The 4th of July weekend is a time for celebrating freedom, blowing up fireworks, grilling tasty foods, and hanging out with good company. Let us help you put together the perfect itinerary for the festive weekend.

Hairball

Let’s be honest, extended holiday weekends rock! To kick things off and make it rock even more, hit up Hairball on July 3rd at 6pm. This explosive show will bring back to the stage your, err favorite?? 80’s hairstyles and of course musical recreations including Def Leppard, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Poison, Whitesnake, Guns n Roses, Ozzy, and more! Get your tickets now.

The Thomas Carnival

Every year the Thomas Carnival comes to town for the Fourth of July. They have entertainment and fun for the whole family including tons of rides, games, and carnival food. We’re pretty partial to the grape snow cones and Tilt a Whirl ourselves –so classic, but so perfect!

City of Duluth Bayfront Fourth Fest

Hit up Bayfront Festival Park for Duluth’s free Fourth of July Celebration. Gates open at 4 p.m. and music begins at 5 p.m. Bring the whole family to this community celebration. Enjoy live music, good food, entertainment and more.

Duluth Fireworks

*boom – bang – ahhh* You knew were working our way up to the fireworks; the captstone of the Fourth of July weekend! The Duluth fireworks show has a gorgeous backdrop for a setting and is definitely one of the best shows in the Midwest region. Launched over the Lake Superior harbor, the Duluth fireworks show has many great vantage points. Here are a few of our recommendations:

1. Bayfront Festival Park –This is the official location for watching the Duluth Fireworks show, being part of the Fourth Fest. Music will be played before the show here.

2.Canal Park/Park Point – Perfectly situated on the edge of Lake Superior under the aerial lift bridge, Canal Park is a prime area for viewing the show. If you’re not staying in Canal Park, we do recommend that you get to the area early (like around 6 p.m.) to ensure you find parking.

You can also cross the bridge into Park Point and enjoy the show on the beach, or stroll up the boardwalk and watch the show from the Duluth Lake Walk.

3. On the Water – Jump on a boat and enjoy the show directly from the Harbor. If you don’t have boat access, the Vista Fleet hosts a special boat cruise just for the fireworks.

4. Skyline Parkway / Enger Tower – These Hillside vantage points overlook Duluth and the harbor, making them ideal locations for watching the show.

photo via: philipschwarzphotography

Where to Stay

With all of the festivities happening in the Canal Park area of Duluth, why not stay in Canal Park yourself?! You’ll be perfectly situated for easy walking access to all of the weekend’s events, including viewing the fireworks show. Here are a couple recommendations:

South Pier Inn: Stationed right under the aerial lift bridge, a number of their suites have balconies that face the water and the fireworks show.

Pier B Resort: One of Duluth’s newest hotels and provides close proximity to the Fourth Fest Celebration at Bayfront Park.

The Inn on Lake Superior: Nestled on the shore of Lake Superior, The Inn, among their many hotel amenities, has a heated pool on their roof –how about that vantage point for the fireworks show?!

View all Canal Park lodging options»

Remember to have fun and be safe! And let’s see all your festive fourth photos too –share with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! #FourthFest #CanalPark