DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The MACV Tribute Fest starts Friday at Bayfront Festival Park, raising funds for homeless veterans in Minnesota.

The event is organized by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, known as MACV, a nonprofit that has assisted veterans for more than 25 years. The organization has helped more than 5,500 veterans and their families, according to MACV.

Nearly 3% of Minnesota veterans are expected to experience homelessness this year, according to MACV’s website.

Stef, an intake coordinator with MACV, said the rise in housing costs and affordability is one of the biggest factors driving veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

Festival details

The festival runs Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29. Gates open at noon on Friday, with music starting at 1 p.m. On Saturday, gates open at 11 a.m., with music starting at noon.

The event is open to all ages. Children under 18 are admitted free with a paid adult.

Tickets are on sale now. Veterans, active military members and their families are admitted free.

Complimentary tickets are available at North Shore Federal Credit Union locations starting March 1. This year, veterans and their families will receive hard tickets through North Shore Federal Credit Union.