Best Duluth Festivals of 2023
What makes Duluth so popular? Sure the great dinning and fun things to do in town are great, but where everything comes together is during Duluth Festivals!
They have fun things to do year round. It couldn’t find a month where there wasn’t something fun happening. From Grandmas Marathon to Music Festivals and Winter Christmas Ligth Displays.
What festivals are happening in Duluth This Year?
Duluth Homegrown Music festival
If you’re a music lover, you won’t want to miss this annual celebration. This community-wide event showcases almost 200 local musical performances across more than 30 different venues.
But it’s not just music – there’s also a children’s music exhibition, poetry readings, visual art showcases, film screenings, fire spinning displays, and even a kickball game!
Over 40% of the festival’s programs are free, so everyone can join in on the fun. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Grandma’s Marathon
Get ready for one of the best events of the year in Duluth! The Grandmas Marathon is an incredible tradition showcases everything that makes the Northland region so special, from breathtaking natural scenery to the friendliest people around.
For 46 years running, the marathon has brought together a community of runners and supporters for an unforgettable experience.
You’ll find tons of fun activities to take part in, like the expo, children’s races, 5K, half marathon, and the legendary full marathon that takes you right alongside the stunning Lake Superior.
This is a can’t-miss event that you and your loved ones will remember forever!
Chum Rhubarb Festival
Are you ready for some mouth-watering rhubarb goodness? The Chum’s Rhubarb Festival is back for its 17th year. You’ll be able to try scrumptious rhubarb pies, muffins, crisps, and even some unique rhubarb-infused brats and burritos.
The festival also boasts live music performances, exciting games, interactive crafts, thrilling auctions, and captivating stage shows.
It’s all happening at the Stella Maris Academy – Holy Rosary Campus, from 10 AM until 3 PM, so don’t miss out on this fun-filled event!
Park Point Art Fair
The Park Point Art Fair (PPAF) is a fantastic event that you won’t want to miss! Once a year, over 120 top-notch artists come together to showcase their incredible creations. From photography and painting to jewelry and sculpture, you’ll find all sorts of mediums here.
And with Lake Superior as the stunning backdrop, it’s the perfect outdoor venue to appreciate the beauty of art.
You can also enjoy live music, watch interactive demonstrations, and even get your hands dirty with some hands-on activities. And of course, what’s an event without some delicious food? So come on down and experience the PPAF for yourself!
City of Duluth Fourth Festival
Get ready to experience the most amazing Fourth of July celebration and firework show in the Midwest at the Bayfront Festival Park!
This fantastic community event is free and open to everyone, locals and tourists alike.
You can start entering the event at 4 PM and enjoy a range of musical performances starting at 5 PM. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends at one of the best venues in Duluth!
Downtown Duluth Movies in the Park
If you’re looking for a fun, free activity during your summer in Duluth, then you’ll want to check out Friday Night Movies in Leif Erikson Park!
Every Friday night at sunset, you can catch a popular movie on a giant outdoor screen with the stunning Lake Superior as your backdrop.
Best of all, it’s FREE! Just head over to downtownduluth.com to see the full lineup of movies being shown. So grab some popcorn, bring a blanket, and settle in for a fun evening under the stars.
Sidewalk Days Festival
This three-day festival is the biggest shopping event held every year in Downtown Duluth. The Sidewalk Days Festival has delicious food, great music, and all kinds of exciting activities. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, because it can get pretty sunny out there!
Duluth Airshow
Mark your calendars for an exciting event coming to Duluth in 2023 – it’s the Duluth Airshow, presented by Essentia Health! This is Minnesota’s biggest air show, and it’s all happening at the Duluth International Airport. You won’t want to miss it!
There are going to be some incredible performances, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team.
There are also going to be other notable performers like Craig Gifford, presented locally by Super One Foods, Kent Pietsch, Mike Wiskus, and the YAK 110, presented locally by Cirrus Aircraft. You can expect to see some of the most impressive military aircraft displays in the entire Midwest.
If you’re ready to experience all the action and excitement, head on over to duluthairshow.com to secure your tickets.
If this is your first time at an Airshow, you are in for a treat. Make sure to get all my tips for a great time.
Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival
Are you ready for an incredible festival experience? The 16th annual festival is where you’ll get to see some of the best artists from around the world!
But it’s not just about the music. They also have a fantastic selection of mouth-watering ethnic cuisine, refreshing drinks, and some seriously impressive artisan crafts to check out.
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest
If you’re looking for an awesome way to celebrate Minnesota craft beer and soak up the beauty of Lake Superior, we’ve got just the thing for you!
The Bayfront Festival Park for a one-of-a-kind event hosted by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild and a bunch of awesome local breweries. You’ll get to chat with some of the most distinguished brewers around, and sample a huge selection of amazing craft beers.
But that’s not all – they’ve also got some seriously tasty food, live music, and even some craft beer education thrown in for good measure. It’s the perfect way to spend a day on the Lake Superior shoreline.
So what are you waiting for? Come on down to Bayfront Festival Park and experience all the fun for yourself!
Spirit Valley Days
Get ready to celebrate the West Duluth region in style at Spirit Valley Days! This incredible festival is packed full of activities that are sure to get you in the spirit of things.
One of the highlights of the event is the Northland’s biggest gathering of classic cars, which is sure to be a hit with all the car enthusiasts out there. And if that’s not enough, there’s also Duluth’s largest grand parade of the summer to look forward to!
But that’s just the beginning – there’s also a 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. It’s a true feast for the senses!
City on the Hill Music Fest
If you’re looking for a way to come together with other people of faith and enjoy some amazing music, you won’t want to miss the City On The Hill Music Fest!
This incredible event takes place over two days at the gorgeous Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minnesota. It’s been going strong since 2015, and has already become a must-attend event for thousands of Christian faithful from all across the country.
At the City On The Hill Music Fest, you can expect to find a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s all about fostering camaraderie and celebrating the power of music to bring people together. It’s an amazing opportunity to worship, sing, and connect with other people who share your beliefs.
Bayfront Blues Festival
If you’re a fan of blues music, you won’t want to miss the Bayfront Blues Festival!
This amazing event has been going strong for 33 years, and it’s one of the oldest and biggest open-air music festivals in the upper Midwest.
Every year, nearly 20,000 music lovers come from all over to enjoy 30 incredible performances by some of the most talented blues and blues/rock artists from around the country, all on two amazing concert stages.
The Bayfront Blues Festival is a truly unique experience that’s all about celebrating the power of music to bring people together.
If you are die-hard blues fan or you’re just looking for a fun a weekend, you’ll have a great time.
ART IN BAYFRONT PARK ART FAIR
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of art at Bayfront Park!
The annual Art in Bayfront Park event brings together over one hundred talented artists from the region to showcase their stunning work.
This art fair features a diverse range of art forms, including jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork, and glass.
The Tribute Fest
Get ready to be entertained by a fantastic musical experience at the Tribute Fest! For three days, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of outstanding Country and Rock tribute performances.
Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also be contributing to a noble cause – helping homeless Veterans.
All are welcome to attend this family-friendly event, and Veterans, Active Duty service members, and their families get in for free!
Duluth Superior Pride
Labor Day weekend in the Twin Ports is all about celebrating the vibrant and diverse community of Duluth-Superior’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Allied, Queer, Intersex (GLBTAQI) Pride.
The event is a time for promoting acceptance, education, and embracing differences while enjoying a variety of fun activities. The festivities include live entertainment, delicious food, informative workshops, and more.
By coming together to celebrate and support the GLBTAQI community, attendees help promote understanding and acceptance for all people.
DULUTH OKTOBERFESTIVAL
Duluth Oktoberfestival
Get ready to experience German culture at its finest, as Duluth’s highly anticipated Oktoberfestival returns to Bayfront Festival Park on September 16-17-18.
It’s a celebration of all things German, promising to bring the best of Munich to Duluth. Get ready to enjoy the largest bier hall tent ever constructed at Bayfront, where live music and youth activities will keep everyone entertained.
Don’t forget to dress up in your lederhosen and dirndl for the ultimate Oktoberfest experience! Head to www.duluthoktoberfestival.com to learn more about this exciting event.
Northshore Inline Marathon
Get ready to witness the nation’s biggest roller-skating extravaganza! With a whopping 2,500 pro skaters gliding along the shores of Lake Superior, this event promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
The festivities kick off with a fabulous Friday Expo, followed by a thrilling kids’ inline sprints race. But that’s just the beginning.
On Saturday, brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping lineup of awe-inspiring events, including inline half/full marathons, a rollerski marathon, “Wheels Off” half marathon run, and the MN Power “Tunnel 10K” run.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, this event is sure to take your roller-skating experience to the next level!
Bienvenue Coffee Fest
Get ready to savor the ultimate blend of coffee and culture at our festival. They’ve curated a one-of-a-kind event that aims to bring the community closer to the world of coffee.
Their team has partnered with top-notch professionals in the industry to offer you a range of exciting activities, including seminars, guest speakers, latte art competitions, live demonstrations, vendors, fantastic music, and even some fun-filled activities for the little ones.
And, of course, the star of the show – the coffee itself!
Duluth Superior Film Festival
Looking for a unique event that brings together the best of film, music, and art? Look no further than the Duluth Superior Film Festival!
Every year, this festival features a wide array of independent films and music performances, along with special events that showcase the talents of filmmakers and artists from around the region.
Attendees can enjoy receptions with directors and industry professionals, take part in Q&A sessions after screenings, and participate in panel discussions that delve into the art and craft of filmmaking. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity in the Twin Ports!
Christmas City of the North Parade
Get ready to feel the magic of the holiday season in the Northland with the Christmas City of the North Parade! This event has been a beloved tradition since 1958 and is the biggest public gathering in the region.
Everyone is invited to join in the festive spirit and create new memories as they watch the parade wind its way down Superior Street in downtown Duluth. Don’t miss out on the dazzling floats, lively music, and colorful costumes that make this event truly special.
Duluth is magical in Winter. Make sure to check out all the great happenings. 5 BEST Christmas Lights in Duluth MN
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season at America’s largest outdoor light show! Wander through a stunning array of over four million twinkling lights, including a spectacular 128-foot-tall Christmas tree that will take your breath away.
This enchanting event offers something for everyone, from kids to adults. Younger visitors can enjoy free treats, like a cozy new knit hat and a bag of delicious cookies, personally delivered by none other than Santa Claus himself!
Duluth Winter Village
Get into the holiday spirit by strolling through the Winter Village, now located in a beautiful new spot overlooking Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge.
Take in the stunning scenery while browsing the charming shops and enjoying delicious hot drinks to warm you up.
This updated location near Canal Park and Bentleyville offers plenty of parking and even more festive fun, with tasty treats, unique shopping opportunities, and additional holiday activities just a stone’s throw away.
John Beargrease Seld Dog Marathon
Get ready for the ultimate sled dog experience at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon – a race that has been around since 1980 and is now the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states!
The event spans an impressive 400 miles, attracting the best mushers from all corners of the world. Not only is it a thrilling competition, but the Beargrease also serves as a qualifying race for the famous Iditarod competition held in Alaska.
