It’s not every day that music lovers can set sail in canoes, kayaks, or giant inflatable pink flamingos to experience a summer concert series. But that’s exactly what’s happening outside a historic mansion on Lake Superior in Duluth.

Starting in July, Glensheen Mansion will present its ninth season of Wednesday night Concerts on the Pier between July 5 and August 30. The free event draws more than 1,000 people each week – including dozens of watercraft – to a historic concrete pier that reaches out into the big lake and serves as a stage for some of the best acts in Minnesota music.

The 2023 Concerts on the Pier lineup features regional favorites like country rocker Erik Koskinen (July 26) and indie-pop songwriter Jeremy Messersmith (Aug. 9) along with top Twin Ports talent like guitar-drum duo Brothers Burn Mountain (July 12) and jam band Babie Eyes (July 19).

“July and August are the quintessential Duluth summer months and we want folks to come out and experience Glensheen during its prime season,” says Mike Mayou, Glensheen Mansion’s marketing manager. “Just having thousands of people on the grounds at once is kind of a magical thing.”

The Glensheen grounds feature a variety of gardens, creekside trails, and a stone beach, but the main attraction is the water. Concertgoers can climb out on the pier, bring a lawn chair for a shoreline seat, or launch a canoe to get an up-close concert experience.

“I think people are starting to realize the best seats are on the water,” says Mayou. “I think that’s super unique. I don’t think there is another literally-on-the-lake concert on Lake Superior. You wouldn’t think it would be a whole lot different than listening from the shore but it’s pretty incredible.”

Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Emily Haavik, who performs on the pier with her band The 35s on Aug. 30, attended the concert series by kayak when she lived in Duluth. She says the experience was unforgettable.

“I think it's one of the most magical Duluth concert settings, to be right there on the water with people watching from shore and from boats,” she says. “We are so looking forward to playing on the pier, jutting out into the water, sending some sound waves over that rippling blue expanse.”

Duluth-based alt-country singer-songwriter Danny Frank has attended many Concerts on the Pier over the years and will perform at the event for the first time with his band The Smoky Gold on Aug. 16. He called a night of music at Glensheen “classic Duluth.”

“It says a lot about how Duluth persists and perseveres, mixes the old with the new to create these great experiences for locals and tourists alike,” he says.

While the Glensheen Mansion is open for paid tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily, concertgoers gain free admittance to the grounds (but not the house) beginning at 5 p.m. Food trucks, ice cream, craft beer, and wine service are available during the event. 

Mayou says the Glensheen parking lot fills up quickly, but street parking is available in neighborhoods above London Road. Kayak and canoe launching is not allowed on mansion property but boaters can take to the water from the Lakewalk Trail in the Endion neighborhood and at the 60th Avenue beach near the Lester River. Motorboats of all kinds are also welcome.

Music begins a half hour earlier this year at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. when performers have to make a difficult decision: Jumping into Lake Superior has become a traditional concert closer.

“We’ve kinda had to egg some folks on to see if they would do it and they eventually did. But it’s kind of artist by artist,” says Mayou. “It’s a really fun way to cap off a concert, especially if it’s a hot night out, it’s pretty refreshing.”

Concerts on the Pier schedule

July 5: The Slamming Doors

July 12: Brothers Burn Mountain

July 19: Babie Eyes

July 26: Erik Koskinen

Aug. 2: Pink Marlena

Aug. 9: jeremy messersmith

Aug. 16: Danny Frank & The Smoky Gold

Aug. 23: New Salty Dog

Aug. 30: Emily Haavik & The 35s

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.