Perfect Duluth Day Outdoor Summer Concert Primer 2025
Lu Starr performed in a backyard concert on June 7 to raise funds for Food Not Bombs, sharring the bill with Charlotte Montgomery, Elsa Krantz and Jerree Small. (Photo by Rich Narum)
The sun has put on its comically large sunglasses, which can only mean one thing — it’s time to soak up the rays and jam with some of the most anticipated musical acts hitting Duluth-area stages this summer.
Outdoor shows are similar to Harry Potter houses in a way — they fall into four categories and fans from each one think they are better than the others.
First, we have our weekend festival goers, the Hufflepuffs. They don’t care where they are or what they are drinking, they are there for a weekend of partying. Yes, music is a big part of that party, but creating and occupying a temporary village is a critical component.
In Duluth, two of the more prominent festivals are the Bayfront Blues Festival and Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival. Others in the region include the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander, Lake Effect Music Fest at Big Top Chautauqua, Grand Rapids Riverfest, the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen and the Radio Waves Music Festival in Grand Marais.
Then we have our Ravenclaws. They are calm, cool, collected and mysterious — making them the perfect audience for the smaller, more underground concert series. A Ravenclaw is likely to be seen at Bayside Sounds, which is hosted in different parks around Superior, Glensheen’s Concerts on the Pier, where tunes can be enjoyed by both land and lake, Duluth’s Music in the Park at Chester Bowl and Lincoln Park, the Courtside Concert Series at Pier B Resort, Superior Porchfest, the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Silver Bay Music in the Park, Sounds of Summer in Hayward, Lucious Woods Performing Arts Center in Solon Springs, Bands, Brews & BBQ at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm, the Beer Gardens at the Great Lakes Aquarium and Music in the Park at Olcott Park in Virginia.
There are also numerous community parties throughout the summer featuring live music where Ravenclaws will no doubt be spotted, such as Rock the Bayfront, Rock the Park, Downtown Duluth Days Block Party or the Second Anniversary Celebration of Duluth’s favorite zine, On the Record.
Next, the Griffendores, who like to go big or go home and be the main character of their story. They have their favorite big venue and don’t care who is playing — they will be there seven days a week, having a blast.
Bayfront Festival Park, Earth Rider Brewery and Big Top Chautauqua are larger venues in the region that feature lengthy lists of shows. These big three have events on most nights during the summer season. Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater is another outdoor Griffendore-friendly venue with large-scale shows, though not as many.
Finally, the Slytherins. Just because they are snakes doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy music. Surprisingly, one place these feisty individuals don’t like to put up a fight is in a crowd or a mosh pit. Making the bar and brewery show in the Twin Ports their perfect fit. Places like Bent Paddle Brewing and Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake frequently have local artists and musicians performing inside and out.
No matter what house you belong to, we’ve got you covered. Below are some of Perfect Duluth Day’s most anticipated summer shows and musical events.
Rock the Bayfront at Bayfront Park — June 20-21
For those who would rather get their exercise jumping around and crowd surfing than by running 26.2 miles, there’s Rock the Bayfront. As part of the weekend of Grandma’s Marathon festivities, local legends — Father Hennepin, Cloud Cult, Rafe Carlson and Boxcar to name a few — put their chops to the test as they truly rock the Bayfront.
Flamingo Fest at Bent Paddle Brewing — June 21
Update: Kiss the Tiger was originally scheduled to perform, but canceled due to a medical emergency. Tater Tot Gumbo was added to the bill.
Kiss the Tiger’s leading lady, Meghan Kreidler, went from theater nerd to rock-and-roll star. Her acrobatics and general command of the stage have made the Twin Cities band an audience favorite, but it’s the music itself that drives all the fist pumps and flip kicks. The band arrives in Duluth following the release of two new singles, “See More” and “I Wanna Love Ya.”
Mentor North SummerFest at Earth Rider Brewing — June 26
This one-day mini festival features live music by local cover band Booty and the Hoefish, food trucks, local business showcases, yard games and other outside activities. All proceeds from the event go to Mentor North, a program that provides one-on-one mentorship for youth in the area.
Trampled by Turtles at Bayfront Park — July 5
Duluthians all know the drill regarding hometown heroes Trampled by Turtles. The band plays a gate-busting show at Bayfront Park nearly every summer, each time with a different supporting act. This year, Duluth’s Sophie Hiroko opens the show, along with Americana singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman.
Joan of Profile at Chester Bowl Park — July 8
Twin Cities band Joan of Profile specializes in lovey-dovey indie sounds, but don’t be surprised to hear a twist of hard rock in the wide array of original tunes, which is why the bands warns everyone to be ready to “JOP ’til you drop.”
Iron & Wine at Big Top Chautauqua — July 8
Sam Beam has been creating music as Iron & Wine for more than two decades. His seventh studio album, Light Verse, released in 2024, included the Fiona Apple duet “All in Good Time.” His most recent release is a collaborative single with I’m With Her titled “Robin’s Egg.” Blues-influenced guitarist Elizabeth Moen opens the Big Top show.
Steve Solkela’s ‘Overpopulated’ One-man Band at the Minnesota Discovery Center — July 17
Local accordion master Steve Solkela is bringing polka back with his performance at Bands, Brews and BBQ in Chisholm. During the summer months this new concert series features eight Thursdays of live music with a food court.
Superior Siren at Concerts on the Pier — July 16
Update: This show was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for Sept. 3.
The mythological sirens on Lake Superior will perhaps join in on backing vocals as the real-life sirens perform on the pier at Glensheen Mansion this summer. Superior Siren is an all-female folk project fronted by Laura Sellner. Funk band Jumpsuit opens the show before the siren songs begin.
Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys are bringing their original blues tunes to Solon Springs. They serve up hot harmonica and smooth stinging guitar with nods to Slim Harpo, Little Walter and the Three Kings.
Woodblind at Billings Park — Aug. 6
Slow and ska wins the race. Jason Wussow and Veikko Lepisto are the duo behind Woodblind — a stripped down ska band out of Duluth that sometimes layers up by adding multiple supporting musicians. They are playing as a part of the Bayside Sounds Concert Series in Superior. On top of just music, each Bayside Sounds show features yard games and other activities.
The Jayhawks at Big Top Chautauqua — Aug. 9
Update: This show was canceled due to changes in the band’s tour schedule.
Since the 1980s, Minnesota’s own Jayhawks have been sharing their rootsy vibes with the world. They can be caught touring all over the Midwest, including under the Big Top tent outside Bayfield. The band will be joined by the indie pop project Auralai, led by cellist Stephanie Russell.
Concerts in the Corn in Mason — Aug. 20-23
It is unlikely you’ll find any children in this corn. Concerts in the Corn highlight what it means to be a cowboy with a lineup of country artists that would knock the hat off a scarecrow. Festivities kick off with performances by Johnny Wad and Dave Bebeau. Artists hitting the stage over the next three days include Randy Houser, Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence and Big & Rich.
Grand Rapids Riverfest — Sept. 6
Get ready to roll on down the river for the fifth annual Grand Rapids Riverfest. This year’s lineup features Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, country artist Margo Price, roots rocker Jeremie Albino and Duluth’s own Alan Sparhawk.
Gear Daddies at Wade Stadium — Sept. 12
Update: This concert has been canceled.
Instead of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” they’ll be singing the “Zamboni” song at Wade Stadium this summer. The Back to the Wade concert series at the historic ballpark concludes with a performance by the venerable Twin Cities alt-country rockers the Gear Daddies.
Lamb of God at Grand Casino Hinckley — Sept. 20
Metalheads won’t want to miss this one. Lamb of God is arguably one of the most celebrated and influential metal bands of the 21st century. However, they are not the only ones bringing their hardcore style to the Hinckley Amphitheater. The band will be joined by the one and only Body Count — yes, that Body Count, led by Ice-T — and Harms Way.