In Progress

Through May 31 DULUTH Exhibit: “Song of the Blackfly and Other Campfire Sonnets” features prints by Rick Allen that provides a refreshing and somewhat improbable interpretation of the Northland, its lore and its creatures, in conjunction with Earth Day events in Duluth. Sivertson Gallery 888-815-5814 www.sivertson.com 

Through Jun. 15 DULUTH Exhibit: “A Handful of Clay: Dave Lynas, Ceramics and Drawings.” Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth 218-726-8222 www.d.umn.edu/tma

Through Jun. 26 DULUTH Exhibit: “Celebrations in 2008,” includes 1812 Declaration of War document - 250-year anniversary of James Monroe’s birth and others. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum 218-728-0630

May

May 8-Aug. 3 CHISHOLM Exhibit: “Red Dirt: Artistic Expressions from Iron Country,” which contains works by 10 local artists, collectively examining how a community preserves its history and culture. Ironworld 800-372-6437 www.ironworld.com May 8 gallery opening, 5-9 p.m., with presentation from artist Jill Aubin at 7 p.m.

May 9-11 GRAND MARAIS Music Festival: Grand Marais Jazz Festival with performances at several venues. Grand Marais Tourism Association 888-922-5000

May 10 DULUTH Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Sivertson Gallery 218-723-7877 or 888-815-4369 www.sivertson.com 1-3 p.m.   

May 10 DULUTH Fundraiser: 24th annual Mother’s Day Walk/Run at the DECC raises funds for a variety of breast cancer programs. Sponsored by the YWCA and the Young Survival Coalition www.ywcaduluth.org 5K run 8 a.m.; survivor photo 8:45 a.m.; youth fun run 9 a.m.; and two-mile walk 9:30 a.m.

May 10 DULUTH Fundraiser: 16th annual Walk for Animals, with a route following the Lakewalk from Bayfront Park to Canal Park Inn and back to Bayfront Park; also  contests, other activities. Sponsored by Animal Allies Humane Society of Duluth 218-722-9084 for pledge forms or www.animalallies.net 10 a.m., registration begins 9 a.m.

May 10 GRAND MARAIS Concert: Jazz vocalist Typhanie Monique and guitarist Neal Alger performing two concerts at the Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains, part of the 2008 Grand Marais Jazz Festival. 888-922-5000 www.grandmaraisjazzfest.com

May 10 TWO HARBORS Statehood event: Celebrate Statehood Day at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Historic Site, with special guided tours offered of the light station grounds and buildings and the adjacent state park, including the site of the Little Two Harbors commercial fishing settlement; and a tree planting activity in the state park. 218-226-6372 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 11 DULUTH Mother’s Day event: Glensheen’s Mother’s Day Dining includes tour and buffet. Glensheen Historic Estate 218-726-8910 or 888-454-4536 www.glensheen.org 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m.

May 16-17 DULUTH Event: 5th annual Earth Tracks Event is an eco-event designed to educate and inspire people to reduce their impact on the environment. Lake Superior Zoo 218-730-4900 www.lszoo.org 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

May 17 CARLTON Event: “Spring Wildflower Walk Time” hike to discover the many beautiful flowers of the park and how they can survive the varied weather of spring. River Inn Visitor Center, Jay Cooke State Park (3 miles east of Carlton) 218-384-4610. 1-2:30 p.m.

May 17 GRAND MARAIS Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Sivertson Gallery 218-387-2491 888-880-4369 www.sivertson.com 1-3 p.m.

May 18 DULUTH Book awards: 20th annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards with emcee Barton Sutter, Duluth’s first poet laureate, book fair and special readings; and a Lake Superior Writers workshop conducted by Bill Holm May 17. University of Minnesota Duluth Library, Lake Superior Writers, Weber Music Hall, UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art 218-722-3094

May 22-25 HIBBING Event: “Dylan Days” will include traditions like the singer/songwriter contest, literary contest and reading, visual arts contest, Bobby Zimmerman bus tour and new events, too. 866-305-3849 www.dylandays.com.

May 22-Aug. 3 CHISHOLM Exhibit: “Tangled Up in Ore: Bob Dylan and the Iron Range,” uses lyrics, newspaper articles, donated artifacts, interviews and other programming to explore Dylan’s relationship with the Iron Range. Ironworld 800-372-6437 www.ironworld.com

May 23 DULUTH Concert: String Theory: Park Stickney, harp, and Rudy Perrault, violin. Sacred Heart Music Center 218-723-1895 www.sacredheartmusic.org 7:30 p.m.

May 23 HIBBING Contest: Annual singer/songwriter contest for Dylan Days, with the winner to open the Dylan Days Benefit Concert for the Hibbing Arts Council May 24. Zimmy’s Bar & Restaurant www.dylandays.com 7 p.m.

May 24 GRAND MARAIS Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Sivertson Gallery 218-387-2491 or 888-880-4369 www.sivertson.com 1-3 p.m.

May 24 HIBBING Concert: Ramblin’ Jack Elliott headlines the lineup for the 2008    Dylan Days Benefit, with Minnesota artists Spider John Koerner and Tony Glover set to open the show. Hibbing High School Auditorium www.dylandays.com 7  p.m.

May 26 TWO HARBORS Concert: Memorial Day Band Concert at Thomas Owens Band Shell. Contact Chris Lind, 218-834-3496 9 a.m.

May 27 VIRGINIA Speaker: Small Store Success Strategies with John Bennett, University of Minnesota Duluth Extension Services, part of the professional development speaker series. Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant 218-741-2717 laurentianchamber.org noon-3 p.m.

May 29 SOUDAN Park program: “Geocaching 101” answers questions about the popular sport of geocaching. Some GPS units available, but participants may want to bring personal units. Visitor center at Soudan Underground Mine State Park 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 6 p.m.

June

Jun. 1 TWO HARBORS Open House: Free admission to Split Rock Lighthouse historic site and Visitor Center, with tours every hour and a film every half-hour. 218-226-6372

Jun. 5-8 GRAND MARAIS Festival: Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival with 10 hands-on and field-based courses, and three featured speakers. North House Folk School 218-387-9762 www.northhouse.org

Jun. 7 DULUTH Festival: 8th annual Cold Water Surf Fest, includes a picnic along with surfboards, wetsuits, photos and gear on display. Sponsored by the Lake Superior Surfing Club Park Point in the first pavilion 218-722-6469 www.superiorsurfingclub.com 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jun. 10 SOUDAN Park program: “Geocaching 101” answers questions about the popular sport of geocaching. Some GPS units available, but participants may want to bring personal units. Visitor center at Soudan Underground Mine State Park 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 6 p.m.

Jun. 11 SOUDAN Park program: “10,000 Years of History of History in Northeastern Minnesota,” with Steve Mulholland of the Duluth Archaeology Center discussing the archaeology of northeastern Minnesota from the end of the last glaciation until European contact. Soudan Underground Mine State Park visitor center 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 6 p.m.

Jun. 12-15 CHISHOLM Conference: The Mining History Association’s annual conference will include a keynote addresses from Marvin Lamppa speaking on “Minnesota Iron: the Human Dimension,” and Marty Vidas, director of  the Minnesota Division of Lands and Minerals. Tours of  historic sites and museums are also planned. Ironworld www.mininghistoryassociation.org

Jun. 12-15 DULUTH Theater: The Duluth Playhouse presents “The Philadelphia Story.” 218-733-7555 www.duluthplayhouse.org Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.

Jun. 16 DULUTH Memorial: Clayton, Jackson, McGhie Memorial Day of Remembrance, a community program in memory of three African American men who were lynched in Duluth in 1920. 218-525-0529 www.claytonjacksonmcghie.org noon

Jun. 18 DULUTH Food event: Nokomis Restaurant & Bar presents “Meet the Italian Winemakers and Dinner,” includes an afternoon tasting of wines from Tenuta Rocca and Ciavolich Winery that’s open to the public, and Winemakers’ Dinner with Chiara Ciavolich of  Ciavolich Winery and Elena Ercole of Tenuta Rocca Winery. 218-525-2286 www.nokomisonthelake.com Wine tasting 1:30-3 p.m.; dinner 6:30 p.m.

Jun. 18 SOUDAN Park program: “Ojibway Lifestyles” with Rose Berens, executive director of the Bois Forte Heritage Museum, speaking about the Ojibway, their migration into the area, their customs and changes to their traditional way of life. Soudan Underground Mine State Park visitor center 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 6 p.m.

Jun. 20 DULUTH Marathon: 15th annual William A. Irvin 5K, a 3.1-mile event is held the evening before Grandma's Marathon, starting and finishing at the William A. Irvin. 218-727-0947 www.grandmasmarathon.com 6 p.m.

Jun. 20-22 GRAND MARAIS Festival: Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival on the harbor with workshops, dancing, demonstrations, boats and bratwurst, and a Boats-to-Tools Auction. North House Folk School 218-387-9762 www.northhouse.org Auction is Saturday at 2 p.m.

Jun. 21 DULUTH Marathon: 18th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile course finishing in Canal Park. 218-727-0947 www.grandmasmarathon.com 6:30 a.m.

Jun. 21 DULUTH Marathon: 32nd annual Grandma's Marathon, the nation’s 12th largest marathon, featuring a beautiful point-to-point course along Lake Superior’s north shore and weekend festivities include a runner's expo and spaghetti dinner, kids’ races and live entertainment. 218-727-0947 www.grandmasmarathon.com 7:30 a.m.

Jun. 21 GRAND MARAIS Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Sivertson Gallery 218-387-2491 888-880-4369 www.sivertson.com 1-3 p.m.

Jun. 26-28 GRAND RAPIDS Festival: 33rd annual Judy Garland Festival. Sponsored by the Judy Garland Museum 800-664-5839, 218-327-9276 www.judygarlandmuseum.com

Jun. 27-29 CHISHOLM Festival: Ironworld presents Polkafest 2008 with three days of music and food. 218-254-7959 800-372-6437 www.ironworld.com

Jun. 28 DULUTH Dance competition: 28th annual Highland Dance Competition with dancers from around the region (all levels of expertise represented) competing to live bagpipes played by award-winning pipers. Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Fitger’s courtyard in the Fitger’s Complex www.duluthscots.com 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jun. 28-29 DULUTH Art fair: 38th Park Point Art Fair with 115 regional and national  artists displaying and selling their work, also food vendors, music stage with local and regional performers, as well as artist demonstrations, storytelling and children’s activity area with make-and-take art. Park Point Community Club, Park Point Recreation Area www.parkpointcommunityclub.org 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

July

Jul. 4-6 HOVLAND Art festival: Hovland Art Festival, the third annual outdoor festival celebrating local artists, includes live entertainment and food. Hovland Town Hall Jul. 4 & 5, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Jul. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jul. 5-6 LUTSEN Exhibition: “Women of Fiber” features fiber artists Debbie Cooter, Nancy Daley, Judie Johnson, Erika Mock, Jo Wood and others showing their work with periodic demonstrations; also tea parties, 2-4 p.m. each day, hosted by Foxtea with live music. Last Chance Gallery 218-663-7008 www.lastchancefab.com

Jul. 12 DULUTH Festival: 3rd annual Bayfront Reggae Festival brings international performers to Duluth’s lakefront, along with Caribbean food, beverages and artisans displaying their wares. 218-834-5037 www.bayfrontreggae.com 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jul. 19 DULUTH Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Northern Lights Books 218-722-5267 or 800-868-8904 www.norlights.booksense.com 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jul. 19 SCHROEDER Home tour: 5th annual Lundie/Historical Cabin Tour, fundraiser for the Schroeder Area Historical Society, featuring Lundie sites and other significant sites, also a panel of experts (available for information and consultation) and the famous Picnic on the Ledge Rock (music, dinner, beverages). 218-663-7706 information and reservations

Jul. 19 SOUDAN Park program: “Batty About Bats” will include games, songs, activities and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at back entry at Soudan Underground Mine State Park (signs are posted) 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 7:30 p.m.

Jul. 19-20 CHISHOLM Festival: Finn Days at Ironworld offers Scandinavian music, dance, food and costumes, even tango lessons. 218-254-7959, 800-372-6437 www.ironworld.com

Jul. 19-20 SILVER BAY Fishing tournament: Silver Bay Lake Superior Salmon Classic Fishing Tournament. Friends of the Silver Bay Public Library www.silverbay.com/marina.html

Jul. 20 LAKEWIDE Lake Superior Day. Contact local Information Centers

Jul. 21-27 DULUTH Dinner theater: “Ole & Lena’s Wedding,” interactive theater from Midi Restaurant’s Midi Change of Pace Dinner Theater. Fitger’s Brewery Complex 218-727-4880 Theater opens 6:30 p.m., wedding 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; theater opens at noon, wedding at 12:30 p.m. Sundays

Jul. 23-27 DULUTH Festival: FinnFest 2008 offers a variety of concerts, lectures, dance performances, tours and art exhibitions, including the Minnesota Orchestra Friday, July 25, and nightly dancing, including the tango event “Tanssi Tangoa” Saturday, July 26. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center www.finnfest2008.com

Jul. 24-27 GRAND MARAIS Festival: 5TH annual North Shore Dragon Boat Festival, a weekend community celebration and also a fundraiser for three area nonprofit organizations. Grand Marais Harbor 218-387-2372 www.northshoredragonboat.com

August

Aug. 1 SOUDAN Park program: “Batty About Bats” will include games, songs, activities and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at back entry at Soudan Underground Mine State Park (signs are posted) 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 1-3 DULUTH Festival: Duluth’s Maritime Festival at the DECC will feature tours on three tall ships, the U.S. Brig Niagara, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Madeline, as well as  music, entertainment, crafts and food and a focus on the maritime history of Duluth and the Great Lakes. Visit Duluth, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and Explore Minnesota Tourism 218-722-4011, 800-438-5884 www.visitduluth.com, www.decc.org

Aug. 1-3 TWO HARBORS Festival: 11TH annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival, with races, exhibitors, demonstrations, on-water clinics, gear swap and food. Burlington Bay www.kayakfestival.org

Aug. 2 GRAND MARAIS Author: Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of “Driftwood: Stories Picked Up Along the Shore,” the latest book published by Lake Superior Port Cities, making an appearance and signing books. Sivertson Gallery 218-387-2491 888-880-4369 www.sivertson.com 1-3 p.m.

Aug. 7-10 DULUTH Festival: 20th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival showcases more than 30 national performances on two concert stages. Bayfront Festival Park 715-394-6831 www.bayfrontblues.com

Aug. 8-10 LUTSEN Exhibition: “Playing with Fire” with five artists - Kathleen Baleja, jewelry, Tom Christiansen, sculpture, Kristi Downing, raku, Jeremie Draper, glass, and Wayne Potratz, sculpture - who use fire for their craft, showing and demonstrating their work. Last Chance Gallery 218-663-7008 www.lastchancefab.com Reception Aug. 8, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 14 SOUDAN Park program: “Batty About Bats” will include games, songs, activities and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at back entry at Soudan Underground Mine State Park (signs are posted) 218-753-2245 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine 7:30 p.m.

September

Sep. 21 LAKEWIDE Beach Sweep: The annual volunteer clean-up of Lake Superior’s shoreline. Contact local Information Centers

Sep. 26-Oct. 5 LUTSEN Exhibition: Crossing Borders Studio Tour, an annual studio tour at working sculpture studios features the work of Tom Christiansen and a sculpture garden. Last Chance Gallery 218-663-7008 www.lastchancefab.com 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

October

Oct. 20 LAKEWIDE 14th Annual Lake Superior Photo Contest deadline for entries. Check website for details and rules: www.lakesuperior.com/ Mail to Lake Superior Photo Contest, Lake Superior Magazine, P.O. Box 16417, Duluth, MN 55816.

November

Nov. 28-30 LUTSEN Exhibition: “Holiday Market,” an annual event that features many artists and artisans’ works for sale, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live  music, caroling. Last Chance Gallery 218-663-7008 www.lastchancefab.com Reception Nov. 28, 5-7 p.m.; tree lighting ceremony 6 p.m.