9 Spots to Soak Up Summer in Shakopee
Make the most of summertime’s long, sunny days! Here are the best spots to soak up summer vibes in and around Shakopee.
Outdoor concerts
Enjoy an outdoor show with your favorite bands. The Mystic Amphitheater will be hosting Lady A (June 13) and New Kids on the Block (June 23). Celebrate Independence Day (July 4) at the Mystic Amphitheater with Rock and Rockets, which will include a free outdoor concert by Sister Hazel and Fastball and a fireworks display after the show.
Lakefront Music Fest is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the Twin Cities metro. The two-day festival features rock acts Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Berlin, and Bachman Turner Overdrive (July 12) and country musicians Dierks Bentley, Elle King, and Morgan Evans (July 13).
Experience the best of downtown Shakopee at Rhythm on the Rails, a free concert series on Wednesday nights June 19 through July 31. In addition to regional headliners and local opening acts, there’s a free kids zone and food and beer from local vendors.
Festivals
Pair rides with live local music and delicious eats at Valleyfair’s festivals. Latin Days (August 3-4) highlights traditional and contemporary Latin music and dance, plus authentic foods. At Corn Fest (weekends August 17-September 2 plus Labor Day) enjoy sweet and savory corny eats as well as games and a corn-eating contest.
Midwest Rib Fest (July 25-27) celebrates its 10th anniversary at Mystic Lake this year, with three days filled with barbecue from award-winning pitmasters, free outdoor concerts, the world rib eating championship, and beverages, desserts, and more from local vendors.
Canterbury Park hosts Taste of Canterbury food festivals throughout the summer, with tickets that include live racing admission, cocktail sampling, two drink tickets, and themed appetizer pairings. Upcoming festivals include Martinis & Tapas (June 15), BBQ & Bourbon (July 6), Cocktail Carnivale (August 3), Brunch & Bubbly (August 25), and Tacos & Tequila (September 7).
Valleyfair
From family-friendly fun to thrilling coasters, the 75-plus rides and attractions at Valleyfair include something for everyone. At Planet Snoopy, there are pint-sized kids’ rides, shows featuring the Peanuts characters, and an air conditioned, two-story interactive play area. For thrill seekers, you’ll find roller coasters, the 250-foot Power Tower, and Delirious, a high-speed train that loops riders upside down on a seven-story track. Beat the heat at Valleyfair’s Soak City Waterpark, which has tot-friendly splash pads, a wave pool, a lazy river, and mild and wild waterslides.
Golf courses
Hit the links at golf courses in Shakopee and its surrounding communities. Stonebrooke Golf Club has a scenic layout with a unique mix of holes—the 8th hole is especially popular thanks to its drive over a lake (there’s a ferry to bring golfers to the fairway).
The Wilds was designed by champion golfer Tom Weiskopf and acclaimed architect Jay Morrish. Enjoy views of pines, hardwoods and wetlands from the course, and gaze on the Minneapolis skyline from the clubhouse.
The Meadows at Mystic Lake has a championship layout surrounded by wildflowers and prairie grasses, and you can book a TrackMan Pro session to analyze your performance with professional-grade technology.
Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate the Ridges at Sand Creek, which has five sets of tees, a large bent grass green, and picturesque scenery.
Canterbury Park
Cheer on your pick at Canterbury Park, with live horse race meets held select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (through September 28). Select Sundays feature Dog Race Days, with a variety of dog breeds racing around the track to be crowned best in show.
Local restaurant patios
Dine al fresco at one of Shakopee’s locally-owned restaurants. O’Brien’s Public House brings a taste of Ireland to Minnesota, with a menu of seasonal pub specialties and lots of gluten-free options. Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant serves tasty Mexican cuisine and margaritas—try a few different flavors with a flight of miniature drinks. Mallards specializes in globally-inspired seafood dishes and Cajun classics like jambalaya and shrimp po’boys. McCoy’s Copper Pint has a crowd-pleasing menu including burgers and wood stone pizzas, plus a dog-friendly patio with a firepit.
Taproom patios
Cool off with a craft beer on a taproom patio. Shakopee Brewhall has a wide range of beers and a coffee menu you can enjoy on a covered rooftop patio. At Badger Hill Brewing, get a round of beers and dinner from the adjacent Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen. At Mana Brewing, you’ll find outdoor patio tables as well as a full bar and housemade pizza.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time with a visit to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, which runs weekends August 17-September 29, plus Labor Day and Friday, September 27. Cheer on live jousting, browse the artisan market, and more. The family-friendly festival features plenty of activities and games for kids, and each weekend has a different theme.
Local parks and trails
Savor the summer by spending time at local parks and trails. Lions Park is perfect for a laid-back summer day, with amenities including a splash pad, 18-hole disc golf course, and an inclusive playground with sensory activities for all ages.
For some two-wheeled fun, explore the Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Trail at Quarry Lake Park, which offers both easy and intermediate loops. Another local option is the Minnesota Valley State Trail has a 9.8 mile paved section that runs from Chaska to Fisher Lake in Shakopee.
Make Shakopee your destination for summertime fun! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area attractions like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.