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 30th – February 2nd, 2022
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Every year, world-class mushers compete in the nearly 400-mile event. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska.
Location: From Duluth to the Canadian border and back to Duluth
(218) 722-7631 | beargrease.com
Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show + Northland Outdoors Deer Classic
February 17th-20th, 2022
The largest selection of boats, pontoons, RV’s, docks, fishing & hunting equipment and more. Find your next fishing/hunting destination in the U.S., Canada and Abroad. Attend daily seminars, get your mounts measured for free. Visit the “Endangered Species” animal exhibit and hear “America’s Got Talent” stars “Mountain Faith” perform.
Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(952) 431-9630 | shamrockprod.com
Arrowhead Home & Builders Show
March 30th – April 3rd, 2022
Everything for inside and outside of your home will be displayed. Take advantage of show discounts. Tour the 9/11 Mobile Exhibit – an educational exhibit guided by FDNY firefighters. Watch Mad Dog & Merrill perform their grilling magic. Hear Joey Greene dispense valuable tips on health remedies.
Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(952) 431-9630 | shamrockprod.com
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
May 1st-8th, 2022
An annual community celebration of the original and diverse music of Duluth and its surrounding communities. 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. More than 40 percent of the festival’s events are free admission and accessible to all-ages audiences.
Location: Various venues in Duluth and Superior
(218) 349-4540 | duluthhomegrown.org
Grandma’s Marathon
June 18th, 2022
This iconic Duluth tradition highlights the best of the Northland including breathtaking scenery, unparalleled hospitality and passionate community spirit. The 46th annual event offers an experience that runners and their families will cherish forever, including an expo, kids races, 5K, half marathon and the renowned marathon alongside Lake Superior.
Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
(218) 727-0947 | grandmasmarathon.com
CHUM Rhubarb Festival
June 25th, 2022
Chum’s 17th annual Rhubarb Festival promises lots of rhubarb — including hundreds of pies, muffins and crisps, as well as rhubarb brats and burritos. There will also be live music, games, crafts, auctions and stage shows. This year the festival is being held at Stella Maris Academy — Holy Rosary Campus from 10AM to 3PM.
Location: Stella Maris Academy – Holy Rosary Campus, 2802 E 4th St, Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 720-6521 | chumduluth.org
Park Point Art Fair
June 25th – 26th, 2022
The Park Point Art Fair (PPAF) 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) 428-1916 | parkpointartfair.org
City of Duluth Fourth Fest
July 4th, 2022
The Midwest’s greatest Fourth of July celebration and fireworks extravaganza! Visit Bayfront Festival Park during the Independence Day Celebration! Duluthians and visitors alike will enjoy this FREE community celebration. Gates open at 4PM with music beginning at 5PM.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 722-4011 | bayfrontfestivalpark.com
Greater Downtown Council Movies in the Park
July 8th, 17th, 22nd, 29th; August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 2022
Free outdoor movies every Friday night at sunset during the summer starting July 8th.
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! For a complete listing of movies, visit downtownduluth.com
Location: Leif Erikson Park
(218) 727-8549 | downtownduluth.com
Sidewalk Days Festival
July 13th-15th, 2022
Sidewalk days is an annual 3-day festival in the heart of Downtown Duluth with live entertainment, food, music, and fun for all ages! Grab the sunscreen and come on Downtown! For a complete list of event details visit: downtownduluth.com
Location: Superior Street
(218) 727-8549 | downtownduluth.com
Duluth Airshow
July 16th-17th, 2022
Minnesota’s largest air show returns to the Duluth International Airport in 2022! The Duluth Airshow, presented by Essentia Health features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team! Minnesota’s only major airshow in 2022 will also feature the YAK 110 presented locally by Cirrus Aircraft, Craig Gifford presented locally by Super One Foods, Kent Pietsch, Mike Wiskus and many more. Also, don’t miss one of the largest displays of military aircraft in the Midwest. Get your premium, upgraded and general admission tickets now at duluthairshow.com
Location: Duluth International Airport
(218) 628-9996 | duluthairshow.com
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
July 16th, 2022
Enjoy our 16th 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 our website for updates on the lineup, tickets, hotel accommodations, directions, and camping information.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 525-8099 | bayfrontworldmusic.com
Festival by the Lake
July 23rd, 2022
Festival by the Lake celebrates the rich history of Duluth and its surrounding areas with culture and cuisine at the forefront. Performers are being featured on the mainstage this year that are going to reflect many of the ethnic origins that are a rich part of Duluth’s history.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 591-5268 or (218) 727-1177 | festivalbythelake.com
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest
July 30th, 2022
Visit the beautiful shores of Lake Superior to celebrate craft beer from Minnesota breweries and brewpubs of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, plus select regional craft brands. Meet the brewers and enjoy craft beers, food vendors, live music, craft beer education and much more at Bayfront Festival Park!
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(612) 677-2246 | mncraftbrew.org
Spirit Valley Days
August 3rd-7th, 2022
Spirit Valley Days celebrates West Duluth and features the Northland’s largest classic car show, Duluth’s largest parade of summer, street dance, pet parade, 5K run/walk, canoe and kayak tour of the St. Louis River, garden tour, kids games, pancake breakfast, meatball dinner, food and artisan vendors, and live entertainment.
Location: West Duluth
(218) 391-3696 | SpiritValleyDays.com
CITY ON THE HILL MUSIC FEST
August 5th-6th, 2022
City On The Hill Music Fest will bring together people of faith for 2 days of fellowship and music at beautiful Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, MN.
Established in 2015 on the shores of the greatest of lakes, City On the Hill Music Festival brings together thousands of Christians from across the country for two days of worship, music and praise.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 591-5268 | cityonthehillmusicfest.com
Bayfront Blues Festival
August 12th-14th, 2022
The 33rd 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 are treated to 30 different acts on two full-size concert stages featuring the nation’s top names in the blues and blues/rock world.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(715) 817-6933 | bayfrontblues.com
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
August 21st, 2022
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 | artinbayfrontpark.com
The Tribute Fest
August 26th-27th, 2022
The Tribute Fest is a 3 day fun musical experience featuring many tribute concerts of Country & Rock. We bring together some of the best tribute bands to raise funds for homeless Veterans. Family-friendly and free for all Veterans, Active Duty & their families.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park – Duluth, MN
(218) 940-3513 | thetributefest.com
Duluth Superior Pride
September 1st-4th, 2022
Celebrate Pride in the Twin Ports. Labor Day weekend. Duluth-Superior Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Allied, Queer, Intersex (GLBTAQI) Pride serves the Duluth-Superior area’s GLBTAQI community by celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, education, acceptance, respect, healthy living, self-esteem, and equality. We seek to promote a positive image of the GLBTAQI community and end discrimination based upon sexual identity.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(866) 865-0652 | duluthsuperiorpride.com
Lake Superior Harvest Festival
September 10th, 2022
The Harvest Festival is fun family festival featuring one of largest farmers’ markets in the region, along with live music, an energy fair, handmade crafts, nonprofit showcase, live demonstrations, educational exhibits and a food court. Entry and parking are free to the public.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
1 (844) 922-5573 Ext. 709 | sfa-mn.org
Duluth Oktoberfestival
September 16th-18th, 2022
Duluth’s largest Oktoberfestival celebration returns to Bayfront Festival Park on September 16-17-18. 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 and visit www.duluthoktoberfestival.com for more information.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
(218) 628-9996 | duluthoktoberfestival.com
Northshore Inline Marathon
September 16th-18th, 2022
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 | northshoreinline.com
Duluth Superior Film Festival
September 22nd-25th, 2022
An incredible annual event, Duluth Superior Film Festival screens numerous independent films, produces music performances and hosts parties in an extravaganza of film, music and art. DSFF brings film directors and industry professionals to the Twin Ports for receptions hosted by the festival, Q & A sessions after screenings and panel discussions.
Location: Zinema 2 and Multiple Additional Venues
(612) 227-8015 | ds-ff.com
Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour
September 23rd-25th, 2022
As crisp fall temperatures and colors fill the air, the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour embarks on its 11th year, bringing a range of artistic talent. Come enjoy the fine arts and crafts, music, refreshments and demonstrations in a “road less traveled” atmosphere along the majestic shoreline and woods of Lake Superior!
Location: Please refer to our website for specific locations of this tour
(218) 391-2456 | lakesuperior2020.com
Catalyst Content Festival
September 28th – October 1st, 2022
Catalyst is a worldwide community of actors, writers, directors, producers, executives, agents and fans discovering the best new programming created on independent (aka, non-network) budgets. We come together each fall to showcase new shows and discover new talent. Join us for the fun!
Location: Historic Arts District, Duluth, MN
(218) 208-0140 | catalystcontent.org
William A Irvin Haunted Ship Tours
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, October 6th-29th and Monday, October 31st
Submerge yourself in the horrors aboard the historic Lake Superior steamer, the SS William A. Irvin. Tickets and full tour schedule available online soon. Guests under 12 will not be admitted without a parent. What are you afraid of?
Location: 350 Harbor Drive, S.S. William A. Irvin Museum
(218) 722-7876; (218) 623-1236 | duluthhauntedship.com
Gales of November
November 11th-12th, 2022
Gales of November is the LSMMA’s premier fundraising event for the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. What began almost 30 years ago as a small gathering of divers sharing shipwreck pictures, has grown into a festive two-day educational, networking event.
Location: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
(218) 727-2497 | lsmma.com
Christmas City of the North Parade
November 18th, 2022
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: Along Superior Street Downtown
northlandsnewscenter.com/parade
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
November 19th – December 26th, 2022
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’ 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 | bentleyvilleusa.org
Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show
December 9th-11th, 2022
The newest winter sports products including ice fishing houses, equipment, snowmobiles, gifts and more. Step inside a life-sized snow globe and receive a free photo. FISH FOR FREE at the Frozen Basin and win prizes and certificates redeemable with participating vendors. Enjoy many other family-friendly attractions. Attend daily seminars.
Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(952) 431-9630 | shamrockprod.com
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.