Sunday, May 13, is the annual Run Smelt Run Parade. If you’ve never witnessed or been a part of the parade, it’s a blend of art, absurdity, puppets, community, ecology, humor, music, dancing and things that sparkle.

The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. near the Aerial Lift Bridge and north pier, on the lawn in front of the Maritime Museum. Look for the people on stilts.

The parade is a “second line” style parade where spectators move along the route with the parade rather than just watching it go by. Everyone is encouraged to wear silver (but it’s not required), and march along with the puppets, musicians and others along the Lakewalk to a smelt fry and dance at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe. The parade has been happening since 2012.

If you’d like to get more involved, there are three more free workshops where you can help with the elements of the parade, or work on your own costume. See the Facebook event for more details, (click for link). The workshops will be at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park, 2229 W. Second St.

Saturday, May 5 – 10 a.m.
Monday, May 7 – 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 10 – 6 p.m.