Summertime calls for mouthwatering bites, and what’s more iconic than a sizzling, cheese-filled Juicy Lucy? Whether you think this fan-favorite originated at Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club, everyone can agree that this burger is a distinctly Minnesotan delicacy—one that is deserving of its own celebration.
As it turns out, Valleyfair agrees: The Shakopee amusement park is introducing a Juicy Lucy Festival to its lineup of summer events. Running this weekend and next (July 12-13 and 19-20), the festival will offer an imaginative lineup of Juicy Lucy creations to sample, plus beer, cider, cocktails, family-friendly activities, and live music from local bands.
Courtesy of Valleyfair
“We’re thrilled to bring this iconic Minnesota classic to the ultimate summer destination this season,” says Valleyfair Regional General Manager John Krajnak in a statement. “The Juicy Lucy Festival adds new flavor to our already exciting lineup of summer events, giving guests something to look forward to from now until Labor Day.”
Here’s a peek at some of the menu highlights:
Classic Lucy: Grilled hamburger patty filled with American cheese and topped with fried onions, served on a slider bun—you can’t go wrong.
Minnesota Sushi Lucy: Grilled hamburger patty packed with cream cheese, topped with dill pickles and bacon, and finished with a buttermilk dill ranch, served on a slider bun. A true ode to the Midwest.
Sophie’s Lucy: For pretzel fans and cheese connoisseurs—grilled hamburger patty stuffed with American cheese, topped with fried onions and smothered in beer cheese, served on a pretzel slider bun.
One Swine Lucy: Grilled hamburger patty stuffed with ghost pepper cheese, topped with bacon jam and onion straws, finished with an ale barbecue sauce, served on a slider bun. Spicy, sweet, and saucy.
Creamy Cheesy Cherry Lucy: Grilled hamburger patty jammed full of cream cheese and topped with cherry chutney, served on a slider bun.
Miss Lucy Jo: Grilled hamburger patty filled with ghost pepper cheese, topped with fresh jalapeños and even more ghost pepper cheese, finished with our sriracha sauce, served on a slider bun. Perfect for fans of spice, and not for the faint of heart.
Courtesy of Valleyfair
Daytime entertainment at the festival will include contests, trivia, and dance parties before live music kicks off in the evening—local bands include Xpedition, Sawyer’s Dream and Good for Gary, and more. Between bites, bring the whole family to explore the giant chalk mural, an oversize Minnesota state puzzle, street curling, and other fun activities.
For more information and to buy tickets to the festival, visit valleyfair.com.
