Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to access the Festival grounds?

Yes, all guests will need to purchase a ticket prior to entry of the grounds. Every ticket INCLUDES the following: Access to the festival, Onboard tours of each touring vessel, Viewing of USA Diving Superior High Dive Challenge, Access to World’s Largest Rubber Duck, Onboard tours of the retired ore carrier William A Irvin (must have obtained wristband at Festival of Sail entry before boarding), over 40 craft vendors and a mini State Fair of food truck options. Tickets start at $39.

Your entry is valid only for the day you redeem your ticket for a wristband. Your wristband is valid to tour the William A Irvin any of the days it’s open, so you don’t have to try and fit that in on the first day.

When is the Parade of Sail and how do I watch it?

The Parade of Sail will occur around midday (11am-1pm) on Thursday, July 10th. The best views will be on the Festival grounds as the vessels sail under the Aerial Lift Bridge and take their place in their mooring locations. We would recommend getting your wristbands earlier in the day between 10am-11am, getting any photos you’d like from Canal Park and then making your way back to the Festival grounds to witness the vessels sail under the bridge and dock.

A quick reminder that vessels will not be available for onboard tours during the Parade of Sail and will reopen in the early afternoon once safety inspections are completed. This should give you time to eat, shop, take photos with the World’s Largest Rubber Duck and watch the USA Diving Superior High Dive Challenge test dives.

Can we buy tickets at the gate the day of the event?

We encourage people to purchase tickets in advance so they can go directly to the ticket gate and not have to wait in line to purchase tickets first. There is NO guarantee that any certain type of ticket will be available at the gate for purchase. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons should plan accordingly. Day Sail tickets are popular and limited and have a tendency to sell-out well in advance of the actual event. Please plan accordingly.

Should we buy tickets in advance?

Yes, you’ll be able to avoid standing in a lengthy ticket purchase line by purchasing in advance. You’ll also receive festival updates prior to the event, which might include parking and shuttle information.

I bought a Day Sail ticket. How does that work?

Day Sail tickets also include the following: Access to the Festival, Onboard tours of each touring vessel, Viewing of USA Diving Superior High Dive Challenge, Access to World’s Largest Rubber Duck, Onboard tours of the retired ore carrier William A Irvin (must have obtained wristband at Festival of Sail entry before boarding), over 40 craft vendors and a mini State Fair of food truck options.

Instructions will be mailed to ticket holders prior to their scheduled sail, but the general process is to arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled time and make your way to the day sail vessel you’ve purchased tickets on. They will have a manifest and check you in. You must have a valid ID and there are no substitutions of passengers per Coast Guard regulations. Use the restroom on shore prior to boarding the vessel as they are not available during the roughly 60-90 minutes you’re experience lasts. Here is the map locations for vessels: View Map

Hey, can I also tour that big red boat (William A Irvin) that's moored next to the event site?

Heck yeah! Every ticket includes access to tour the William A Irvin that’s tied up right next to the Festival. These are self guided tours and last approximately an hour. You must obtain your festival wristband from the Festival of Sail ticket gate before trying to board the Irvin. You can use your wristband the days after you receive it if you run out of time that day. Regular tours are over $20 as a stand alone ticket, so this is a really cool benefit of purchasing a Festival of Sail ticket.

Will I be able to see the high diving competition?

Yes, your ticket allows you with spectacular views of the high diving competition each day. If you want to get even closer, you can buy the Splash Zone ticket combo on our site or upgrade at the Splash Zone the day of the event.

What the Duck? Is the World's Largest Rubber Duck part of this event?

Yes! The World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be making an appearance each day, as weather allows. It will be located adjacent to the Luxe Lounge (The Garden Event Center) and will be tough to miss. Mama Duck will be cordoned off to the general public, but Festival goers may get up close and personal once they obtain their wristbands at the ticketing gate.

What time does the ticket office open the day of the event?

The ticket office will open each day at 8:30am and will be located near the event entrance.

Do small children and babies need to purchase tickets?

With the exception of Day Sails, kids 4 and under do not require a ticket. ALL PASSENGERS on Day Sails require a ticket.

Is there a ticket limit?

No, there is not a ticket limit, but 10 is the maximum number of tickets available per transaction.

Can you explain non-transferable?

A ticket is for one person only and must be retained by that person. Tickets cannot be transferred to another individual.

How long are the Day Sails?

Day Sails are approximately 90 minutes in length.

Can we bring in our own chairs?

Yes, you may bring in your own chair if desired. All chairs are subject to inspection upon entry.

Are strollers permitted on ships and Day Sails?

No.

Are wheelchairs permitted on ships and Day Sails?

No, ships have limited accessibility to those with physical disabilities. Customers boarding ships must walk up a gangplank.

Are food, beverages, or coolers allowed into festival grounds or on-board the ships?

No coolers, cans, bottles or beverages are allowed into the Festival grounds. Exception: special food related to a health or medical condition, and food for feeding a baby. All items are subject to search prior to entrance.

Are costumes allowed?

Yes, patrons may wear costumes, but weapons (even plastic replicas) are not permitted.

Are dogs allowed?

Service Dogs will be permitted into the Festival grounds, but pets will not.

Are backpacks allowed into the festival grounds?

No backpacks are allowed in to the festival. Purses, diaper and camera bags will be subject to inspection at the entrance gates.

Are cameras and video recorders allowed?

Non-commercial photography and video is allowed. Commercial and media photographers should contact hello@drawevents.com.

I am an entertainer looking to perform, whom do I contact?

You need to submit a bio, high-res photo and a YouTube link or video to hello@DrawEvents.com with subject line: Perform at Festival of Sail Duluth

If you have a question that has not been addressed on this page, please contact us via email or via social media.