Late Summer and Early Fall Activities in Shakopee
Summer may be winding down, but the fun in Shakopee is just getting started! Add these festivals, concerts, and activities to your calendar to enjoy late summer and early fall in Shakopee.
Travel to a fantastical realm at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival (weekends August 17-September 29 plus Labor Day and September 27). The largest Renaissance Festival in the United States has something for everyone, from live jousting and artisan vendors to delicious eats and hilarious live entertainment. The festival also offers plenty of family activities, including crafts and meet-and-greets with fairies and mermaids.
Find big thrills and kid-friendly fun at Valleyfair. The park’s over 75 rides and attractions include roller coasters, Peanuts-themed shows for little ones, and classic carnival rides. Cool off at Valleyfair’s Soak City Waterpark (open through Labor Day), which has water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and kids’ splash pads. Celebrate the season at the Corn Fest (weekends August 17-September 1 plus Labor Day), with sweet and savory corny eats, games, and live music in addition to your favorite rides.
Take advantage of the warm weather with a round of golf. There are several scenic golf courses in and nearby Shakopee including Stonebrooke Golf Club, The Wilds, The Meadows at Mystic Lake, and Ridges at Sand Creek.
Place your wagers and cheer on the horses at Canterbury Park (live race meets through September 28). Canterbury Park also hosts family-friendly Dog Race Days, with upcoming races featuring corgis (August 18) and the Best in Show championship (September 1). Pair racing with delicious drinks and eats at the Taste of Canterbury event series, with themes including Brunch & Bubbly (August 25) and Tacos & Tequila (September 7).
Experience Native American culture at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (August 16-18). The contest powwow is open to visitors, and features dancing, drumming, and vendors selling Native American foods and handicrafts.
Take in an outdoor show with Canterbury Concerts at the Park. Upcoming shows include country music star Craig Morgan (August 16) and Midwestern comedian Charlie Berens (September 13). Choose from a variety of comfortable seating options and enjoy excellent sightlines and acoustics, free parking, and tasty food and beverage options.
Kick off the fall season at Sever’s Fall Festival (starting September 14). Find your way through the corn maze, zip down the giant slide, and play in the extreme corn pit. The festival includes plenty of kids’ activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting. Chow down on seasonal treats like caramel apples and locally-grown roasted corn, as well as favorite fair foods.
Admire more than 125 museum-quality antique automobiles at 10,000 Lakes Concours d’Elegance (September 15). In addition to historic vehicles, the event at Canterbury Park will feature live music, merchandise vendors, a kids play area, and delicious food, wine, and beer. Proceeds benefit Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Plan a getaway to Shakopee this summer and fall! 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.