Festivals & Events In Cook County

In Cook County, Minnesota, we know how to have a good time. And we have no shortage of fun things to do in Minnesota . Among the thousands–that’s not a typo–of happenings we host each year are over a dozen festivals and major events. Whether your definition of “good time” is discovering the vibrancy of Ojibwe culture, chowing down on fish burgers, or dancing the night away, we’ve got a big day for you.

We have things to do in Minnesota in all four of the seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Head north to experience a Naturally Unforgettable vacation in the arrowhead of Minnesota.  If you’re finally looking for that reason to head to up the shore to Lutsen, Tofte & Schroeder, or Grand Marais, or you’ve always had it on your Bucket List to see the BWCA up the Gunflint Trail for yourself, or maybe you’d like to poke around Grand Portage for the day, one of our events is sure to be a great start to the trip of a lifetime.

Please check the Event Calendar for the latest updates on event changes and cancellations. 

January:

  • Ski Party Music Festival, Lutsen Mountains  | 
  • Norpine Fat Bike Classic, Lutsen | 
  • Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race, Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail | 
  • Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races, Skyport Lodge | 
  • John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Cook County | 

February:

  • Winter Fireplace Tour of Cook County | All February 
  • Hygge Festival, Cook County | 
  • Family Festival, Lutsen Mountains | 
  • Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Annual Fun Run, Gunflint Trail | 
  • Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino | 
  • Cloud Cult, Lutsen Mountains |
  • Lutsen Trail Breakers Blast from the Past Vintage Snowmobile Ride, Cascade Lodge, Lutsen | 
  • Fiber Week, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 
  • Best in Snow Skijoring Races, Grand Marais | 
  • Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races, Hungry Jack Lodge, Gunflint Trail |
  • Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Race and Tour, Grand Marais | 

March:

  • Annual Trout Derby, West Bearskin Lake Boat Access | 
  • Charles J. Futerrer Memorial Open Bonspiel, Grand Marais | 
  • Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races, Poplar Haus | 
  • Superior Timberwolves Annual Snowmobile Club Picnic, Tofte | 
  • Dog Days of Winter Sled Dog Derbies and Skijoring Races, Gunflint Trail  | 
  • Wood Week at North House Folk School, Grand Marais  | 
  • Family Festival at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen | 

April:

  • Mountain Meltdown Festival, Lutsen Mountains | 
  • Volunteer Weekend at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

  • North Shore Readers and Writers Festival, Grand Marais | biennial event - next festival in 2025
  • Murder Mystery on the North Shore | 11/8/2024 - 11/9/2024
  • Empty Bowls, Fundraiser for the Cook County Food Shelf, Grand Marais | 
  • Winterers Gathering & Arctic Film Festival, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 11/22/2024 - 11/24/2024
  • Oh Ole Night Parade, Tree Lighting and Fireworks, Grand Marais  | 11/29/2024
  • Hovland Winter Art Show, Hovland Town Hall  | 

December:

  • Holiday Harbor Village, Grand Marais | 12/06/2024-12/07/2024
  • Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 | 
  • Dark Sky Festival, Cook County |  12/12/2024 - 12/14/2024
  • Annual Holiday Art Underground Show, Betsy Bowen Studio, Grand Marais  | 

Special Offers

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Don’t just visit Cook County. Experience it like a pro with the hottest deals in the state. We’ve worked with our local vendors, artisans and owners to curate the best prices and most unique packages for our out-of-town visitors. Check out our hot deals today.