Jun 2021
Master Gardener’s Plant Sale
The Master Gardeners hold their annual plant sale at Fairlawn Mansion. Proceeds from the event benefit the beautification of the gardens at Fairlawn Mansion.
Find out more »Jul 2021
Fairlawn Mansion’s Ice Cream Social
The event starts with an accordion concert sponsored by the Harrington Arts Center. The Amazing Charles will perform live magic and make balloon animals. Rockers the Fractals will also perform. Also: food trucks, ice cream, free tours of Fairlawn, kids' games, an art fair, a cake walk and more. Proceeds from this event will benefit the renovation of Grace Pattison’s bedroom. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. For updates, additional details, COVID-19 guidelines and more, follow Superior Public Museums on…
Find out more »Bayside Sounds: The Fractals
Composed of Barry Pirkola, Darryn "Super D" Wallace, Marv Pomeroy and Jimi Cooper, the Fractals play a blend of surf, rock-a-billy, hot rod, roots/Americana, British invasion and blues music. The eight-week Bayside Sounds concert series takes place in various parks around Superior. The bands play two 45-minute sets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and beverages. Attendees are asked to follow physical-distancing guidelines and protocols. Masks are recommended.
Find out more »Oct 2021
Trick or Treating at Fairlawn
All ghouls, goblins and witches are invited to trick-or-treat at Fairlawn Mansion. Goodies will be handed out at the main entrance, which guests would have used when visiting the Pattison family.
Find out more »Fairlawn’s Flashlight Tours
Tour the darkened Fairlawn Mansion with flashlights (not included) and learn about the superstitious life of the Victorians. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. Full-face Halloween masks are not allowed for safety reasons. The number of people in tour groups is limited and advanced online reservations are strongly encouraged. Last tour leaves at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 715-394-5712.
Find out more »Nov 2021
Members Only Night
Superior Public Museums invites current, renewing and new members to be the first to enjoy the holiday splendor at Fairlawn Mansion. Guests can wander all three floors and enjoy cider, treats and music. RSVP by Nov. 17 to info @ superiorpublicmuseums.org or 715-394-5712. Masks are strongly recommended. The event is free and exclusive to members only.
Find out more »Dec 2021
Fairlawn Holiday Sampler
Celebrate the season and help raise funds for the repair of an original Fairlawn ceiling. There will be wine, beer and coffee tastings, savory and sweet holiday treats from Rich's Cuisine, music by Similar Dogs, a silent auction and more.
Find out more »One event on Dec 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 28, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Twinkling Holiday Evenings
One event on Dec 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 28, 2021 at 5:30 pm
A self-guided holiday tour through the decorated Fairlawn Mansion. Cider, music, s’mores, crafts and more. This year, trees will be in each room, along with a special display in the Children’s Home exhibit. Enjoy sweet treats to go. Hosts scattered throughout the home will share Victorian customs and stories. Each tour is limited to 25 people to allow for social distancing. However, guests are not limited to the amount of time spent in the mansion. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Find out more »Jan 2022
One event on Jan 29, 2022 at 10:00 am
One event on Jan 30, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Snow Creations at Fairlawn Mansion
One event on Jan 29, 2022 at 10:00 am
One event on Jan 30, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Part of the 2022 Lake Superior Ice Festival. Artists can stop in the gift shop, where Superior Public Museums will check out spray bottles with colored dye in them. Snowmen, snow animals -- it's up to the artist. Fairlawn will also be offering half-priced tours, which can be booked online.
Find out more »Feb 2022
A Roaring 20’s Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery
Solve the Roaring 20’s mystery while enjoying a multi-course catered dinner. Bring your own beer or white/rose wine (no red please). Era costumes are encouraged. Tickets are available online. For more information call 715-394-5712.
Find out more »Apr 2022
Zero Waste Duluth: Fairlawn Garden Talk
April Hepokoski of Zero Waste Duluth shares her tips and tricks on how to live a more sustainable, low-waste life. Register online at superiorpublicmuseums.org or call 715-394-5712.
Find out more »A Children’s Home Easter
Families are invited to learn about the life of children who lived in children’s homes during past decades. Sample foods they enjoyed during Easter, play traditional games, create fun crafts, hunt for eggs, tour Fairlawn Mansion, enter a coloring contest and meet the Easter Bunny. Fairlawn Mansion was the home of Superior mayor Martin Pattison and his family from 1890 to 1920. It then served as a children’s home for 42 years. The building is a museum today. Age 2…
Find out more »Twin Ports Festival of History: Three Museums, One Heritage
An update on the Meteor Whale Back Ship and the Children’s House Period at Fairlawn. The inaugural Twin Ports Festival of History runs April 6-11 at multiple venues in Duluth and Superior and features lectures, tours, scavenger hunts and more. The event aims to provide those with an interest in history an opportunity to listen and discuss topics with authors and historians of local, regional, national and international renown. The event is sponsored by the UMD Public History and Museum…
Find out more »Tapestry Unveiled (Postponed)
This event has been rescheduled for May 5. Superior Public Museums and the Douglas County Historical Society allow visitors to see the more than 240-year-old Le Marchand de Plaisir tapestry in person for the first time in more than 30 years. All proceeds will benefit restoration and preservation of the tapestry so it can once again be displayed in the mansion. Live music will be played by Similar Dogs with refreshments from Keyport Liquor and Rich’s Cuisine. Purchase tickets online or…
Find out more »May 2022
Tapestry Unveiled
Superior Public Museums and the Douglas County Historical Society allow visitors to see the more than 240-year-old Le Marchand de Plaisir tapestry in person for the first time in more than 30 years. All proceeds will benefit restoration and preservation of the tapestry so it can once again be displayed in the mansion. Live music will be played by Similar Dogs with refreshments from Keyport Liquor and Rich’s Cuisine. Purchase tickets online or call 715-394-5712.
Find out more »Friday the 13th Superstition Tours
Tour Fairlawn Mansion in the dark with flashlights and learn about the ghosts of Fairlawn, along with some bizarre Victorian traditions. Tours last about 30 minutes. Bring your own flashlight. Full-face Halloween masks are not allowed for safety reasons. Purchase tickets online.
Find out more »Garden Talk: Environmental Services Division
City of Superior staff from the Environmental Services Division discuss reducing storm runoff, rain collection, increasing pollinator habitats, and recycling food scraps and yard waste during this garden talk. Register online at superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Jul 2022
Fairlawn Mansion’s Ice Cream Social
Featuring an accordion concert sponsored by the Harrington Art Center, a melodrama by Time Arc Theatre, magic and balloon animals from The Amazing Charles and music from The Fractals. Also: food, ice cream, free tours of Fairlawn, kids' games, face painting, an art fair, a cakewalk and more. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Proceeds from this event will benefit new exhibits in the Mansion.
Find out more »Bayside Sounds: The Fractals
Composed of Barry Pirkola, Darryn "Super D" Wallace, Marv Pomeroy and Jimi Cooper, the Fractals play a blend of surf, rock-a-billy, hot rod, roots/Americana, British invasion and blues music. The eight-week Bayside Sounds concert series takes place in various parks around Superior. Bands play two 45-minute sets. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, snacks and beverages.
Find out more »Oct 2022
Fairlawn Mansion’s Superstition Tours
Tour darkened Fairlawn Mansion with flashlights and learn about ghosts of Fairlawn and bizarre Victorian traditions. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. Attendees should bring their own flashlights. Full face Halloween masks are not allowed for safety reasons. Last tour leaves at 9:30 p.m. Not recommended for children age 5 and under. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, college students and active military, and $6 for youth ages 6-17. Tickets can be purchased at superiorpublicmuseums.org. For more information…
Find out more »Fairlawn Mansion’s Haunted Halloween
Fairlawn Mansion is serving up spooktacular events for kids during the day, then inviting everyone 21+ to a creepy costume party in the evening. Kids programming runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and includes crafts, a costume contest, and plenty of treats. The cost is $10 per kid age 3 and up. Adults and kids under 3 get in free. Those haunting the halls from 7 to 10 p.m. for the 21+ bring-your-own-boo-ze costume party will be served horrors d'oeuvres…
Find out more »Nov 2022
Members Only Night at Fairlawn Mansion
All current and new Superior Public Museums members are invited to an exclusive free evening at Fairlawn. Enjoy a first look at holiday décor, a 20 percent gift-shop discount for the evening, sweet treats and more. Memberships can be started or renewed at the event. To RSVP call 715-394-5712 or email info @ superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Quiet Santa
Families can have a private visit with Santa that is specially designed for children with autism & other special needs. The organizers recognize that not all children can enjoy the typical visits with Santa, which are usually at malls or other loud locations. Families can schedule a visit that is low-key and customized to their needs. Photography is allowed and visits take place on the handicap-accessible first floor. One-half hour time slots include: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30 p.m. Sign…
Find out more »Dec 2022
Fairlawn Mansion’s Holiday Sampler
Fairlawn presents a festive wine and beer tasting event with the opportunity to wander the decked halls of the historic mansion and listen to live music from Similar Dogs. The evening will also include hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, wine games and more. Funds raised from this event will be put toward opening additional rooms in the mansion for tours. The cost is $35. Tickets can be purchased online at superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Fairlawn’s Old Fashioned Christmas
The event formerly known as Twinkling Holiday Evenings is a self-guided tour through the elaborately decorated Fairlawn Mansion. There will be holiday treats, live music, child activities and more. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, college students and children ages 13 and up; and free for ages 12 and under. They can be purchased online at superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Jan 2023
Lake Superior Ice Festival Pet Contest Coronation Ceremony
Celebrate the community by honoring the canines, felines and other pets that entered the Lake Superior Ice Festival Pet Contest. The Canine King & Queen will be present to receive their crowns and the pet parents of the winning Felines and Lord & Lady of the festival will be receiving their special awards at this time as well. All pets and people are welcome to attend.
Find out more »Mar 2023
Princess Tea Party
Tea, treats, games, sing-a-longs with Born Too Late, tours of the Fairlawn Mansion and much more will make up the afternoon as the Sterling Silver Studio princesses and characters present a party fit for royalty. Admission includes a professional photo from Studio One Photography. Proceeds will benefit Fairlawn Mansion and the P.A.S.S. Foundation. Cost is $60 per prince or princess of any ages and includes one adult chaperone. There is also a choice between one of two time slots, either…
Find out more »Twin Ports Festival of History 2023: Pattison Collection & SS Meteor 3D Photography
The second annual Twin Ports Festival of History runs March 30 to April 4 at multiple venues in Duluth and Superior and features lectures, tours and more. The event aims to provide those with an interest in history an opportunity to listen and discuss topics with authors and historians of local, regional, national and international renown. The event is sponsored by the UMD Public History and Museum Studies Programs and multiple heritage organizations. The full schedule of daily events and…
Find out more »Apr 2023
A Children’s Home Easter & Northland Peeps Art Show
A Children's Home Easter activities include traditional crafts, games and an egg hunt. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance. Peeps enthusiasts can enter their artwork into the Studio One Photography's First Annual Northland Peeps Art Show contest to win prizes. Entries are due Thursday, April 6 by 2 p.m. and are displayed at Fairlawn until Sunday, April 16. Each entry into the Art Show receives one free ticket. To enter the art show, view contest details, or purchase event tickets,…
Find out more »Jun 2023
Make Music Superior with Noteworthy Kids
Superior Public Museums celebrate Make Music Day in Superior with Noteworthy Kids. Organizers encourage guests to pack a picnic lunch, along with a blanket or chairs, and enjoy music on the front lawn of Fairlawn Mansion. If it is raining, the event will move indoors to the Music Room. For more information about Noteworthy Kids, visit: www.noteworthykids.org. There is a fee for those that want to take a tour of Fairlawn Mansion, but the music performance is free, whether indoors…
Find out more »Sound Concert at Fairlawn Mansion
Fairlawn Mansion offers a sound concert featuring Vibhas Kendzia on Native American flutes and classical piano compositions to call you inwards. Deb Sommerhalder will add vibrational sounds of singing bowls and other ancient instruments. This is a meditation experience. Sit back or lay on the floor and enjoy the journey. Chairs will be available. If you wish to be on the floor, please bring a blanket(s) or cushion. After the concert, guests will be given a guided tour of the…
Find out more »Sep 2023
Fairlawn Mansion’s Ice Cream Social
An ice-cream social featuring custard provided by Culver’s. The event will start with music from the Superior High School Choir and String Quintet. Join The Amazing Charles for a live magic show and balloon animals. The city of Superior Bayside Sounds will be held at Fairlawn with a concert from Magic Bus. There will be food, free tours of Fairlawn, free popcorn from Superior Choice Credit Union, kid’s games, face painting, non-profit and art fair, musical cakes and car show.…
Find out more »Bayside Sounds: Magic Bus
Magic Bus is a mainstream 1970s and '80s rock band. The eight-week Bayside Sounds concert series takes place in various parks around Superior. Bands play two 45-minute sets. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, snacks and beverages.
Find out more »Paint Your Own Tea Cup
Gina Wheeler, owner of Pottery Burn, instructs this pottery painting class in Fairlawn Mansion's third floor ballroom. The event is BYOB, and is for painters of all experience levels. Painted pieces will be fired and then can be picked up at Pottery Burn once complete.
Find out more »Oct 2023
Friday the 13th Flashlight Tours
Celebrate Friday the 13th in a darkened Fairlawn Mansion. Learn about the ghosts of Fairlawn and some bizarre Victorian traditions and superstitions. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. Please bring your own flashlights. Full face Halloween masks are not allowed for safety reasons. Free admission passes are not valid for special tours and events. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged as walk-ins are limited. Not recommended for children 5 and under. Video recording is not allowed.
Find out more »Ghouls, Ghosts & Graveyards – A Halloween Murder Mystery
Each year Serafina Monroe hosts a scavenger hunt in a local graveyard. Costumed guests meet at the mansion for ghoulish delights, get the envelope with the list of names to discover, and drive to the cemetery. Parking a distance away, they can use a flashlight to see their way and check out the tombstones. "Imagine the confusion when the guests discovered Serafina’s body lying among the graves. What happened to her? Was it possibly murder?" Event includes an OMC buffet…
Find out more »Tricks & Treats at Fairlawn Mansion
Fairlawn Mansion hosts games and trick or treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees have the chance to wander around the first floor of Fairlawn Mansion, which is decorated as a house in mourning.
Find out more »Nov 2023
Members Only Night
Superior Public Museums invites current, renewing and new members to be the first to enjoy the holiday splendor at Fairlawn Mansion. Wander all three floors as you enjoy cider, treats and music. Members are encouraged to bring one guest. Please RSVP online, email [email protected] or call 715-394-5712.
Find out more »Dec 2023
Quiet Santa
Enjoy a private family visit with Santa that is specially designed for children with autism and other special needs. Not all children can enjoy the typical visits with Santa which are usually in malls or other loud locations. Your visit is designed to be low-key and is customized for every family. Sign up for your free 30-minute visit with Santa at www.superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Holiday Sampler
Celebrate the holiday season in the decked halls of Fairlawn Mansion while listening to live music from Similar Dogs. Sample wine and beer from Keyport Liquor, enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Rich’s Cuisine, win wine, bid on silent auction items and win raffle prizes. Proceeds go towards restoration, exhibits and updated signage for the Mansion. Tickets can be purchased online at www.superiorpublicmuseums.org. All raffle tickets have to be bought with cash; card can be used to bid at the silent auction.
Find out more »One event on Dec 30, 2023 at 11:00 am
One event on Dec 12, 2023 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 19, 2023 at 8:00 am
Fairlawn’s Old Fashioned Christmas
One event on Dec 30, 2023 at 11:00 am
One event on Dec 12, 2023 at 5:30 pm
One event on Dec 19, 2023 at 8:00 am
The Old Fashioned Christmas at Fairlawn is a self-guided tour through the elaborately decorated mansion. The event includes holiday treats, live music, youth activities and more. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, and free for ages 12 and under. Book online at superiorpublicmuseums.org.
Find out more »Mar 2024
Easter Fun at Fairlawn Mansion
Superior Public Museums hosts "A Children's Home Easter", which includes a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games and self-guided tours. Tickets are $5 for ages 6 and up (including adults) and free for kids ages 5 and under. Studio One Photography is hosts the 2nd annual Northland Peeps Art Show. Contest registration is $5. Entries are due Thursday, March 28, judging will take place on March 29, and winners will be awarded on March 30 during the…
Find out more »