Lake Effect Music Fest 2026
Lake Effect Music Fest is a three-day celebration of music and outdoor adventure with a lineup of 13 bands performing across two stages, featuring genres from punk rock to indie to folk to bluegrass. The event runs Aug. 14-16.
Performers
Liquid Mike
Boss Mama
Saltydog
Twine
Marlee Paine
Javier Trojo
Idle Rose
Hot Tamale Cosmos
Baba Fats
Spring Fed
Yazmin Bowers
Dig Deep
Danny Frank & the Smoky Gold
Beyond the music, attendees can immerse themselves in nature with on-site camping under the stars, explore scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and enjoy a variety of food trucks and refreshing beverages including an array of local craft beers.
Each 2-day festival pass grants one general-admission ticket to both days of the festival and parking for one vehicle. Camping is included on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Tickets are available at bigtop.org.
Lake Effect Music Fest 2026
Lake Effect Music Fest is a three-day celebration of music and outdoor adventure with a lineup of 13 bands performing across two stages, featuring genres from punk rock to indie to folk to bluegrass. The event runs Aug. 14-16.
Performers
Liquid Mike
Boss Mama
Saltydog
Twine
Marlee Paine
Javier Trojo
Idle Rose
Hot Tamale Cosmos
Baba Fats
Spring Fed
Yazmin Bowers
Dig Deep
Danny Frank & the Smoky Gold
Beyond the music, attendees can immerse themselves in nature with on-site camping under the stars, explore scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and enjoy a variety of food trucks and refreshing beverages including an array of local craft beers.
Each 2-day festival pass grants one general-admission ticket to both days of the festival and parking for one vehicle. Camping is included on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Tickets are available at bigtop.org.
Earth Rider Makers Market
Unique, sustainable, handcrafted, locally-grown and freshly-brewed goods are sold at the Earth Rider Brewery Fest Grounds on the first Saturday of the month from June to August. The market features a variety of what Twin Ports makers have to offer.
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival 2026
The 20th annual Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival features artists celebrating cultural equality through reggae and world music.
There are also cultural foods, artisans and more. The barbeques feature foods of the Caribbean, Africa and Asia — jerk chicken, curried chicken, curried goat, fish, samosas, tropical beverages and more.
Adult tickets are $85 at the gate. Tickets for youth ages 12-17 are $45. Children ages 11 and under can attend for free. Reduced-price advance tickets and more information are available at bayfrontworldmusic.com.
Gates open at 2 p.m.
The Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival mission is to provide cultural entertainment through reggae and world music artists who spread the message of love, hope and equality for all people worldwide. Attendees come from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, the Dakotas and Canada. The festival supports the Jamaica Minnesota Organization and Kako Foundation to help with the education of students in both Jamaica and Haiti.
LLO Science on Deck
Scientists and staff of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory invite the community to board and tour the Blue Heron research vessel on the Duluth Harbor behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Science on Deck event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours are provided by scientists, crew and students to provide an overview of the R/V Blue Heron’s layout and research capabilities.
At 1:30 p.m. the LLO’s Dr. Craig Hill gives a presentation titled “The Waves on the Great Lakes: Energy and Observations.”
The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System and is chartered by research scientists to explore any of the Great Lakes. For more info visit scse.d.umn.edu.
LLO Science on Deck
Scientists and staff of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory invite the community to board and tour the Blue Heron research vessel on the Duluth Harbor behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Science on Deck event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours are provided by scientists, crew and students to provide an overview of the R/V Blue Heron’s layout and research capabilities.
At 1:30 p.m. the LLO’s Dr. Ted Ozersky gives a presentation titled “What Lakes Do in Winter.”
The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System and is chartered by research scientists to explore any of the Great Lakes. For more info visit scse.d.umn.edu.
LLO Science on Deck
Scientists and staff of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory invite the community to board and tour the Blue Heron research vessel on the Duluth Harbor behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Science on Deck event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours are provided by scientists, crew and students to provide an overview of the R/V Blue Heron’s layout and research capabilities.
This edition of Science on Deck is a collaboration with the Duluth Public Library for its “Libraries Love Lakes.” It offers interaction with graduate students working on freshwater research. In addition, lists of lake-related literature are provided.
Alex Messenger’s 11:30 a.m. presentation is on his newest book, The Ice on the Lake, a survival story set on a frigid Lake Superior. Learn about his journey as an author, from surviving a grizzly attack when he was 17 and writing a best-selling memoir, to his debut novel that unfolds on a wintry Lake Superior. Messenger is joined by LLO researchers to answer questions and share displays and interactive exhibits to dive deeper into lake science. Those interested in learning more about these frozen worlds can also check out the Sept. 11 Science on Deck event “What Lakes Do in Winter,” featuring Dr. Tedy Ozersky.
At 1:30 p.m., Margi Preus is leading a presentation on her book Enchantment Lake for those who have pre-registered. Participants meet the author, discuss the book and have a chance to win lake-themed prizes. Pre-registration is required. More information can be found on the library’s website.
After each presentation, the public is invited to visit with Preus and Messenger under the white tent, ask questions and get their own copies of the author’s books.
The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System and is chartered by research scientists to explore any of the Great Lakes. For more info visit scse.d.umn.edu.
Vinyl Sighting Presents: Northern Wax Crew
Vibe on vinyl every first and third Thursday of the month at Bent Paddle Brewing. The DJ sessions feature a rotating cast, including DJ Anibody, Saint John, DJ Fraudulent, DJ StaggaLee, Natty Nico, Steeze in the Breeze, Bog Boy, Moeview and Al Pajamas.
Vinyl Sighting Presents: Northern Wax Crew
Vibe on vinyl every first and third Thursday of the month at Bent Paddle Brewing. The DJ sessions feature a rotating cast, including DJ Anibody, Saint John, DJ Fraudulent, DJ StaggaLee, Natty Nico, Steeze in the Breeze, Bog Boy, Moeview and Al Pajamas.
Vinyl Sighting Presents: Northern Wax Crew
Vibe on vinyl every first and third Thursday of the month at Bent Paddle Brewing. The DJ sessions feature a rotating cast, including DJ Anibody, Saint John, DJ Fraudulent, DJ StaggaLee, Natty Nico, Steeze in the Breeze, Bog Boy, Moeview and Al Pajamas.