North House Folk School

On-Campus Events: June 19-20, 2026
Student and Donor Celebration: June 21, 2026

Friday, June 19, 2026: Neighborhood Picnic and Event Kickoff!

The Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival kicks off on Friday, June 19. Join us in celebrating the best of summer by Lake Superior. Enjoy family activities on the commons, gather for live music and a picnic by the harbor, or dance the night away at the community contra dance.

Sail on Lake Superior
Throughout Day
The flagship of the Grand Marais Harbor, Hjørdis shares the name of the mythical Norse goddess of war. Take a trip on this 50’ traditionally-rigged steel schooner and gain access to both the largest lake in the world and experience Grand Marais from the water. Hjørdis departs for two-hour sails throughout the day. Book a sail here starting May 1.

Family Drop-In Crafts, Games, and Activities
Friday, June 19: 2-6pm | Free
Bring the whole family down to the North House Commons for an afternoon of fun beside the harbor! Staff and instructors will lead outdoor games, chalk art, and more. We’ll have craft supplies for all ages to join in the fun as we get creative on the theme of summer. Perfect for imaginative and active folks ages 2-102. 

Speaker Series
Friday, June 19: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm | Free
Watch, listen, and be inspired by stories and histories that connect craft, livelihood, and summer in the North. Check back soon for a full list of speakers. 

Live Music on Campus
Friday, June 19: 2-7pm | Free
Soak in the best of summer by the harbor. On Friday and Saturday, we’ll have a rotating roster of local musicians playing live music on the commons. 

Lions Club BBQ
Friday, June 19: 5-7pm
Gather beside the lake on Friday evening for a good old fashioned BBQ! Support the Grand Marais Lions Club and purchase their classic picnic fare ($5-10, or BYO).  We’ll have a campfire and live music going as well. 

Community Contra Dance
Friday, June 19: 6-7pm (Family Dance) & 7-9pm (Community Dance) | Free
A contra dance is a form of folk dancing with a caller who teaches the moves—no experience required! North House’s woodworking classroom converts into a traditional community contra dance on Friday night, welcoming families for the first hour to learn traditional dances geared towards families with children. All are welcome for the following two hours for the community dance with beloved local band Over the Waterfall and visiting caller Ann Carter.

Summer Solstice Poetry Celebration
Friday, June 19: 8-9pm | Free
The Summer Solstice Poetry Celebration shines a light on writing and the vibrance of summer in the North. Join in the fun at 8pm by reading one of your own works or any selected seasonal poetry of your choosing. Register to present a poem here. 

Saturday, June 20, 2026: Hands-On Discovery!

Whether you’re 2 or 102, hands-on exploration with traditional craft—kneading dough, making wood shavings, working with fiber—enlivens the human spirit. Saturday brings myriad opportunities for hands-on discovery: explore your creativity, see others’ creations, and get a taste of the magic that fuels North House every day of the year. 

Boats to Tools Auction
Saturday, June 20: 12pm-3pm
Searching for the right inspiration to start your craft journey or take the next steps in your creative practice? The Boats to Tools Auction features a wide range of tools, camping gear, and craft resources to spark great creations and experiences! With a range of fantastic items donated by friends of North House and craft companies, you’re sure to find unexpected treasures, and you’ll feel good knowing that your bid is helping to support North House's mission and programs.

This is also a fantastic opportunity to streamline your own workspace and yarn stash while adding your support to North House! Bring gently used crafting supplies, tools that you no longer need, or outdoor gear, and help them to find a new home where they will be put to use. You’ll have more space in your craft room, someone new will get to dive deeper into craft, your item will stay out of the landfill, and you'll support North House's programming in every season. It’s win-win-win-win and that’s tough to top!

For more information on how to be part of this year’s auction, visit the link below.
Donation form

Sail on Lake Superior
Throughout Day
The flagship of the Grand Marais Harbor, Hjørdis shares the name of the mythical Norse goddess of war. Take a trip on this 50’ traditionally-rigged steel schooner and gain access to both the largest lake in the world and experience Grand Marais from the water. Hjørdis departs for two-hour sails throughout the day. Book a sail here starting May 1.

Live Music on Campus
Saturday, June 20: 10am-3pm | Free
Soak in the best of summer by the harbor. On Friday and Saturday, we’ll have a rotating roster of local musicians playing live music on the commons. 

Pop-Up Craft Market
Saturday, June 20: 10am-4pm
North House’s talented group of instructors form the backbone of our craft community. Visit the Red Building on Saturday for a pop-up craft sale featuring several North House instructors. Browse one-of-a-kind, handmade items and meet the artisans behind the craft. Artisan list coming soon!

Family Drop-In Crafts, Games, and Activities
Saturday, June 20: 10am-4pm | Free
Bring the whole family down to the North House Commons for an afternoon of fun beside the harbor! Staff and instructors will lead drop-in activities including outdoor games, chalk art, and more. We’ll have craft supplies for all ages to join in the fun as we get creative on the theme of summer. Perfect for imaginative and active  folks ages 2-102. 

Traditional Craft Try-Its
Saturday, June 20: 10am-4pm | Free
Every week of the year, North House is filled with joy and excitement as folks exclaim, “I made this!” At this year’s festival try your hand at some of the traditional crafts that form the fabric of North House. Try woodworking and fiber arts and more with our instructors, and take a few creations home to show your friends what you made! 

Harborside Boat Walk in the Rec Park
Saturday, June 20: 10am-4pm | Free
For as long as people have called Lake Superior home, boats have played a central role in life by the shore. Discover some of these boats on Saturday’s Harbor Boat Walk. Grab your guide (available at the Info Booth) and stroll through the harborside display in the Rec Park to discover handmade vessels, both new and historic. 
Have a boat you’d like to display? Register here! 

Lake Superior Chowder Experience: An Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Saturday, June 20: Noon-1pm
$15 adults, $10 kids 12 and under
Get your bowl for the 25th annual Lake Superior Chowder Experience – a festival highlight that brings chowders of North Shore restaurants for you to taste. Smoked salmon, garden vegetable, classic clam, and poblano-potato were just a few of the interpretations area restaurants took last year. Combined with freshly baked bread from North House’s wood-fired oven, this is a North Shore culinary event not to be missed. This year's event is once again a fundraiser for Empty Bowls, fighting hunger in our community. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event. 

Summer Solstice Pageant
Saturday, June 20: 8pm | Free
The Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival culminates with a highlight of the summer: the Summer Solstice Pageant. Gather on the North House commons for a touching and memorable show by the Good Harbor Hill players, complete with music and larger-than-life puppets. 
 

Sunday, June 21, 2026: Student and Donor Celebration

North House is fueled by our supportive community of students, instructors, program alumni, and members. On Sunday, June 21, we’ll host a special celebration to recognize the folks of the folk school. More information coming later this spring!