9 Events Not to Miss This Summer in Shakopee
June ushers in the season of festivals, fairs, and outdoor fun! In between grilling in the backyard and taking the kids for a dip in the pool, you simply need to take time away from home to celebrate summertime in Shakopee. There are plenty of fun things to do in the region year-round, but the upcoming months bring an abundance of incredible events that you and your family shouldn’t miss!
Before summer really gets rolling, be sure to add these nine exciting events to your calendar:
June 2nd – September 10th
Beginning in June, you’ll find performances on Thursdays and outdoor movies on Saturdays all summer long at Huber Park. Get ready for wonderful shows from bands like Los Soles and the Loosely Wound Bluegrass Band, and exciting movies to see every weekend. And be sure not to miss out on children’s events like the Twin Cities Unicycle Club Show and Jack & Kitty!
July 4th
Mystic Lake Casino will once again play host to the best summer holiday bash in the Midwest! The Rock and Rockets July 4 Celebration is a free party for people of all ages. The event will feature live music and food trucks, as well as a tremendous, musically-choreographed fireworks show.
July 20th – 23rd
The Aquatennial in Minneapolis is the official civic celebration of the city! After kicking off with the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade on July 20th, you’ll be able to experience a non-stop weekend of family fun. With tennis classics, yoga, canoe rides, and fireworks, there is something for everyone at this incredible annual event.
July 22nd – 26th
This July, get ready to ‘feast’ your eyes on the 3rd Annual Great Midwest Rib Fest! The music and art alone are great reasons to attend, but on top of that, you’ll find the greatest selection of rib vendors and delicious food in the entire Midwest for five days straight.
July 27th – 31st
In Scott County, the last few days of July are called the “five best days of summer” for a reason. The Scott County Fair has been a summer favorite since it began back in the early 1900s! Attend classic events like the tractor pull and bluegrass festival, then spend time relaxing in the beer garden after a fun-filled day on the carnival rides.
August 19th – 21st
In the Dakota language, the word wacipi means “they all dance.” The annual Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi Pow Wow is a celebration of life and Native American culture. It is also the perfect event to bring your children to learn about and experience Sioux culture through dances, ceremonies, and music!
August 25th – September 5th
If there is any event not to miss this summer, it’s the Minnesota State Fair! This giant event attracts millions of visitors each year, earning it the nickname “the Great Minnesota Get-Together.” The fair is as old as Minnesota itself and includes an incredible adventure park, enjoyable animal exhibits, festive arts, and foods galore.
August 20th – October 2nd
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival will begin its 46th season this August! Each year, the event takes place right here in Shakopee and fills the area with live entertainment, themed weekends, and fun-filled traditions like jousting, artisan booths, and so much more. This family friendly festival has games and shows for adults and children alike!
September 3rd – 5th
Though the summer comes to a close on Labor Day, Shakopee celebrates the end of the season each year at Valleyfair with the Green Giant Corn Fest! On top of visiting the largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, guests can treat themselves to free and delicious corn on the cob from Green Giant for the entire weekend.
There is so much to do, see, and celebrate in the Shakopee area! Whether you’re here to stay or simply visiting for the weekend, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.