
GET A TATTOO! Get ready for the ultimate weekend celebration of skin and art at the Great North Tattoo Fest! Step into an immersive world where the needle is the paintbrush and the body is the canvas. This is your exclusive chance to witness the best in the industry, with 150 of the world’s most talented tattoo artists gathered under one roof in Duluth. Whether you’re planning your next major piece or looking for spontaneous new ink, the floor will be buzzing with unparalleled creativity. Forget months-long waiting lists—this festival is your golden ticket to spontaneous self-expression. Artists will be making tattoos all weekend long, and many of them will be accepting walk-ups! It’s the perfect opportunity to get inked by an award-winning professional you might not otherwise have access to. Beyond the tattooing, this festival is a celebration of expressing your individuality. It’s a space where every style is...
Family Fun Cruise with the Vista Fleet
Looking for an easy family outing that doesn’t take up your entire day? Join us aboard the Vista Queen for our Family Fun Cruise — a one-hour adventure on the water designed with kids (and parents) in mind. Scheduled at the perfect time between nap time and dinner, this affordable cruise is packed with rotating onboard activities to keep little ones entertained while adults sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Duluth’s harbor and Lake Superior. Whether you’re visiting Duluth for the weekend or looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer, the Family Fun Cruise is an easy addition to your day. Enjoy fresh air, waterfront views, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities for photos and memories together. Snacks, beverages, and a full bar are available for purchase onboard. One-hour cruise aboard the Vista Queen Activities designed for kids Affordable family fun Perfect timing for...
Sips on Superior Cocktail Cruise
Golden hour just got a little better at the Vista Fleet. Sips on Superior is now cruising at a new happy hour time aboard the Vista Queen, giving you the perfect excuse to get out on the water before dinner plans, a concert, or a night around Canal Park. This relaxed, 21+ cocktail cruise includes your first drink onboard, with additional cocktails and light snacks available for purchase as you take in harbor views, passing ships, and the Lake Superior skyline starting to glow for the evening. Think waterfront patio energy… except you’re actually on the water. Whether you’re meeting friends, starting date night, or just looking for the best happy hour view in Duluth, this is your summer move. We recommend booking tickets in advance as capacity is limited. Please note: the Vista Queen is not wheelchair accessible.
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