“I was born and raised in iron ore country—where you could breathe it and smell it every day.” –Bob Dylan (Hibbing native)

The Iron Range arts scene is broad and varied: music from classical to original; film making; visual arts, and the performing arts. While Land of the Loon Festival held in June and Mines and Pines Revisited in August offer festivals in which to connect with local artists and artisans, the following organizations provide year round performances, classes and venues.

Music

One of Minnesota’s largest music festivals, the Northern Lights Music Festival offers lovers of classical music three weeks of live professional opera, chamber music and orchestra concerts presented by an international roster of guest artists, performing faculty and prize-winning young artists.

The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra keeps orchestral music alive and thriving on the Iron Range. Lead by artistic director Benjamin Nilles, performances are scheduled across the Iron Range.

Formed in 2009 by a collective of Northeast Minnesota musicians, Iron Range Original Music Association works to encourage, promote, and popularize the creation and performance of original music on the Iron Range. Check out their events calendar for a performance near you.

The Mesabi Concert Association brings musical performances to the Hibbing High School Stage.

Arrowhead Concert
Association

The Arrowhead Concert Association brings musical  acts to the Rock Ridge High School Stage.

Film

The Upper Midwest Film Office has been helping content makers find their perfect location, introducing them to the community, assisting with lodging and crew, and being on call for the many unforeseen needs that arise during production.They offer workshops to help train folks into the profession.

Visual Arts

Art Expressions provides classes for all ages. 831 14th St. North, Virginia.

The Borealis Art Guild  has both a gallery and provides classes in a variety of mediums.
214 East Howard Street, Hibbing.

Performing Arts

The Lyric Center for the Arts, located in Virginia, provides artistic and educational opportunities for children and adults across the Iron Range while renovating the historic Lyric Building.

The Reif Center, Grand Rapids, provides premiere performances both at their beautiful, newly renovated theater and at other locations in partnership with regional nonprofits.

The architecturally iconic open-air Amphitheater at Minnesota Discovery Center is one of the Iron Range’s warm-weather concert venues.