Radio Waves Music Festival

Dear Radio Waves fans,

WTIP North Shore Community Radio is changing the format for live music events in the coming year. The decision is based on a combination of factors that include reduced funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, and uncertainty related to future funding.

The changes include the cancellation of the Radio Waves Music Festival in 2026. WTIP Executive Director Matthew Brown recognized that Radio Waves is a beloved community event, and that the decision to cancel the festival in 2026 was difficult.

“This was not an easy decision, but given the reduction in funding, and our 2026 operating budget deficit, we believe a change in format is the best way to continue to serve our community, while expanding live music events throughout the year,” said Brown.

Part of the WTIP mission is to showcase diverse musical acts while supporting new artists and local favorites. WTIP remains committed to this mission, and is exploring creative ways to support live music in Cook County through a new initiative called North by North Shore.

“We want our community and local musicians to know how deeply we value the role that live music events play in contributing to the creativity in Cook County. This new live music initiative will expand the number of events we can offer each year, and create opportunities to partner with other organizations who share our mission,” said Development Director Katie Belanger.

Follow North by North Shore event announcements at 90.7 FM Grand Marais/North Shore, 90.1 FM Grand Portage, and 89.1 FM Gunflint Trail. Sign up for our newsletter, follow WTIP on social media, or stream online at wtip.org.

The Radio Waves music festival was a three-day celebration of local music and community on the North Shore of Lake Superior at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Rec Park. Organized by WTIP Community Radio Radio Waves brings together:

diverse musical acts, spanning many genres;
a balance of new artists and local favorites;
an audience of area residents and seasonal visitors;
community service partners and local food makers;
a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere;
a uniquely beautiful location found only on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
The Radio Waves Music Festival was a favorite for visitors, area residents, and musical performers. The first festival was held in 2008, to celebrate WTIP’s tenth anniversary on the air.

BIG thanks to Visit Cook County, the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association, the Gunflint Trail Association and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for your past grant support of this wonderful, community event.