Duluth's Cold Front Festival Brings Winter Fun to Bayfront

Annual event draws families for sledding, ice skating, and other cold-weather activities

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The City of Duluth's Parks and Recreation department hosted the ninth annual Cold Front Duluth event at Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, drawing families from across the Northland to enjoy a variety of winter activities including sledding, ice skating, and curling.

Why it matters

Cold Front Duluth is an important community event that brings residents together during the winter months to enjoy the outdoors and participate in traditional cold-weather activities. The festival helps promote an active lifestyle and a sense of community in Duluth.

The details

The free, all-day event featured a variety of winter activities for all ages, including sledding, ice skating, and curling. Visitors were also able to enjoy the snow and take in the scenic views of Lake Superior at Bayfront Festival Park. The festival concluded with a 'Glow Front' ice skating party featuring glow sticks, party lights, and music.

  • The Cold Front Duluth event took place on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The players

Joshua Forsman

A resident from Ely visiting Cold Front Duluth for the first time.

Megan Lidd

A recreation specialist with the City of Duluth's Parks and Recreation department.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously smaller hills than what I'm used to and some of the other ones I've been around here. But you know what, it's great for all the little ones to just have fun. It's such a nice safe environment here too, which is so great.”

— Joshua Forsman (wdio.com)

“So every year we're always looking for different ways to change things up and add something new. We're always eager to get groups and organizations involved with our work. We're just always excited to bring people together in our park spaces, summer or winter.”

— Megan Lidd, Recreation Specialist, City of Duluth Parks and Recreation (wdio.com)

What’s next

The City of Duluth's Parks and Recreation department is already making plans for next year's Cold Front Duluth event, looking to add new activities and involve more community groups.

The takeaway

Cold Front Duluth is an annual tradition that brings families and residents together to embrace the winter season and enjoy the outdoors. The festival's focus on inclusive, family-friendly activities highlights Duluth's commitment to promoting an active, community-oriented lifestyle year-round.