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
Unity in Our Community
Duluth Public Schools started the Unity In Our Community back-to-school event held at Bayfront Festival Park in 2026. Each year we celebrate our students, staff, families, and district. At this event, we have booths, speakers, school and community groups performing on stage, fun activities for kids, and so much more. We also continue to have a free backpack giveaway for families who need it provided by Neighborhood Youth Services and provide a free meal to all who attend. We also pay for transportation hubs around the city using our buses to help break down barriers. The 2026 event will be at Bayfront Festival from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. Join us for a free 1-mile Fun Run hosted by Grandma’s Marathon and Duluth Community Education! Registration is now open! Register for the fun run now!
Community Design Workshop: 44th Ave E Waterfront Access
Join the St. Louis River Alliance, the City of Superior, and Stantec for the next step in shaping the future of the 44th Ave E Dock—formerly known as the Bunge Dock. Building on the ideas and feedback shared during June’s community walking tour (recap here), this interactive design workshop will give participants an opportunity to review preliminary concepts for the future public waterfront access area and help refine the vision for the site. Stantec’s design team will present early design ideas developed from community input collected from the public survey and June Walk & Talk. Participants will be invited to discuss the concepts, share their perspectives, and identify the elements they feel are most important. Community feedback from this workshop will directly inform the next phase of design development. Whether you attended the June event or are joining the conversation for the first time, your input is valuable. Final plans...
High Key Mondays & Industry Nights
High Key Mondays & Industry Night Are BACK! Live local music | Drink specials | 6–9pm High Key Monday is FRI-YAY for many of our industry partners — and we’re roll with it. Calling all restaurant, bar, liquor store, and brewery professionals in the Twin Ports — get on down to the Paddle for Industry Night! Show a worker ID or pay stub for $1 off all Bent Paddle beverages. Thank you for keeping our paddles in the water! Everyone is welcome! Come for the tunes, stay for the conversations, delicious beverages, and good times. This month to kick off and celebrate the return, we invite you to connect with local organizations making waves in the Twin Ports — like WE Health, Trans+ Northland, Twin Ports Artists Collective, and Men As Peacemakers. Org’s may vary based on who available each week, but the good vibes are guaranteed!
Cigarette Picnic | Live Music in The Yard!
Cigarette Picnic is a stripped-down, sultry female power trio focusing on rich harmonies and minimal instrumentation. They are based in Duluth, Minnesota and perform original music with bold flavor and smooth soul. The trio includes collaborative lyricism and composition from Ricky Francy (vocals), Madi Phyle (vocals), and Elsa Krantz (vocals, electric guitar).
$10 Tuesday on the Vista Fleet
Climb onboard for one of Duluth’s favorite summer traditions, $10 Tuesdays are back at the Vista Fleet! Enjoy live-narrated sightseeing cruises through the Duluth-Superior Harbor for just $10 per ticket, all day long, every Tuesday through Labor Day. Reserve your tickets in advance as tours DO sell out. Take in stunning views of Lake Superior, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and the working waterfront from the comfort of the Vista Fleet. Concessions and a full bar are available onboard, so grab a drink, kick back, and enjoy a midweek escape on the water. Book your tickets online, no promo code needed!
DECC Hiring Event
Get hired ON THE SPOT and work at a place where something’s always happening! It’s the perfect, flexible second gig. Date: Wednesday, August 26th Time: 11:00am-1:00pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm Location: Edmund Fitzgerald Hall FREE parking sponsored by DECC. Enter via the curved doors of Entrance B. Get interviewed ON THE SPOT for flexible part-time positions! Why you’ll LOVE working at DECC: -Paid time off & other great benefits -FREE parking anytime (not just at work!) -Be part of concerts, hockey games & conventions -Flexible scheduling -Employee gym & wellness program -Amazing Lake Superior views -Employee discounts -Retirement savings plan Bring 2 forms of ID and come see us! Apply online for faster processing or fill out an application in person. We’re hiring for various part-time positions! Convention Services Maintenance – Ice & Grounds Event Floor Coordinator Custodial Overnight Labor Concession Stand Attendant Guest Services Attendant Catering Dishwasher...
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