Community Events

Many events in the Duluth community draw visitors from around the world.

Residents know what makes Duluth special, and so do the 3.5 million people who visit annually. Duluth boasts a vibrant arts culture, home to art museums, the Minnesota Ballet, performance centers, community and college theater productions and numerous festivals throughout the year. The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) remains the top entertainment value, bringing in a diverse talent and drawing thousands of annual visitors. An $80 million expansion of the DECC was completed in 2010 which included additional parking facilities and the new AMSOIL Arena.

Major Duluth events:

Bayfront Reggae / World Music Festival - July 16 and 17, 2011. Bayfront Reggae Festival is a tribute to those who spread the message of love, hope and equality for all people worldwide. Located at Bayfront Festival Park by the beautiful waters of Lake Superior, international performers will entertain while you enjoy Caribbean food, beverages and artisans displaying their wares.

Bentleyville USA

Christmas City of the North Parade - The Friday before Thanksgiving, downtown Duluth lights up for Christmas in a celebration that begins with the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Lake Superior Plaza. The celebration continues with the Northland's NewsCenter's huge gala, the Christmas City of the North Parade, a much anticipated holiday tradition.

Duluth Air & Aviation Expo - The largest airshow in Minnesota, with some of the world's top aerobatic performers. Held at the Duluth International Airport, there will not be an Air Show in 2011. Next dates are September 22-23, 2012.

Duluth Fourth Fest - This Independence Day presented by Visit Duluth, offers a day full of festivities and fireworks. July 4th, 2011, fireworks display will begin at 10:10 pm.

Duluth Superior GLBTAQI Pride

Grandma's Marathon - Every June, Duluth's largest annual event attracts more than 9,000 participants from across the globe in Grandma's Marathon - a world-class event with small town charm. Races also include the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K. This weekend festival includes other events, such as the Essentia Health Fitness & Health Expo, the Michelina's Spaghetti Dinner, free Whipper Snapper Races for kids and live music under the Big Top Tent in Canal Park. Grandma's Marathon celebrates its 35th year in 2011 - June 16-18, 2011.

John "Beargrease" Sled Dog Marathon - The "Beargrease" is the premier sled dog marathon of the Upper Midwest and draws world-class sled dog teams from across the nation and world. This 400-mile race, which just completed its 28th year, is the longest and most challenging sled dog events in the lower 48 states.

NorthShore Inline Marathon - This September annual event draws more than 3,000 skaters in the country's largest in-line skate marathon. Enjoy the country's most scenic and exciting in-line skating event along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior! The 26.2-mile marathon begins just south of Two Harbors and continues along Scenic Highway 61, rolling through the I-35 tunnels and finishing at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The 2011 Marathon is set for September 17.

Park Point Art Fair - June 25th and 26th, 2011 at the end of Park Point, Duluth Minnesota. Join us for an annual celebration of art and community in a unique setting on the sandy shores of Lake Superior. Free admission • 120 artists on display• live music • family art activities • food

Twin Ports Outdoor Movies