Arts & Events Calendar

Duluth Wedding Show

January 11

Meet with the area’s most talented and trustworthy wedding professionals in a relaxed and fun atmosphere while you taste delicious cakes, see beautiful flowers, register to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes, and find your dream dress at the runway fashion show. You’ll be inspired as you find new ideas and uncover the latest wedding trends. Exhibit hall hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the fashion show is from 3-4 p.m., followed by the grand prize drawing. The show takes place at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. For more details, visit www.duluthbridalshow.com.

Duluze Weight Loss Challenge

January 16

This 13-week community challenge to commit to a healthier lifestyle is organized by the Duluth News Tribune and sponsors. Form a team of two or four women, two or four men, or a two- or four-person co-ed team. Weekly prizes are awarded until the weigh-out event on April 16. The weigh-in event is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Clyde Iron Works at which participants can chat with local experts about strategy during the challenge. To pre-register for the Duluze challenge, visit https://events. bytepro.net/duluze-weight-loss-challenge, or you can register for the challenge at the event.

Wild Winter Wipeout 5K

January 18

Challenge yourself with this trail run on the Spirit Mountain ski slopes, featuring grinding ups and bombing fast descents on this leg of the Duluth Winter Trailrunning Series. For details, visit www.duluthwintertrailseries.com.

Martin Luther King Day Rally

January 20

Gather at the Washington Center at 10 a.m. and march to the DECC beginning at 11 a.m. In case of extreme cold, the march will be shortened and head through the skywalk in downtown Duluth to the DECC. The rally, hosted by the Duluth Branch NAACP, features a variety of local speakers and performers to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and to work to build the beloved community that he envisioned here in the Twin Ports. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ duluthnaacp.

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

January 24-30

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest race this side of Canada. There will be 60-plus world class mushers at this year’s race and over 500 volunteers from around the country. Main race activities start on the weekend of Friday, Jan. 24. Saturday is packed with events such as the 7 West Taphouse Tap Takeover, the KQDS Mini Sled Dog Races and BrewSheen By Beargrease, as well as vet checks, Cutest Puppy Contest, Beargrease Photo Exhibit Open House, and the opening ceremonies dinner and silent auction. The race begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 and runs through Jan. 30. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. For more details on all the events, visit www.beargrease.com.

Lake Superior Ice Festival

January 24-25

This community-driven event celebrates the “coolest” aspects of our region. Events include the new Superior Shootout 3v3 Hockey Tournament with bonfires, food and beverages and fireworks; a Kids Zone featuring craft activity tables, button making, scavenger hunt, and photo opportunities with ice princesses and other fun characters; an epic snow slide; bonfires with s’mores; ice sculptures; stock car ice racing on Allouez Bay, and motorcycle and ATV ice racing next to the SS Meteor Whaleback. For more information, visit www.lakesuperioricefestival.com.

Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic

January 25-27

Forget about icing and offsides, the fast ice and no boards make this tournament a must for any pond hockey classic! Enjoy three days of amateur hockey in this 15th annual fundraiser for the Superior Amateur Hockey Association. The event includes a bonfire party and fireworks and was voted “Best Local Tournament” of 2018 in the Duluth News Tribune’s Best of the Best Awards. For more information, visit www.greatlakespondhockey. com.

Northland Figure Skating Competition

January 30 - February 2

The Duluth Figure Skating Club will host the 40th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, offering free admission to spectators. Come watch over 450 competitive skaters and teams from across the Midwest and Canada. For more information, visit www. duluthfsc.org.

Make a Difference Conference

February 3

This conference, planned and presented by Youth in Action students, is a fantastic opportunity for youth in grades 9-12 from 20 schools throughout St. Louis County to see their peers being community leaders. A keynote speaker, workshops and breakout sessions, vendors, and a college/career fair will be some of the highlights. For more information about the conference or the YIA program, visit yia@stlouiscountymn.gov or yiamn.org.