Fall Fest 2026

Our 42nd Annual Fall Fest is on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 from 9:30-4:30.

Chester Bowl Fall Fest is sponsored by John Derbis and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

If you are a potential vendor looking for registration information, click this link.

Fall Fest is all about building community with friends and neighbors in the park! At this regional craft event you will enjoy music, food, crafts, locally grown fresh produce, vendors, and informational booths about local programs. This annual event hosts 135 vendors selling locally made crafts and art, a great line up of music, fifteen food trucks (if you go home hungry you are doing Fall Fest wrong), and activities for children and families.  Check out a few of the featured vendors lower on this page! In addition, Chester Bowl branded clothing and other items are always sold at our tent just inside the front gate. 

Fall Fest is a fundraising event for Chester Bowl’s scholarship fund. Suggested donations of $5 per person or $10 per family will be accepted at the entrance to support the scholarships we will award in the coming year. Last year our community supported us with $12,250 in donations! This funding (along with our Silent Auction and Warren Miller Film Screening in November) is what enabled us to award $22,882 in winter scholarships to over 100 different families last year, and to support over 150 weeks of camp with $31,784 in scholarships in summer 2026. Your generosity means more kids and families can ski, snowboard, and come to summer camp, even if they can’t afford the fees!

Our rain date, if needed, is Sunday, 9/20. Chalet renovations will still be in progress, but Fall Fest will continue with only minor changes to our layout.

Fall Fest features live music all day! Check back closer to the event to see the lineup of artists. Chester Bowl Fall Fest Live Music is sponsored by Visit Duluth.

GETTING TO FALL FEST

Free Shuttle Service: All visitors are highly encouraged to use the free shuttle buses that will run continuously from the University of Minnesota Duluth parking lot B, located at the intersection of College St. and University Drive.  Parking is very limited near the event, so walking, biking (bike racks near the entrance), or using the shuttles is highly recommended. There are a limited number of handicapped accessible parking spots near the entrance to the park. PLEASE do not try to drive and park in the neighborhoods nearby- the shuttle will be faster and more convenient, we promise!

We have a Facebook event page that you can follow to see updates- and use it to invite your friends. Click here for the event page!

With any questions, please contact Sam Luoma at sam@chesterbowl.org or 218-340-4678.

VOLUNTEERING

It takes about 100 volunteers to make Fall Fest happen. These volunteer hours count towards winter volunteer commitments so if you want to be done with your commitment before the snow flies, consider signing up. You can sign up at this link!

EVENT SPONSORS

This annual event is sponsored by the Chester Bowl Improvement Club and the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department.

Our Title Sponsor is John Derbis and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Live Music is sponsored by Visit Duluth

We are grateful to ImOn Communications, Gregorich and Matack Family Dental, and Members Cooperative Credit Union for being supporting sponsors!

FEATURED VENDORS

Katie Bromme Watercolor: Katie is a watercolorist based in Two Harbors. Her work focuses on capturing the beauty and emotional experience of our incredible northland. She sells original watercolor paintings that she mats and frames, as well as fine art prints and greeting cards. You can see more of her work at her website! You can find her at Booth 72, on the grassy area near the stage.

Miel Duluth: Miel Duluth is a fourth-generation family beekeeping business rooted right here in Duluth, selling at the Farmers Market since 2008. Mark “The Honey Guy” Walters keeps about 30 urban hives around the city, and his family harvests raw, unfiltered honey along with a full line of beeswax products – lotions, soaps, candles, lip balms, and more – all made with simple, natural ingredients and no man-made chemicals. Day to day functions are run by Mark’s daughter and CFO Vanessa as well as their Brand Manager Lexi. It’s a small business with a big story, from Minnesota bee yards to Madagascar wild hives to the streets of Duluth today. You can find them at Booth 52, just before the playgound.

Weber Woodcraft and Design: Weber Woodcraft started in 2001 with carvings, specializing in woodland trolls. They now go to second hand stores so that 75% of what goes into each item is reused and embellished. Their goal is to see you smile and be as colorful as they can be! You can find them at Booth 92, against the woods and across from the playground just before it curves into the food vendor area.

Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe: Known as a North Shore dining destination, the New Scenic Cafe is bringing their Scenic 61 food truck to Fall Fest! When visiting up the shore, this intimate cafe features New American Cuisine amidst lake views and a beautiful garden. You can enjoy some of their signature meals on the go at Fall Fest! After working up an appetite shopping the vendor booths, you will need to stop at the Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe food truck.

Our MEDIA SPONSORS are Kat Country 98.9, My 95.7, 95 KQDS, and KDAL 610 A.M.