Guide: The outdoor concerts, festivals happening around Minnesota this summer

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Guide: The outdoor concerts, festivals happening around Minnesota this summer originally appeared on Bring Me The News.
Whether you're digging for free concerts in the park or big multi-day festivals with splashy names, summer is the season of outdoor concerts.
Here's where you'll find some of the best festivals and outdoor concert series around Minnesota and western Wisconsin this summer.
When: Select dates from May 18 to Oct. 5 at The Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Dylan Salfer, Erik Koskinen and Molly Maher, Tina Schlieske, Shoeless Revolution, Martin Zellar, The Scarlet Goodbye, Nur-D, Jeremy Messersmith, Turn Turn Turn, Abbasolutely Fab!, The Ocean Blue, The New Standards, Swag, Dessa, and Davina & the Vagabonds
What you need to know: The shows take place on the hotel's rooftop, and each show is ticketed. Click here for more
When: Various dates beginning May 22 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee
Who is playing: The Beach Boys, "Celebrating Meat Loaf," Theory of a Deadman, Killer Queen, Blue Öyster Cult, Three Dog Night, Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters
What you need to know: The race track in Shakopee has an outdoor concert space where you can catch some throwbacks throughout the summer. Click here for me
When: Various dates from May 29 to Aug. 23 at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis
Who is playing: CAAMP, Dispatch, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Sierra Ferrell, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Charley Crockett
What you need to know: The concerts at Surly Brewing Festival Field are all individually ticketed. Parking can get a little messy, so it's usually worth getting out there early or taking public transportation. Click here for more
When: June 6–7 at Allianz Field Festival Grounds in St. Paul
Who is playing: Tiësto, Alison Wonderland, John Summit, Kream, Mojave Grey, Cassian, Disco Lines, and more
What you need to know: The EDM festival, which hosts events around the country, is back in the parking lot outside Allianz Field for a second year with a mix of splashy national acts and local DJs. Click here for more.When: June 6–7 in Cadott, Wis.
Who is playing: Marshmello, Rezz, Liquid Stranger, RL Grime, Inzo, Mersiv, Peekaboo, Flux Pavilion, A Hundred Drums, and more
What to know: Force Fields, a new festival this summer, takes place the same weekend as Breakaway; EDM lovers will need to make a choice between the two fests. Click here for more
When: June 11–14 at Wagon Wheel Ridge in Karlstad
Who is playing: Little Big Town, Tyler Hubbard, Eli Young Band, Cayce Beckham, Michael Ray, Chris Hawkey, Ace Frehley, Ron Keel Band, and more
What you need to know: The country music festival (which also has a set from KISS' Ace Frehley) offers camping options as well as fest passes. Click here for more
When: Most Thursdays from June 12 to Aug. 14 at Mears Park in St. Paul
Who is playing: Flamin' Oh's, The New Standards, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Dan Rodriguez, Annie and the Bang Bang, Turn Turn Turn, Salsa del Soul, Kiss the Tiger, and Yam Haus
What you need to know: The (almost) weekly concerts are free to attend and all start at 6 p.m. Each show has an opener in addition to the groups listed above. You'll also find local beers and wines as well as food trucks lined up around the park. Click here for more
When: Most Thursdays from June 12–Aug. 21 at Downtown Park in Hopkins
Who is playing: Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckels, Zacc Harris, Tripple Fiddle, Trapper Schoepp, Annie Mack, Westwind Big Band, Salsa del Soul, Power of 10, Elska
What you need to know: The annual series offers free shows in Hopkins at 7 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the summer. Click here for more
When: Most Fridays from June 13–Aug. 8 at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley
Who is playing: Nur-D, The Big Wu, Davina and the Vagabonds, The Cactus Blossoms, Bad Bad Hats, Wookiefoot, Cloud Cult, Sweet & Tender Hooligans, and more
What you need to know: All of the concerts are 18+ with no exceptions. Be sure to look at the unique way the shows are set up before heading out or you might miss the groups you most want to see. Click here for more
When: June 13 and Sept. 7 at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake
Who is playing: Whiskey Myers, The Doobie Brothers with Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band
What you need to know: The amphitheater is the outdoor venue at Mystic Lake Casino. It's just got a couple of shows on the calendar right now. Click here for more
When: June 14 at Pryes Brewing in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Kiss the Tiger, Nathan Graham, Mary Bue, Roe Family Singers, The Shackletons, Of the Orchard, and more
What you need to know: The brewery's eighth annual block party will also have pizzas and beers available. Plus, it's free. Click here for more
When: June 14–15 at West River Parkway in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Leslie Rich and the Rocket Soul Choir, The Right Here, ELOUR, Unattractive Giant Monster, The Walker Brothers, Willows, Dan Israel, Shug E, John Magnuson Trio, and more
What you need to know: The festival is moving to the west side of the Mississippi River this year. The main attraction at the festival is an expansive artist market and lots of food around the park. Click here for more
When: June 19–21 in Winsted
Who is playing: Jordan Davis, Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, Dustin Lynch, LOCASH, Ashley Cooke, and more
What you need to know: The fest is popular. As far back as November, the festival announced that VIP tickets were sold out, as well as spots in campgrounds A, B, C, and D. So, get a move on. Click here for more
When: June 20–21 in Eau Claire, Wis.
Who is playing: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, Live, Collective Soul, Gavin DeGraw, Everclear, Rick Springfield, The Marshall Tucker Band, and more
What you need to know: Summer Jam is a new festival in western Wisconsin that has billed itself as genre agnostic. (Though, it seems like it has a pretty clear focus to me.) Click here for more
When: Various dates from June 20 to Aug. 16
Who is playing: Halsey, Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, I Prevail, Beartooth, $uicideboy$, Hardy
What to know: The Somerset Amphitheater has just four events on the calendar at the time of publication. That includes just one festival-style show: The Summer of Loud, which will put eight metal groups on the stage throughout the day on July 11. Click here for more
When: June 20–21 at various places around St. Paul
Who is playing: Emmet Cohen Trio, Catherine Russell and Sean Mason, L.A. Buckner and BiG HOMiE, Charlie Bruber & Jack Barrett, Debbit Briggs Vintage Jazz, Nicolas David, Abinet Berhanu's Ahndenet, Travis Anderson Trio, Robert Lehmann & Toby Ramaswamy, Room3, Larry McDonough Quartet, Steve Kenny Quintet, and more
What you need to know: The sprawling jazz festival takes place all around town, with the main stage set up at Mears Park in St. Paul. Shows in the festival are free to attend, with a few exceptions. Click here for more
When: June 26–28 at The Pines in Eau Claire, Wis.
Who is playing: Pert Near Sandstone, Greensky Bluegrass, Warren Haynes Band, Margo Price, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Sam Bush Band, Molly Tuttle, Charlie Parr, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amigo the Devil, and more
What you need to know: As of May 20, the festival is 90% sold out. The fest also features activities like yoga, art displays, music workshops, outdoor activities around Eau Claire, and more. Click here for more
When: June 26–28 in Cadott, Wis.
Who is playing: Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Chris Young, Corey Kent, Chris Lane, Tyler Hubbard, Niko Moon, Gretchen Wilson, Ella Langley, Michael Ray, and more
What you need to know: Hoofbeat may sound new, but it's the new name for the long-running Country Fest, which announced a rebrand last summer. The three-day fest offers camping and one-day tickets if there's a headliner you're particularly keen on catching. Click here for more
When: July 5–6 in Downtown Minneapolis
Who is playing: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Ludacris, Cheap Trick, Nur-D, and more
What you need to know: The Taste is still happening in Downtown Minneapolis with loads of vendors, food, and places to grab a refreshment. It's also free. Click here for more
When: Wednesdays from July 9 to Aug. 20 at The Cedar Plaza outside The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Sinkane, Yeison Landero, Abinnet Berhanu's Ahndenet አንድነት feat. Genet Abate, The Buddha Prince, Combo Daguerre, The Burroughs, Ukrainian Village Band
What you need to know: The free outdoor concert series takes place most Wednesdays during its run, with shows lasting from 6–8 p.m. Click here for more
When: July 10–13 in Lutsen
Who is playing: The Honeydogs, Wild Horses, Rogue Valley, Stonebridge Singers, Jeremy Messersmith, Molly Dean, Turn Turn Turn, The Scarlet Goodbye, and more
What you need to know: The fourth installment of Lutsong takes place overlooking Lake Superior. It includes a vendor village and plenty of food and drinks. As a bonus, kids under 12 get in for free. Click here for more
When: July 11–12 in Hutchinson
Who is playing: Gear Daddies, Wild Horses, Michael Shynes, Goldpine, Hawthorne Oachs, The Orange Goodness, and more
What you need to know: The 17th installment of RiverSong continues to focus on Minnesota-connected performers. It also offers food and drinks, camping, and more. Click here for more
When: July 11–12 at Lakefront Park in Prior Lake
Who is playing: Foreigner, Miranda Lambert, 38 Special, Loverboy, Randy Houser, Dillon Carmichael
What you need to know: The Lakefront Music Fest is split into a classic rock day and a country music day, with Foreigner headlining the former and Miranda Lambert at the top of the bill for the latter. Click here for more
When: July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, and 10 at Mayo Park in Rochester
Who is playing: Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, the Wailin' Jennys, Tone Loc, Hoobastank, and more
What you need to know: The free concert series has been running for more than three decades and brings in a combination of nationally-known artists and local musicians. Click here for more
When: July 17–19 in Eau Claire, Wis.
Who is playing: Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott, Jake Owen, David Lee Murphy, Sara Evans, Craig Morgan, and more
What you need to know: The long-running fest offers camping across its three days of country music. Click here for more
When: July 17–19 in Cadott, Wis.
Who is playing: Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Omens, Knocked Loose, Slaughter to Prevail, Architects, Marilyn Manson, In This Moment, Yelawolf, Three Days Grace, Ja Rule, Poppy, Mushroomhead, Taproot, Dry Kill Logic, and more
What you need to know: Rock Fest is a sweeping event with more than 80 bands over its three-day run. It's got some long days, and a lot of people will be camping out. Click here for more
When: July 17–19 in Walker
Who is playing: Johnny O'Neil, Centerville All Stars, Sugar Buzz, and more.
What you need to know: While Moondance has had more eye-catching lineups, we're glad to see that it's happening. Last year, the festival canceled headliners like Creed, Kansas, and Blue Öyster Cult, citing the "present economic climate" for the last-minute change of plans. Click here for more
When: July 18–20 at Harriet Island in St. Paul
Who is playing: Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Green Day, Sublime, Train, Sheryl Crow, Father John Misty, Remi Wolf, O.A.R., Motion City Soundtrack, Silversun Pickups, 311, Garbage, Blind Melon, Beach Bunny, The Beaches, and more.
What you need to know: For its second year, the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is going a little bigger. It has expanded to two days and has a more alluring lineup that skews (slightly) younger than last year's lineup. Tickets are already in short supply. Click here for more
When: July 20 and Aug. 7 at Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band, The Jayhawks, and The BoDeans
What you need to know: At this time, Utepils has announced just three concerts in its outdoor concert series for the summer. Each event is ticketed separately. Click here for more
When: July 25–27 in Franklin
Who is playing: Annika Wolfe, Antenes, Anthony Linell, Border One, Erik Luebs, Eris Drew, Furtive, Justin Aulis Long, Centrific, Dustin Zahn, Lonefront, Marijuana Death Squads, and more
What you need to know: The EDM festival is like a well-kept secret in the state, drawing people from around the country for its thoughtful curation and deep roster of talent. Click here for more
When: July 25–26 at Treasure Island Amphitheater in Welch
Who is playing: Shakey Graves, Soul Asylum, Shane Smith & the Saints, Charlie Parr, Wild Horses, Mason Jennings, and more
What you need to know: It's the second year of Treasure Island's festival, with the option of buying two-day tickets or single-day passes. Click here for more
When: Aug. 7–9 in Detroit Lakes
Who is playing: Hardy, Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Treat Oak Revival, Megan Moroney, Gavin Adcock, Kip Moore, Ian Munsick, and more
What you need to know: Many of the VIP tickets are already sold out. Though it did release a few extra tickets at some levels in May. Click here for more
When: Aug. 8-10 in Duluth
Who is playing: Ana Popovic, Tommy Castro & the Pain Killers, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, John Németh, Sugaray Rayford, Nick Moss Band, and more
What you need to know: Kids 12 and under get in free, and there will be plenty of food and drink options. Click here for more
When: Aug. 8–10 at Harriet Island in St. Paul
Who is playing: Talisk, Gaelic Storm, Emma Langford, Ally the Piper, The Diddley Idols, and more
What you need to know: The annual festival is a family-friendly affair with live music and lots more. Click here for more
When: Aug. 15–16 at The Pines in Eau Claire, Wis.
Who is playing: The String Cheese Incident with The Del McCoury Band and STS9
What you need to know: It's two days of the beloved jam band in the woods outside Eau Claire. All tickets to the outdoor shows include two nights of music and three nights of unreserved tent campground space. Click here for more
When: Aug. 21–Sept. 1 at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
Who is playing: Old Dominion, Meghan Trainor, Atmosphere & Friends, Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls, The Turtles, Def Leppard, Hank Williams Jr., Steve Miller Band, and The Avett Brothers
What you need to know: It's the State Fair. You probably know it all, but tickets to the Grandstand shows do not include admission to the fair or that bucket of cookies you're inevitably going to buy. Moreover, in addition to the grandstand shows, there will be plenty of other live music around the state fair. Click here for more.
When: Sept. 6 in Grand Rapids
Who is playing: Courtney Barnett, Margo Price, Jeremie Albino, and Alan Sparhawk
What you need to know: The concert takes place along the banks of the Mississippi River, right in downtown Grand Rapids. Click here for more
When: Sept. 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis
Who is playing: Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Trampled by Turtles, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Waxahatchee, Jesse Welles, Billy Strings, and more
What you need to know: For the first time in its 40-year history, Farm Aid will come to Minnesota. Willie Nelson's annual benefit supports "family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities. Click here for more
When: Sept. 25–28 at Prairie Island Campground in Winona
Who is playing: TBA
What you need to know: No lineup has been announced yet, but the festival has previously drawn folk acts like Charlie Parr and Pert Near Sandstone. Click here for moreThis story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.