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
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!
Mud Puppies + Baba Fats | Live Music in The Yard!
Mud Puppies are a young 5-piece Folk Grunge Band from Duluth. The effect of pairing their thoughtful lyrics with their signature sound brings a fun, yet unique energy to the stage. You can expect to see influences from bands like Wilco and Nirvana, while their local roots shine through with hints of Trampled by Turtles and Charlie Parr. Baba Fats is possibly Wisconsin’s Northernmost contemporary jazz-ish band playing original, instrumental music. No Cover | All Ages | Family-Friendly
$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!
Pints for a Purpose
Raise a glass and make a difference at Pints for a Purpose! Join us at Sir Benedict’s Tavern for an evening of food, drinks, and community in support of the Lake Superior YMCA Community Services Branch. During the event, 11% of all food and beverage sales will be donated to the YMCA. Plus, enjoy a Name-Your-Price Bent Paddle Pint (suggested donation of $5 or more), with proceeds helping provide scholarships that ensure children and families can access life-changing YMCA programs, regardless of their ability to pay. Let us know you’re coming! Every meal, every pint, and every donation helps create opportunities for youth and families to belong, grow, and thrive. Bring your friends, enjoy a great evening, and support a stronger community. Make a donation today!
Duluth’s Landmark Architecture with Tony Dierckins
Join us at Tony Dierckins presents on historic structures of Duluth. Join us as local author and historian Tony Dierckins celebrates Duluth structures on the National Register of Historic Places, the city’s historic districts, and official city landmark buildings and homes, sharing the stories of successful and failed efforts to preserve these monuments to local architecture. Adapted from his book Duluth’s Grand Old Architecture. Doors open at 6pm, the presentation will begin at 6:30pm Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members To register, visit our ticketing page under the special events tab at https://tickets.umn.edu/glensheen Event Cost $10.00
Kids, Cops, & Cars
Kids, Cops, and Cars will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Bayfront. This event will showcase multiple law enforcement and first responder vehicles that are ready to be explored and played in. There will also be K-9 demonstrations, tug-of-war, free food, and other activities!
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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