The Blueberry Art Festival is the annual summer event, which is held in Whiteside Park in Ely every July. The festival, which combines art and delicious food, features over 280 arts and crafts exhibitors and 30 food vendors with tasty summer treats. The three-day festival boasts a beautiful outdoor location, live music from local bands, and free admission.
Arts & Crafts
The festival boasts 237 booths showcasing artists and crafters, along with 25 food vendors, a lively beer garden, and the beloved freshly baked blueberry pies. Whether you're in search of watercolor or acrylic art, pottery, woodcraft, or something uniquely creative, you'll find it at this year's event.
Food at the Fest
Food lovers will delight in the return of sumptuous blueberry pies, along with delicious offerings like burgers, brats, pork chops on a stick, seafood, kettle corn, and an assortment of refreshing beverages — not forgetting the delectable waffles. And don't miss out on our Operation Blueberry event happening in the local business community. It's a perfect opportunity to shop for art, enjoy seasonal blueberry desserts, and indulge in a variety of savory treats and drinks while exploring all that the festival has to offer.
Schedule & Location
The festival runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. This weekend of fun, food, and exciting arts and crafts in Ely can also be combined with camping and hiking. It's a great occasion for campers and canoeists to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park wilderness area.
History of the Festival
The Blueberry Art Festival in Ely attracts between 30,000 to 40,000 attendees annually, making it one of the largest events in the area. Over its 40-year history, the festival has earned a strong reputation among artists, crafters, and makers, drawing them back year after year.
