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!

This past Saturday, the Duluth Town Green came alive as residents and visitors gathered for one of the city’s most anticipated spring traditions…Good Word Brewing’s Little Beer VI.

With more than 80 breweries from across the country, the event offered attendees a chance to experience an impressive variety of craft beers, from fan favorites to rare and limited pours. Guests enjoyed a full afternoon of live music, explored a vibrant artist market featuring local makers, and connected with friends and neighbors in the heart of downtown Duluth.

Beyond the beer, Little Beer VI showcased the spirit that makes Duluth special. From the curated experiences to the welcoming atmosphere, the event highlighted the strength of our local partnerships and the continued growth of our downtown as a destination for community-driven events.

The City of Duluth extends a heartfelt thank you to Good Word Brewing, participating breweries, performers, vendors, and everyone who attended and helped make the day a success. Events like Little Beer continue to bring people together and create lasting memories for our community.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year. Cheers to Duluth! 🍻

 

 

 

 

 

 

The City of Duluth proudly marked an exciting milestone on Wednesday, March 25, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the groundbreaking of the Bunten Road Park Walking Trail Improvements project.

Mayor Greg Whitlock was joined by Council Members Sarah Park, Manfred Graeder, and Shenée Johnson-Cummings, along with city staff and project partners, to officially kick off this important enhancement to one of Duluth’s most beloved parks. The project represents a significant investment in improving connectivity, accessibility, and overall park experience for residents and visitors.

The Bunten Road Park Improvements project will include repairs and replacement of the existing walking trail, expanded trail connections, ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades, and improvements to park infrastructure to enhance safety, sustainability, and long-term usability. While construction is underway, the park will remain open, with some temporary closures in select areas.

Community members can look forward to a revitalized park experience, with the project currently on track for completion in spring 2027.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Participants (left to right):
Annette McIntosh, Jane Yang, Kim Kelkenberg, Alexis Server, Erin White, Margie Pozin, Manfred Graeder, Mayor Greg Whitlock, Sarah Park, Steven Calkins, Shenée Johnson-Cummings, Sharon Parris, Brady Rounds, Mark Carter, Kathy Marelle, Tyler Mathis, Craig Corley, and John Keating.

For more information and project updates, please visit the City of Duluth website.

The City of Duluth is proud to share national recognition of a historic milestone in our community. Sarah Park has made history as the first immigrant woman elected to serve on the Duluth City Council, an achievement featured by CBS News Atlanta.

Park, who moved to Duluth from South Korea over two decades ago, credits her success to the city’s welcoming spirit and the support of residents across our community.

Her campaign, which launched last August, drew on her extensive experience in local government and her role as a co-owner of Alchemist On the Divide. Park’s leadership has been shaped by years of public service and community engagement.

Park’s inauguration also coincided with a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day, an observance that will also be recognized at the Georgia State Capitol.

As Duluth continues to grow and evolve, Councilmember Park’s historic achievement underscores the city’s commitment to representation and opportunity for all who call Duluth home.

📺 Watch the CBS News Atlanta feature here: Sarah Park makes history as Duluth’s first immigrant woman elected to city council.

The City of Duluth officially opened 2026 with a powerful and historic Mayor & Council Meeting, marking new beginnings, cultural recognition, and the continued leadership of dedicated public servants.

Held in front of a packed Council Chambers, the meeting featured the swearing-in of three councilmembers and a milestone moment that reflected Duluth’s growing diversity, inclusiveness, and commitment to representation.

A Historic First for Duluth

Sarah Park was sworn in as Duluth’s first immigrant woman to serve on City Council, marking a historic milestone for the city. Park’s journey is deeply rooted in the Duluth community. Her family immigrated to Duluth, where she grew up as a student and later built her life as a working mother of two, government professional, small business owner, and community leader.

She and her husband co-own Alchemist on the Divide, a beloved downtown coffee shop that has become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Honoring Korean American Day

Park’s swearing-in coincided with a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903.

Mayor Greg Whitlock read the proclamation alongside Councilwoman Park, who also delivered the proclamation in Korean… a moving moment that highlighted Duluth’s appreciation for cultural heritage and community representation. The proclamation is also being recognized at the Georgia State Capitol, connecting Duluth’s celebration to a statewide observance.

Continuing Service and Leadership

Judge Barrett also swore in Marline Thomas, the first Latina woman to serve on Duluth City Council. Thomas, an Army veteran, was first appointed to Council in July 2020 and later elected to Post 2 in November 2021. She was sworn in on January 10, 2022, for a four-year term. She ran unopposed in 2025 and took office for a four-year term on January 12, 2026.

Lamar Doss was first elected to Post 3 in November 2021 and took the oath of office on January 10, 2022. He was elected to a second term in a December 2025 runoff election and took his oath of office on January 12, 2026, to serve a four-year term.

Looking Ahead

The evening marked more than the start of a new year… it marked a renewed commitment to leadership that reflects the people of Duluth. With continued service and historic new representation, the City of Duluth enters 2026 focused on progress, unity, and community-centered governance.