Photo by Mike Kirschbaum
Lakeside festival grounds, downtown parks, and art galleries host a wide range of music, art, and outdoor gatherings each summer that bring people together from all across the state. It doesn’t matter if it’s a community performance, an art exhibit, or a huge weekend festival–these spots are sure to showcase the best of what summer in Minnesota has to offer.
Breakaway Minnesota
June 26–27 || Allianz Field Festival Grounds, St. Paul
Breakaway is an EDM festival that tours in 13 different cities across the U.S. and comes to Minnesota on June 26-27. It’s bringing in big names like Zedd and D.O.D., as well as local favorites such as Neeks N Brandt (a rising DJ duo from Collegeville). Breakaway is a high-energy festival known for its lively sets and visuals, delivering two days of nonstop music and fun.
Lakefront Music Fest
July 10–11 || Lakefront Park, Prior Lake
Lakefront was established in 2010 and has since grown into one of the largest outdoor festivals in Minnesota. With over 33,000 attendees last year at the two-day fest, Lakefront has become a summer staple known for its big-name headliners and massive crowds. Each day brings two different vibes: the first night kicks off with rock, and the second day features country. Headliners this year include Billy Idol and Keith Urban.
Courtesy of Lakefront Music Fest
Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
July 17–19 || Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival was started in 2024 by C3 Presents, the organizers of Lollapalooza. Despite it being only the festival’s third year running, previous years brought in over 30,000 attendees daily, topping 100,000 people over the three-day weekend. Sitting on the Mississippi River, the Yacht Club Festival is perfect for indie pop fans or those just looking for a laid-back weekend. This year’s lineup includes The Lumineers, Matchbox Twenty, The Strokes, Cage the Elephant, and more.
Loring Park Art Festival
July 25-26 || Loring Park, Minneapolis
Since 2000, the Loring Park Art Festival has been celebrating Minnesota art and community. During the two-day event, you can find 150-plus artists selling their work, live music, hands-on activities, a culinary market, and lots of food and beverage choices. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, this fest has something for everyone to enjoy.
Courtesy of Loring Park Art Festival
WE Fest
Aug. 5–8 || Soo Pass Ranch, Detroit Lakes
WE Fest is one of the largest country festivals by attendance in the U.S., with around 150,000 attendees over three days. Soo Pass Ranch is on 400 acres of land and includes campgrounds, shuttles around the festival grounds, and plenty of good food, from on-site trucks and vendors to all-inclusive dining, depending on your type of ticket. This year features music by Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town, Brooks & Dunn, and more.
Courtesy of WE Fest
Minnesota Fringe Festival
Aug. 6–16 || Minneapolis
Known as the largest performing arts festival in the Midwest, the Fringe Festival has been going strong for 33 years, with 100 productions spanning theater, dance, comedy, storytelling, and music. In contrast to most festivals, artists are chosen blindly through a lottery system, creating a unique and diverse lineup that features up-and-coming artists, as well as well-known performers.
Bayfront Blues Festival
Aug. 14–16 || Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth
Across thirty-seven years and 500-plus performers, the Bayfront Blues Festival has been a summer highlight in Duluth for decades. The three-day event features 30 blues and rock artists performing across two stages, with an annual turnout of around 20,000-plus—not to mention, it’s on the gorgeous Lake Superior shore. Bayfront Blues is perfect for those looking for something a little more low-key, with a relaxed feel and waterfront views.
Minnesota State Fair
Aug. 27–Sept. 7 || MN State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul
Since 1974, concerts at the State Fair grandstand have been a highlight of the fair’s 12-day run. Accommodating up to 17,000 people, with new artists and groups each year, the grandstand is a huge part of Minnesota summers. Even if you aren’t spending the day at the fair, you can go straight to the concert. This year’s lineup has everyone from Salt N Pepa to Weird Al Yankovic, AJR, Brad Paisley, Bonnie Raitt, and more. With performances happening every night during the fair, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got front-row tickets or if you’re just walking by—great music drifts through the fairgrounds all night long.
Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Shakopee, MN
A new addition to Minnesota’s music world is the brand-new Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee. Located next door to Canterbury Park, the amphitheater holds up to 19,000 guests, making it the largest outdoor music venue in Minnesota. With many concerts already set, a few major names include Bob Dylan on July 6 and Chris Stapleton on July 29-30. This new venue is sure to bring the concert experience to a next level.
Courtesy of Alive Coverage
Concerts in the Parks
Normandale Lake Bandshell
Through Aug. 13 || Normandale Lake, Bloomington
Running through Aug. 13 this year, the Normandale Lake concert series in Bloomington offers free live music every Thursday at 7 p.m., with local food trucks and beer available starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and some friends, and come spend a beautiful summer evening in the park.
50th & France Music in the Plaza
Through Sept. 4 || The Plaza at Nolan Mains
Edina’s summer concert series takes place every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Plaza at Nolan Mains. Here you can find free live music by local singer-songwriters, bands, and student opening acts. This series is a great way to support local artists and enjoy your Friday nights.
Courtesy of 50th & France
Lake Harriet Bandshell
Through Sept. 7 || Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Running through Labor Day (Sept. 7), the Lake Harriet bandshell free concerts are every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. There is also a small market with clothing, jewelry, food, drinks, and knickknacks available during Sunday concerts. What better way to bring communities together than a free concert in the park?
St. Paul Music in the Parks
Through Sept. || St. Paul
All summer long, St. Paul’s Music in the Parks brings free outdoor concerts to various local parks across the city. From lunchtime live music at Mears Park and hip-hop showcases at the Saint Paul Get Down, all the way to evening shows at Como Park, there’s something for every music fan.
Courtesy of City of St. Paul
