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.
Celebrate Independence Day at Bayfront Festival Park with Duluth Fourth Fest — the region’s biggest Fourth of July party and fireworks show. This free, family-friendly event kicks off at 4pm with food vendors, local crafts, and live music throughout the evening.
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.
The St. Louis County Depot is brewing up something robust for 2026! The mission of our coffee fest: Connecting community with coffee culture in an extraordinary building. Coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone seeking a delightful weekend experience are invited to come together for this celebration of all things coffee – morning’s favorite beverage (sorry, beer). The Bienvenue Coffee Fest promises an unforgettable experience featuring an array of specialty coffees, educational programming, delicious food, and engaging activities for the whole family. Bienvenue means welcome, and that’s our goal: to make everyone feel welcome at the Depot, in Duluth and all across St. Louis County & Minnesota. We can’t think of anything more welcoming than inviting a friend over for a cup of coffee. Date 2026 date TBD. Time 2026 time TBD. Location The Depot Great Hall Cost Free
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.