We call it “The Big Lake” for a reason – not just for its size but for the big experiences it offers. It’s a living, breathing community, a vibrant hub of events and celebrations all year. From national holidays to local events commemorating historic moments, this guide takes you through some must-do Lake Superior summer festivals & events that showcase the diversity of this incredible region spanning Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
National Holidays
Canada Day – July 1st
Canada Day is a national holiday celebrating the anniversary of Confederation. On July 1, 1867, Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united to become one country. Across the country, celebrations are held with music and entertainment, parades, vendors and an evening of fireworks completes the day. If you’re on the Ride Lake Superior route on July 1 on the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, take part in local celebrations.
Independence Day – July 4th
Independence Day is a national holiday commemorating the passing of the Declaration of Indigenous on July 4, 1776. Like Canada Day, Independence Day is celebrated with parades, BBQs, carnivals picnics, music and entertainment, and is complete with fireworks at the end of the day. If you’re south of Lake Superior, be sure to take part in celebrations in Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Ontario Events
Live on the Waterfront – Thunder Bay
In July and August, Live on the Waterfront occurs at Prince Arthur’s Landing, Marina Park in Thunder Bay. These lively events bring together the community and visitors for an evening of live musical entertainment on the city’s waterfront. Listen to jazz, pop, folk music, and rock every Wednesday. There are local food vendors, community groups and artisans onsite.
Great Rendezvous Celebration – Thunder Bay
The Great Rendezvous Celebration at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is a July event that recreates the annual summer gathering of the Northwest Company fur traders 200 years ago. Immerse yourself in the 1800s with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and Indigenous cultural experiences.
Rotaryfest – Sault Ste. Marie
For over 100 years, Rotaryfest has been celebrated in Sault Ste. Marie. This much-anticipated event takes place each July. There are many great events like 3 days of free music from regional and local musicians, and the delicious fall-off-the-bone competition of ribs and BBQ chicken at Ribfest.
Minnesota Events
Duluth Airshow – Duluth
“Take the highway to the danger zone!” The Duluth Airshow is Minnesota’s largest airshow and features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy F-18 Rhino Demonstration. There are also vintage military aircraft on display. There is plenty of parking at this event which is held at the Duluth International Airport. Onsite you will find concession booths for food and souvenirs. Military discounts are available.
Bayfront Blues Fest – Duluth
The Bayfront Blues Festival is a large outdoor music festival held over 3 days in Duluth. The festival showcases the who’s who in the blues and blues/rock music genre. There are a variety of food vendors onsite, and many vendors selling merchandise.
Grand Marais Arts Festival – Grand Marais
The Grand Marais Arts Festival is a July festival that features a juried art show, live music, and demonstrations, celebrating the vibrant arts community of the North Shore of Lake Superior. This art event has an annual draw of 10,000 visitors!
Michigan Events
Soo Locks Engineers Day
The Soo Locks Engineers Day is a unique partnership bringing the community, downtown association and the United States Army Corps of Engineers together for a weekend celebration. Starting with a street closure, the festivities allow visitors to explore the Soo Locks for free. Stroll the Soo Locks Park, learn the history at the visitor centre and climb the observation decks to watch enormous freighters lock through the St. Marys River.
Houghton Bridgefest
Bridgefest is an annual celebration of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, a vital link between Houghton and Hancock – a gateway to the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. It’s a weekend of bands, parade and fanfare, fireworks, a classic car show, helicopter rides and a buzz of activity.
Wisconsin Events
Big Top Chautauqua – Bayfield
Each year, the Big Top presents over 60 concerts, shows and events throughout the early summer to fall under the blue and pearl grey “canvas” tent. Music and entertainment include international headliners, regional talent and original productions. Their location is unique located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Bayfield Festival of Arts and Art Escape – Bayfield
Lake Superior is an inspiration for artists and musicians on both sides of the lake. The Festival of Arts and Art Escape in Bayfield is a weekend that includes a juried art show, and a chance to browse and buy a selection of pottery, jewellery, sculptures and glassworks, wood carvings and more. This two-day festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the area.
Lake Superior Day – Superior
Be part of celebrating loving local with Lake Superior Day on the third Sunday in July. Each year, residents and visitors dedicate the awesomeness of life on Lake Superior with lots of activities. For example, on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin learn about and appreciate this Great Lake with guided tours, visit the Lake Superior Estuarium, enjoy food vendors and more.
Motorcycle Events
Great Lakes H.O.G. Rally
The Great Lakes H.O.G. Rally is a regional rally that takes place in the Lake Superior area. Each year, the location changes as it rotates between different communities around the Big Lake.
Thunder Bay HD – Annual Poker Run
This annual poker run is hosted by Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson and held rain or shine! There is a regular entrance ticket fee that includes a steak dinner, general prizes and live music. The VIP ticket includes a VIP door prize and is usually a motorcycle. Tickets are sold per person. There are only 500 VIP tickets sold during this event.
Hearst HOG Poker Run
The H.O.G. Poker Rally is held annually in the town of Hearst, Ontario every August. The festival starts with the poker run followed by games, competitions, prize draws and live music.
Find More Events Around Lake Superior
Looking for something else? There are plenty of events and festivals around Lake Superior which you on these tourism websites:
These include motorcycle rides for causes, music events, and festivals. Be sure to check out community websites, CVB websites, and social media or ask the locals about Lake Superior summer festivals & events on your ride.
