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, s'mores, 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 printmaking 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 open for registration on May 28, 2026! (Or May 27 for North House members). Scroll down to the Course Offerings section to find all of our courses during Family Weekend and click on each course title below to learn more. Classes are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  

Drop-in Family Activities

Join craft artisans 10am-4pm each day Friday and Saturday to make fun crafts to take home, give to friends, or parade around town!

Evening Activities

Soak in the crisp evenings Friday and Saturday by warm fires, participate in a glowing lantern walk, enjoy delightful outdoor games, a joyful contra dance, toasty s’mores, and more! All evening activities are free with no registration required.

Friday, October 16

Drop-in Family Activities and Lantern Making

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. In addition to family-friendly drop-in crafts and some moose-themed activities all weekend, on Friday, create your own mini lantern for the Lantern Walk that evening!

Family Fun Night - Games, S’mores, and a Community Lantern Walk

5-8pm

Cozy up around the campfire, we’ll provide the s’mores fixins. Try your hand at super fun and super-sized drop-in outdoor games. Enjoy some tasty s'mores by the harbor and bring a picnic for extra fun. To top it off, light up the night with a special lantern walk led by artist Eva Adderley!

Community Lantern Walk and Lantern Workshops

Sign up for the Introduction to Lantern Puppets workshop happening on Thursday, October 15, or drop in to the family craft space Friday, October 16, where anyone and everyone can make a little lantern for free. Everyone is welcome to join the Lantern Walk at 7pm. We’ll stroll from the North House campus to Harbor Park and back, delighting onlookers as we go!

Saturday, October 17

Drop-in Family Activities

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 for make and take craft activities.

Family Fun Night - Contra Dance

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.