The Trio’s Trek to (almost) Canada
‘Tis the season for North Shore hiking videos. This one is by Jake Oswald.
Portage – “Shake the Bones”
Selective Focus: Plein Air Duluth-Paint Du Nord
Next week the Duluth Art Institute will be hosting its second annual outdoor painting festival, Plein Air Duluth: Paint du Nord, from July 10 – 16, 2016. (more…)
Glen’s Neighbor – “Destiny”
Drummer Pat Byrne produced this video for Glen’s Neighbor, utilizing practice session footage and some Duluth scenery. The song is from the band’s debut album Behind the Door.
Nominees for Perfect North Shore Restaurant Poll
Warm weather and wanderlust have Duluthians dreaming of a North Shore vacation. In this spirit, we’ve decided to conduct a poll to determine the best place to eat up the shore.
Before voting, we have to establish a list of nominees. What are the criteria for determining a North Shore Restaurant? After some debate, we’ve decided to include eateries on the shore located in Lake and Cook counties, from Knife River in the south to Grand Portage in the north.
While it might seem counterintuitive to some, this means the New Scenic Café is not included in the poll, since it is located in Duluth Township. It’s abundantly clear the Scenic is a favored restaurant; the café won PDD’s Perfect Restaurant Poll and has drawn accolades from foodies farther afield. For the purposes of this poll, we’re looking for restaurants that require a little more of an excursion from Duluth.
What’s the perfect North Shore restaurant (besides the New Scenic Café)? You tell us. We’ll round up the nominees and produce a poll in the coming days.
Call for Duluth Alligator Attack Video Testimonials
Since I don’t appreciate the sass I am getting from the Mayoralty on this issue, I would like to issue a call for citizen video testimonials. Have you been attacked by an alligator in the Duluth city limits? Tell your story on PDD. Let’s MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD.
Two Harbors Weather Balloon Launch and Landing
Students and science teachers at Two Harbors High School recently embarked on a project bringing their equipment to the upper edges of the Earth’s atmosphere during a week-long S.T.E.M. camp (science, technology, engineering and math).
The students teamed up with the National Weather Service office in Duluth and the Lake County Radio Amateurs to learn about the atmosphere, problem solve and analyze the live data packets received from the on-board sensors and track its location via GPS and APRS systems, both of which failed near the end of the flight. Recovery relied on extrapolating altitude, pressure and temperature data from the sensors to estimate a landing area. The parachute was visible in a tree a few hundred yards away from the estimate. Two Harbors science teachers involved were Penny Juenemann (biology), Mark Schlangen (physical science), and Brian Rauvola (chemistry). All students involved were heading into 8th grade.
Where is the Leadership?
I will remind Mayor Larson that alligator attacks have been recorded in Duluth since at least 2011 as documented here. Just because she claims she didn’t see one on the beach yesterday doesn’t mean they aren’t out there ATTACKING INNOCENT CONSTITUENTS. It goes without saying that it will be hard to get re-elected if you are eaten by an alligator.
Wrestling with a $90 turkey
Ninety dollars for a pastured turkey. Are you kidding me??? When I agreed to take the extra bird off the farmer’s hands, I assumed it might cost about half that. At the time I was working minimum wage as a part-time farmhand. I traded nearly two days of work for this bird, and probably half that in bike time just to get to and from the Food Farm. Take a peek at Ed’s Big Adventure to find out if the final product was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. You just might wind up planning your Thanksgiving celebration today.
Boat – People
I found this poem on my desk — you step away for a week, and everything you see when you come back is bright and new. These are just the last stanzas, because I want to honor copyright and because they move me:
Where (and What) in Duluth?
I have walked by this marker for years and the other day stopped to take a closer look, and a photo. Anyone know what it says and why it is here?
With a half hour spent on search engines I found this explanation.
Still doesn’t explain why the marker was placed there originally.
“Alluvial”
My contribution to the collaborative “Alluvial” photo project. Brainchild of Duluth artist Tina Fox, two local photographers (Leah Beltz and myself) took photos of her in different natural settings in different seasons. “Nature is my church.”
Duluth Mayor Larson MIA on Alligator Attacks
A plea for action. After all that Mayor Ness did to keep Lake Superior shark-free, now is the time for the Larson administration to finally step up and tackle the growing alligator problem. We demand RESULTS.
Duluth Waterfront by Knute Heldner
Impressionist painter Knute Heldner lived in Duluth for a good part of his career. The book Minnesota Prints and Printmakers, 1900-1945 dates his etching of Duluth’s Waterfront as “circa 1925.”
He was born in Sweden; differing accounts online put his birth year as 1875, 1877 and 1886. According to Hiro Fine Art he emigrated to Duluth in 1902 and “began working as a cobbler, miner, and lumberjack.” (Askart.com indicates he was a “lumber camp cook” and also notes he arrived in the United States “first in Boston” and later moved “to the Great Lakes region.”)
(more…)
Sunshine Rock
One of the more recognizable hunks of mineral matter in the Duluth area is Sunshine Rock. It’s located in Hermantown on Stebner Road between Morris Thomas and Hermantown roads. (more…)
This Week: the Fourth, fairs, farmers and more
Here’s a bit of what you’ll find in this week’s PDD Calendar:
It’s Independence Day, so that means there’s plenty to do, out there: the Mighty Thomas Carnival is offering midway thrills in the DECC parking lot, the Great American Picnic is taking place at Fitger’s, the Duluth Huskies baseball team is battling Willmar at Wade Stadium and the 2016 Fourth Fest offers up a full slate of music and tops it off with the region’s signature fireworks display.
Non-Fourth fun: the 2016 South St. Louis Country Fair, the Duluth Farmer’s Market, a marble-making class at Lake Superior Art Glass, Duluth MakerSpace’s Intro to Hand Plane class, the 2016 Spooner Rodeo, 21 poets reading 21-second-long poems at Duluth Art Institute, the Madeline Island Summer Film Series takes place all weekend, Glitteratti releases a CD, it’s plane-mania at the Duluth Airshow 2016, Trampled by Turtles play another big fat gig at Bayfront Park and it’s Mad Science at the Duluth Playhouse.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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8 events,
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Children and their caregivers can learn about the science of flight from Duluth Children's Museum representatives during this event by hearing a story and making and testing paper airplanes and…
Free
-
Children on grades K - 6 can participate in new maker program each week. Some of the programs will be messy, so wear appropriate clothes. The projects change week to…
Free
-
Perfect Duluth Day marks 23 years of being Duluth’s Duluthiest website with a gathering at Altitude Cocktails in Lincoln Park featuring some sort of sugary treats, stickers and high fives…
-
After a bit of a break, Summer Parking Lot Concerts are back at the Coppertop Church. Singer, songwriter and composer Sara Thomsen is joined by her musical partner and spouse,…
Free
|
9 events,
-
Students in grades 2 to 5 can learn that rocks can tell all kinds of stories. What are they made of and how did they form? How can you tell…
Free
-
Carlton County Animal Rescue presents this opportunity to meet dogs and cats. To get the adoption process started, submit an application at ccarescue.com. The organization does not offer same-day adoptions.
Free
Students ages 13–17 are invited to explore their creativity at the Duluth Art Institute's Lincoln Park Building during spring sessions of Teen Open Studio. Attendees can bring headphones and creative…
$50
-
An evening of live music by Kelly Barker. Registration is available at eventbrite.com.
Free
-
Attendees can catch a reading, signing, and Q&A session with Duluth author Eric Cyr. He celebrates the launch of his debut book, a collection of short stories titled Here It…
Free
|
12 events,
-
The Lake Superior Zoo hosts Wellness Wednesdays presented by Essentia Health. Every Wednesday from June through August, guests are invited to walk, jog or run their way to wellness while…
Free
Registration for new students takes place every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. and takes approximately three hours to complete. After registration, students put together their own independent schedule -- classes,…
Free
-
Featuring online trivia, a prize wheel, a scavenger hunt, snacks, advance reader books and the Zenith Living Room (weather permitting). Attendees should wear their Zenith gear to receive an extra…
Free
River Rovers is a nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 that includes story time, snacks and outdoor activities -- with a different theme each week. The program is available on…
Free
-
The Superior Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June 3 through Oct. 28. It features a variety of produce and agricultural vendors organized by the Douglas County Farmers…
Free
|
15 events,
-
This event kicks off Disability Pride Month with a discussion about what is needed to be an accessible and welcoming community. As America marks 250 years, the American Conversation Project…
Free
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Cajun Finn and the Po’ Boys perform on the patio outside Northern Waters Smokehaus. Band members include Bob Boman on trumpet, Randy Lee on clarinet, Tim Stratioti on trombone, Aaron…
Free
Husband-wife duo Between Howls is known for unique vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics and virtuosic instrumental arrangements. Bands, Brews & BBQ is a Thursday-night live music series in Chisholm that includes…
Free
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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…
Free
|
10 events,Take a look at intricate objects up close, focusing on the craftsmanship and skill of the artisans who created unique and artistic artifacts at Glensheen. Learn about the skillsets involved…
$24 – $36
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The third annual Summer Jam is a day of live music in downtown Hayward on Second Street between Main Street and Dakota Avenue. The lineup features Blu Kanu, Paul Tweed…
Free
-
Every Friday throughout the summer, BB + Friends and BB + Coffee will hide three or more surprise prizes around the Twin Ports. New clues released every Friday. Follow the…
Free
The third annual Helen Bradach Zuponcic Concerto Competition gives participants in the Young Artists program the opportunity to compete for a chance to appear in concert with the Northern Lights…
Free
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Rock the Lake is a two-day all-ages outdoor concert at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. Friday Schedule 4:30 p.m. - Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio 6:30 p.m. - Bobby…
Free
|
10 events,
-
Burlington Station invites residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day with a full day of family-friendly activities, food, entertainment and patriotic fun. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite…
Free
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Historical reenactors present interpretations of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart on Independence Day at the Bong Center after the Fourth of July Parade. Additionally,…
$12
The Alborn Fen is a true fen in a landscape that primarily features bog habitats, making it a unique wetland site in the Sax-Zim Bog area. So far, this site…
$25
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The Spindependence Day Music Festival is a grassroots celebration of the electronic dance music community, brought to life by Jesse Unger alongside Aaron Abramson, Niizhoode DeNash and John Davidson, with…
$65
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Superior's annual Fourth of July Parade begins at Mortorelli Drive and marches west on Belknap Street, turning right onto Ogden Avenue and concluding at North 14th Street. The Bulldogs of…
Free
|
5 events,
-
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…
Free
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The Clover Valley Farm Trail is a co-operative group of locally-owned, small farms located in or near Clover Valley, a farming community between Duluth and Two Harbors, Minnesota. Locals and…
Free
This field trip will focus on seeing and catching adult dragonflies and damselflies. All ages and ability levels are welcome. Extra nets and hand lenses are available for those who…
Free – $25
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Paul Webster and other shantymen lead this twice-monthly event, featuring sea shanties and other work songs that are easy to join in on. Experienced and inexperienced singers are welcome. The…
Free
Nearly every Sunday night during the summer in Proctor the engines rumble and the dust flies as local dirt-track racers put on a show. The cars hit the track at…
$15
|
7 events,
-
Children on grades K - 6 can participate in new maker program each week. Some of the programs will be messy, so wear appropriate clothes. The projects change week to…
Free
-
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The Twin Ports Genealogical Society has been assisting family history enthusiasts since 1971. Meeting attendees can learn tips for tracing a family tree.
Free
Lake Superior Writers hold a writing group for fantasy/speculative fiction writing on the first Monday of each month. Writers are invited to bring what they’re working on and ideas for…
Free
-
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States with the Duluth Symphonic Winds at their upcoming free concert at the Renee Van Nett Pavilion in Lincoln Park. Attendees are encouraged…
Free
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7 events,
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The Dollipops is an interactive song-and-dance show for kids. Dolli and Pop are sisters who have traveled all the way from Sweet Tart City to bring children on a musical…
Free
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The Dollipops is an interactive song-and-dance show for kids. Dolli and Pop are sisters who have traveled all the way from Sweet Tart City to bring children on a musical…
Free
-
This Disability Pride Month event features a screening of a documentary on disability pride and the opportunity to work on a collaborative craft to be displayed through Two Harbors Heritage…
Free
-
Brooke and Caleb Anderson of Mahtowa have honed their musical sound in the living room of their small beef farm, after the kids go to bed. Brooke is a songwriter…
Free
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Self-professed book lovers and casual page turners gather for Reese's Book Club discussions at Sheraton Duluth. The monthly book information can be found on reesesbookclub.com. Limited space is available. Reservations…
Free
|
16 events,
-
The Lake Superior Zoo hosts Wellness Wednesdays presented by Essentia Health. Every Wednesday from June through August, guests are invited to walk, jog or run their way to wellness while…
Free
Registration for new students takes place every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. and takes approximately three hours to complete. After registration, students put together their own independent schedule -- classes,…
Free
-
Superior Street shuts down to traffic for two days of sidewalk shopping, food, entertainment and fun during Downtown Duluth Days, July 8-9. The main event on day one is the…
Free
River Rovers is a nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 that includes story time, snacks and outdoor activities -- with a different theme each week. The program is available on…
Free
-
The Superior Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June 3 through Oct. 28. It features a variety of produce and agricultural vendors organized by the Douglas County Farmers…
Free
|
18 events,
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Superior Street shuts down to traffic for sidewalk shopping, food, entertainment and fun during Downtown Duluth Days. The main event on Thursday is the Block Party from 5 to 9:30…
Free
The 48th annual Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander runs July 9-12. Adult ticket prices range from $100 single-day admission to $200 nine-day adult passes at the gate. Advance tickets are…
$60 – $200
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Junkyard Mule began last fall when Nate (lead vocals, guitar/mandolin), Clancy (fiddle, vocals) and Jen (Bass, vocals) united to bring to life traditional and old time flavored originals.
Free
-
Beer Garden events are held outside the Great Lakes Aquarium every Thursday in July and August and feature rotating food trucks and musical artists, with views of the Aerial Lift…
Free
Erin Makela, author of Minnesota Book Award finalist Worthy of Trust shares about her writing and research process and reads from her young-adult historical fiction novel. Books are available for…
Free
|
22 events,
-
Underwood Coffee's new cafe on the street-level of Duluth Board of Trade Lofts celebrates its grand opening with live music by Ross Thorn and Friends, a vintage market and free…
-
A celebration of growing older with joy and laughter during which attendees can enjoy games, health and wellness activities, a classic car show, live entertainment, food trucks, educational speakers, bingo…
Free
This series, taught by author, Chelsea B. DesAutels, is a set of three day-long writing workshops in Duluth and Two Harbors. utilizing the idea that the more we practice what…
Free
-
Every Friday throughout the summer, BB + Friends and BB + Coffee will hide three or more surprise prizes around the Twin Ports. New clues released every Friday. Follow the…
Free
-
Kids and families can enjoy some sensory-friendly movies in the comfortably cool green room this summer. Feel free to bring snacks and a blanket to cuddle up with. To make…
Free
|
32 events,
Indecent Proposal headlines the 20th annual Downtown Duluth Street Dance outside Dubh Linn Irish Pub. Outdoor beer tents and food trucks are available and there is additional entertainment inside the…
$7
-
Over 300 rowers will be competing in the 65th Annual Duluth International Rowing Regatta. Ten rowing clubs from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan will be competing in 29 events running throughout…
Free
-
The 35th annual Grand Marais Arts Festival is a juried fine arts festival in downtown Grand Marais. It runs July 11-12.
Free
-
The fifth annual Lutsong Music Festival runs July 9-12 on stages at Caribou Highlands Lodge and North Shore Winery in Lutsen. The Caribou Highlands great lawn hosts artisans, musicians and…
Free – $127.48
The Cloquet Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings in the parking lot of Premiere Theatres. Local farmers and artisans bring locally-grown, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, as well as breads, jams,… 
Celebrate simplicity with nature, poetry and forest bathing. This 2 hour immersive journey recalibrates mind, body and spirit at Enger Park. Guests should wear boots or shoes, clothing appropriate for…
$35
|
14 events,
-
The four-day Lutsong Music Festival at Caribou Highlands Lodge and North Shore Winery in Lutsen concludes with performances by Christopher David Hanson and Richard Lewis Band. Sunday Schedule 9 a.m.…
Free – $127.48
This experiential course presented by Ariel Bonkoski, mushroom ID expert, author and owner of Ariel’s Mushroom Co.will consist of an indoor and outdoor portion. The goal of the course is…
$100
Every Sunday BB + Friends hosts its Craft and Cribbage event, featuring open cribbage playing and watercolor painting. No experience is necessary. It's just coffee, conversation, cards and creativity. Watercolor…
Free
-
The 35th annual Grand Marais Arts Festival is a juried fine arts festival in downtown Grand Marais. It runs July 11-12.
Free
An hour of yoga followed by an Earth Rider beer every second Sunday through October. Tickets are available at runayoga.com
$20
|
7 events,
Kids ages 9–13 learn to make their rooms into the an artist space during this Duluth Art Institute summer camp. Campers complete a variety of papier-mâché and clay projects to…
$210
-
Children on grades K - 6 can participate in new maker program each week. Some of the programs will be messy, so wear appropriate clothes. The projects change week to…
Free
This weeklong experience is for girls and gender expansive youth entering grades 5-8 who seek to discover their inner strength and authentic voice in a supportive outdoor space. Sessions are…
$120
-
This 3-day rapid fire workshop covers reliable approaches to plein air painting, observing and translating natural colors onto the canvas. Learn to create effective landscapes at locations around Duluth. Matt…
$190 – $220
|
13 events,The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Let's Connect at Clyde” luncheon series features guest speakers in the Clyde Iron Works event center. Dr. Rolf Weberg, executive director of the University…
$45
-
Local author, Darrell J. Pedersen, will share stories from growing up in the 1950-60s on a lake just northwest of Cloquet. Come laugh, shed a tear or grimace and pass…
Free
-
The Carlton Farmers Market is open Tuesdays through October. Set-up starts at 3 p.m., and early-bird shoppers are welcome. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, garden plants, breads and baked… |
17 events,
-
The Lake Superior Zoo hosts Wellness Wednesdays presented by Essentia Health. Every Wednesday from June through August, guests are invited to walk, jog or run their way to wellness while…
Free
River Rovers is a nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 that includes story time, snacks and outdoor activities -- with a different theme each week. The program is available on…
Free
-
The Superior Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June 3 through Oct. 28. It features a variety of produce and agricultural vendors organized by the Douglas County Farmers…
Free
-
This event has been canceled due to extreme heat and ongoing construction at the St. Louis County Depot that includes the ventilation and air-conditioning system.
Free
-
This event has been rescheduled for Aug. 21 due to poor outdoor air quality.
Free
|
26 events,
-
All-you-can-eat hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats, balloons and raffle prizes are all available during this open house at Bonnie Jacobson Insurance Agency.
Free
In this two-hour stained-glass class for beginners, students learn the basic techniques of cutting glass and construction using copper foil and solder. During class, participants create a stained-glass heart suncatcher.…
$50
-
This workshop series aims to connect community members with local environmental experts to instruct about local environmental challenges and solutions shaping the region. Workshops take place on the third Thursday…
Free
-
Beer Garden events are held outside the Great Lakes Aquarium every Thursday in July and August and feature rotating food trucks and musical artists, with views of the Aerial Lift…
Free
-
An evening on the beach celebrating Wisconsin Point and the people and partnerships working to protect and preserve it. This free, drop-in community celebration is open to all. Expect family-friendly…
Free
|
17 events,
-
Every Friday throughout the summer, BB + Friends and BB + Coffee will hide three or more surprise prizes around the Twin Ports. New clues released every Friday. Follow the clues and photos posted on social media, solve the mystery and race to claim the hidden treasure before someone else gets there. Each week brings…
Free
-
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…
Free
The 39th annual Yellowjacket Alumni and Friends Golf Outing features four-person teams competing on the course to support Yellowjacket athletics. Registration is available online at cashnet.com. In-person registration opens at…
$500
-
Lori Walewski, Naturalist and Hummingbird bander at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center will discuss her work with and interest in hummingbirds. This presentation aims to educate and entertain people of…
Free
-
Enjoy sensory-friendly movies in the comfortably cool green room this summer. Feel free to bring snacks and a blanket to cuddle up with. To make this movie sensory friendly, the lights will be lowered to a dim level, but not off and the sound system will be kept at a lower level. English subtitles will…
Free
|
33 events,
-
All are invited to participate in the Run with the Hounds 5K, a trail race at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. There will be age-group awards, Duluth East alumni awards and a family challenge for two-person parent/child teams. Proceeds benefit the Duluth East Cross Country Team. Register here.
$25
The Cloquet Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings in the parking lot of Premiere Theatres. Local farmers and artisans bring locally-grown, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, as well as breads, jams,…
-
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve are hosting a volunteer opportunity focused on removing Spotted Knapweed from Wisconsin Point. Volunteers will meet…
Free
-
Wired Whisker holds seasonal Maker Markets on its outdoor patio. These recurring pop-up events celebrate local makers, artists, growers, vintage curators and small businesses offering unique, handcrafted and small-batch goods.…
Free
-
Doucette's Party Rental hosts the third annual Northland's Longest Obstacle Course, which includes 200 feet of obstacles, a toddler playland, bounce house, the UpDawg food truck, ice cream from Crank and Dasher and more. Parking at the event is free. There is no fee to enter the park. All-day wristbands for the obstacle course are…
$20
|
12 events,
-
This year, all proceeds from online race registration will go to Cooper Community Care, a nonprofit organization based in Superior and dedicated to reducing the impact of poverty on local families and ensuring a more equitable education for all children in the community. There will also be a raffle on the day of the race,…
Every Sunday BB + Friends hosts its Craft and Cribbage event, featuring open cribbage playing and watercolor painting. No experience is necessary. It's just coffee, conversation, cards and creativity. Watercolor…
Free
-
Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative hosts the annual Meet in the Park to bring neighbors and community resources together to build social connectedness. The event features a two bounce houses, relay races, a mobile library, snacks and beverages, sidewalk chalk, water painting, face painting, Zoomobile, a five-senses exhibit, Big Red Bookshelf, basketball, nature play…
Free
Duluth River Train excursions on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 18. The two-hour rail journey is…
$26.20
-
Lake Superior Day on Barker’s Island in Superior features interactive activities, games and learning opportunities for kids, adults and families -- all focused on learning about and appreciating this Great Lake. The event takes place outdoors along sidewalks and on grassy areas near and inside the Lake Superior Estuarium. Lake Superior Day attendees can visit…
Free
|
7 events,
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's 57th annual Golf Classic is the city's largest business-to-business golf tournament. Golf starts at 7 a.m.; after-party runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Register…
$275
Through a variety of media, this class allows for 2D and 3D experimentation. Students can design a plush character, explore the basics of hand and machine sewing, and incorporate storytelling through comics and graphic drawing. The class is designed for ages 9–13. The five sessions run July 20-24 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost…
$210
-
Children on grades K - 6 can participate in new maker program each week. Some of the programs will be messy, so wear appropriate clothes. The projects change week to week; stay tuned for details about future projects. No registration required. All materials provided while supplies last. Please note that kids age 7 and under…
Free
The Twin Ports Chess Club welcomes all those interested in chess to its weekly sessions at Wussow's Concert Cafe. No skill level is too low.
Free
|
8 events,
-
Mixing comedy with unicycles, juggling and the art of illusion, Don Bursell encourages children to find amazing books on literally every topic in the world in local libraries. Kids 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver. The 1:30 p.m. performance will have ASL interpretation. DPL is working to make programs accessible to all.…
Free
-
Mixing comedy with unicycles, juggling and the art of illusion, Don Bursell encourages children to find amazing books on literally every topic in the world in local libraries. Kids 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver. The 1:30 p.m. performance will have ASL interpretation. DPL is working to make programs accessible to all.…
Free
-
Students grades 2-5 become lake sturgeon traveling a migration route through an obstacle course depicting sturgeon habitats. Dangers accompany migration – the lake sturgeon encounter both natural and man-made obstacles…
Free
-
The Carlton Farmers Market is open Tuesdays through October. Set-up starts at 3 p.m., and early-bird shoppers are welcome. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, garden plants, breads and baked… 
Downtown Chisholm has Live Music Nights on the third Tuesday of each summer month in conjunction with the Chisholm Lake Street Summer Vender Shows. Kimmy Nagler is known for her…
Free
|
13 events,
-
The Lake Superior Zoo hosts Wellness Wednesdays presented by Essentia Health. Every Wednesday from June through August, guests are invited to walk, jog or run their way to wellness while…
Free
River Rovers is a nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 that includes story time, snacks and outdoor activities -- with a different theme each week. The program is available on…
Free
-
The Superior Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June 3 through Oct. 28. It features a variety of produce and agricultural vendors organized by the Douglas County Farmers…
Free
-
Attendees should dress for a mess and meet by the garden in the Upper Plaza (or in the Youth Services Area in bad weather). Kids over 7 may attend without…
Free
-
The Every Child Ready Duluth Coalition is bringing early childhood learning to a different community location every month. Parents are invited to play and learn with their little ones, meet… |
17 events,Discover the aquatic insects that live in Minnesota waters during this Nature Connect event. Participants have the chance to interact with live insects while learning all about their life cycles,…
Free
This summer gathering features cocktails on the patio and a first look at Lakeview Residences, a Downtown Duluth apartment complex. It is a networking event for female leaders, coordinated by…
$35
-
The inaugural issue of Unsalted magazine is off the presses and available to the public for the first time at this event in the St. Louis County Depot's Great Hall.…
Free
-
Beer Garden events are held outside the Great Lakes Aquarium every Thursday in July and August and feature rotating food trucks and musical artists, with views of the Aerial Lift…
Free
-
This new event series happens on the 2nd-to-last Thursday of the month during the summer.Share memories, writing or music related to the topic of the month. It is free to…
Free
|
19 events,
-
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend this accessible birding event on Barker's Island in Superior. The event features American Sign Language interpretation, amplification of primary speakers,…
Free
-
Every Friday throughout the summer, BB + Friends and BB + Coffee will hide three or more surprise prizes around the Twin Ports. New clues released every Friday. Follow the…
Free
-
Join Nature Connect and discover the aquatic insects that live in Minnesota waters. Participants will have the chance to interact with live insects during this program while they learn all…
Free
-
Build a dirty soda from a variety of syrups, creams, flavors and mix-ins during BB + Friends' Dirty Soda Social. The event also includes a creative stations featuring watercolor postcards,…
Free
-
Catch Superior Seafood Boils out on the fest field at Earth Rider Brewery every other Friday night for a Cajun boil. The small, family-run catering business has a mission to… |
21 events,
The Cloquet Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings in the parking lot of Premiere Theatres. Local farmers and artisans bring locally-grown, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, as well as breads, jams,… 
The Sax-Zim Bog is a network of habitats that allows for a large and interesting diversity of flowering plants. Some species are especially odd considering the ways they have adapted…
$25
The Two Harbors Farmers Market is open Saturdays until early October featuring locally grown produce and goods. 
This free workshop is all about culinary and medicinal herbs. It is designed for home gardeners who want to grow, prune and cure herbs with confidence. Additionally, the group will…
Free
Duluth River Train excursions on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 18. The two-hour rail journey is…
$26.20
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9 events,
Every Sunday BB + Friends hosts its Craft and Cribbage event, featuring open cribbage playing and watercolor painting. No experience is necessary. It's just coffee, conversation, cards and creativity. Watercolor…
Free
The Sax-Zim Bog is a network of habitats, but what makes those habitats so distinct from one another? Environmental conditions like precipitation and temperature help mold ecosystems, as do the…
$25
Duluth River Train excursions on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 18. The two-hour rail journey is…
$26.20
The Clover Valley Farm Trail is a co-operative group of locally-owned, small farms located in or near Clover Valley, a farming community between Duluth and Two Harbors. The farms offer… 
Elle Woods appears to have it all until her boyfriend Warner unexpectedly breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law School. Determined to prove she's more than the stereotype others…
$35 – $65
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8 events,
Instructor Airlea Indaniss DeFoe teaches students ages 9–12 how to make patterns in beadwork using color theory, drawing and counting. To develop these skills, students make beaded wall art that…
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This is a flexible week of creativity, discovery and hands-on fun best for ages 8-12, led by artist and educator Lara Fahnlander. Register for a single class, full daysmor the…
$60
Students explore storytelling through games, creative writing, illustration, performance and outdoor adventures. Weather permitting, the class will visit nearby natural spaces to inspire original stories and imaginative worlds. Class runs…
$80
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Children on grades K - 6 can participate in new maker program each week. Some of the programs will be messy, so wear appropriate clothes. The projects change week to…
Free
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11 events,
Youths ages 8 to 18 to can explore the Music Resource Center's various instruments and recording equipment during two two-day sessions on July 28 and 30 and August 18 and…
Free
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Will Sings Songs performs original songs for young people of all ages. Driven by audience participation, Will's songs get kids moving, grooving, laughing and singing. A naturalist by trade, many…
Free
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Will Sings Songs performs original songs for young people of all ages. Driven by audience participation, Will's songs get kids moving, grooving, laughing and singing. A naturalist by trade, many…
Free
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The Carlton Farmers Market is open Tuesdays through October. Set-up starts at 3 p.m., and early-bird shoppers are welcome. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, garden plants, breads and baked…
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Pitch in for PAVSA is a double-elimination bags tournament supporting the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault, presented by Jade Cavallin, a financial advisor at Viridian Wealth. The event…
$45
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13 events,
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The Lake Superior Zoo hosts Wellness Wednesdays presented by Essentia Health. Every Wednesday from June through August, guests are invited to walk, jog or run their way to wellness while…
Free
River Rovers is a nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 that includes story time, snacks and outdoor activities -- with a different theme each week. The program is available on…
Free
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The Superior Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June 3 through Oct. 28. It features a variety of produce and agricultural vendors organized by the Douglas County Farmers…
Free
Every Wednesday, Sheraton Duluth Hotel holds a gathering to explore a curated selection of featured wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The gatherings are free, but space is limited. Reservations are…
Free
Duluth Folk School and Dovetail Cafe host a cribbage tournament every Wednesday. There are prizes for players who place.
Free
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15 events,
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Fuse Duluth invites Duluth professionals to explore the Lakeside Business District on an walking tour of local Chamber members. Lakeside offers a cozy collection of local shops, cafés, and businesses—perfect…
$25
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Kids grade K-12 are invited to a drop-in celebration inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters. There are K-pop-themed crafts, songs, trivia and dress ups in the photo booth. DPL is working…
Free
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Beer Garden events are held outside the Great Lakes Aquarium every Thursday in July and August and feature rotating food trucks and musical artists, with views of the Aerial Lift…
Free
Steve Solkela is known for taking to the streets on his unicycle while warbling comically outlandish lyrics about northern Minnesota life and plugging away at his accordion. Bands, Brews &…
Free
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This year’s Music in the Park at Bennett will feature six evenings of live music designed for all ages. In addition to a larger lineup, this year's series also showcases…
Free
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13 events,
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Every Friday throughout the summer, BB + Friends and BB + Coffee will hide three or more surprise prizes around the Twin Ports. New clues released every Friday. Follow the…
Free
Enjoy sensory-friendly movies in the comfortably cool green room this summer. Feel free to bring snacks and a blanket to cuddle up with. To make this movie sensory friendly, the…
Free
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The city of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department is holding its second First Street Friday, following the inaugural event in June. First Street Friday is an "activation event" series…
Free
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Lydia Boyum & Ryan Lane bring a blend of singer-songwriter, folk, indie, and pop influences to the stage. With vocals and acoustic guitar, their music tells stories of love, life…
Free
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Test knowledge of Douglas County history. Bring friends and compete as a team (up to 6 members) or sign up as an individual. There will be alcoholic beverages and light…
$20
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16 events,
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Superior Trails & Ales 5k and 10k Run/Walk is run in the Superior Municipal Forest. The event supports the growth of the city forest trail system. Participants receive a pint…
$30
The Cloquet Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings in the parking lot of Premiere Theatres. Local farmers and artisans bring locally-grown, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, as well as breads, jams,…
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Wired Whisker holds seasonal Maker Markets on its outdoor patio. These recurring pop-up events celebrate local makers, artists, growers, vintage curators and small businesses offering unique, handcrafted and small-batch goods.…
Free
The Two Harbors Farmers Market is open Saturdays until early October featuring locally grown produce and goods.
Duluth River Train excursions on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 18. The two-hour rail journey is…
$26.20
|
7 events,
Every Sunday BB + Friends hosts its Craft and Cribbage event, featuring open cribbage playing and watercolor painting. No experience is necessary. It's just coffee, conversation, cards and creativity. Watercolor…
Free
Duluth River Train excursions on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 18. The two-hour rail journey is…
$26.20
-
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…
Free
With all the biodiversity in the greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem, seeing the uncommon, rare or difficult-to-find species can require special, targeted effort. This field trip focuses on spotting one of…
$25
The Clover Valley Farm Trail is a co-operative group of locally-owned, small farms located in or near Clover Valley, a farming community between Duluth and Two Harbors. The farms offer… |
Kraig James – “Ode to Joan”
Kraig James & the Campfire Stars are releasing a new song each month in 2016 for a project called Campfire Americana: Volume 1. “Ode to Joan” is an original song; the video includes photos and statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
PDD Quiz: June 2016
June happened. Now, what do you remember? Take the quiz and find out.
Moose Lake brewery opening soon
According to the Brewers Association, Minnesota had 105 craft breweries in 2015. This number continues to rise, but the majority of breweries are still heavily concentrated in bigger cities, and particularly around the Twin Cities. But the founders of Moose Lake Brewing Company are bucking this trend; they believe every small town deserves its own brewery.
The opening of Moose Lake Brewing at 244 Lakeshore Drive in Moose Lake is planned for the end of July. Moose Lake has a population of 2,787. It supports a handful of restaurants and a municipal liquor store/bar. (more…)
Graduation Day
We were at the graduation ceremony for the Harbor City International School in Duluth, and the commencement address was by Gaelynn Lea Tressler. She is the winner of the 2016 National Public Radio Tiny Desk Concert series and she knows about and exemplifies overcoming hardships and truly appreciating the things we take for granted. She is beautiful and eloquent and she speaks from a position only she can speak from. She sings and she plays her violin from somewhere deep in her soul.
She talked to the graduating high school seniors and she talked to our son and she reminded them to always enrich their own lives and to enrich the lives of others. She talked to them of pursuing their dreams and never giving up. She played her violin and she sang to them and the crowd was speechless and the auditorium was silent as her last notes were fading. Below is an excerpt from her NPR Tiny Desk concert performance. Please don’t pass it up; it’s five minutes and six seconds you will never regret. You have time to watch this: (more…)
Glensheen & the Congdon Legacy
Selective Focus: Tim White
This week in Selective Focus, we feature Tim White, who curated the previous iteration of Selective Focus – photo submissions based on a weekly theme. Tim is a photographer, writer, and proponent of the arts, and has worked on several collaborative projects in his short time in Duluth.
TW: I’ve been making photographs for about the past seven years, having lost my previous practice as a painter to solvent exposure. There were a few dormant years during this time that followed a series of personal crises, and I recently returned to photography after moving to Duluth almost two years ago. I appreciate filmic images (both moving and still), but work mostly — due to the chemistry — with digital capture, then mediate these until they better reflect what I felt when taking the initial shot. I don’t believe in pursuing a personal “style,” though I’m glad when viewers note a poetic quality to my pictures. I admire poetry’s ability to employ elements with conventional meanings (words) toward more ephemeral ends, and hope in a similar way that my work isn’t limited by the literality of the objects I depict. (more…)