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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re craving an easy family hike or chasing cascades with your camera in hand, here are some of the best under-the-radar waterfall spots in and around Duluth, Minnesota.
THE MAGIC RETURNS TO HARBOR DRIVE! Dates & Times: December 5–6, 2026 | Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Admission & Parking: FREE to attend! (DECC Parking is $10) AN EVENT UNLIKE ANY OTHER! For one weekend only, we’re bringing together the best of Duluth in one scenic location. The 10th annual Duluth Winter Village returns along the lake on Harbor Drive this December 5 and 6 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. The magic of local businesses, charming wooden shopping cabins, family-friendly activities, hot food, beverages (including beer & cocktails), and carolers continues to be a magical tradition. The festivities are held outside and inside at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Visitors will appreciate: Our famous holiday-themed Experiential Bar “Tinsel Tavern” — featuring cocktails from Vikre Distillery Local makers & on-site Blacksmith Soup flights On-site holiday portraits by the Christmas tree Hollybeary Kid Store…
All aboard for a fall adventure like no other — the Great Pumpkin Train! Once a year, a magical pumpkin field appears along the tracks, and the only way to reach it is by train. Everyone gets a pumpkin! Admission to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is included, so when you’re done pumpkin-picking, you can explore trains, history, and plenty of indoor fun at the Depot like balloon twisting, ventriloquist, magic, and more. It’s a Duluth tradition that’s equal parts festive, cozy, and a little bit quirky — just like autumn itself. When your train pulls into the pumpkin patch, every ticketed passenger gets to claim their very own pumpkin to haul home. The ride lasts about 90 minutes round trip, giving you just enough time to soak in the fall colors, snap too many photos, and debate which pumpkin has the best “front porch face.” Back at the Depot,…
All aboard for a fall adventure like no other — the Great Pumpkin Train! Once a year, a magical pumpkin field appears along the tracks, and the only way to reach it is by train. Everyone gets a pumpkin! Admission to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is included, so when you’re done pumpkin-picking, you can explore trains, history, and plenty of indoor fun at the Depot like balloon twisting, ventriloquist, magic, and more. It’s a Duluth tradition that’s equal parts festive, cozy, and a little bit quirky — just like autumn itself. When your train pulls into the pumpkin patch, every ticketed passenger gets to claim their very own pumpkin to haul home. The ride lasts about 90 minutes round trip, giving you just enough time to soak in the fall colors, snap too many photos, and debate which pumpkin has the best “front porch face.” Back at the Depot,…
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