Iron Range Summer Festivals Round-Up

Summer fun on the Iron Range doesn’t end after the Fourth of July festivities. In fact, it’s just beginning, as communities across the region gear up for their signature festivals. It’s the perfect way to soak up the season, see friends and neighbors, or just explore the region.

Hibbing Jubilee

Happening on the heels of the July Fourth celebrations, Hibbing’s Jubilee keeps the summer party going with family activities, “the sweetest parade,” fireworks and a host of things to do around town.

Range FanCon

Cosplay competitions, vendors, special guests, a gaming room and a whole lot of fan fun will be taking place at Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia mid-July. This is everything you’d want in a convention for fans of comics, gaming, sci-fi, anime and other popular art forms.  And for a special twist: Range FanCon brings you ice bumper cars!

Northern Lights Music Festival

Classical music and professional opera has never been more approachable. The Northern Lights Music Festival is the premiere classical music festival, in communities in and around Minnesota’s Iron Range. World-class musicians and students from around the world converge on Aurora, MN and surrounding communities for the month of July, performing in small venues and mounting a full-length opera as well as a children’s opera, presented at several locations. Guest lectures and special children’s events are also part of this extraordinary festival. Experience music like never before.

Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival

The last weekend in July means it’s Water Carnival time, and 2025 marks the 70th year of Water Carnival fun in Hoyt Lakes. There will be pickleball. GB Leighton, The Dweebs and the northland’s favorite rockers Hairball will take the stage. The waterski show will be epic. Crazy fair food will abound. Get yourself over to Hoyt Lakes for a weekend loaded with good times.

DMG Days and St Louis County Fair

Everyone on the Range knows the “five best days of summer” are the days the St Louis County Fair rolls into Chisholm. See animals and artworks, get dizzy on carnival rides and dig into that famous fair food. And, as the county fair coincides with Chisholm’s summer festival, Doc “Moonlight” Graham Days, Chisholm is the place to be the first weekend of August.

Mines and Pines Revisited

We’re back to Hibbing to celebrate a tradition of art and music that brings the city’s native son, Bob Dylan, to mind. Shop, listen, eat and drink at Mines and Pines Revisited, an annual mid-August event, happening in Hibbing’s Bennett Park.  

Olcott Park Brewfest

Brews, wines and ciders, plus food and local music equals a great day in Virginia’s most spacious and historic city park. Gather for the eighth annual mid-August Olcott Park Brewfest, 4-8 p.m.

Now that your summer is set, sit back and wait for the weekends, and let the summer times roll on The Range! Find more events here.