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:

February:

March:

April:

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

May:

June:

July:

  • Tofte 4th of July Celebration, Tofte | 7/4/2024
  • Fourth of July Fireworks, Grand Marais, Tofte, Grand Portage | 7/4/2024
  • Hovland Arts Festival, Hovland  | 7/6/2024 - 7/7/2024
  • Grand Marais Arts Festival, Grand Marais Art Colony | 7/13/2024 - 7/14/2024
  • Lutsong Music Festival, Ski Hill Rd., Lutsen | 
  • Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races at Gunflint Lodge | 
  • North Shore Water Festival, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais | 
  • Biggest Blueberry Contest, Gunflint Trail | 7/19/2024 - 8/11/2024
  • Stars of the North Music Festival, Grand Marais | 

August:

  • The Fisherman's Picnic, Grand Marais  | 8/1/2024 - 8/4/2024
  • Dark Sky Caravan & Star Parties, Cook County | 
  • Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days, and Celebration Pow Wow, Grand Portage | 8/9/2024 - 8/11/2024
  • Cook County Higher Education Block Party, Grand Marais | 

September:

October:

November:

  • North Shore Readers and Writers Festival, Grand Marais | 
  • Murder Mystery on the North Shore | 
  • 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
  • Up on the Yonder Holiday Market, Up Yonder on 61 | 11/18/2023
  • Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, First Congregational Church | 11/28/2024
  • Oh Ole Night Parade, Tree Lighting and Fireworks, Grand Marais  | 11/29/2024
  • Holiday Art Sale: North Shore Artists League, Surfside on Lake Superior, Tofte | 
  • North Shore Winery Christmas Market, Lutsen  | 
  • Hovland Winter Art Show, Hovland Town Hall  | 

December:

  • Holiday Harbor Village, Grand Marais | 
  • Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 | 
  • Pots for Presents Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony Founders Hall | 
  • Dark Sky Festival, Cook County |  
  • Annual Holiday Art Underground Show, Betsy Bowen Studio, Grand Marais  | 

Special Offers

hot deals

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.