Plan Your Summer in Shakopee

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Dining Events Festivals Outdoors

From the Twin Cities’ amusement park to the nation’s largest Renaissance festival, Shakopee is home to top-notch attractions, unique festivals, and a vibrant music scene.  Here’s your guide to all the summer fun Shakopee has to offer—it’s time to start planning your vacation!

Exciting Attractions

Explore the 75-plus rides and attractions at Valleyfair—there’s something for thrillseekers, families, and everyone in between.  The amusement park’s season preview is scheduled for May 11, 2025 with daily hours starting May 16.  Brave classic roller coasters like Renegade and Wild Thing, enjoy the milder Peanuts-themed rides at Planet Snoopy, and catch some live entertainment.  Soak City, the on-site waterpark, features a wave pool, slides, and a kids’ play area and opens for the season on May 24.

Cheer on the horses at Canterbury Park starting May 24, 2025.  Thoroughbred races are held on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer, and it’s easy to place bets in person or via a self-service machine.  Save the date for special dog race days on May 25, June 22, July 4, and August 3, 17, and 31, when corgis, wiener dogs, and basset hounds race around the track to be crowned best in show.

Splash around at Sandventure Aquatic Park, which boasts a sandy beach and sand-bottomed, chlorinated pool.  Sandventure’s grand re-opening is scheduled for June 6, 2025, with brand-new, splash pad-style water features and a pirate ship-themed playground.  Other attractions include waterslides, a pirate ship jumping platform, water basketball, and water volleyball.

Try your luck at Mystic Lake, Minnesota’s largest casino.  The new baccarat room has an upscale atmosphere and offers faster-paced “EZ Baccarat” play.  Other gaming options include slots, bingo, table games like blackjack, and electronic table games you can play at your own pace.  Mystic Lake is also a live entertainment destination, with concerts, stand up comedy, and other events hosted at the Mystic Showroom and outdoor Mystic Amphitheater.

Outdoor Concerts

Soak up summer vibes at Rhythm on the Rails, a free six-week outdoor concert series in downtown Shakopee.  Enjoy a local opening act and regional headliner, with shows scheduled for June 18 and 25 and July 9, 16, 23, and 30.  Concerts are family-friendly and also include kids’ activities and local food and brew vendors.

Savor live music in an intimate, comfortable outdoor venue at Canterbury Park’s Concerts at the Park.  This year’s lineup includes the Beach Boys (May 22), Theory of a Deadman (June 13), Blue Oyster Cult (July 31), and Three Dog Night (August 8), plus a variety of tribute acts.

Celebrate rock and country at Lakefront Music Fest, held July 11-12, 2025.  The first day of the festival highlights rock music, with headliner Foreigner and opening acts 38 Special and Loverboy.  Day two is all about country, with headliner Miranda Lambert and opening acts Randy Houser and Dillon Carmichael.

Must-attend Festivals

Step into 16th century Europe via the immersive realm of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.  The 2025 festival will be held weekends August 16-September 28, plus Labor Day, September 1 and Festival Friday, September 26.  Watch live jousting and over a dozen stages of live entertainment, chow down on turkey legs and fanciful desserts, and peruse an artisan marketplace of over 250 vendors.  The festival also features plenty of family-friendly games and attractions, like the chance to meet a fairy, learn to juggle, and attend an enchanted storytime. 

Cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls at Canterbury Park’s Ram Trucks Rodeo held July 18-20, 2025.  Events include bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, plus there’s live music on Friday and Saturday and family activities on Sunday.

Chow down on barbecue at The Great Midwest Rib Fest, featuring pitmasters from across the U.S.  Held July 24-26, 2025, the festival will also feature live music and competitions.

Celebrate Native American culture at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi, held August 15-17, 2025.  Dancers will compete in a variety of dance styles and age groups, and there will also be hand drum contests, moccasin game tournaments, and Native American vendors selling traditional beadwork, jewelry, and refreshments.

Explore Shakopee

Shop local in Shakopee’s historic downtown, which offers unique boutiques and specialty retailers.  Shakopee is also conveniently located to regional shopping destinations like the Mall of America and Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store.

Savor craft beer, doughnuts, tacos, pizza, barbecue, burgers, and more at Shakopee’s local restaurants and breweries.  From a quick bite to a special occasion-worth meal, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.

Get active in the great outdoors at one of Shakopee’s local parks, which feature amenities like disc golf, pickleball courts, a splash pad, and accessible playgrounds.  There are also several golf courses in and nearby Shakopee, including Stonebrooke Golf Club, The Wilds, The Meadows at Mystic Lake, and Ridges at Sand Creek.

Plan a summer vacation in Shakopee!  Choose from campgrounds and hotels, with comfortable accommodations at a range of price points.  There are great options for families and groups, too.  Book your stay in Shakopee today!