15 Things to Do in Duluth, MN at Night for Nightlife and After Dark Fun
If you’re visiting after dark and are looking for the best things to do in Duluth at night, you’re in luck, because there are heaps of fun activities for this time of day.
From going brewery hopping at the local breweries to trying a DIY four-course dinner, or even watching a movie in the park, there are plenty of options.
Tyler and I grew up 1.5 hours from Duluth and have spent almost every anniversary here for 9 years. We also visit at least once a month, sometimes more often than that to also explore the North Shore.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best things to do to keep you busy after dark, including some that are specific to summer and a few to winter. (Ps- #12 is my favorite!)
Things to Do in Duluth, MN at Night
1. Watch the Sunset on Skyline Parkway
Just as the sun is going down, head all the way to the top of the hill on Skyline Parkway and get ready for a pretty amazing sunset.
This is one of the highest points in Duluth that offers a view, and from the top you can see the Aerial Lift Bridge, Lake Superior, and Canal Park.
This was actually one of the spots that Tyler and I visited on our 1 year anniversary, wayyy back in 2016! It’s a pretty romantic spot to take your special someone.
It’ still just as beautiful now as it was then!
2. View the Lit Up Aerial Lift Bridge
Now you’ve probably already seen the Lift Bridge during the day at this point, but I actually think that it’s better after dark.
The bridge is all lit up after dark and looks even more amazing then it did during the day!
Most of Canal Park is still open after dark, especially during summer, so you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the bridge if you’re wandering around down there!
3. Listen to Live Music
There’s just something about listening to live music, and there are quite a few places around Duluth where you can find it.
Especially during the summer, there are outdoor concerts in a few locations as well as live bands playing on patios at breweries and some restaurants.
Fitger’s, The Rathskeller, and many of the breweries have music year-round indoors as well, so you can find somewhere to grab a drink and a bite to eat and enjoy.
4. Visit a Brewery
Breweries are always a good way to kill some time for the adults. And Duluth has plenty to go around!
Many of them are actually pretty close together, so going brewery hopping with some friends could even be an option (by safely walking or getting a rideshare).
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is one of the most popular, and they actually have their beers for sale all over the state. Ursa Minor, Canal Park Brewing, Hoops, and Vikre Distillery are other great options.
5. Watch a Play at the Duluth Playhouse
One of my favorite ways to spend a night in Duluth is at the Duluth Playhouse, watching a show.
This is a local theater that puts on a pretty wide variety of shows from Broadway adaptations to childrens theater and even comedy shows.
A few years ago, I brought my mom to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, and it was such a fun little show to watch. Plus, we stayed warm inside!
6. Catch a Hockey Game
As the State of Hockey, you best believe that there are hockey games going on all winter long in Duluth.
If you’re able to catch a U of M Bulldogs game, that’s the best option, as the college teams are just amazing to watch in action.
My family attended a Bulldog game a few years ago, and as a hockey family (we grew up playing!) it was so fun to hangout together and watch. I seriously loved it!
Otherwise, there are many public schools that have games open to the public at local arenas that you can attend.
7. Attend Music in the Park in Summer
I absolutley love attending live music performances outdoors, and you can actually find live music at Chester and Lincoln Parks throughout the summer!
Most of the performers are local artists and they have concerts running from mid June into late August most years.
Usually there’s a food truck on site, and you’ll want to bring your own lawn chair as there really isn’t any other seating.
8. Watch a Movie in the Park
If you’re not up for music in the park, then maybe check out a movie in the park!
This is such a fun way to spend some time outdoors and enjoy either a new or older movie. Plus they’re free!
Most of the movies play at sunset on Friday nights, and they all take place in Leif Erickson Park on a giant screen. Be sure to dress warm because you’ll be on the lake and it can get chilly, even during summer!
9. Go Glow Tubing at Spirit Mountain
If you’re visiting Duluth in winter, then there are quite a few fun things to do at Spirit Mountain, the local ski resort.
One of those things is to go snow tubing, but with a twist. After dark on Friday and Saturday nights, they light up the hill to look like the northern lights.
So with shades of purple and green lights, you can go snow tubing and this is honestly one of my favorite ways to spend time outside during the winter!
10. Check Out Events at the DECC
If you’re looking for a way to spend some time indoors in Duluth after dark, then check out the DECC events calendar to see what’s going on.
There are usually all sorts of things happening at the DECC from concerts to hockey games at the Amsoil Arena, conventions, and lots more.
11. Visit The Rathskeller
There aren’t many speakeasies left, but The Rathskeller in Duluth is a pretty unique spot to visit that’s found undergneath the Oliver Inn just off of Canal Park.
It’s a really unique destination with the entire inside being made of brick and stone. Plus it’s pretty dark in there, really leaning into the speakeasy vibe.
You can order a variety of drinks from the menu including house cocktails, wines, and more. They even have mocktails, which is perfect for people like myself who don’t drink.
12. Grab Dinner at a Local Restaurant
This goes without saying, but Duluth is packed with restaurants of all kinds that are perfect for spending some time at after dark.
Something that Tyler and I have done in the past is make it a 4 course meal, but at different locations.
Grab a drink at one location, appetizer at another, main course at a restaurant, and dessert at the final location.
This is a really great way to try a few different places and see what you like best. Plus, who doesn’t love a guaranteed dessert at the end of the day? I know I do!
13. Tour Bentleyville Around the Holidays
Duluth is really one of the best places to be during the holiday season because there are so many amazing things to do.
And one of the best is of course, visiting Bentleyville. This massive light show feature millions of lights in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
You can wander through the displays, bring the kids to meet Santa, and snack on free hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn, and even roast a marshmallow.
It’s the best, and my family loves it so much that we’ve made it a tradition to visit Bentleyville every year!
14. Visit a Haunted House Around Halloween
And if you’re planning a visit to Duluth in October, then you can’t miss out on checking out the two local haunted houses.
The Haunted Ship takes place in the William A. Irvin ship near Canal Park, while the Haunted Shack is just outside of Duluth in Carlton.
Both are terrifying and will give you that hilarious haunt that I always crave every October.
My dad and I used to visit these haunted houses every year before he passed, and it was so much fun. It’s one of my favorite memories with him!
15. Get Ice Cream at a Local Creamery
What better way to end the day than to grab ice cream at a local creamery or ice cream shop? In my opinion, there isn’t one!
My personal favorite is Love Creamery in Canal Park because they make their ice cream in small batches, plus they’re womed owned.
But I also really love the Portland Malt Shoppe, which is just a bit further away near Leif Erickson Park on Lake Superior.
Conclusion: Duluth After Dark
So if you’re planning a visit to Duluth after dark, just know that the fun won’t stop. There are so many fun activities to check out, no matter your age or the season.
I hope that this list has helped you create a fun activity to make sure that you can make the most out of your trip to Duluth!
