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!
Head of the Lakes United Way’s 5th Annual Experience Auction
Save the date for Head of the Lakes United Way’s fifth annual Experience Auction! Held online, the auction will run March 2nd through 16th and include unique experiences and packages highlighting the Northland. All the proceeds go to support their work to strength our communities by uniting people and resources. You won’t want to miss the chance to bid on these exciting experiences! Learn more and start bidding: hlunitedway.org/auction.
Beautiful Thing
BEAUTIFUL THING By Jonathan Harvey Directed by Mary Fox With music from Mama Cass April 9–18 Beautiful Thing is a 1993 play by Jonathan Harvey about two teenage boys, Jamie and Ste, who live on a working-class London housing estate and fall in love. The story follows their blossoming romance against the backdrop of their challenging home lives, including Jamie’s single mother, Sandra, and Ste’s abusive father and brother. It’s a tender, funny, and heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores friendship, sexuality, and finding joy.
Trains & Toddlers
Join us for story time and a toddler friendly craft from 10:00am -11:30am. 1/2 price admission: $7/adults, $4/kids (3-13) This event is free for members and children 2 and under. We are a participating member of a program called Museums for All that enables us to offer free admission to Trains and Toddlers to SNAP recipients.
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!
JAM Duluth Highkey Mondays!
JAM Duluth is at the Paddle for Highkey Mondays in April! Get on down to Bent Paddle every Monday in April to enjoy live local jazz, industry night specials and positive vibes galore. 4-6 The Boys Back Home – The Boys Back Home a brass band was started back in 2017 and is led by Thomas Woytko and fueled by the region’s top improvisers. The Boys Back Home was inspired by Lucky Chops, Trombone Shorty, and other Brass Bands that Thomas and his band mates enjoyed listening to and couldn’t help but play along with. 4-13 Owl’s Club Big Band – The Owls Club Big Band hatched in 2017, taking the name of their home nest, The Owls Club. Fly on down to Bent Paddle for the 17-piece band playing swinging, horn-driven dance music. The group explores big band jazz with the goal of being a hoot to hear. The...
Acrylic Painting Class
Explore your creativity and follow along with step-by-step instruction to paint your own piece of art! All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. Class will be held at Northern Exposure Art in Enger Lofts Marketplace. To see what we’ll be painting and to register, please visit northernexposureart.com.
The Man Who Saves the World? Premiere
We’re excited to bring The Man Who Saves the World?, directed by Gabe Polsky, to Z Cinema for its Duluth premiere week, April 10–16, 2026. An exclusive pre-recorded Q&A featuring director Gabe Polsky and film subject Patrick McCollum, moderated by Steve James, immediately following the film. Different showtimes are available, see themanwhosavestheworld.com for tickets and trailer! Backed by voices in conservation and entertainment — including Jane Goodall, Chief Phil Lang Jr., Peter Farrelly, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, and Jody Hill — this acclaimed documentary blends humor, heart, and urgency. The Hollywood Reporter recently named it one of the Top 6 documentaries of the year, and it currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows Patrick McCollum, an unlikely peace advocate drawn into an Indigenous prophecy that may determine the fate of the Amazon — and our planet. It’s a wild, funny, and deeply moving journey you...
Teen Open Studio (Spring Sessions)
Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas — art supplies provided, but bringing your own is also welcome. Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary. Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board
Get the Planning Resources You Need
Looking to host an event yourself? Duluth is an incredible destination for gatherings of all sizes. Find the resources you need to plan a truly unforgettable meeting, convention, wedding, and more events in our city.
Events in a Superior Setting
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Dream Weddings by the Big Lake
From breathtaking waterfront ceremonies to elegant receptions, Duluth offers a truly romantic and unique setting for your wedding. Find venues, vendors, and inspiration to bring your dream day to life.
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