The Bayfront Festival Park was designed to represent the rich industrial history of the area and is within walking distance of the central business district, restaurants, retail shops and arts/entertainment venues. The project includes an open-air amphitheater that accommodates 15,000 people, a multi-purpose park and a music pavilion and shelter.
The architecture recalls the forms, colors and materials of the working waterfront. A strong, arched entryway—inspired by Duluth’s famous lift bridge—frames the park and provides a sense of destination for pedestrians. An elevated brick path leads to a large open space in front of a permanent staging area. Bayfront Festival Park is used for a wide variety of events throughout the year including concerts, craft fairs, beer-tasting festivals, the Bentleyville holiday lights display and many more. The size and multi-functionality of the site makes it useable year round.