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Events

Family Weekend

Fri, Oct 18, 2024 - Sat, Oct 19, 2024
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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.

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

Artisan Copper Pendants for Families

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
1pm-4pm
Instructor: Beth Carter Gautsch

Artisan Copper Pendants for Families

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
9am-noon
Instructor: Beth Carter Gautsch

Families at the Forge

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
9am-3pm
Instructor: Cody Myers

Hand Puppets and Oven Mitts for Families

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
1-4pm
Instructor: Elise Kyllo

Kids Only - Beeswax Candle Making

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
9am-noon
Instructor: Lauren Dahl

Kids Only - Slöjd in the Wood Shop

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024  –  Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
9am - 3pm each day
Instructor: Paul Linden

Kids Only - Weaving with Willow!

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
1-3pm
Instructor: Julia Nellessen

Leather Treasure Bag - Family Class

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
9-11 am
Instructor: Beth Dow

Old-Fashioned Kids Games

Fri, Oct 18th, 2024
1-3:30pm
Instructor: Mercedes Tuma Hansen

Fall Tarts for Kids

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
9am-Noon
Instructor: Kirsten Wisniewski

Families at the Forge

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
9am-3pm
Instructor: Cody Myers

Folktales and Crafting for Families

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
1-4pm
Instructor: Mercedes Tuma Hansen

Fun with Plant Fibers for Families

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
9-11am
Instructor: Mercedes Tuma Hansen

Inspired by Cabochons

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024  –  Tue, Oct 22nd, 2024
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Beth Carter Gautsch

Kids Only - Build Your Own Kite!

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
1-4 pm
Instructor: Philip Stephens

Kids Only - Color Collage in Wool

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
9am-noon
Instructor: Gracee Hurley-Brown

Kids Only - Hand-sewn Leather Shoulder Bag

Sat, Oct 19th, 2024
1-4pm
Instructor: Beth Dow