The 43rd annual Blueberry Art Festival is slated for July 26-28, 2024. The event draws 30,000 to 40,000 festival-goers annually across the three-day event. With modifications for health and safety, we anticipate that approximately 270 artists, crafters, and makers will be participating in the 2024 event, along with some fantastic food vendors. We have many returning artists, crafters, makers, and exciting new ones. You will find it at this year’s festival if you are looking for watercolor or acrylic art, pottery, woodcraft, or something unique or unusual. We mentioned food. Those sumptuous blueberry pies and delicious burgers, brats, and pork chops are back on a stick. Of course, there is seafood, kettle corn, and refreshing beverages – did we mention waffles too? Since there is too much to do in one day, why not enjoy Operation Blueberry, visit our local attractions one day, and return to the festival for the second day of fun, food, and exciting arts and crafts? Festival Dates/Hours Friday, July 26 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, July 27 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? The Ely Chamber of Commerce is accepting festival applications.

Shop a delightful mix of original crafts from over 125 local and regional artists and craftsmen. Select from functional and decorative pottery, hand-turned wooden bowls, bead work, paintings, leather, and lots more! Enjoy live music every day. You will find that perfect piece of art for your home or that unique gift for someone special. We invite you to the small town at the end of the road for our Harvest Moon Festival as we say farewell to summer and festively ring in the fall. Come and experience the sights, sounds, end-of-the-summer, and smells of autumn in Ely for this end of the summer party you don’t want to miss!

NATURE’S MARATHON – Begin on the North Arm of Burntside Lake and turn onto the historic Echo Trail. Coast toward Shagawa Lake on this challenging and beautiful course. A slight detour through charismatic Winton puts you close to a quick loop around Miner’s Lake and finish in downtown Ely. Take in Ely and the surrounding wilderness on this superb fall run. The Ely Marathon is a USATF Certified Race and a Boston Marathon Qualifier