Cold Front is a weekend-long winter celebration featuring live music & entertainment, social hikes & runs, local vendors, and more! Here’s why you should plan to join the fun this year:
1. Hear Your Favorite Local Music
Throughout the weekend, Cold Front features performances from some of your favorite Duluth musicians. On Friday, stop by the main tent to hear local buskers The Boys Back Home at 5:00 PM and the Lindula Brothers at 7:00 PM. You can also take a quick stroll over to Endion Station to see Sonofmel and the Slideman at 6:00 PM, and Zakk & Bella at 8:00 PM! (Heck, if you timed it just right, you’d have a chance to hear them all!)
But that’s not all! You definitely won’t want to miss the big show on Saturday night, featuring Norshore Summit and Brothers Burn Mountain! The show gets underway at 7:00 PM, and with such a fantastic folk music lineup, it’s sure to be a rollickin’ good time!
If you still haven’t had your fill, no worries — the celebration takes place within just a few blocks of some of the best local music venues, including Grandma’s Sports Garden, Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, the Red Herring Lounge, Blush, and many more!
2. Move Yourself!
At this point in the winter season, you might feel a bit of stiffness in your joints — a sure sign that it’s time to shake the dust of those bones and get some exercise! Cold Front offers some great options for ways to get movin’ that are a perfection combination of fitness and fun.
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a Luminary Hike: take a wondery winter stroll down the candle-lit Lakewalk, stopping along the way to warm up at a campfire, pop into Endion for a bit of music, or just enjoy the scenery!
On Saturday, the G-Crew running crew will host a “Social Run” at 10:00 AM; runners can choose between three routes of different lengths. It’s a great way to kick off the day, as well as getting to know other local runners.
For younger folks (and the young at heart), the Cold Front sledding hill is open all day on Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
3. Shop ’til You Drop
On Saturday and Sunday, vendors, restaurants, and pop-up shops from all across town will offer their latest and greatest wares in the main tent!
You’ll have a chance to browse through various selections from your favorite Canal Park businesses and try some delicious samples from nearby restaurants.
For more information on the businesses, restaurants, and shops you might find, be sure to keep an eye on the Cold Front Website.
4. Do Some Good
Cold Front isn’t just about having fun — it’s about helping each other out, as well!
All weekend long, Endion Station will host a coat & winter wear drive. Drop off a coat and receive a free 10oz pour of any Brewhouse beer! Drop off a pair of gloves/mittens or a hat (or other similar winter accessories) and receive $1 off a tap beer of your choice. At the end of the weekend, all donations will be passed along to CHUM for distribution to those in need.
You can also stop by our Canal Park Outfitters booth to check out some Canal Park swag — all proceeds of select items will be donated to Families in Transition in Duluth (FIT). The mission of FIT is to ensure that students whose families are experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to continue to pursue their education, such as bus passes, grocery gift cards, and more.
Learn more about Families in Transition »
5. It’s Family-Friendly and FREE!
That’s right! Not only is there something for everyone at Cold Front, but all events all weekend long are 100% free. Younger folks will have hours of fun zooming down the sledding hill and checking out the activities provided by the Duluth Children’s Museum. Meanwhile, adults can browse the vendor booths, sip some beers, and form a team for Sunday’s winter flag football tournament! And of course, everyone can enjoy the great music that accompanies the entire celebration. Check out the video below for a small taste of what you can expect: