Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

The People and the Place

From budget-friendly family activities to hidden waterfalls to recommendations from locals, check out our blog for trip ideas and to learn more about what makes Duluth so special. 

2024 public speaker events poster 23

“Mail Is What They Want Most:” The WWII Letters of Edward A. Kennedy

Presented by the Executive Director of the Carlton County Historical Society, who wrote this amazing book after finding a very special collection of letters in their archives. After losing both his sons in combat during World War II, Edward Kennedy did something positive with his grief. He took a request from his employer, the Northwest Paper Company of Cloquet, Minnesota, to collect names and addresses of their employees in military service and turned it into a letter-writing mission. Kennedy wrote newsy, upbeat four-page letters every two weeks from July 1943 to the end of the war: 57 letters in all. His letters talked about the weather, sports, hunting and fishing, and local events. Those receiving the letters wrote back with their news, which Kennedy then shared with the group. These letters served as a lifeline for men and women adapting to war-time assignments far from home. They weathered the war because…

More Info
Quill work with petrina arnold copy

Quill Work with Petrina Arnold (Session 1 of 2)

Learn the fundamentals of porcupine quill embroidery, focusing on the traditional zig zag stitching technique used to attach dyed quills to leather. Gain an introduction to the materials, pattern planning, and stitching methods used in this form of quillwork. Students will leave with a foundational knowledge of the technique and a handmade leather tobacco pouch stitched with their own quillwork design. Ages 16+ Part of our 2026 “We Hold These Truths” programming. Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

More Info
Dsc7127 scaled

Our Place: The History of Dive Bar Culture in Superior, WI

Join artist Erica Dischino as she presents her photographic essay “Our Place” documenting dive bars in Superior, WI from October 2026 to February 2026. Hear stories from long-time bartenders and local bar owners. Learn how Superior developed its saloon scene. Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Douglas County Historical Society 1101 John Ave, Superior, WI 54880 FREE admission. Light refreshments will be served. Program begins at 5:30. For questions, please contact Erica Dischino at (201) 290-6433. This event was made possible by the City of Superior’s Culture, Events, and Public Arts Commission.

More Info
Ams 2026 design event header fundraiser

AMS Pre-Reception Cocktail Fundraiser & Jazz Concert

The DAI is hosting this legacy-building fundraiser to help reach our goal of raising $60,000. Join us for live jazz, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. The live jazz quartet features vocals by Lee Engele during this cozy cocktail hour, held just before the AMS reception. Sip cocktails, enjoy live jazz, and celebrate the legacy of the Duluth Art Institute while supporting the arts for generations to come.

More Info
Copy of

Behold, The Picture Book! With Mac Barnett

Award-winning author Mac Barnett is excited to share his passion for picture books with children and adults. The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities – a journey of discovery and connections. On his nationwide tour as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form. Join us for this very special evening open to the public on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 pm at Mitchell Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica. Books will be on sale and Mac will be available to sign copies following the program. Free tickets are available here. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, but not required.

More Info
653702578 122181245174761258 2194281195461013214 n

JAM Duluth Jazz Crawl w/ Foosball Ruckus, Left Out, & Tarias and the Sound

This year, JAM Duluth’s Jazz Crawl will be taking place on April 25th, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm! Explore the rich tapestry of jazz music in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Brewery District. Hop from venue to venue while 15 bands play throughout the night at Ursa Minor, Duluth Cider, The Caddy Shack, Dovetail Cafe, and Bent Paddle! Music starts here at TCS at 6:30 pm with Foosball Ruckus, followed by Left Out, and last but not least, Tarias and the Sound! Doors: 6 pm · Music: 6:30 pm FREE · 21+

More Info