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A new fall festival will debut on Duluth’s waterfront this weekend, featuring local vendors, food, live animals and autumn-themed activities.
The inaugural Gourd Days, organized by Duluth Loves Local and Wonderfully Made in partnership with the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, will run Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day along Harbor Drive. Admission is free.
More than 35 local makers and 14 food vendors will take part, offering everything from handmade goods and permanent jewelry to pumpkin spice mini donuts and Korean-style street food. Several vendors will be set up inside the Duluth Winter Village cabins, usually used for the city’s holiday market.
Festival highlights include hay rides with Vista Fleet, a pumpkin house stocked with flowers from Duluth Flower Farm, inflatable play areas, a pumpkin bounce house, and a toddler farm town. The Lake Superior Zoo will host crafts, and Adventure Acres will bring live animals.
Specialty drinks will be available from Catering by Bellisio’s, featuring fall cocktails made with Vikre Distillery spirits, along with local beer and cider. Other options include coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade and sodas.
“Fall is a beautiful time of year in our community,” said Mallory Moore of Duluth Loves Local. “We wanted to create a seasonal event that highlights our incredible local businesses while providing a fun, festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”
The festival will also feature photo opportunities, a clothing swap, and plenty of seating along the lake. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Duluth Loves Local is a community-driven group that promotes independent businesses, also known for hosting the Duluth Winter Village. The DECC is home to Bulldog hockey, the Duluth Curling Club, the Minnesota Ballet and other cultural institutions.
