The 4th of July on the North Shore is as fun and festive as you can imagine. With activities, parades, and firework shows all along the Lake Superior shoreline. Wherever you are, you probably aren’t far from a 4th of July Celebration. Here’s a list of happenings around the area.
In Cook County South
From Tofte to Grand Portage, there is a lot to do in Cook County on the 4th of July.
Tofte:
Rain or shine, you are sure to have a good time! Tofte is THE place to be in Cook County on the 4th of July! Join this tiny community on the North Shore for a full day of events including live music, fabulous food, a beer garden, bingo, a craft show, and minnow races.
The Tofte 4th of July celebrations begin at 9 am with the annual Tofte Trek. Choose from a 10 km walk, kids sprint, 1-mile youth-run, or the 10 km run. The races all start at the Birch Grove Community School. The Tofte Trek is hosted by the Sugar Bush Trail Association.
When the race is over, head on down to Tofte Town Hall and Park. Annual activities usually include a bouncy house, craft fair, live music, a beer garden, food vendors, and more. Grab a spot along Tofte Park Road for the parade starting at 3 pm. The fireworks show in Tofte Town Park at 10 pm. If it rains, the fireworks will be moved to July 5th.
Grand Marais:
While most of the 4th of July action happens down in Tofte, Grand Marais usually has a few things planned in the Harbor area, too. Past events have included a live band, a fireworks show, and other events happening on and around the Grand Marais Harbor.
In Lake County North
Hovland:
While not specifically a 4th of July celebration, Hovland hosts the Hovland Arts Festival on the weekend closest to Independence Day. Oftentimes, this means the festival lands on the 4th itself. This vibrant gathering of local artists showcases handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fine art, and Native American beadwork, creating a space where creativity and community intertwine. Don’t forget the all day music and inside art in the hall.
Grand Portage:
Grand Portage often hosts fireworks displays. The fireworks are launched over the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino starting at dusk. Check the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Facebook Page to see if and when the 4th of July activities will be happening.
In 2026, Grand Portage will host the Rock the Lake Music Festival over 4th of July weekend. This free event features live music from 4:30 – 10 pm on Friday and 12:30 – 10 pm on Saturday. Bring a chair, we’ll see you there!
In Lake County
Knife River, Two Harbors, and Silver Bay all host 4th of July celebrations and fireworks.
Knife River:
In Lake County, Knife River is the place to be on the 4th of July! A full day of events usually starts with a Pot Luck brunch. That’s followed by a parade to the Great Lakes! Candy Kitchen, traveling along 2nd Street. Then, head into Two Harbors for the fireworks show.
Two Harbors:
The Two Harbors Community Center occasionally has events planned on the 4th of July, although annual offerings change every year. Check out Lovin’ Lake County for a list of scheduled events. Then gather for live music and the fireworks show over the Two Harbor Harbor area at dusk.
Silver Bay:
Grab a blanket and head to the Silver Bay Shopping Center at dusk for the fireworks show. Occasionally, Silver Bay will host other 4th of July activities. But, since Bay Days is also celebrated in July, most activities are saved for the festival.
In Duluth
In Duluth, the Bayfront Festival Park is the place to be! This is where Duluth’s Fourth Fest is held.
Here, you will find an evening full of 4th of July festivities. Events start at 10:30 am with live music until 10 pm. Enjoy food and crafts while you wait for the Upper Midwest’s largest fireworks show which starts at 10:10 PM. Admission to Duluth’s Fourth Fest is free and family-friendly!
This article was last updated on July 1, 2026 to include the Hovland Arts Festival, Grand Portage Rock the Lake Music Festival, to update the schedule of events for Duluth’s Fourth Fest, and update some links for 2026.