Unplugged 2026
Overview
Unplugged returns this fall, September 25-26, 2026. Two great days celebrating the mission of the folk school, gathering our community, and raising funds that sustain the work of North House!
On the Harbor - Community Night & Concert on the Commons
Friday Evening - 5-9, free, open to all
Craft Demonstrations, Local Food Vendors
Free Concert on the Commons with Dave Simonett (BYO chair/blanket)
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Crafting Connection - Family Concert
Saturday - 9-2, free, open to all
Roe Family Singers, Featured Speakers, Family Craft
Birch Bark Bash - Under the Stars - Celebration & Fundraising Gathering
Saturday Evening - 5-9, tickets required
Live Craft, Wood-Fired Eats to Smoked Fish, Schooners on the Water, Voyageur Brewing, North Shore Winery, Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, Crooked Water Spirits, Fulton Beer, Fund-a-Need Auction, Live Music, Dessert on the Harbor
Tickets available starting July 1st
FEATURING
International Artisans - Eiko Tanaka (Japan)
Sail Aboard the Schooner Hjordis - Enjoy the incredible colors of fall along the North Shore from the Big Lake!
Points North Online Auction - An incredible array of unique items and experiences - Sept 18-27, 2026
RSVP for Friday Night
Tickets for Saturday Night - Under the Stars will be available July 1st
Event Details
Friday Night - On the Harbor!
Come down to campus at 5pm and purchase a bite to eat from our favorite local food trucks and beverages from our amazing neighbors and friends. You’ll also have a chance to engage with North House instructors and enjoy craft demonstrations.
The evening all builds towards a free concert on the commons starting at 7pm with the incredible Dave Simonett, Trampled by Turtles frontman. Just like at the Summer Solstice, bring your favorite lawn chair with you to save your spot for this harborside concert.
Let us know you’re coming, and we’ll be able to share more information with you closer to the big weekend. RSVP
Saturday Night - Under the Stars!
The biggest party of the year on campus kicks off at 5pm with a completely reimagined experience that connects guests with craft, celebrates the mission of North House, and raises funds to fuel our community connections and programs throughout the year!
It’s the best of fall along the North Shore, all packed into a single unforgettable evening.
Explore a hands-on craft adventure led by a North House instructor. You’ll also have the chance to savor some of the North Shore’s culinary highlights with bites from regional favorites, fresh-baked bread from our wood-fired oven, and smoked fish from Fisherman’s Daughter—perfectly paired with beverages from Voyageur Brewing, North Shore Winery, Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, Crooked Water Spirits, and Fulton Beer!
The night will crescendo with a live auction and fund-a-need with North House auctioneer Christian Kolberg, followed by dessert from Superior Creamery.
Tickets are limited for this special evening under the stars, so you’ll want to act quickly to secure your spot!
Tickets go on sale July 1st.
Saturday Morning Family Concert
We’ll be continuing the tradition of a completely free morning filled with hands-on craft opportunities for all ages, toe-tapping music from the Roe Family Singers, and - as always - early morning ice cream for sale from our friends at Superior Creamery!
Featured Instructors
Eiko Tanaka
Eiko Tanaka is a woodturner and lacquer artist based in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. She graduated from Aichi University of Education, Molding Culture Course, Lacquer Arts, in 2005 before completing a professional course at the Ishikawa Prefecture ground product wood turning technology training centre in 2010. Eiko established the studio “AKATOKI” in 2012, and has since exhibited her work across the world. Uniquely, she manages both the wood turning and the process of lacquerware herself, processes that are typically completed by different craftspeople. (Biography information from kogeistandard.com and eikotanaka.com)
Points North Auction
From unique North Shore experiences to one-of-a-kind instructor craft, place your bids and support North House’s mission! Bid early and bid often! Points North features hundreds of Auction Items from North House instructors, supporters, and favorite partner businesses.
Online bidding opens the week ahead of Unplugged. All proceeds support North House's Programs, Youth Initiatives, Events, Instructors, and Scholarships. The Points North Online Auction brings the story of the North to life, celebrating the Northern Neighborhood we are honored to call home.