summer events on the north shore

North Shore Events

Each small town celebrates nature, arts and history, the great outdoors, local and regional talents, holidays and community. And you’re invited to join in. This North Shore Calendar of Events lists all kinds of goings-on; guided hikes, 99-mile bike races, fine art exhibits, pie-eating contests, solstice celebrations, historical talks, workshops, classes, summer festivals, small town parades, and the annual lighting of Split Rock Lighthouse.

Check out what’s going on during your visit!

Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival

Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival

June 19, 2026 - June 20, 2026    
All Day
The Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival celebrates the best of summer on Lake Superior's North Shore. Come to North House Folk School for a [...]
Opening Reception: "Natural Gestures," a Solo Exhibition Featuring Artist Emily Donovan

Opening Reception: "Natural Gestures," a Solo Exhibition Featuring Artist Emily Donovan

June 19, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is pleased to present Natural Gestures, a solo exhibition by Emily Donovan. Drawing inspiration from the landscape, Donovan utilizes [...]
2026 Speaker Series featuring Dick Dorr: "Chasing Justice"

2026 Speaker Series featuring Dick Dorr: "Chasing Justice"

June 27, 2026    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Former Cook County Deputy Sheriff Dick Dorr offers a firsthand account of his nearly three-decade career patrolling the North Shore. Moving to Grand Marais at [...]
Best Stargazing July

Best Stargazing July

July 15, 2026 - July 16, 2026    
9:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Best Stargazing July. New moon nights – night when the moon is absent from the sky – make for great stargazing. Here’s a great way [...]
2026 Speaker Series featuring Tom Toftey: "Jots by Ade...and Tom: Footsteps along Lake Superior"

2026 Speaker Series featuring Tom Toftey: "Jots by Ade...and Tom: Footsteps along Lake Superior"

July 18, 2026    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Minnesota author Tom Toftey will share insights into his latest project, building on the reflections of his father, Ade Toftey. Ade was a significant figure [...]
Best Stargazing August

Best Stargazing August

August 13, 2026 - August 14, 2026    
9:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Best Stargazing August - New moon nights – night when the moon is absent from the sky – make for great stargazing. Here’s a great [...]
Best Stargazing September

Best Stargazing September

September 12, 2026 - September 13, 2026    
8:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Best Stargazing September - New moon nights – night when the moon is absent from the sky – make for great stargazing. Here’s a great [...]
Best Stargazing October

Best Stargazing October

October 12, 2026 - October 13, 2026    
8:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Best Stargazing October - New moon nights – night when the moon is absent from the sky – make for great stargazing. Here’s a great [...]
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Check out these North Shore Favorites

fried walleye and wine at gunflint lodge
view of Grand Superior Lodge from above Lake Superior shoreline
sparkling wintry lake superior and ice sheets stacked on north shore

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