Festivals and Major Events | Things to Do 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

Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race, Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail

Norpine Fat Bike Classic, Lutsen

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Cook County

February:

Hygge Festival, Cook County

Cook County Fireplace Tour

Snowarama, Grand Portage

Cloud Cult, Lutsen Mountains

Fiber Week, North House Folk School, Grand Marais

Snowmobile Drag Races at Hungry Jack Lodge, | Gunflint Trail

Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe, Lutsen

Pincushion Winter Festival Virtual Ski Race/Tour, Pincushion Mountain Trails, Grand Marais

March:

Annual Trout Derby, Grand Marais | 3/5/2022 |

Superior Timberwolves Annual Snowmobile Picnic – Tofte | 3/6/2022

Dog Days of Winter, Sled Dog Derbies & Skijoring Races, Gunflint Trail | 3/13/2022 |

Wood Week, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 3/14-21/2022 |

April:

Volunteer Weekend, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 4/22-23/2022 |

May:

Superior Spring Trail Races, Lutsen | 5/21/2022 |

Le Grand Du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic, Grand Marais & Gunflint Trail | 5/28/2022 |

June:

Northern Landscapes Festival, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 6/3-5/2022 |

Grand Marais Block Party, 1st Avenue, Grand Marais | TBD |

Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 6/17-19/2022

Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike Race, Lutsen | 6/24-26/2022 |

July:

Fourth of July Celebrations, Tofte, Grand Marais, Grand Portage | 7/4/2022 |

Grand Marais Arts Festival, Grand Marais Art Colony | 7/9-10/2022 |

Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, at Gunflint Lodge – | 7/20/2022 |

North Shore Water Festival, Stone Harbor, Grand Marais – | 7/15-17/ 2022 |

Biggest Blueberry Contest, Gunflint Trail | 7/22 – 8/14 / 2022 |

August:

93rd Annual Fisherman’s Picnic, Grand Marais | 8/4/2022 – 8/7/2022 |

Rendezvous Days and Celebration Pow-Wow, Grand Portage | 8/12-14/2022 |

September:

Superior Fall Trail Races, Lutsen | 9/9-10/2022 |

WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival, Grand Marais | 9/9-11/2022 |

Plein Air, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail | 9/9-16/2022 |

Unplugged 2022 & Birch Bark Bash, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 9/23-25/2022 |

Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, Cook County | 9/23- 10/2 / 2022 |

October:

Moose Madness Family Festival, Grand Marais | 10/21-22/2022 |

Family Weekend, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 10/20-23/2022 |

November:

Empty Bowls, Fundraiser for the Cook County Food Shelf, Grand Marais | TBD |

Winterers Gathering & Arctic Film Festival, North House Folk School, Grand Marais

Thanksgiving Dining Hours, Cook County

The New Standards Holiday Show, Lutsen Mountains | TBD |

Oh Ole Night Parade, Tree Lighting and Fireworks, Grand Marais | 11/25/2022 |

December:

Dark Sky Festival, Cook County | 12/9/2022 – 12/10/2022 |

Annual Cook County Community Center Holiday Craft Show, Grand Marais | TBD |

Hovland Art Festival Holiday Show, Hovland Town Hall, Hovland | TBD |

Snowball Music Festival, Lutsen Mountains | TBD |

Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony – TBD

Annual Holiday Art Underground Show, Betsy Bowen Studio, Grand Marais | TBD |

Alexa Can’t Save You Now!, Downtown Grand Marais | TBD |

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining Hours, Cook County

View all upcoming festivals on our events calendar.

Events Calendar

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.

SEE ALL HOT DEALS

Caribou Highlands Lodge
50% Off Week Long Special
There are nearly endless options for things to do when it comes to a vacation in the highlands. Book a week-long (7-night) North Shore vacation and save 50% off your stay! Plus, once you book your week-long stay, a dedicated concierge will reach out to you and help you plan every detail from dinner reservations,... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Big Splash Fishing
Love the idea of fishing till you drop but don’t have time to get away for the four day Grand Slam? Our Big Splash package gets you on the water with a guide for two days and includes accommodations and meals for three nights. All the other amenities are included–boat, motor, guide, bait, and fish ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
7th Night Free
There’s so much to do at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitting that you may find you need a full week to fit it all in! Fishing, hiking, canoeing, days on the lake and nights under the stars, it’s all here for you! If you decide to stay a week in the cabin of your choice, we’ll ... Read more »
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Extended Stay Special
(Valid All Year) The longer you stay, the more you save! Stay 4 nights and receive 5% off. Stay 5 nights and receive 10% off. Stay 6 nights and receive 15% off. Stay 7-9 nights and receive 20% off. Stay 10 or more nights and receive 25% off.
Lutsen Sea Villas
40% Off 4+ Nights
Book 4+ nights and get 40% off
Lutsen Sea Villas
Week Long Special – 50% off
WEEK-LONG SPECIAL – 50% OFF YOUR ENTIRE STAY! Book a stay between now and December 31, 2022 New reservations only. Can be discontinued without notice. 7-night minimum. Not available on holidays.
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Spring 3 for 2
(Valid May 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022 excluding Memorial Day Weekend) With gushing waterfalls, wildflowers, and warming temperatures, spring is a stunning time to visit Lake Superior. This May and June we are offering a FREE night when you purchase two nights. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2!
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Grand Slam Fishing
Spend three days of guided fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike on some of Minnesota’s best fishing lakes right on the Canadian border. Not only will we take care of all your gear, bait, boat, motor, and gas, we’ll clean and fillet your fish and cook it up for you or ... Read more »
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
June 4 for 3 Special
Stay four nights and receive one of those nights completely FREE! Valid Dates: June 1-30, 2022 Experience Summer outdoor adventure and relaxation at its best when you stay at any of the Bluefin Bay Resorts during the month of June! This offer includes a complimentary night’s stay when you purchase three nights or more June ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Epic Summer Getaway
Gunflint Lodge was named one of Minnesota’s Iconic Lodge for an Epic Summer Getaway by Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

Caribou Highlands Lodge
50% Off Week Long Special
There are nearly endless options for things to do when it comes to a vacation in the highlands. Book a week-long (7-night) North Shore vacation and save 50% off your stay! Plus, once you book your week-long stay, a dedicated concierge will reach out to you and help you plan every detail from dinner reservations,... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Big Splash Fishing
Love the idea of fishing till you drop but don’t have time to get away for the four day Grand Slam? Our Big Splash package gets you on the water with a guide for two days and includes accommodations and meals for three nights. All the other amenities are included–boat, motor, guide, bait, and fish ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
7th Night Free
There’s so much to do at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitting that you may find you need a full week to fit it all in! Fishing, hiking, canoeing, days on the lake and nights under the stars, it’s all here for you! If you decide to stay a week in the cabin of your choice, we’ll ... Read more »
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Extended Stay Special
(Valid All Year) The longer you stay, the more you save! Stay 4 nights and receive 5% off. Stay 5 nights and receive 10% off. Stay 6 nights and receive 15% off. Stay 7-9 nights and receive 20% off. Stay 10 or more nights and receive 25% off.
Lutsen Sea Villas
40% Off 4+ Nights
Book 4+ nights and get 40% off
Lutsen Sea Villas
Week Long Special – 50% off
WEEK-LONG SPECIAL – 50% OFF YOUR ENTIRE STAY! Book a stay between now and December 31, 2022 New reservations only. Can be discontinued without notice. 7-night minimum. Not available on holidays.
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Spring 3 for 2
(Valid May 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022 excluding Memorial Day Weekend) With gushing waterfalls, wildflowers, and warming temperatures, spring is a stunning time to visit Lake Superior. This May and June we are offering a FREE night when you purchase two nights. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2!
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Grand Slam Fishing
Spend three days of guided fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike on some of Minnesota’s best fishing lakes right on the Canadian border. Not only will we take care of all your gear, bait, boat, motor, and gas, we’ll clean and fillet your fish and cook it up for you or ... Read more »
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
June 4 for 3 Special
Stay four nights and receive one of those nights completely FREE! Valid Dates: June 1-30, 2022 Experience Summer outdoor adventure and relaxation at its best when you stay at any of the Bluefin Bay Resorts during the month of June! This offer includes a complimentary night’s stay when you purchase three nights or more June ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Epic Summer Getaway
Gunflint Lodge was named one of Minnesota’s Iconic Lodge for an Epic Summer Getaway by Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

Caribou Highlands Lodge
50% Off Week Long Special
There are nearly endless options for things to do when it comes to a vacation in the highlands. Book a week-long (7-night) North Shore vacation and save 50% off your stay! Plus, once you book your week-long stay, a dedicated concierge will reach out to you and help you plan every detail from dinner reservations,... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Big Splash Fishing
Love the idea of fishing till you drop but don’t have time to get away for the four day Grand Slam? Our Big Splash package gets you on the water with a guide for two days and includes accommodations and meals for three nights. All the other amenities are included–boat, motor, guide, bait, and fish ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
7th Night Free
There’s so much to do at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitting that you may find you need a full week to fit it all in! Fishing, hiking, canoeing, days on the lake and nights under the stars, it’s all here for you! If you decide to stay a week in the cabin of your choice, we’ll ... Read more »
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Extended Stay Special
(Valid All Year) The longer you stay, the more you save! Stay 4 nights and receive 5% off. Stay 5 nights and receive 10% off. Stay 6 nights and receive 15% off. Stay 7-9 nights and receive 20% off. Stay 10 or more nights and receive 25% off.
Lutsen Sea Villas
40% Off 4+ Nights
Book 4+ nights and get 40% off
Lutsen Sea Villas
Week Long Special – 50% off
WEEK-LONG SPECIAL – 50% OFF YOUR ENTIRE STAY! Book a stay between now and December 31, 2022 New reservations only. Can be discontinued without notice. 7-night minimum. Not available on holidays.
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Spring 3 for 2
(Valid May 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022 excluding Memorial Day Weekend) With gushing waterfalls, wildflowers, and warming temperatures, spring is a stunning time to visit Lake Superior. This May and June we are offering a FREE night when you purchase two nights. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2!
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Grand Slam Fishing
Spend three days of guided fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike on some of Minnesota’s best fishing lakes right on the Canadian border. Not only will we take care of all your gear, bait, boat, motor, and gas, we’ll clean and fillet your fish and cook it up for you or ... Read more »
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
June 4 for 3 Special
Stay four nights and receive one of those nights completely FREE! Valid Dates: June 1-30, 2022 Experience Summer outdoor adventure and relaxation at its best when you stay at any of the Bluefin Bay Resorts during the month of June! This offer includes a complimentary night’s stay when you purchase three nights or more June ... Read more »
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters
Epic Summer Getaway
Gunflint Lodge was named one of Minnesota’s Iconic Lodge for an Epic Summer Getaway by Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

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Festivals & Events

in Cook County

Festivals and Major Events | Things to Do in Cook County

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Hot Deals

Caribou Highlands Lodge

50% Off Week Long Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Big Splash Fishing

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

7th Night Free

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Extended Stay Special

Lutsen Sea Villas

40% Off 4+ Nights

Lutsen Sea Villas

Week Long Special – 50% off

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Spring 3 for 2

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Grand Slam Fishing

Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior

June 4 for 3 Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Epic Summer Getaway

Caribou Highlands Lodge

50% Off Week Long Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Big Splash Fishing

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

7th Night Free

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Extended Stay Special

Lutsen Sea Villas

40% Off 4+ Nights

Lutsen Sea Villas

Week Long Special – 50% off

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Spring 3 for 2

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Grand Slam Fishing

Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior

June 4 for 3 Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Epic Summer Getaway

Caribou Highlands Lodge

50% Off Week Long Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Big Splash Fishing

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

7th Night Free

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Extended Stay Special

Lutsen Sea Villas

40% Off 4+ Nights

Lutsen Sea Villas

Week Long Special – 50% off

Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior

Spring 3 for 2

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Grand Slam Fishing

Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior

June 4 for 3 Special

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Epic Summer Getaway