Events & Festivals in Duluth
Good Times on the Great Lake
We don’t believe in boredom in Duluth! With 12 months of festivals and fun-filled events, our calendar is packed with great times all year long and all across the city. Whether it’s a large-scale festival in Bayfront Festival Park, a sporting event in AMSOIL Arena, or a community gathering in one of our many parks, you’ll find endless opportunities to make memories. Explore our event calendar to see what’s happening in Duluth and plan your perfect visit.
Duluth’s Annual Events
Duluth is home to a fantastic lineup of annual events that draw visitors from across the region and beyond. These are the traditions that define our city’s seasons and bring the community together in celebration. Look out for favorites like Grandma’s Marathon in the summer, the Bayfront Blues Festival in August, and the festive Bentleyville Tour of Lights during the holidays.
Find Upcoming Duluth Events
Ready to find your next adventure? Our event calendar is packed with happenings, big and small, from today and into the future. Browse by date, category, or name to discover a wide variety of activities, including music, sports, theater, recreation, and more!
MN GIS/LIS Consortium Annual Conference
The MN GIS/LIS Consortium invites you to attend the Annual Conference. This event will feature respected keynote speakers, instructor-led workshops, technical sessions, special events, and more—all designed for GIS/LIS students and professionals looking to refine their skills and explore the latest technologies in Minnesota and beyond. For more information, visit www.mngislis.org
Scarium at the Aquarium 2026
Explore a spookily-decorated Aquarium, trick-or-treat among the exhibits, and show off your creative costumes! We will provide crafts, projects, and games as well as activity materials to take home and enjoy. Great Lakes Aquarium proudly participates in the Teal Pumpkin Project. That means that no edible treats will be provided during trick-or-treat. 🎃 IMPORTANT: Pre-registration is required for *all* parties! 🎃 2026 Dates: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Adjusted Hours: In order to allow time for event set up, Great Lakes Aquarium will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on October 27th, 28th, and 29th. The exhibit floor will reopen at 4:00 p.m. each day to accommodate *pre-registered* Scarium at the Aquarium guests. Cost: Adults: $20.00 Youth (age 13 – 17) $16.00 Children...
Teen Open Studio (Fall 2026)
Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere at the Duluth Public Library’s Teen Space. Bring your headphones and creative ideas — art supplies provided, but bringing your own is also welcome. Registration covers all 26 sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.
Gatherings by Sheraton: Live Music with Nightsong Trio
Enjoy local live music with friends!
Art Night Out: Materials and Self with Andrew Webster, Robb Quisling, and Lauren Faherty
Three artists, one theme: explore Materials and Self at this Art Night Out featuring an artist talk with reclaimed materials artist Andrew Webster, found object painter Robb Quisling, and fiber artist Lauren Faherty. Each artist brings a personal perspective to the question of how materials and objects tie into our lives, carry our stories, and intersect with creative practice. Enjoy snacks, beverages, and the three exhibitions on view starting October 19.
Neural Exercises for Autism, a conversation with the author
Is Autism an identity or a disorder, is an ongoing question which faces those who describe themselves under the umbrella of Neurodiversity language. WW Norton author, and autistic individual, Sean Inderbitzen LCSW, DSW, invites neurodiverse Duluthians to wrestle with this question with him in a small gathering setting. Themes to be covered from his new book in this talk include identity, temperment, disorder, empathy, and the role of ambiguous loss in shaping connection and rigidity. These themes like these and more appear in his new book Neural Exercises for Autism, and we invite you to meet with the author partaking in discussion, pastries, and a dive into meaning and neurodiversity. Please register for our gathering complete with readings, discussion, pastries from Sara’s Table at Chester Creek Cafe, and Alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Pastries will be provided for those who wish to partake, and beverages are guest responsibility. Our event...
Acrylic Paint Class
Explore your creativity! Follow along with step-by-step instruction to paint your own piece of art – all materials are provided and no experience is necessary. Snacks and beverages are welcome. Class will be held at Northern Exposure Art in Enger Lofts Marketplace. To see the image we’ll be painting and to register, please visit northernexposureart.com.
Duluth Haunted Ship 2026
Welcome to the home of the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours in Duluth, Minnesota! That hint of cool breeze you feel isn’t just a change of weather. Those are the spirits of the Duluth Haunted Ship swinging on anchor just outside your view. The ghouls on board are waiting to morph the William A. Irvin historic freighter into something truly sinister. This season marks the 31st year of this unhallowed event, starting Friday, October 2, 2026 and running long weekends through Halloween (plus MEA Wednesday, October 14, 2026). This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive: enjoy food trucks every Friday & Saturday, lights, bonfires, drinks available for purchase, and more. Know Before You Go Avoid the General Admission (GA) line and buy a FAST PASS ticket. Enter through FAST PASS gate. General Admission tickets enter through the GA line. All tickets...
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