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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. 

Run, smelt, run

Run, Smelt, Run – Magic Smelt Parade

Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe presents its 13th annual community costume-and-puppet parade, assembling at the aerial lift bridge on the lawn behind the Paulucci Building, with a brief performance to introduce the puppets and the Twin Cities brass band, the Brass Messengers. Everyone will be invited to join the procession down the Lakewalk. Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. The spectacle features masks, large puppets and a Twin Cities brass band, the Brass Messengers. Also participating in the parade is a stilt-walking Royal Guard, an energetic school of silver smelt puppet and mask dancers, and a musical procession featuring the giant Smelt Queen. The non-motorized parade follows the Lakewalk to a smelt fry and dance party at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in silver on black or blue. Email contact@magicsmelt.com to get involved.

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Sidewalk days

Downtown Duluth Days

Downtown Duluth Days (previously Sidewalk Days) is Duluth’s biggest summer celebration. For two days, downtown comes alive with something for everyone of all ages! By day, enjoy a vibrant mix of food trucks, workout classes, workshops, family-friendly events, and more. With over 175 vendors, including 25+ food vendors, there’s always something new to explore and taste. Then as the sun sets, get ready for the highlight: a lively nighttime block party with music, dancing, and great vibes all along one city block. Downtown Duluth Days (and Nights) is your chance to experience community, creativity, and celebration — right in the heart of downtown.

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Christmas city of the north parade with a group of young dancers dressed in red and white candy cane outfits.

Christmas City of the North Parade

Since 1958, the Christmas City of the North Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition and the most attended public event in the Northland. It’s a magical event that brings generations of families together with the joyful spirit of the season in Duluth, MN.

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A man standing behind a table with buckets of flowers at the lake superior harvest festival in duluth, mn

Lake Superior Harvest Festival

Celebrating Food, Farmers and Community It’s the 31st Anniversary of Harvest Festival!! Brought to you by the Sustainable Farming Association, “celebrating food, farmers, and community.” Farmers Market Live Music all day Nonprofit Expo Art & Craft Fair Energy Fair Food Court Educational Demos This is a free, family oriented event! We ask for a donation at the door to help support the festival and we suggest $5/person or $10/family, or pay what you can. It is $10 to park at Bayfront, and there is accessible parking closer to the entrance. We encourage you to walk/bike/bus/carpool! We suggest you bring your reusable bags and utilize our “park your produce” station at the LSSFA Info tent near the main entrance, so you don’t have to haul around your heavy veggies while you enjoy the festival. You might want to bring cash, though many (not all) vendors will accept a card, and we…

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Homegrown music festival inside clyde iron works in duluth, mn with purple and red lights shining on the stage

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival

An annual community celebration of the original and diverse music of Duluth and its surrounding communities, featuring nearly 200 local musical acts at over 30 venues, a children’s music showcase, poetry, visual art, film, fire spinning, and a kickball game.

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