Every July, the city of Stillwater, Minnesota, transforms into a lively celebration of its rich heritage with one of its most beloved festivals. Now in its 92nd year, Lumberjack Days draws locals and visitors for a packed weekend of live music, family fun, local flavors, and community pride. Held July 17–19, 2026, the festival is one of the most anticipated Minnesota summer events of the season. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Lumberjack Days has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Lumberjack Days runs July 17–19, 2026, in Stillwater, Minnesota, with bonus events beginning Thursday, July 16.
- The festival celebrates Stillwater’s deep roots as a historic lumber town on the St. Croix River.
- Live music runs Friday and Saturday, starting at 1 pm each day, featuring a wide range of genres.
- The Lumberjack Days Parade steps off on Sunday, July 19, running from Lily Lake to Pioneer Park.
- Family-friendly events include a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Downhill Derby, and appearances by Paul Bunyan.
- A city-wide medallion hunt and bingo for adults round out the weekend.
- The festival is one of the top summer events in Stillwater and can be paired with a stay at the historic Aurora Staples Inn.
Why Lumberjack Days Matters in Stillwater
To understand why Lumberjack Days holds such a special place in Stillwater’s identity, you have to go back to the very beginning. Stillwater was founded on October 26, 1843, when four partners formed the Stillwater Lumber Company, and the city’s entire early identity was built around the lumber industry. Settlers poured in from across the region, drawn by abundant timber and the river traffic that the booming trade created. In fact, Stillwater is one of Minnesota’s oldest towns, predating Minneapolis by several years.
The St. Croix River was the lifeblood of this industry. For decades, lumbermen sent enormous rafts of logs down the river, collecting them at the St. Croix Boom Site just two miles upstream of Stillwater before processing them in the city’s many sawmills. A historic marker near Stillwater on the St. Croix Trail captures it best: this area was the center of log and lumbering activities in the region for over half a century prior to 1914, and more logs were handled here than at any similar place in the entire section. Stillwater was once filled with steamboats and home to powerful lumber barons, many of whom built the grand Victorian homes that still line the city’s streets today.
Those lumber barons and lumbermen would surely have enjoyed Lumberjack Days. John McKusick built the city’s first lumber mill and served as the first mayor; it is easy to imagine him leading the parade. Along with McKusick, Calvin Leach was one of founding partners of the Stillwater Lumber Company. William Sauntry was part of the second generation of loggers and his 4th Street home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Jacob Bean moved from Upper Stillwater, Maine to Stillwater, Minnesota and became part owner of one of the largest lumber companies in the northwest. Lastly, Isaac Staples had a home at Pioneer Park which would have given him some of the best views for watching Lumberjack Days with his binoculars.
Lumberjack Days is a way of honoring all of that history while creating new memories for the community. It’s not just a party. It’s a living tribute to the industry that put Stillwater on the map. And as one of the signature summer events in Stillwater, it continues to grow in scale and spirit with each passing year.
Live Music All Weekend Long
Music is at the heart of Lumberjack Days, and the 2026 lineup promises two full days of performances for all tastes. On both Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, the first act takes the stage at 1 pm, with the final headliner kicking off at 8 pm. The musical acts span an impressive range of genres from classic rock ‘n’ roll to traditional country to a blend of Americana, folk, and soul. Whether you’re the type to stake out a spot at the front of the crowd or prefer to hang back and enjoy the atmosphere from a distance, the live music stage creates a festive backdrop for the entire event. Check the official Lumberjack Days website for the full lineup and set times as the festival approaches.
The Lumberjack Days Parade
Few things capture the spirit of community like a parade, and the Lumberjack Days Parade is one of the most beloved in the region. On Sunday, July 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, the parade winds through approximately 1.4 miles of Stillwater streets, beginning near Lily Lake and concluding at Pioneer Park. Expect marching bands, fire trucks, floats, and plenty of crowd-pleasing fanfare. The 2026 Grand Marshal is a particularly special choice: Dan Starry, the Sheriff of Washington County, who has served the county since 1993 and will be retiring in 2026 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. At this year’s Chamber Gala, Sheriff Starry received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his career making his selection as Grand Marshal a meaningful and well-deserved honor. The parade is such a significant event that it’s live-streamed on Valley Access Channels, so even those who can’t make it in person can tune in. The Laurel Street West part of the parade passes within three blocks of Aurora Staples Inn.
Family Fun: The Children’s Entrepreneur Market and Downhill Derby
Lumberjack Days has always been a family affair, and 2026 is no exception. On Saturday, July 18, from 2 to 4 pm, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market gives young innovators the chance to run their own booths, selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to baked goods and art. It’s a charming, inspiring event that gives kids a real-world taste of entrepreneurship while giving visitors a chance to pick up something truly one-of-a-kind.
For a shot of nostalgia, the Downhill Derby on Friday, July 17 at 2 pm is not to be missed. Entrants race custom-built cars that must have at least three wheels, measure no longer than six feet, include a working brake, and be piloted by a helmet-wearing rider. It’s the kind of old-fashioned competition that brings out the kid in everyone, and it’s always a crowd favorite.
The Medallion Hunt: A Citywide Scavenger Hunt
One of the most unique and exciting traditions at Lumberjack Days is the Medallion Hunt. This citywide scavenger hunt turns all of Stillwater into a treasure map. The first clue will be read at the Washington County Historic Courthouse on Thursday, July 16 at 7 pm, and searching before that moment is grounds for disqualification. From there, additional clues are read each day at the Veterans War Memorial at 3rd and Pine (on Friday at noon, Saturday at 1 pm, and Sunday at 9 am). Clues are posted to Lumberjack Days social media one hour after each in-person reading. The medallion is hidden somewhere on public land within Stillwater city limits, and there are no age restrictions so anyone can play and anyone can win. The prize ranges from $50 to $1,000 depending on the rules of the game, and winners are announced the week of July 20 once all details have been reviewed. If the medallion isn’t found by 6 pm on Sunday, July 29, the location will be revealed and the hunt can continue just for fun.
Bonus Events: Start Early, Stay Late
The fun actually begins before the official festival kickoff. On Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 8 pm, the Ice Cream Social takes place on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, featuring root beer floats, ice cream, live music, and local vendors. The event is free and open to the public, with proceeds from food and merchandise benefiting the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund. It’s a lovely, low-key way to ease into the weekend.
On Sunday, July 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, adults can try their luck at bingo in the Lumberjack Days VIP Tent, sponsored by the American Legion. You must be 18 or older to play.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can browse an eclectic mix of food vendors, unique local merchants, and, of course, catch a glimpse of Paul Bunyan himself, who will be making a special appearance at the 2026 festival.
Make a Weekend of It
With so much happening across three-plus days, Lumberjack Days is the perfect reason to turn your visit into a full getaway. If you’re looking for a place to stay that adds even more local history to the experience, consider the Aurora Staples Inn. Originally built by lumber baron Isaac Staples as a gift to his youngest daughter Aurora and her husband, staying there puts you right in the heart of the story that Lumberjack Days is all about.
As one of the premiere festivals in Stillwater and a cornerstone of Minnesota summer events, Lumberjack Days 2026 is shaping up to be the best one yet. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate Stillwater in style.
