Good morning, Duluth.

Grandma’s Marathon awarded the 2026 Rudy Perpich Public Service Award to the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing today, recognizing its longtime support through volunteer work and ceremonial flyovers (a local tradition).

Colonel Scott Prom said the wing's involvement underscores strong community ties.

Today, the DECC is hosting Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner in the Lake Superior Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., preparing over 7,000 pounds of spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and salad to fuel race day and support the Young Athletes Foundation (350 Harbor Drive).

The 148th Fighter Wing received the 2026 Rudy Perpich Public Service Award for its support of Grandma’s Marathon.

The award was given Thursday, June 18 at The Garden Event Center in Duluth.

Two Duluth residents, Air Force Captain Kaitlyn Brenner and Air Force Master Sergeant Sarah Fleissner, were named Outstanding Airmen of the Year by the Minnesota National Guard on Thursday for their exceptional work.

Fleissner was recognized for developing a data management tool for recruitment while Brenner was not in attendance.

Essentia Health Fitness Expo welcomes thousands picking up race packets for Grandma’s Marathon weekend races — a community event with cheering along London Road and Canal Park.

The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and runners are advised to keep moving after the race to stay safe.

Rock the Bayfront 2026

9 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. — Bayfront Festival Park — Free — Enjoy a full day of local and regional music performances during Grandma's Marathon weekend.

The Roadside Lupines Concert

7-9 p.m. — Bent Paddle Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Duluth's own folk band as they showcase original music and beloved covers.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

Various times — The College of St. Scholastica — $97 for observing coaches — Youth players enhance their scoring and ball handling skills at this engaging basketball camp.

Midnight Sun Midnight Run

5K — Midnight Sun Midnight Run — Check the race website for entry fees — Celebrate summer with a scenic run along Lake Superior in Duluth.

Rich Mattson & The Northstars Concert

8-11 p.m. — Cedar Lounge Earth Rider Brewery taproom — Tickets available on Eventbrite — An evening of diverse sounds from The Northstars, Miss Georgia Peach, and The Mud Puppies.

4th of July Island Lake Band on the Barge 2026

12-5 p.m. — Island Lake Reservoir Public Water Access — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Sydney Hansen and Jake Birdseye on the barge for a festive Fourth of July celebration.

In-Person Meetings for Adults Affected by Epilepsy

6-7 p.m. — Caribou Coffee — Free entry — Connect with peers and share experiences in managing epilepsy at a supportive group gathering.

Movies in the Park

8:30-11 p.m. — Leif Erikson Park — Free entry — Enjoy beloved films under the stars along the shores of Lake Superior.

Natural Watercolor Making Workshop

12:30-4:30 p.m. — Duluth Folk School — Registration includes all materials — Explore the art of creating natural watercolors from plants and minerals.

Legally Blonde The Musical

2-4:30 p.m. — NorShor Theatre — $30 – $60 — Experience the high-energy, award-winning musical that celebrates ambition and self-discovery with heart and humor.