Events & Things to Do in Duluth, MN
The Park Point Marina Inn is the best Duluth hotel to stay at while attending an event. It is close to many major attractions and events, making it a premier lodging option. We are located only blocks away from Grandma’s Marathon finish line, the Northshore Inline Marathon finish line, the DECC and AMSOIL Arena and Bayfront Festival Park. Whether it’s summer, winter, spring or fall, there is always something going on. From the Blues Festival, Art in Bayfront Park and All Pints North Summer Brew Fest to Lake Superior Harvest Festival, Bentleyville Tour of Lights and AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross – there is something for all ages. With our convenient shuttle to Canal Park that drops you off only 1 block from the DECC and AMSOIL Arena and 2 blocks from Bayfront Festival Park, you are just steps away from Duluth’s most popular events.
Event Listings
Summer
Grandma’s Marathon
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
Held in June every year, this popular marathon runs from the town of Two Harbors on Scenic Route 61 along Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. As runners travel on their journey they witness the beauty and traditions of the Northland. There is also a five-kilometer run, a kids race and a half marathon. The finish line is only blocks from the Hotel and the Resort provides a free shuttle all day on a set schedule.
Bayfront Blues Festival
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
The Bayfront Blues Festival is definitely something you don’t want to miss when you’re in Duluth. It is one of the upper Midwest’s largest annual outdoor music events. Every year approximately 20,000 fans attend to see more than thirty different acts spread across two stages at Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park.
Art in Bayfront Park
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Attend this two-day art fair in August located on the lakefront of Duluth. This is the perfect event for an art enthusiast. See colorful paintings, unique ceramics, interesting photography, glass art, metalwork and more from local and regional artists.
Sailboat Races
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
The races are held every Wednesday night (6-8 pm) in the summer out beyond the Aerial Lift Bridge with up to 30 participants. Many sailboats travel from the Resort’s Harbor Cove Marina.
Park Point Art Fair
Distance: 4 Miles from the Resort
The Fair is an annual celebration with 120 artists and live music. Located at the end of Park Point from 10 am - 5 pm, it also features food and family activities. The Resort is the closest hotel to the Art Fair.
Park Point Rummage Sale
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
The largest rummage sale in Minnesota, this annual event features 4 miles of sales and various food stands. The Park Point Marina Inn is the closest hotel to this event.
Duluth Superior Pride
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Attend the famous annual pride festival in Duluth this summer where you can enjoy fundraisers, activities, games, entertainment, and costumes.
City of Duluth Fourth Fest
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Visitors attending the City of Duluth Fourth Fest enjoy tasty treats, live music, and a fireworks extravaganza! Join the community of Duluth as they celebrate the nation’s Independence Day on July 4th. 4th Fest fireworks can be seen from the Breakwater Pier Walk of the Resort and most Harbor View Rooms.
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Be there for some of the best Reggae and world music around! Join the community as they come together and listen to various artists that spread the message of hope, equality, love and joy!
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Celebrate craft beer and join the leading brewers of Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. It is held at the Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth during the month of July and features beer from popular breweries, tasty food and live music.
The Tribute Fest
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Help raise awareness for homeless veterans in the state of Minnesota. The three-day Tribute Fest is a music festival that features professional tribute bands coming together to raise money and support veterans.
Duluth Air Show
Distance: 7 Miles from the Resort
The largest air show in Minnesota, featuring a host of world-class performers appearing at the Duluth International Airport.
Winter
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Visitors can stroll through an enormous lighting display known as the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. As America’s largest free lighting display walk, it is absolutely breath-taking and one not to miss while visiting Duluth in the winter months. It is held in Bayfront Festival Park and offers free smores, cookies, apple cider, coffee and warm fires. Santa Claus always makes an appearance.
Christmas City Express
Distance: 1 Mile from the Resort
The performance of the Christmas City Express begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum where you’ll enjoy carolers, a visit from a special guest, and be treated to a reading of the new Christmas City Express story! Climb aboard for a 30 minute ride up to Lake Superior and enjoy hot chocolates, cookies and holiday tunes.
Christmas City of the North Parade
Distance: 10 Blocks from the Resort
Enjoy marching bands, Christmas treats, dance performances, colorful floats and parade performers at this famous holiday parade in Downtown Duluth. Held since the 1950s, this event also has a visit from Santa Claus!
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Distance: 9 Miles from the Resort
As the longest dog sled race in the lower 48 states, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has been an annual event since 1980. Watch as world-class mushers compete in an almost 400-mile race!
Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
The Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show comes once a year and features vendors with winter sport equipment deals. You’ll find everything from ice fishing accessories and augers to ice houses and winter clothing. It is held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and also has activities for all ages to enjoy and experience.
AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross
Distance: 9.5 Miles from the Resort
For over 27 years, the best racers, the best racing and the best fans descend upon Spirit Mountain for the fastest racing in Duluth. The first stop on the ISOC series sets the bar for the season.
Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
The great outdoors is headed indoors. Located at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, everything to do with the outdoors is at this family getaway.
Gales of November
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
What began almost 30 years ago as a small gathering of divers sharing shipwreck pictures has grown into a festive two-day educational networking event. This premier fundraising event is for the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center located in Canal Park.
Spirit Mountain’s Frosted Fatty
Distance: 9.5 Miles from the Resort
The Fat Bike celebrations at the region’s only lift-access fat bike ski area continues with a two-day Bike Festival. Experience bike demos, food, beverages, music and more at this winter downhill fat bike racing event at Spirit Mountain.
Spring
Arrowhead Home & Builders Show
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Visitors will have the chance to check out items for the interior and exterior of their homes and cabins at this popular Duluth show.
Homegrown Music Festival
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Listen to almost 200 local musical acts at over 30 separate venues spread over one week and enjoy various fun activities including poetry reads, fire spinning, a children’s music showcase, and a kickball game. This event is perfect for all ages and a great way to spend the week in Duluth!
The Duluth Superior Film Festival
Distance: 3 Miles from the Resort
This annual 5-day event screens numerous independent films, produces music performances and hosts parties in an extravaganza of film, music and art.
Arrowhead Auto Body Motorhead Madness
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Over 100 one-of-a-kind custom trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, street rods, race cars, cycles and antique autos are on display throughout this event. Visitors are able to meet with fellow enthusiasts while enjoying the creative car club exhibits, and shopping for the latest automotive trends and accessories.
Duluth Gallery Hop
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Tour local galleries, visit with studio artists and watch demonstrations at this fun and free event.
Spirit Mountain’s Annual Spring Happening
Distance: 9.5 Miles from the Resort
Celebrate a great winter season with demos, a kiddie carnival, costume contest, slosh pit and plenty of other fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. The Resort offers discount passes to Spirit Mountain during the regular winter season.
Fall
William A Irvin Haunted Ships Tour
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Every October, the Irvin is transformed into a haunted ship and entertains family and friends for the entire month. Stroll through dark eerie hallways where you’ll always feel like someone is watching you. Ghosts come alive, lights flicker, doors slam and hearts pound!
Northshore Inline Marathon
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Watch as skaters race in the largest inline marathon in North America! Over 3,000 inline skaters will test their endurance in this annual inline marathon. It is held along the same scenic course that Grandma’s Marathon uses for their event, following along the shore. The event ends within five blocks of the hotel.
Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour
Distance: 1 - 30 Miles from the Resort
Dozens of artists showcase their unique artwork by welcoming you into their studios between Duluth and Two Harbors. Stop in to view the exquisite craftsmanship and beauty of their pieces.
Hawk Ridge Raptor Migration
Distance: 8 Miles from the Resort
Over 20 species of raptors and vultures follow the Lake Superior coastline to Duluth in their annual migration. Migration is from August to December with peak migration from mid-September to late October. This is one of nature’s remarkable spectacles and is a must see with up to 1000 raptors a day flying overhead.
Lake Superior Harvest Festival
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
This fun family festival features one of the largest farmers’ markets in the region along with live music, an energy fair, handmade crafts, nonprofit showcase, live demonstrations, educational exhibits and a food court.
Duluth Oktoberfestival
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
This all things German event is held at Bayfront Festival Park and will feature activities for all ages that will be enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
United Way Chili Cook-Off
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Professional judges taste each entry and vote on aroma, taste, texture, after-taste and visual appearance. Nearly 2,000 people attend this event each year and past chili entries have included meat or vegetarian, mild or hot, traditional or unique and even sweet or savory.
Train Rides: The Two Harbors Turn, The Music & Pizza Train, The Great Pumpk
Distance: 1 Mile from the Resort
All aboard! History comes alive on the Lakefront line on weekends during the autumn season. Several trains a day depart the historic Duluth Union Depot for a trip through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, along the shore of Lake Superior and deep into the majestic north woods.