Summer Festivals In and Near Shakopee
Visiting Shakopee this summer is a promise of incredible live music, delicious food and cultural activities you can’t find anywhere else. The variety of summer events happening in and around Shakopee may have you wondering why you ever venture into the Twin Cities! So, take out your summer calendar and start filling it in with all these wonderful events, right here in Shakopee.
Festivals for Music Lovers
The sun is shining and everyone in Minnesota flocks outdoors to soak it up. There’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than at one of several music festivals in Shakopee. Rhythm on the Rails rolls into town Wednesday nights beginning July 17. This free concert series takes place in the heart of downtown Shakopee. It’s laid-back weeknight vibe brings local and regional acts and includes a kid’s area for family fun! Summer music festivals take over events calendars nationwide, and this summer, we’re joining the trend with the Twin Cities Summer Jam. This 3-day festival is taking over Canterbury Park July 18-20 and is unique in its combination of music genres; attendees see top country stars, big names in rock and radio pop acts every night!
This year, the Lakefront Music Fest celebrates its 10th year bringing together music, friendship and community. Sponsored by the Prior Lake Rotary Club, this festival is bringing big names to Lakefront Park, including Brad Paisley and the Steve Miller Band. Get tickets today and consider yourself booked for a good time, July 12-13. With summer in full swing, Buck Hill has transformed from your favorite skiing slope to the place to rock out to some classics, July 11-13. The Buck Concert Series has ticket options for everyone; bring a blanket and relax or go full VIP. No matter what concerts you choose, the month of July is going to rock.
Minnesota’s Culture Thrives
Shakopee locals are proud of the Dakota heritage that still thrives throughout the area. Each August, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hosts a Wacipi or Pow Wow. Historically, these gatherings were held to recognize a successful hunt or celebrate a positive event. Today, they consist of several parts and are open to the public. If you’ve never attended a Pow Wow, make this year your year to learn more about the history of your home state.
Also in August, locals and visitors come to attend the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It runs weekends through September and is a lot of fun for adults and families alike. Whether your kids are into fairies or swords, there’s plenty to pique the imaginations of all ages. The festival boasts 16 stages for magicians, musicians, comedians, jugglers, mimes and more. Plus, it has 150 food options, and a festival marketplace featuring 250 artisans. Make it a summer tradition!
Food and Fun
When looking for things to do in Shakopee this summer, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Great Midwest Rib Fest! This three-day festival in July is home to music, eating contests, and of course, a veritable hog heaven of BBQ. So, tie on a bib and sample as many chef’s ribs as you can–they’re competing for bragging rights and cash prizes!
If sweets and local food trucks are more your thing, plan to spend the Fourth of July at Mystic Lake for Rocks and Rockets. The fun starts at 5pm and is free admission for the whole family! You’ll love hanging out and listening to live music, trying all the concoctions from the beverage tent, and checking out the games area. Enjoy your picnic dinner as the sun goes down, watch one of the Midwest’s largest fireworks shows, and don’t forget to treat yourself at the Sweet Spot.
If your idea of summer fun is sunshine, soaking up live music, tasting incredible food, spending quality time with friends and family, or digging into a new culture, Shakopee is the place to be. We’ve got it all! With so much fun to have, summer will go by in a flash, so book your tickets today.