Events in Duluth today

Take part in the Duluth Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament, a fun tournament open to all skill levels from 3.0 to 4.5+. An early bird offer takes $15 off registration. DAPA members already receive $10 off, and that combines with the early bird discount for a total savings of $25 for members. Members should use the code sent by email. Registration is available through the event website. Participation supports pickleball in the Twin Ports.

Celebrate Spirit Valley Days with a lively street fair featuring local crafters, small business vendors, a lineup of food trucks, and additional offerings. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family friendly. Sponsored by Quality Collision. Vendor participation is available on a first come, first served basis.

Spend a day sewing in the classroom at Creations Quilt Shop. Reserve a spot for $10 and settle into your own seat with access to an ironing board and cutting mat. Bring your project and machine, enjoy the company of fellow makers, and receive light assistance from staff as time allows while the shop is open. Coffee and water are provided, and a small refrigerator is available for personal items. Space is limited and spots are confirmed on a first-reserved basis. Participants receive 10% off in-store purchases during the open sew, with some exclusions. To reserve, call 218-628-1687 or ask in-store.

Hop aboard for a family-friendly, narrated 2-hour train excursion along the historic Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad. The ride takes you through the St. Louis River Estuary, a wildlife sanctuary where you may spot bald eagles and osprey, and you’ll get scenic views of the Duluth riverfront that you can’t easily reach by car or on foot. It’s best to arrive about a half-hour before departure so you’re ready to board.

Join a hands-on class focused on learning how to photograph the aurora from start to finish. You’ll go through camera setup and initial settings, how to interpret data from SpaceWeatherLive, and tips for capturing stunning aurora images. If there’s time, the class also covers basic editing, including how to use Lightroom. The session is designed for adults and is best for people who can adjust manual camera settings, bringing a full frame camera and lens.

Minnesota author and illustrator Barbara Linert will be at The Bookstore at Fitger's for a book signing featuring her children's book, Tales of a Dog Named Kitty. This collection shares real-life adventures from the perspective of a lovable dog with an unexpected name, including learning to swim, befriending a cat, getting lost, going to school, and chasing the dream of catching a squirrel. Attendees can meet the author and illustrator, purchase copies, have books personalized and signed, and hear about the true stories that inspired the book. This event is free and open to the public, welcoming families, book lovers, and readers of all ages.

This community fun day offers a lively, family-friendly experience with games and activities for all ages, tasty food and drinks, a live DJ, colorful face painting, and a cheerful ice cream social. The atmosphere is designed for making memories together and welcoming participants of every generation. Organizers are also seeking volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.

Adventure awaits as the Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition brings Movies on the Island back for its second year at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior.

Settle in for a Saturday night stand-up showcase featuring a rotating roster of 200 top professional comedians from across the United States. Expect performers who have appeared on and written for The Tonight Show, Last Comic Standing, Saturday Night Live, America's Got Talent, and Late Night. Dinner is offered before the show and continues during the performance.

Anne Wilson is performing live at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The show starts at 8:30 PM.

At BB + Friends, this relaxed gathering pairs friendly cribbage play with hands-on watercolor painting, encouraging all skill levels to slow down and enjoy simple creativity. Watercolor supplies are provided, and cribbage boards are available for play. It suits seasoned card players, first-time painters, and anyone looking to share unhurried time with a friend, family member, or a new connection. Expect plenty of coffee and conversation alongside cards and creativity, with coffee, treats, and shopping nearby.

Visit the William A. Irvin Museum for a self-guided experience on board the retired freighter. Historical interpreters are stationed at key locations to help answer questions and guide you through. Plan to spend about 45 to 60 minutes, arriving anytime during open hours as long as you’re in by 4:30 PM. Please note the museum is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases. General admission tickets are nonrefundable, and there are no refunds or exchanges.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and relax by the fire while connecting with neighbors. Browse food and local crafts, and take part in a welcoming atmosphere focused on building community.

KidFest brings a full day of family activities to Memorial Park as part of Spirit Valley Days. Families will find bounce houses, games, crafts, music, face painting, and more spread throughout the park. The bounce houses are made possible by a donation from the Irving Community Club. This event is free and welcomes all ages.

Gather friends or family for a hands-on DIY workshop where participants design and make a personalized wood sign. Choose a wood project from the gallery, then customize it with your preferred paint and stain colors. All materials are included, and instructors guide you from start to finish so you leave with a finished piece for your home or a gift. Pre-registration is required. Board & Brush Duluth is a BYOB establishment.

Altitude Cocktails hosts the inaugural Smokey Bear Bingo, featuring multiple rounds of the classic game and prize drawings from outdoor brands that care for wild places. Look for clothing and accessories from United By Blue, Happy Earth, Parks Project, Keep Nature Wild, Landmark Project, and others, with donated prizes celebrating the occasion and supporting efforts such as preventing wildfires, removing litter, and planting trees. Only 20 tickets are available, making this an intimate experience. A $20 ticket includes one cocktail or a zero-proof drink from Altitude Cocktails, access to all bingo games, and chances to win eco-conscious prizes. Bring a bingo dobber if you have one, and markers or pens will be available on site. The gathering will proceed regardless of weather. Attendees must be 21 or older, and each person needs their own ticket. At checkout, choose LOCAL PICKUP. Discount codes are not accepted, and any discounted order will be refunded and must be repurchased at regular price. Celebrate more than eight decades of Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention message while enjoying refreshing beverages and a welcoming atmosphere.

A welcoming music open mic takes place at Duluth Folk School and Dovetail Cafe. Performers can sign up on arrival for a 15 minute slot, and those who prefer to relax and listen are welcome too.

Each week features a free storytime in a different neighborhood park with the Duluth Public Library, followed by youth-focused recreation activities with Parks & Recreation. Stories, songs, rhymes, and playful reading help build early literacy skills for little learners. The program is designed for children ages 0 to 5, and all ages are welcome to enjoy the story and try the recreation equipment. This week marks the final Story & Play of the summer at Fairmont Park.

Explore the basics of pottery in a two-hour, single-evening workshop led by professional ceramic artist Julie Linville of Wren Pottery. Everyone practices on an individual electric wheel while learning fundamentals like wedging and centering clay, shaping cylinders, and forming simple bowls. These building blocks prepare participants to create functional pieces such as mugs, bowls, and vases. Designed with beginners in mind, the experience focuses on discovery, skill development, and the enjoyment of working with clay. Instruction combines group teaching with one-on-one guidance in a welcoming setting. Pieces made during the session will not be fired or kept, keeping the emphasis on learning and confidence building before moving on to more advanced classes. Suitable for adults and teens. The fee is $50 per person. Hosted in the SOLCA Clay Studio.

Explore the William A. Irvin Museum with a self-guided tour experience, complete with historical interpreters stationed at key points to help explain the ship and direct you through each area. The visit typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, and tickets are general admission for entry during the open hours, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 PM. Please note the retired freighter includes multiple staircases and is not ADA accessible. Parking is available in the DECC parking lot across from the museum for an additional fee, and restrooms are located on board in the gift shop.

Climb aboard for a Duluth summer staple with the Vista Fleet’s $10 Tuesdays. Enjoy live-narrated sightseeing cruises through the Duluth-Superior Harbor for ten dollars per ticket. Take in wide-open views of Lake Superior, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and the working waterfront while relaxing on the water. Concessions and a full bar are available, so you can sip and unwind during your cruise. Advance reservations are recommended because tours often sell out. Tickets can be booked online and no promo code is required.

Enjoy rock, pop, and Americana from Indecent Proposal as part of a free, nine-week Music in the Park concert series now in its 43rd year. Every performance lasts 90 minutes and, for this season, all shows take place at Lincoln Park while improvements are underway at Chester Park. Parking at Lincoln Park is limited, so consider walking, biking, or taking the bus. When using neighborhood streets, follow the city’s alternate side parking guidelines. The Twin Ports Express food truck will be on site, and bringing a lawn chair or blanket is a good idea. The series is presented by Duluth Parks & Recreation with support from promotional sponsors My95.7 and 98.9KTCO. For weather updates or cancellations, check the organizer’s website, social media, or weather hotline.

RavenFed opens midweek for those seeking a calm place to study or focus on work. Coffee, espresso, and bakery options are available, along with complimentary Wi‑Fi, creating a quiet, out-of-the-way setting for getting things done. Bring a laptop, homework, or a book and settle into the RavenFed Underground Gathering Hall on the lower level of Believers Church. Availability includes Wednesdays and Thursday evenings.

Wellness Wednesdays, presented by Essentia Health, invites guests to walk, jog, or run at their own pace along more than a mile of scenic zoo trails. Explore paths that wind through animal habitats and nature areas, choose any route that feels right, and enjoy a quieter experience before the usual crowds. Admission is complimentary for members and, courtesy of Essentia Health, free for non-members as well. Those who wish to stay longer will need to purchase a day pass or check in as a member at admissions.

Tour the William A. Irvin on a self-guided experience with historical interpreters stationed at key points throughout the ship. The average visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Admission is general admission, and you can arrive any time during open hours for your tour day, but you must be checked in by 4:30 PM. Please note the vessel is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases. Tickets are nonrefundable and there are no exchanges.

The West Duluth Business Club’s August Luncheon brings local professionals together to connect, share ideas, and support growth for businesses and the community. Expect guest speakers, business updates, and opportunities to meet fellow members. It welcomes both experienced owners and those launching new ventures, offering useful insights and a chance to build lasting relationships. The gathering is hosted at Mr D's Bar & Grill.

DuFTA partners with the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory to refresh and maintain the footpaths at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve ahead of the peak hawk-watching season. Volunteers will trim weeds and clear overhanging vegetation so the trails are open and easy to follow. No prior experience is needed and all tools are supplied. Bring water, work gloves, and bug spray, and wear long pants with closed-toe shoes. After the work period, refreshments will be provided. Each time you volunteer, your name goes into an end-of-year drawing for Trailfitters gift cards, with more entries earned the more you participate.

A welcoming cribbage tournament with prizes takes place each week at Duluth Folk School. The same night also includes open board and card gaming, creating a friendly space for competition and casual play.

Head to Glensheen for the 11th Annual Concerts on the Pier, a summer music series featuring Duluth and Minnesota-made artists. The show runs on a pier that juts into Lake Superior, and you can watch from the shoreline or from the water on various types of watercraft. On this date, the event features a lineup of Climes w/Skarlett Woods, with opening music starting at 5:30 PM and headliners taking over from 6:30 PM. Food is available for purchase from local food trucks including Johnny B’s, Gumbeaux Guys, and Oasis Del Norte.

Join Sheraton Duluth for its weekly wine gathering, held every Wednesday in a relaxed setting. This is a great chance to sample a curated lineup of featured wines, meet other wine lovers, and discover something new whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or just curious.

Hosted by Jake Searl, this open mic at Wussow's Concert Cafe invites performers to try out new material on a big stage. It is free to attend and open to all ages, with coffee and beer available from the cafe. Performer signups begin shortly before things get underway. Musicians traveling from out of town can contact Jason or Pete to ask about a featured slot. If you plan to bring a drum kit, set it up early and consider sharing it for the event.

Part of Vista Fleet’s Lake Superior Live summer series, this sailing pairs a relaxed harbor cruise with live music from Misisipi Mike and wide open waterfront views. Tickets include a casual barbecue dinner, and a full bar offers beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and other nonalcoholic choices for purchase. Seating is open, so guests can choose their preferred spot and take in the scenery at their own pace. If weather allows, the route may include the Duluth Canal and the Superior Entry, showcasing the lake, working harbor activity, and the Duluth skyline. Reservations are required.

Teams compete in a pub trivia challenge for prizes, including the chance to win free beer or wine for six months. Drink specials are available, and there is complimentary pool, darts, and shuffleboard.

Community Tai Chi offers a calm, accessible session in the Great Hall at the Duluth Depot. Suitable for every experience level, the practice encourages better balance and flexibility, eases stress, and supports mental well-being. Participants can expect an easygoing setting to slow down, focus on breathing, and connect with others. No prior experience or registration is needed, and everyone is welcome. Hosted by Boreal Waters Community Foundation and the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being at UW-Superior.

Head to Harrison Park for the Twin Ports Roots Market summer season. It runs weekly on Thursdays from June through October and features local vendors, community activities, seasonal produce, live music, and food access programs like Power of Produce to help support fresh food in the community.

A one hour cruise aboard the Vista Queen offers a family friendly outing designed with kids and parents in mind. Timed between nap time and dinner, it features rotating onboard activities to keep little ones engaged while adults relax and enjoy views of Duluth's harbor and Lake Superior. It fits easily into a summer day for visitors and locals, with fresh air, waterfront scenery, and plenty of chances for photos together. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase, including a full bar. Please note that the Vista Queen is not wheelchair accessible.

Join the Duluth-area walk for a family-friendly event that brings together people affected by epilepsy to raise critical funds, build community, and show support. The walk includes activities for families, local speakers, and chances to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Enjoy free beer garden fun outside the Great Lakes Aquarium, with rotating food trucks and live music each Thursday in July and August. On this date, Paul Newberg Music will perform, and the food truck is Emma’s Kitchen. There’s an outdoor bar where you can purchase food and beverages, with cash or credit cards accepted. Families and non-human companions are welcome, and anyone who wants to consume alcohol must be at least 21 years old. Indoor exploration is also available earlier in the day, and indoor restrooms stay accessible until the beer garden wraps up.

This summer, neighbors gather at Harrison Community Center/Club for casual game nights and friendly get-togethers. Participants are welcome to bring a favorite game and an optional snack to share. It is a relaxed way to play with familiar faces and meet new people.

Hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church, this NAMI Connection recovery support gathering offers a no-cost, peer-led space for adults who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Participants connect with peers, share stories of challenges and progress, and learn from one another's perspectives. Trained facilitators with lived experience guide the conversation to foster understanding and support. For details, call 218-409-6566 and leave a message or email namiduluth@gmail.com.

RavenFed offers a calm, out-of-the-way place to study or concentrate on a project. Sip coffee or espresso, pick up a baked treat, and use complimentary Wi‑Fi while you focus on your to-do list. Bring a laptop, homework, or that book you have been meaning to finish. The space is in the RavenFed Underground Gathering Hall on the lower level of Believers Church.

Breanne Marie and The Front Porch Sinners bring a Great Lakes country sound with alt-country roots to the Music on the Ship series aboard the William A. Irvin. The performance unfolds on the freighter’s spar deck, offering a distinctive open-air setting for a family-friendly show. Admission is free, but capacity is limited to 140 people. As a historic vessel, the Irvin does not provide handicap access. Guests may bring their own chairs, but they must be in bags. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

A lively open mic comedy night held two evenings each week, where comedians from the local scene and the surrounding region take the stage. Admission is free for all attendees. Those hoping to perform are encouraged to arrive early and speak with Danielle about getting stage time.