The Bob Dylan Way Committee has finalized its schedule for the 2024 Duluth Dylan Fest, the annual celebration of the Northland’s native son whose global significance was affirmed by the Nobel Prize committee in 2016. The Fest will feature a range of events spanning May 21 - 26 in conjunction with Bob Dylan’s 83st birthday.
“Bob Dylan is undoubtedly one of the masters of American music, changing the way we create and listen to popular music and establishing its importance on a world-wide scale,” said Committee Chair Zane Bail. “We are proud of his northland roots and celebrate his artistic achievements.”
A major highlight of the fest - as always - is the Bob Dylan Front Porch Birthday Party outside the Duluth home where Dylan - born Robert Zimmerman - spent the first seven years of his life. The event will feature opening remarks from Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, live music from songwriter and guitarist Greg Tiburzi and celebratory birthday cake.
“We always have a nice crowd outside the Dylan house that loves to sing “Happy Birthday,” said Bail. The house is now owned by Dylan historian and collector Bill Pagel.
The full schedule is outlined below.
2024 Duluth Dylan Fest Schedule
Tuesday, May 21
Dylan Fest Acoustic Jam Session with Leslie Black
Carmody Irish Pub
308 E. Superior Street, Duluth
5:30 to 8:30pm | Free
*Bring your own voice, instrument and music stand
Wednesday, May 22
Basement Tapes Band Concert
Earthrider Festival Grounds
1617 N. Third Street, Superior, WI
7:00 pm | Tickets $8-$75 on Eventbrite/door
Thursday, May 23
Willie Nelson Family Band
Bayfront Festival Park
Downtown Duluth
7:00 pm | Tickets: Jade Presents
* Visit the Armory Arts & Music Center and Dylan Fest table (concert ticket needed to enter)
Friday, May 24
Bob Dylan Front Porch Birthday Party with live music by
Greg Tiburzi
Dylan childhood home
519 N. 3rd Avenue East, Duluth
12:00-1:30 pm | Free
Dylan Fest Singer-Songwriter Contest
Sacred Heart Music Center
201 W. 4th Street, Duluth
7:00-10:00 pm |Tickets $10 on Eventbrite/door
Saturday, May 25
Historic Armory Tour
Armory Arts & Music Center (annex)
1305 London Road, Duluth
10:00 am to noon | Free
*Self-guided Bob Dylan sites in Duluth tour map available
John Bushey Memorial Lecture
featuring Paul Metsa, Ed Newman, Marc Percansky and Matt Steichen authors of Bob Dylan in Minnesota
Wussow’s Concert Cafe
324 N. Central Avenue, Duluth
2:00-3:30 pm | Free
Highway 61 Revisited Radio Show
The North 103.3 FM Streaming online at 5:00-6:00 pm | Free
Duluth Dylan Fest Dance Party
with music by Cowboy Angel Blue
Mr. D’s Bar and Grill
5622 Grand Avenue, Duluth
7:00 pm | Free
Sunday, May 26
Farewell Brunch featuring Greg Tiburzi and friends
Wussow’s Concert Cafe
324 N. Central Avenue, Duluth
11:00 AM -1:00 PM | Free (Brunch not included)
