Downtown Duluth came alive on Saturday, August 8, as the City of Duluth hosted one of its biggest concerts of the summer: Duluth Summer Stage featuring Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute.

The Town Green was filled with music, excitement and community spirit as fans gathered for an unforgettable night in the heart of Downtown Duluth. The evening kicked off with DJ Jessica It’s All Good, who brought the energy and set the tone for a night full of dancing, singing and summer fun.

At 8pm, Blank Space took the stage and delivered a high-energy tribute performance featuring Taylor Swift’s greatest hits, dazzling visuals, choreography and plenty of fan-favorite moments. From concert outfits and friendship bracelets to sing-alongs and photo opportunities, the event brought Swiftie-inspired fun to fans of all ages.

Guests also enjoyed a 360 Photo Booth and food vendors on the Activity Lawn, including Cool Zone Concessions, Little Oven Treats, Not As Famous Cookie Company and Pico’s Hotdogs and Street Tacos.

The celebration started before Saturday’s concert with themed activities throughout the week, including Friendship Bracelet Workshops and Taylor Swift Music Bingo in Parsons Alley. These events helped build excitement leading up to the main performance and gave the community even more ways to take part in the Summer Stage experience.

The City of Duluth would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate, sing, dance and help make the evening such a memorable success. Events like Duluth Summer Stage are made special by the energy, support and participation of the community.

Thank you for helping make Downtown Duluth shine. We loved celebrating this summer concert experience with you!

Blank Space is not endorsed by or in any way affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.

The City of Duluth has amended its noise ordinance regarding certain residential tools and equipment.

The update applies to domestic power tools, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and other agricultural equipment when operated with a muffler and within the ordinance’s sound limits.

Allowed hours are:

• Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Weekends & Federal holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This update is intended to provide clearer guidelines for residents while supporting safe and respectful neighborhood standards.

 

The City of Duluth has amended its overnight parking ordinance.

Under the updated ordinance, overnight parking is prohibited in all public rights-of-way throughout the city between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. This includes public streets in neighborhoods.

Designated parking spaces are allowed.

The ordinance is intended to help keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles, school buses, sanitation services and safe traffic flow throughout the community.

Updated Ordinance Language

Overnight parking between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. shall be prohibited in all public rights-of-way. Nothing shall prohibit parking in designated parking spaces.

Residents are encouraged to review the ordinance and plan accordingly when parking overnight or hosting guests.

For a list of City of Duluth public and private streets, visit: Street List with Subdivisions

The City of Duluth is continuing outreach to help residents, visitors and new community members stay informed about the City’s overnight parking ordinance.

As Duluth continues to grow, it is important for residents to be aware of parking regulations that help maintain safe, accessible roadways throughout the community. Under Sec. 8-68 of the City of Duluth’s Citywide Regulations for Stopping, Standing and Parking, overnight parking is prohibited in public rights-of-way citywide between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

This ordinance is intended to help keep streets clear for emergency response vehicles, school buses, sanitation services and safe traffic flow. Designated parking spaces are not included in this restriction.

Below is the full section of the ordinance for reference.

Sec. 8-68 Citywide Regulations – Article III Stopping, Standing and Parking

In all areas of the city, it shall be unlawful to permit any motor vehicle to stop, stand or park in any of the following places and locations except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device:

1. In any intersection;
2. In any crosswalk;
3. Upon any bridge or viaduct or approach thereto;
4. Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty (30) feet of a point of the curb immediately opposite the end of a safety zone;
5. Within thirty (30) feet of a traffic signal, beacon or sign on the approaching side;
6. Within twenty (20) feet of any intersection or crosswalk;
7. At any place where the standing of a vehicle will reduce the usable width of the roadway for moving traffic to less than eighteen (18) feet;
8. Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant;
9. At any place where the vehicle would block the use of a driveway;
10. Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest railroad grade crossing;
11. Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire department station and on the side of the street opposite the entrance to any such station within seventy-five (75) feet of such entrance when a sign is properly posted;
12. On any sidewalk or parkway;
13. At any place where official signs prohibit parking;
14. Overnight parking between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be prohibited in all public rights-of-way. Nothing shall prohibit parking in designated parking spaces.

Residents are encouraged to review the ordinance and plan accordingly when parking overnight or hosting guests.

For a list of City of Duluth public and private streets, visit: Street List with Subdivisions

After weather interrupted the originally scheduled Lantern Parade on May 29, the Duluth community returned on Friday, June 5, ready to light up the night and the evening did not disappoint.

With better weather, glowing lanterns, smiling faces, and plenty of community spirit, Downtown Duluth came alive for a magical celebration of creativity, connection, and Art Month. Guests enjoyed a vibrant evening filled with lanterns, local art, music, and family-friendly fun before gathering for the glowing procession through downtown.

The City of Duluth would like to thank everyone who attended both the original May 29 event and the rescheduled parade on June 5. Your patience, excitement, and support helped make the Lantern Parade a beautiful success.

Thank you, Duluth, for showing up and shining bright!

Downtown Duluth was bursting with creativity, color, and community spirit May 1-3 as residents and visitors gathered for our annual Chalk Art Festival and Derby Day celebration.

Despite a few weather adjustments throughout the weekend, the event brought together talented chalk artists, local families, performers, vendors, and community members for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Downtown Duluth.

Professional chalk artists transformed sidewalks and pavement into stunning works of art, creating vibrant masterpieces that amazed attendees throughout the weekend. Guests also had the opportunity to become artists themselves by participating in the Community Chalk Art Project and amateur chalk art contest on Sunday.

In addition to the colorful chalk creations, Derby Day festivities added even more excitement with themed activities, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and community fun at Town Green.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who came out to support the event, including our artists, volunteers, staff, vendors, performers, and attendees. Your enthusiasm and flexibility helped make the weekend a success, and we loved seeing Downtown Duluth filled with creativity, smiles, and community connection.

Thank you for celebrating with us. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for next year’s Chalk Art Festival and Derby Day!

 

Rogers Bridge Park was filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable smell of toasted marshmallows as the Duluth community came together for a memorable weekend of outdoor fun at S’mores in the Park and S’mores ‘N Snores.

The festivities began Friday evening with S’mores in the Park, a one-night-only experience designed for easy, laid-back fun. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered under the stars to relax by the fire, roast s’mores, and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. Live music set the tone for a cozy evening, while hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and food trucks added to the welcoming, come-and-go atmosphere. It was the perfect opportunity for the community to slow down, connect, and enjoy a beautiful night outdoors.

The excitement continued into Saturday with S’mores ‘N Snores, an overnight camping experience that transformed the park into a lively campground filled with tents, laughter, and glowing campfires. Guests arrived ready to create their own campsites, bringing everything they needed for a night under the stars. From seasoned campers to first-time adventurers, participants embraced the unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

The evening featured many of the same favorite elements such as s’mores by the fire, live music, crafts, games, and family-friendly activities…along with the added magic of an overnight stay. As the sun set, the park took on a whole new energy, with families settling in for a night of storytelling, connection, and shared experiences that made lasting memories.

Both events highlighted the power of community and the joy of simple moments spent together outdoors. Whether guests stopped by for a few hours on Friday or stayed the night on Saturday, Rogers Bridge Park became a place where neighbors connected, families bonded, and new traditions were formed.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this weekend so special. We loved seeing the park come alive with your energy and enthusiasm, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable experiences together in Duluth.

 

The energy was electric this past Thursday as Downtown Duluth transformed into a hub of creativity for STEAM Night featuring the Duluth Cluster Band Concert. From interactive experiments to a massive symphonic finale, the evening showcased the incredible talent and curiosity of our local students.

The event kicked off on the Activity Lawn, where the Duluth High School cluster presented a hands-on STEAM Showcase. Families explored student-led projects, engaged with Big Thinkers experiment stations, and even enjoyed a visit from the mobile petting zoo—all set to the live sounds of Catherine Evergreen.

The night reached its peak at 6:30 PM when the Duluth High School Wind Symphony joined forces with 8th-grade musicians from Coleman and Duluth Middle Schools. This collaborative performance on the Main Stage was a powerful reminder of the skill and dedication within our schools.

Thank you to the students, directors, and every community member who joined us to celebrate the intersection of science and the arts. Check out the highlights from this year’s event in the gallery below!

The City of Duluth proudly celebrated the completion of a vibrant and meaningful public art project along George Rogers Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held this afternoon. This initiative, made possible through a collaborative partnership between Paint Love, Duluth High School students, the City of Duluth Stormwater Department, and the Duluth Public Art Commission, has transformed ordinary storm drains into powerful visual reminders about environmental responsibility.

Building on last year’s efforts, when students and artists began painting one side of the street, this year’s work completes the project with the opposite side now fully adorned in colorful, eye-catching designs. Together, these works create a cohesive corridor of art that not only enhances the beauty of the area but also serves a critical educational purpose.

Each painted storm drain carries a message encouraging residents and visitors to protect local waterways by properly disposing of waste and preventing pollution from entering the stormwater system. Since storm drains flow directly into nearby streams and rivers, these artistic installations play an important role in raising awareness about how everyday actions impact our environment.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mayor Greg Whitlock, Council Member Lamar Doss, the Stormwater Department, along with DHS students, educators, and community partners who contributed to the project’s success.

The City of Duluth extends its sincere appreciation to Paint Love and the talented Duluth High School students for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in our community. Their work is a testament to the power of public art to inspire change, spark conversation, and bring people together.

This project stands as a lasting example of what can be accomplished through collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision for a cleaner, more beautiful Duluth.

Downtown Duluth was filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of chocolatey magic last Friday as the community gathered for another unforgettable Flicks on the Bricks featuring Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the evening brought families, friends, and neighbors together for a free night of entertainment on Town Green.

The festivities kicked off at 6 PM with lively pre-show entertainment hosted by DJ Jessica It’s All Good. Attendees enjoyed a variety of performances, including Mahealani’s Polynesian Dance, along with interactive fun like pop-up Oompa Loompa appearances, candy-themed crafts, and a community scavenger hunt. Live music and free face painting added to the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the evening.

Guests explored a wide selection of food vendors offering everything from savory bites to sweet treats, from funnel cakes and burgers to crepes and freeze-dried candies, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

As the sun set, attendees made their way to the lawn with blankets and chairs in hand for a special interactive performance by Liquid Sky, leading into the featured film. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory played on the big screen, creating a magical movie experience for all ages.

The City of Duluth extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to be part of this special evening, as well as to event sponsor Elan Satellite Place and all of the performers, vendors, and staff who helped make the night a success.

Flicks on the Bricks continues on the second Friday of each month through October. We look forward to seeing you at the next movie night in Downtown Duluth!