DULUTH, MINN. --- Ahoy Mateys! The summer's biggest festival is set to unfurl today as nine tall ships from ports across North America and Europe sail into the Twin Ports.
The colorful, sail-filled festival is a four-day event expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.
Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park will host the opening ceremonies, scheduled for 5 p.m. today.
However, a notable highlight will take place today at 2 P.M. as the nine ship "armada" enters the Duluth Harbor under the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Throughout the festival, visitors will have a chance to tour the historic sailing vessels, view pirate shows, and interact with exhibits meant to bring awareness to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Other events include:
TODAY
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm - “Pirates of Penzance” on the Main Stage at Bayfront Festival Park
Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 30, 31, Aug 1.
8:00 am - 8:00 pm - Festival grounds open
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Tall Ship tours
9:00 am - 4:00 pm – Sailaways aboard the Denis Sullivan and the Roseway. Board at Grandma's Sports Garden-Harbor Side (Ticket required)
** Music Acts All Day Weekend
For a Complete Schedule of all events click here.
PARKING INFORMATION
With crowds anticipated over 100,000 people, officials say parking will be a major challenge in the Canal Park and downtown Duluth area.
Those traveling to the festival grounds are encouraged to park at the
following designated areas to avoid congestion.
COSTS
The basic cost (dockside pass) to attend Duluth's Tall Ships Festival is $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for youth 5 to 10 years-old, and free for children 4 years-old and younger.
Multi-day On-Board Ship Tours purchased at the gate are
$17.00 for adults and $14.00 for youth.
Special rates and food/drink cruises are available too, a link to those costs is
Be sure to check the Northland's NewsCenter Website throughout the day for more breaking news and tall ship information as it happens.
Written for the web by Matt Standal
mstandal@northlandsnewscenter.com
Twitter
Facebook