Entertainment

Coffee Conversation: Local Singer Rafe Carlson To Open ‘Bayfront Country Jam’ July 1

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th Annual Bayfront Country Jam is coming back to Bayfront Festival Park July 1 featuring Jake Owen, Tyler Rich and show opener Rafe Carlson. Carlson is a Hermantown grad who met his producer in Nashville, Tennessee in May of 2021, and has since made dozens of trips down, writing with world-class Nashville songwriters, playing shows in…

Rubber Chicken Theater To Produce 8 ‘Chicken Hat Plays’ In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – The Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing back its Chicken Hat Plays starting Saturday, June 11 at the Underground Theatre at the Depot at 7:30 p.m. The plays involve eight writers, eight directors and a whole bunch of actors who create eight short plays that are created in 24 hours. For ticket information, click here.   Categories: Coffee…

Concert for Recovery will Return to Duluth in September

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2nd annual concert recognizing those who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, will be returning in September. Leaders from Duluth Bethel and the DECC made the announcement at a news conference this morning, promoting the 2nd annual concert for recovery, which is scheduled for September 10. The month of September is dedicated to national…

Batters Swing for Fences, Funds for Miracle League at Home Run Derby

Organizers hoped to raise around $6,000 at this year's derby.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday felt like summer’s finally starting, and that means the start of baseball season. And no one knows that better than the players on the Twin Ports Miracle League, kicking off the season with a home run derby at Harrison Park in West Duluth. There was only one thing on the minds of batters like Bailey Williams Sunday: “Smack…

Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival Rocks on in Lincoln Park

It was the vendors' 2nd year in a row showcasing how their art rocks.

DULUTH, Minn.– Well there was one Duluth summer market Saturday that you didn’t want to take for granite. Especially since it’s all about another rock, agates! The Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival highlighted Agate vendors and artisans at Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor Brewing in Lincoln Park. Food trucks, vendors, and Ursa Minor’s new Agate Hunter Sour beer were all featured…

Coffee Conversation: FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali Bids Farewell To Station

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali is leaving the station after four years to take a new opportunity closer to his family in Michigan.  Sam stopped by the morning show Friday on his last day to talk to his best friend Dan Hanger about his time at FOX 21, look at embarrassing childhood photos of himself, and…

Coffee Conversation: Steve-O Talks XXX-Rated ‘Bucket List Tour’ At DECC, Sobriety, Life’s Lessons

Part 1: The Bucket List Tour: What to expect! DULUTH, Minn. – Steve-O is well known for his wild and crazy ride on MTV’s reality comedy series known as “Jackass” in the early 2000s followed by “Jackass” movies. See Dan’s chat with Steve-O in Part 1 above and Part 2 below. But since then, Steve-O has become much more with…

Local Travel Agency Guides Cruise Ship Guests Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A local company called Jaybee Travel teamed up with Viking Cruises to provide passengers with local experiences on Duluth land. On May 30, 2022, the Viking Oasis became the first cruise ship to sail into the city since 2013. Cutting through heavy fog and rainy conditions, the cruise landed and guests departed to shore  where the Duluth…

Grandma’s Marathon Organizer Reacts to Races Selling Out for the First Time in Seven Years

DULUTH, Minn. — The 1977 tradition of Grandma’s Marathon will resume in full-capacity June of 2022. With all three races selling-out for the first time since 2016, the marathon organization, community members, and runners are excited to get back for this years event. In an interview with Zach Schneider, a member of Grandma’s Board of Directors, he stated that, “People…

Viking Octantis Cruise Cuts through Fog to Deliver Visitors New to Duluth

7-9 ships will stop in Duluth monthly.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the fog making it a little hard to see early Monday morning, passengers on the first cruise ship to sail into Duluth since 2013 made landfall, ready for their daylong excursions throughout the city. The horn of the Viking Octantis was more of a signal of its arrival than anything else, as it moved through Monday’s murky…

Duluth Businesses Excited for Added Steady Cruise Ship Tourism

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month.

DULUTH, Minn.- Passengers who arrived off the Viking Ostantis Cruise for the first time Monday wasted no time hitting up Duluth’s local businesses and attractions. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month — about 185 according to Executive Director Ken Buehler. He said it also helps that railroad…

Northland to Commemorate Memorial Day with Return of In-Person Parades, Ceremonies

Events throughout the Northland Monday are honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Memorial Day. Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade New this year, organizers with Duluth Women of Today say a flyover from the 148th Fighter Wing will kick off the parade at 12-30 on 59th Avenue West. It will go down Central, make a right, and…

Traveling Train Art Exhibit Stops at The Depot

The artist Ted Rose did most of his work during the 40s and 50s.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new travelling art exhibit made a stop at the Depot’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum Saturday, getting people buzzing about locomotives and nature. The Summer Gallery car held the exhibit titled, “Railroad and the American Industrial Landscape.” The art, both a mixture of photographs and paintings by Ted Rose, an artist out of Milwaukee, features the evolving world…

Coffee Conversation: 311 Lead Singer Talks Saturday Show At Earth Rider Brewery Fest Grounds

DULUTH, Minn. – Alternative rock band 311 exploded to fame in the 90s with a mix of rock, rap, reggae and funk!  And the band is making a tour stop this Saturday, May 28, at the festival grounds at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior.  Lead singer Nick Hexum, 52, who was born in Madison, Wisconsin, talked with FOX 21’s Dan…

Coffee Conversation: Michelle Lee Talks Getting Fired, KBJR-TV, Bodybuilding, Retirement

DULUTH, Minn. – Michelle Lee, 70, is best known for her decades at KDLH-TV and KBJR-TV before retiring about five years ago. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger recently went to Michelle’s home in Moose Lake to see what she is up to these days and look back at some life lessons made in her career – from getting fired, to bodybuilding,…

Proctor Speedway Re-Opens for Race Season

PROCTOR, Minn. — It’s a bit of a later start to the season than normal but racers are ready to go as Halvor Lines Speedway hosts its opening night here in Proctor. “It’s been a late season for all the tracks,” Duane Caywood, President of Halvor Lines Speedway Proctor Minnesota said. About a month late to be exact, which isn’t…

Hundreds Get Hands-On With Experiments, Art at Depot STEAM Festival

Organizers say they were beyond happy with the turnout at the STEAM Festival seeing more than 400 people in the first hour.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over a thousand people visited the Depot today for what organizers call the biggest event focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, or STEAM, in the Northland. Organizers say they were beyond happy with the turnout at the STEAM Festival seeing more than 400 people in the first hour. Families spread throughout different stations which included experiments…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Flame To Host Kid-Friendly Drag Show Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Drag Queen Mama Dukes joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger on the morning show Friday to talk about the Duluth Flame’s upcoming kid-friendly drag show this Sunday, May 15 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.   It’s called Mama’s Toybox. The drag show is a dry event and free for kids.   For more on the morning show chat, watch…

Blush Entertainment Venue Closing In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s most eclectic entertainment and bar venues is preparing to close its doors. Blush opened in 2017 on First Avenue West. It’s been known for being an accepting space for all types of artists, musicians and people looking for that collective sense of belonging. The venue’s owners posted on Blush’s Facebook page saying their lease…

Coffee Conversation: New Wine Theater Group’s Production Of ‘Bright Star’

CLOQUET, Minn. – Members of New Wine, a Christian theater group at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet, stopped by the FOX 21 morning show to talk with Dan Hanger about their production of “Bright Star,” which runs from May 11-15th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and include dessert and beverages during intermission. Tickets can be purchased at: newwine.ludus.com. Click…

Coffee Conversation: Saginaw Woman Discovers Hidden Talent To Draw

SAGINAW, Minn. – Imagine having a talent you never knew you were capable of until your adult years in life. That’s exactly what happened to Barb Fremling who two years ago discovered she is a talented artist who can draw amazing portraits of dogs, cats and horses. Click the video above to hear Barb’s story! And if you’re interested in…

A Hot Day? In Duluth?? Many Soak Up First 70-Degree Day of Year at Park Point Beach

The summer-like day brought sunbathers, swimmers, surfers, and more to Park Point Beach Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The summer-like day brought sunbathers, swimmers, surfers, and more to Park Point Beach Tuesday. With no cool breeze and some playful waves, it was the perfect opportunity to cool off in the water — which was still a bit chilly here in May. Some students say it was the perfect way to chill after the school year. “Just…

Vista Fleet Returns for 2022 Tourism Season

DULUTH, MN – The Vista Star has returned to the Duluth Harbor after spending the winter in Washburn Wisconsin. After undergoing a hull examination with the Coast Guard and getting a new paint job, the cruise vessel is ready for the summer tourism season.  Vista Fleet is always trying to mix it up with different events, such as a Family…

Depot Foundation Honors Contributions to Local Art, Community

This celebration was postponed from 2021, and officials say they couldn't let the opportunity to recognize local talent slip.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Depot Foundation honored some special people for their contributions to local arts, and the community as a whole. The Depot Foundation Circle of Friends, Arts, and Culture Awards and Celebration was held at the St. Louis County Depot. Recognition included a Lifetime Artist Award for Ann Aiko Bergeron, and a Community Enrichment Award for Lee Stuart, the…

National Train Day Celebration at Lake Superior Railroad Museum

National Train Day is modeled after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad completion back in 1869.

DULUTH, Minn.- This Saturday is National Train Day. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum plans to celebrate with a variety of activities for the public. National Train Day started in honor of the Transcontinental railroad after its completion in May of 1869. The historic railroad connects the east and west coast and 153-years later it’s still celebrated. Railroad staff members are…

Coffee Conversation: North Shore Scenic Railroad Revs Up For Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad is revving up for the season, especially National Train Day this Saturday, May 14.  Click the videos below for a conversation with NSSR Station Master Josh Miller and Executive Director Ken Buehler.  And for everything trains, visit duluthtrains.com. Part 1: Part 2: Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Duluth’s ‘Kingdom of Smelt’ Welcomes Spring with Magic Smelt Run Parade’s Return to Lakewalk

The event came back to paint the Lakewalk silver after a two-year hiatus.

DULUTH, Minn.- The glint of silver on the Lakewalk means one of the most Duluth experiences of the year is back, signaling the end of winter with the Magic Smelt Run Parade. “And bring some great cheer, for the magnificent Smelt Queen will soon be here!” bellowed King Neptune, Jim Ouray in Canal Park. Who else could part the clouds…

Homegrown’s Kickball Classic Pits Friday Musicians V. Saturday Musicians

After 7 late nights of rocking live music, organizers say this was the perfect event for all ages to chill out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Homegrown continued Saturday with a tradition not entirely all about music – but about kickball. More than 100 people came out to watch the Homegrown Kickball Classic at Chester Bowl Park. The game was between the Friday Homegrown musicians and those that played Saturday. After 7 late nights of rocking live music, organizers say this was the perfect…

North Country Ride Celebrates 40 Years With Derby Gala

DULUTH, Minn.- North Country Ride celebrated 40 years of horseback riding-driven therapy for the special needs population with a Derby Gala at the Buffalo Junction in Duluth. The non-profit organization held a silent auction and dinner. And while the Kentucky Derby was happening Saturday, they also had their own run for the roses. North Country Ride uses horseback riding as…

Coffee Conversation: Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak

DULUTH, Minn. – Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show Thursday to talk about his 15 years of perfecting his craft. Click the video above for that fun conversation, and check out Jeremy’s website for booking opportunities. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Lake Superior College Spring Art Show

Art created by more than 200 students is on display at Lake Superior College. The Spring Art show includes ceramics, metal art Jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and photography. Each student was allowed to pick two pieces of there choosing to put in the show which they will be graded on. Some students have chosen to put their artwork up for sale,…

Ursa Minor Among Businesses Excited to be Part of Homegrown’s Comeback Track

Roughly double the staff prepared were ready to serve the bar-hopping music lovers who packed it in starting at 6:15 p.m. Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an exciting first verse of Homegrown Music Festival’s comeback track Sunday the music kept flowing through the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday. And businesses like Ursa Minor Brewing again couldn’t be more excited. “It’s hard to remember a packed hall it’s been a few years you know,” owner Ben Hugus said. “But it was a different experience…

Filmmaking in the Northland: Lost 40 Studios Wraps Up Production of Canusa Street

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “It has been an incredible process. Filmmaking should not be this smooth, I have kept waiting, when is the second shoe gonna drop, when is some like chaos moment going to happen. But, it’s been an incredible shooting experience,” Canusa Street Writer and Director, Zack Morrison says. Canusa Street is a half hour TV comedy pilot about…

Live Interview: Duluth East Theatre Students Talk Production Of ‘Harvey’

Performances run May 4-6 at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East High School theatre students joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour Monday to talk about their upcoming performances of “Harvey,” which is a play that was made into a 1950 American comedy drama movie starring James Stuart. Performances are May 4-6 at 7 p.m. at the high school — 301 N. 40th…

24th Year of Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Returns

DULUTH, Minn. — The homegrown music festival not only brings people together and highlights local talent during a week of wonderful music but the kickoff to the 24th year of it celebrates more than just that. “Oh it’s so exciting we’ve been honestly like preparing for months for this show,” Diona Johnson “Afrogeode” of Afrogeode and the Gemstones said. This…

Families Get Active for 30th Healthy Kids Day at Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was the 30th Anniversary of the Duluth Area YMCA’s largest one-day event, celebrating healthy lifestyles for families and kicking off the Y’s Summer Schedule. FOX 21 Photojournalist Owen Zagrabelny takes us to Healthy Kids Day. Superior Douglas County Family YMCA will hold their Healthy Kids Day Event Sunday from 11-3. Categories: Community, Education, Entertainment, Health, Minnesota, News,…

Yarn Harbor Celebrates 5th Annual Local Yarn Shop Day

According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it's important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Knitting enthusiasts got all tied up in the 5th annual Local Yarn Shop Day at Yarn Harbor in Duluth. The store featured special limited yarn shop day supplies and free patterns with your yarn purchase. According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it’s important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities. “It’s a lot…

Live Interview: Author Talks ‘The Sower,’ Independent Bookstore Day At Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21’s  Dan Hanger sat down with Rob Jung, author of “The Sower,” during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show to talk about his book signing at The Bookstore at Fitger’s Saturday afternoon to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.   For more on that conversation, watch the video above.  And see a press release below about the…

Live Interview: Nearly 15 Years Of Rubber Chicken Theater

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater in Duluth has been around since 2008, and the team of talent behind the sketches, live reads and plays is showing no signs of slowing down. Click the video above for a conversation with Rubber Chicken Theater’s executive producer, Brian Matuszak, who joined Dan Hanger on the morning show Thursday during the 8 a.m….

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Talks Beer Industry, Community, His Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Hoops, owner of Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, is one of a select group chosen to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. In the meantime, Hoops talked to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about the beer industry, community and his legacy.  Click the video above for the conversation. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment,…

DECC Introduces Hairball VIP Tickets for Upcoming Party at the Park Concert

Hairball combines both rock & roll hits with the classic costumes to capture the essence of the original artists.

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC announced earlier today that a fan favorite is returning to perform at Bayfront Festival Park, which will include a special experience for concert-goers. Hairball, a popular rock and roll cover band will be performing for the annual Party in the Park as part of July 4 celebrations. In addition to the return of the band, the…