What's Happening For Duluth's Fourth Fest 2026? Event Schedule

Duluth's Fourth Fest this year will be especially big, marking the 250th birthday of America.

The annual 4th of July celebration always includes a bunch of free live music with a festival atmosphere during the day, capped off by what many call the biggest fireworks show in the Upper Midwest.

Heck, even if it isn't the biggest, it is clearly superior (heh, see what I did there?) being right next to the greatest of the Great Lakes with music at Bayfront Festival Park and fireworks over the Duluth Harbor.

The 2026 edition of Duluth's Fourth Fest is happening on Saturday, July 4, at Bayfront Festival Park. The annual tradition will include 7 different music acts, a greeting from Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, and the big fireworks show. With the full lineup, things will get going earlier than they did last year.

As usual, this year's festivities will include crafts, food, and beverage vendors, family activities, and admission is free. The event is rain or shine, unless there are strong winds or lightning.

Bringing chairs or blankets to sit on is encouraged, but outside food, drinks, and coolers are not allowed. The exception is that you can bring in one "factory-sealed" bottle of water or an empty reusable water container per person to be filled/refilled at fountains on-site. There will be food and beverages available from vendors at Bayfront.

One of the things I want to highlight is that the headlining act of the day's music is more than their name would suggest. The band, called SSCB (Some Sh!tty Cover Band), is actually made up of members of some successful bands you may have heard of. More on that in a second.

Here's the full lineup:

Duluth Fourth Fest 2026 Schedule & Music Lineup

Gates open at 12:30 pm, with vendors, bouncy houses, and other activities waiting for the public. Entertainment will start right away when the gates open, with the fireworks wrapping up the day at 10 pm. Here's the full schedule:

12:30 pm: Gates open at Bayfront

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: The Perpetual Guests (featuring young musicians backed by professional artists, directed by Luke Perry).

1:30 pm - 2:20 pm: Steven Solkela’s Patriotic Event takes the stage. Solkela is known for his quirky and entertaining one-man-band shows. He and his friends will bring patriotic music, comedic skits, and more to the stage.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Sound Inc Reunion is a reunion show of the Duluth band Sound Inc.

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm: Siren

5:30 pm - 6:15 pm: The Sydney Hansen Band features the music of Duluthian-turned Nashville recording artist Sydney Hansen and her country-rock band.

6:30 pm - 7:20 pm: The Voyageurs are the Minnesota National Guard's first bluegrass/country music ensemble, made up of members of the Red Bull Minnesota Army National Guard Unit.

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7:50 pm: Welcome from Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert

8:00 PM – SSCB (Some Sh!tty Cover Band), based in the Twin Cities, this is no ordinary cover band. Bringing together 4 members of successful original bands Quietdrive, Take Cover, and The Usual Things, this foursome is a fun show that covers several genres of popular music.

10:00 pm: Fireworks get going over the Duluth Harbor, with a great view from Bayfront!

The 10 Best City Parks In Minnesota

While Minnesota's state parks and Voyageurs National Park tend to get the most attention, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to a lot of incredible city & municipal parks that deserve a visit (or several).

To celebrate these incredible free gems throughout the state, here is a list of the 10 best city parks across Minnesota, according to TripAdvisor.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth