Annual Events
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Be sure to plan ahead and prepare for these annual events in Duluth. They may become your new tradition.
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
January 25 – 27, 2026
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is four races in one: the Marathon is 270 miles and is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Every year, world-class mushers compete in the event, hoping to qualify for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. The Beargrease 120 is one of the most competitive mid-distance races in the lower 48 states while the BG 40 offers a “recreational race”. Junior mushers can tackle their own BG 120.
Location: From Duluth to Grand Portage
(218) 461-1834 | Learn More
COLD FRONT Duluth
February 7, 2026
Come together and celebrate the best of winter fun! This free event offers all day fun including ice skating, dog sled rides, luge sledding and more.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 730-4300 | Learn More
Aadizookaan Winter Storytelling
February 2026 (Dates TBD)
In the tradition of the Anishinaabe people, the American Indian Community Housing Organization invites storytellers to share traditional Ojibwe creation and other cultural stories during the season best suited to sit and listen. Aadizookaan, the Sacred Spirit of the Story, is free and a feast often offered.
Location: American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO)
(218) 461-1834 | Learn More
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
April 26 – May 3, 2026
An annual celebration of original, diverse music around the Twin Ports. The festival includes nearly 200 local musical acts at over 30 venues, a children’s music showcase, poetry, visual art, film, fire spinning, and a kickball game. Nearly half of the festival’s events are free and accessible to all-ages audiences.
Location: Multiple Venues in Duluth and Superior
(218) 349-4540 | Learn More
Camp Wild State
May 17, 2025 (2026 dates TBD)
Each year, Wild State Cider in Lincoln Park celebrates its anniversary. It will be 6 years old this year. There will be live music, giveaways, Donut + Cider Flights (yup, it’s a pairing) and other activities.
Location: Wild State Cider
(218) 606-1151 | Learn More
DOWNTOWN DULUTH Movies in the Park
Every Friday from mid-July to the end of August (2026 dates TBD)
Free outdoor movies every Friday night at sunset during the summer. Join us this summer as the movies come to life on a giant outdoor screen in Leif Erikson Park overlooking the shores of Lake Superior.
Location: Leif Erikson Park
(218) 727-8549 | Learn More
Grandma’s Marathon
June 18 – 20, 2026
This iconic Duluth tradition highlights breathtaking scenery, unparalleled hospitality, and passionate community spirit. The runners and their families will cherish this 47th annual event, including an expo, kids races, 5K, half marathon, and the renowned marathon alongside Lake Superior.
Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
(218) 727-0947 | Learn More
CHUM Rhubarb Festival
Late June (2026 date TBD)
This annual event features rhubarb in myriad forms – as pies, muffins, and crisps, plus rhubarb brats and burritos. There will also be live music, games, crafts, auctions, and stage shows.
Location: Asbury United Methodist Church
(218) 720-6521 | Learn More
Park Point Art Fair
Late June (2026 date TBD)
The free Park Point Art Fair is an annual showcase of visual artwork by 120 juried artists working in clay, photography, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, fiber, jewelry, wood and glass in a stunning outdoor environment on the shores of Lake Superior. Music, demonstrations, hands-on activities and food.
Location: Park Point Recreation Area
(218) 348-7338 | Learn More
City of Duluth Fourth Fest
July 4, 2026
The Midwest’s greatest Fourth of July celebration and fireworks extravaganza! Duluthians and visitors alike will enjoy this FREE community event. Gates open at 4 p.m. with music beginning at 5 p.m.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 722-4011 | Learn More
Duluth AirSHOW
July 11 – 12, 2026
Minnesota’s largest air show returns to the Duluth International Airport in 2025. Presented by Essentia Health, this event features one of the largest displays of military aircraft in the Midwest each summer in July.
Location: Duluth International Airport
(218) 628-9996 | Learn More
Downtown Duluth Days
July 9 – 10, 2026
Downtown Duluth Days (previously Sidewalk Days) is an annual 3-day festival in the heart of Downtown Duluth with live entertainment, food, music, vendors, and fun.
Location: Downtown Duluth (Superior Street)
(218) 727-8549 | Learn More
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
Mid-July (2026 dates TBD)
Enjoy our annual festival showcasing internationally touring performers while you enjoy ethnic foods, beverages, and a variety of artisans displaying their wares. Enjoy Lake Superior views from this beautiful open-air venue. Visit the website for updates on the lineup, tickets, hotel accommodations, directions, and camping information.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 525-8099 | Learn More
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest
August 1, 2026
On the beautiful Lake Superior shores, celebrate craft beer from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, plus select regional craft brands. Meet the brewers and enjoy beers, food, live music, and craft-beer education.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(612) 677-2246 | Learn More
Spirit Valley Days
Late-July/Early August (2026 dates TBD)
Join us in celebrating Spirit Valley days! A full street of local vendors, crafters, food trucks, and more! Support local. Support small. Bring the whole family!
Location: West Duluth
(218) 491-5312 | Learn More
CITY ON THE HILL MUSIC FEST
August 7 – 8, 2026
Established in 2015, City On the Hill Music Fest brings together thousands of Christians from across the country for three days of worship, music and praise.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(800) 854-1320 | Learn More
Bayfront Blues Festival
August 14 – 16, 2026
The 36th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the oldest and largest annual outdoor music events held in the upper Midwest. Each year nearly 20,000 fans enjoy 30 different acts on two full-size concert stages featuring the top names in blues and blues/rock.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(715) 817-6933 | Learn More
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Mid-August (2026 dates TBD)
Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair offering an opportunity to purchase works from more than 100 regional artists, including jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(952) 473-6422 | Learn More
The Tribute Fest
Late-August (2026 dates TBD)
The Tribute Fest features many tribute concerts of Country & Rock. We bring together the best tribute bands to raise funds for homeless Veterans. Family-friendly and free for all Veterans, active duty, and their families (including food and beverages).
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 940-3513 | Learn More
Duluth Superior Pride
End of August (2026 date TBD)
Celebrate Pride in the Twin Ports! Duluth-Superior Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Allied, Queer, Intersex Pride leads the event to celebrate diversity, promoting understanding, education, acceptance, respect, healthy living, self-esteem and equality. It promotes a positive image of the GLBTAQI community and seeks to end discrimination based upon sexual identity.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(866) 865-0652 | Learn More
Duluth Oktoberfestival
September 18 – 20, 2026
Duluth’s largest Oktoberfestival celebration returns to Bayfront Festival Park. Come experience all things German as we bring the best of Munich to Duluth. Don’t miss the largest bier hall tent ever erected at Bayfront along with live music, youth activities and so much more. Grab your lederhosen and dirndl.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 628-9996 | Learn More
NorthShore Inline Marathon
September 18 – 19, 2026
Participate in the nation’s largest inline skating event with 2,500 inline skaters along the shores of Lake Superior from Two Harbors to Duluth. Event includes Friday – Expo and free kids inline sprints, Saturday – inline half/full marathons, rollerski marathon, “Wheels Off” half marathon run and the MN Power “Tunnel 10K” run.
Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
(218) 723-1503 | Learn More
Bienvenue Coffee Fest
Late September (2026 date TBD)
Bienvenue Where Coffee and Culture Meet. The mission of our coffee fest is – Connecting community with coffee culture in an extraordinary building. We are working with industry experts to bring speakers/seminars, latte art competition, demonstrations, vendors, music, children’s activities, and don’t forget the Coffee.
Location: St. Louis County Depot
(218) 733-7571 | Learn More
William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, October 2026
Submerge yourself in the horrors aboard the historic Lake Superior steamer, the SS William A. Irvin. Tickets and full tour schedule are available online. Guests under 12 will not be admitted without a parent. What are you afraid of?
Location: William A. Irvin Museum
(218) 722-7876; (218) 623-1236 | Learn More
Christmas City of the North Parade
Late November (2026 date TBD)
The Christmas City of the North Parade has been a Northland holiday tradition since 1958. Today, it is the most attended public event in the Northland — bringing together residents from all walks of life and uniting generations of family with memories of its Christmas spirit and fun traditions.
Location: Downtown Duluth (Superior Street)
(218) 720-9600 | Learn More
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
November 22 – December 27, 2025
Experience America’s largest free walkthrough lighting display! This quintessential holiday event has something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by the 4 million+ lights, the 128 ft. Christmas tree and all the free treats! Children 10 and under can receive a new knit hat and a bag of cookies from Santa.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 740-3535 | Learn More
DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE
December 6 – 7, 2025
The festive greens, your favorite shops, hot drinks, and fire pits. Stroll through the outdoor Winter Village you’ll love at its waterfront home with Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge as your backdrop. The location is steps away from Canal Park and Bentleyville, with plenty of parking and additional festivities, dining and shopping nearby.
Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
(218) 722-5573 | Learn More
Events for All
In Duluth, we don’t believe in boredom. With twelve months of festivals and fun-filled events, our calendar offers many options for go-getters to get together 365 days a year.