Northern Minnesota’s favorite summer celebration is almost here: the 46th annual Blueberry Art Festival in Ely, MN, happening July 24–26, 2026 at Whiteside Park along Sheridan Street. It’s the perfect time to book a cozy stay at Vermilion Park Inn in Tower/Soudan, just an easy 20‑minute drive from Ely’s festival grounds.

Ely’s signature summer event

The Blueberry Art Festival is Ely’s signature summer event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors over three days to explore art, crafts, food, and blueberry‑themed treats. Since 1981, this juried festival has grown from a small local gathering into one of Minnesota’s best‑known outdoor art fairs, celebrating both the region’s creative community and its North Woods setting.

Hosted by the Ely Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the festival fills Whiteside Park with more than 230 artists and crafters, dozens of food vendors, a beer garden, and freshly baked blueberry pies. It’s a family‑friendly event that feels like a classic small‑town summer weekend—only with a huge amount of art and food options packed into one beautiful city park.

2026 festival dates, hours, and location

The 46th annual Blueberry Art Festival takes place Friday–Sunday, July 24–26, 2026 in Whiteside Park, right in downtown Ely, Minnesota.

Festival hours:

• Friday, July 24 – Art & craft vendors 9 am–5 pm; Food court 10 am–6 pm

• Saturday, July 25 – Art & craft vendors 9 am–5 pm; Food court 10 am–6 pm

• Sunday, July 26 – Art & craft vendors 10 am–4 pm; Food court 10 am–4 pm

Parking is available around Whiteside Park and along Sheridan Street, and admission to the festival is free, so you can come and go throughout the weekend as you explore Ely and the surrounding lakes.

What draws visitors from all over?

Every summer, visitors make the trip to Ely for this festival, turning the last full weekend of July into “Blueberry Week” in town. Guests find rows of booths featuring original paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, photography, and many other types of handcrafted work from regional and national artists.

Food is a major part of the experience: the festival’s food court includes local favorites, regional food trucks, and plenty of blueberry‑inspired treats—from fresh pies to desserts and drinks. A beer garden, live entertainment, and family‑friendly activities add even more reasons for visitors to spend a full day (or two) at the festival.

Operation Blueberry, a community‑wide promotion, adds in‑store specials, themed menus, and events throughout Ely, giving you even more ways to enjoy town before heading back to your lodging. This combination of art, food, live music, and small‑town hospitality is what keeps people coming back year after year.

Stay just 20 minutes away at Vermilion Park Inn

Vermilion Park Inn offers a home‑style bed‑and‑breakfast experience in Tower/Soudan, MN, close to Lake Vermilion, nearby state parks, and the historic Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The inn provides air‑conditioned, comfortable rooms—many with family‑friendly layouts, private baths, and thoughtful amenities like TVs and free Wi‑Fi.

From Vermilion Park Inn, it’s an easy, scenic drive of about 20 minutes to Ely and Whiteside Park, so you can enjoy the energy of the festival by day and return to a quiet North Woods retreat in the evening. Guests often pair festival days with time on Lake Vermilion, hikes in nearby parks, or tours of the Soudan Underground Mine, making the weekend feel like a full North Woods vacation.

Tips for your Blueberry Art Festival weekend

To make the most of your festival visit while staying at Vermilion Park Inn:

• Plan to spend at least one full day at the festival, with a second partial day if you want to see everything without rushing.

• Arrive early in the morning to find convenient parking and explore the booths before they are busiest.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather—Whiteside Park is spacious, and you’ll likely spend several hours on your feet.

• Bring a reusable bag or small backpack for purchases, as many vendors sell art, crafts, and food items you’ll want to take home.

• Build in time to explore downtown Ely, visit local attractions like the North American Bear Center or International Wolf Center, and enjoy lake views before returning to Vermilion Park Inn.

After a full day of art, music, and blueberry treats, you’ll appreciate returning to your room at the inn for a peaceful evening and possibly a sunset over Lake Vermilion.

Book your Blueberry Art Festival stay now

With thousands of visitors in town and multiple events happening around Ely, lodging for the festival weekend fills quickly every year. If you’re planning to attend the 2026 Blueberry Art Festival, we recommend reserving your room at Vermilion Park Inn as soon as possible.

Secure your stay for July 24–26, 2026, and enjoy the best of both worlds: the excitement of Ely’s Blueberry Art Festival plus the comfort and quiet of Vermilion Park Inn just minutes away.