Family Weekend
Overview
Here in Minnesota, kids get a long weekend in October known to most as “MEA.” Use that school break for a folk school break and come on up for Family Weekend at North House! Fall weather, apple cider, and families learning crafts of all kinds on the shore of Lake Superior—what could be better?!
During Family Weekend over a dozen classes are on offer, some for kids only, others for adults and kids to take together. From cooking to fiber arts, woodworking to blacksmithing, there is a skill to learn for everyone. The weekend includes both formal classes that require registration ahead of time as well as drop-in activities and evening programs that are free and require no pre-registration.
Hands-on Opportunities
17 Classes, from blacksmithing to tarts. Enrollment required
Drop-In Family Activities (free), Fri & Sat (10-4)
Free Public Programs
Friday: Family Fun Night
Saturday: Community Night, Family Contra Dance, Speaker
Event Details
Courses for Kids and Families
Family Weekend courses are open! Scroll down to the Course Offerings section to find all of our courses during Family Weekend and click on each course title to learn more and register.
Evening Activities
Soak in the crisp evenings by warm fires and enjoy delightful outdoor games, a joyful contra dance, tasty cider, toasty s’mores, and more! All evening activities are free with no registration required.
Family Fun Night - Games, S’mores, and Apple Pressing Demonstration
Friday, October 18, 5-7pm
Cozy up around the campfire; we’ll provide the s’mores fixins. Instructor Mercedes will lead drop-in outdoor games. Watch a cider pressing demonstration with free samples while supplies last. Stop by before or after your dinner (or bring a picnic!) and enjoy an evening of games, s’mores, cider and fun on the harbor.
Community Night - school store & new building open!
Saturday, October 19, 5pm-7pm at the new Welcome Center
Make the most of a beautiful fall evening and come down to North House's new Welcome Center to see the new spaces and be part of the 2024 Family Weekend. All of the space in the new building will be open for neighbors and visitors to explore. Free refreshments including cookies and hot apple cider will be available!
Family Fun Night - Contra Dance
Saturday, October 19, 6-9pm
Kick up your heels at a friendly community contra dance. There will be live music and a caller to teach you—no experience needed. Easier dances will be featured at the start of the night. Come on your own or bring the whole family.
Talk: Searching for the Perfect Northern Apple Tree with David Bedford
Saturday, October 19, 7-8pm
Say the word Honeycrisp and many people will smile and then lean forward to listen. Juicy, crisp, and delicious, its ability to survive and thrive in the north has made it a regional favorite. David Bedford, a University of Minnesota apple horticulturist, played a central role in its creation and his many other efforts have yielded stories that are equally crisp and delicious. His talk is part of the Grand Marais Apple Festival and North House's Family Weekend, and is open to the public free of charge. Following the presentation, everyone is invited to stay for an apple tasting/sampling with David.
Drop-in Family Activities
Friday-Saturday 10am-4pm
There's a lot to do in Grand Marais on MEA weekend! If you can't squeeze a class in, stop by for a quick visit to the Blue Building and make and take craft activities. Be prepared for some "Mooseing" around.
Latest Update:
View recent changes →Course Offerings
Kids Only - Slöjd in the Wood Shop
9am - 3pm each day
Inspired by Cabochons
9am-5pm each day
