Summer is definitely here in Duluth, and August and September provide numerous opportunities to take in events that fit everyone's mood and interest. From weekend music festivals to outdoor celebrations, there is something for everyone.
AUGUST
Do you enjoy the sounds and beauty of opera? Take in the 2012 Summer Opera Festival as it sets the city humming. The Opera Festival creates theatrically vivid, musically inspiring opera and musical theater with singers and artists of outstanding professional ability from our own region and around the nation. The Festival runs August 9-19. For more information visit www.dfopera.org or phone 218-728-8949.
The ever-popular Bayfront Blues
Festival will be held August 10-12. Headliners this year include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Elvin Bishop and the Brooks Family Blues Dynasty with Lonnie, Ronnie and Wayne Baker Brooks,
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to name a few. And, you don't want to miss the return of reality TV talent show finalist Beverly McClellen. For more information call (715)394-6831 or visit www.bayfrontblues.com .
If attending an art festival is on your summer to-do list, you'll not want to miss Glensheen's 18th Annual Festival of Fine Art and Craft to be held August 11 and 12 with nearly 100 of the region's most talented artists gathering at the historic estate. Admission is free, along with free parking and a free shuttle bus -- this is a true community event. For more information visit www.d.umn.edu/glen/ visit/calendar.html#glenfestivalartandcraft or phone 218-726-8910.
The following weekend, you'll want to attend Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
(August 18 and 19), a two-day fine art festival showcasing more than 180 gallery-quality artists and entertainers from across the U.S. Other events taking place as part of Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair include Celebration of Wine and Duluth Festival Opera's "Opera's Greatest Hits." www.artinbayfrontpark.com
On August 24 and 25, the 11th
Annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Barker's Island in Superior. It will feature live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings, food vendors and action-packed Dragon Boat racing all day Saturday. For more information visit www.lakesuperiordragons.com
The 26th Annual Duluth-Superior Pride Fest will take place Labor Day weekend. Join thousands on the shore of Lake Superior for the Mayor's reception, music, family activities and more. For more information visit www.dspride.com
SEPTEMBER
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September is a wonderful time to be in Duluth, and although the season is beginning to change, the abundance of notable events continues.
Come celebrate the splendor of birds during Hawk Weekend Festival at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve (September 14-16). View the magnificent fall migration, see live bird demos and attend birding field trips and workshops. For more information visit www.hawkridge.org/ events/hawkweekend.html
Also this fall, you may want to take in the 17th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon (September 15). During this event, Duluth sees more than 4,000 skaters from 12 countries and 43 states - the largest skating event in North America. In conjunction with the inline marathon is the inaugural Wheels Off Half Marathon running event. Runners will run 13.1 miles along Duluth's scenic north shore and through the tunnels on I-35 and finish in front of the William A. Irvin. For more information visit: http://northshoreinline.com
Once again, Duluth will be host to the largest air show in Minnesota. Come on out to the Duluth International Airport on September 22 and 23, where the Duluth Airshow will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. There will be plenty of entertainment, exhibits and activities for everyone. For more information visit: www.duluthairshow.com/2012
In anticipation of all these spectacular events, we are once again reminded of all the things that make Duluth so good and good for you. For more information on any of the upcoming events, please go to www.visitduluth.com , or call Visit Duluth at (218)722-4011.
Terry Mattson is the president and CEO of Visit Duluth, the city's convention and visitors bureau, and is responsible for leading the official destination marketing efforts. Contact Mattson by telephone at 722-4011 or by e-mail at tmattson@visitduluth.com .
