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 2025:

February 2025:

March 2025:

  • Annual Trout Derby, West Bearskin Lake Boat Access | 3/01/2025
  • Charles J. Futerrer Memorial Open Bonspiel, Grand Marais | 
  • Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races, Poplar Haus | 3/08/2025
  • 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  | 3/11/2025 - 3/17/2025

April 2025:

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

May 2025:

  • Grand Marais Ole Opry, Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais | 
  • Superior Spring Trail Races, Lutsen | 
  • Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic, Grand Marais & Gunflint Trail | 
  • Northern Landscapes Festival at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 

June 2025:

  • Northern Landscapes Festival at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 
  • Gunflint Clean Up, Gunflint Trail | 
  • Annual Pride Celebration, Grand Marais | 
  • SheRides Annual Mountain Bike Clinic, Lutsen | 
  • Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 
  • Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike Race, Lutsen  | 

July 2025:

  • Tofte 4th of July Celebration, Tofte | 
  • Tofte Trek 10k Wilderness Run/Walk, Tofte | 
  • Fourth of July Fireworks, Grand Marais, Tofte, Grand Portage | 
  • Hovland Arts Festival, Hovland  | 
  • Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, Grand Marais Art Colony | 
  • 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 | 
  • Stars of the North Music Festival, Grand Marais | 

August 2025:

  • The Fisherman's Picnic, Grand Marais  | 7/31/2025 - 8/3/2025
  • Dark Sky Caravan & Star Parties, Cook County | 
  • Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days, and Celebration Pow Wow, Grand Portage | 

September 2024:

  • Old Fashioned Pie & Ice Cream Social, Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail | 
  • Superior Fall Trail Races, Lutsen |
  • WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival, Grand Marais | 
  • Plein Air Grand Marais - Competition Week  | 
  • Plein Air Grand Marais - Competition Exhibit | 9/13/2024-10/06/2024
  • Unplugged, North House Folk School, Grand Marais |
  • Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, Cook County | 9/27/2024 - 10/6/2024

October 2024:

November 2024:

December 2024:

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