Your Summer Starts Here: The Ultimate Guide to Shakopee & the Surrounding Area

Live music, live racing, Renaissance royalty, craft beer, and some of the best local dining in the Twin Cities metro — it’s all waiting for you south of the river this summer.

🎶 Mystic Lake Amphitheater — Shakopee’s Newest Crown Jewel

Minnesota’s live music landscape changed forever when Mystic Lake Amphitheater opened its gates in summer 2026. Located at 712 Canterbury Road in Shakopee and operated by Live Nation in partnership with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, this 19,000-capacity outdoor venue is the first large-scale amphitheater the Twin Cities has ever had — and it’s delivering a lineup that rivals any market in the country.

Fans will love the superior acoustics, clear sightlines, and a covered lower bowl that keeps you in the action even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. A spacious outdoor plaza offers sweeping views of the Minnesota River Valley, making it a destination before the first note is even played. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel provides complimentary shuttle service from its resort just five miles away, making a night at the show even easier to plan.

The shows listed below are confirmed as of right now — but this is far from the final word. Mystic Lake Amphitheater will continue to announce new acts throughout the spring and into the summer, so check mysticlakeamp.com regularly. The best seats go fast, and some of the biggest announcements may still be ahead.

🎸 Rhythm on the Rails — Free Live Music in Downtown Shakopee

If amphitheater ticket prices aren’t your thing on a given Wednesday, head downtown. Rhythm on the Rails is a beloved free outdoor concert series set in the heart of historic downtown Shakopee, and it’s back for another summer run. Mark your calendars for the following Wednesday evenings: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29. Band bookings are still being finalized, so keep an eye on the website for lineup updates as the season approaches.

The setting alone is worth showing up for. Nestled in the charming blocks of downtown Shakopee, the series brings out families, neighbors, and visitors for an easygoing evening of live music and community. Pair it with a stroll through the Shakopee Social District (more on that below) for a perfect summer night out.

🎰 Mystic Lake Casino Hotel — World-Class Gaming and Entertainment

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in nearby Prior Lake is one of the premier entertainment and resort destinations in the entire Midwest — and with the new amphitheater nearby, it’s become the anchor of one of the most exciting entertainment corridors in the Twin Cities.

At the heart of it all is the casino itself, which ranks among the largest in the upper Midwest. The gaming floor is massive and immersive, featuring thousands of slot machines spanning every style from classic reels to the latest video slots with progressive jackpots. Table game players will find an impressive selection of blackjack, baccarat, and other favorites, while the poker room offers both cash games and tournament action for players of all skill levels. The energy on the floor — whether it’s a weeknight or a packed Saturday night after a show — is genuinely hard to replicate. Mystic Lake’s gaming operation is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and the care put into the facilities and guest experience shows at every turn.

Beyond the gaming floor, Mystic Lake is a full resort destination. The property includes 766 hotel rooms, a variety of dining and bar options ranging from casual to elevated, and Mystic Lake Center — a 70,000-square-foot event and convention complex. The Mystic Showroom hosts its own year-round entertainment calendar separate from the outdoor amphitheater, bringing in comedy acts, intimate concerts, and touring headliners for a more personal indoor experience. New shows are added throughout the year at mysticlake.com/shows-and-events. And with complimentary shuttle service running between the casino resort and the amphitheater, it’s never been easier to build a full night — or a full weekend — around everything Mystic Lake has to offer.

🏇 Canterbury Park — Live Racing, Family Fun, and a Full Summer of Events

There’s something undeniably electric about watching thoroughbreds thunder down the stretch on a warm summer evening. Canterbury Park in Shakopee delivers exactly that, with a 51-day live racing season running from Saturday, May 23 through Saturday, September 19, 2026. Races are held primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sundays and holidays at 1 p.m., with additional dates on Memorial Day (May 25), July 3rd, and select Wednesdays.

Highlights of the 2026 season include the Northern Stars Turf Festival on June 27 — featuring four turf stakes races including the Lady Canterbury, Canterbury Derby, Brooks Fields Stakes, and Curtis Sampson Oaks — and the beloved Minnesota Festival of Champions on September 5, an evening dedicated to Minnesota-bred horses. The Victor S. Myers and Frances Genter stakes return on July 26 as traditional preps for the Minnesota Derby and Minnesota Oaks, both elevated back to stakes status with $50,000 purses this year.

But Canterbury Park is just as much about the full-family experience as it is about the races. Kids 5 and under get free admission on live racing days, and the park keeps younger guests entertained with a Rainbow Playground and a Game On Arcade packed with everything from classic carnival games to claw crane machines. Sunday Pepsi Family Days bring face painting, pony rides, and the crowd-pleasing “Kids Race the Track” event after the final race of the day. Between races, the park’s multiple dining venues, craft beer options, and outdoor spaces make it easy to settle in and enjoy the day at your own pace. Canterbury also operates a year-round card casino with live poker and table games — making it an any-day destination well beyond the racing season. Check the events calendar as summer promotions and special programming are added throughout the season.

🎢 Valleyfair — 50 Years of Thrills, and Their Biggest Summer Yet

No summer guide to Shakopee is complete without a deep dive into Valleyfair. The region’s largest amusement park, located at 1 Valleyfair Drive, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 — and it’s marking the milestone with what promises to be the most significant investment the park has seen in years.

For thrill-seekers, Valleyfair’s dry-ride lineup remains one of the best in the upper Midwest. The park’s eight roller coasters run the gamut from the stomach-dropping Wild Thing and the screaming heights of Steel Venom to the high-speed inversions of Corkscrew and the family-friendly Excalibur. North Star offers sweeping aerial views of the Minnesota River Valley from 275 feet up. Renegade and High Roller round out a coaster collection that can keep adrenaline junkies busy all day. Beyond coasters, Power Tower’s freefall experience, swinging and spinning flat rides, and a full slate of water rides keep the pace up from open to close. For younger guests, Planet Snoopy delivers 15 kid-scaled adventures plus Peanuts Gang meet-and-greets — a genuine highlight for families with little ones.

But 2026’s headline story is what’s happening at the waterpark. Valleyfair has been building anticipation under the campaign tagline “Something Superior is coming in 2026” and the hashtag #SomethingSuperior26, with major construction on a full overhaul of Soak City well underway. Valleyfair has trademarked the name Superior Shores Waterpark, and a substantial portion of the existing waterpark — including the lazy river, several body slides, and raft attractions — was closed and demolished in 2025 to make way for what is expected to be one of the largest capital investments in the park’s 50-year history. Early construction photos show supports already going up, and anticipation is high for what promises to be an entirely reimagined waterpark experience. The full scope of the new Superior Shores Waterpark is still being officially revealed — visit valleyfair.com for the latest announcement details before you plan your visit.

Valleyfair’s seasonal event programming, including special celebration weekends marking its 50th anniversary milestone, adds more reasons to visit beyond just the rides. Keep an eye on the calendar at valleyfair.com throughout the summer for the full slate of events and specials.

⛳ LaunchPad Golf at The Meadows — Prior Lake’s Game-Changing Addition

Opened in October 2025, LaunchPad Golf The Meadows in Prior Lake has already established itself as one of the most talked-about new entertainment venues in the Twin Cities. Located at 2340 Park Place NW — right next to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel — this two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility features 40 heated golf suites, a 160,000-square-foot outdoor driving range powered by Inrange radar technology, two full bars, and a full-service restaurant with a chef-crafted menu that’s worth a visit all on its own.

Suites run $40–$60 per hour and hold up to six people, making it an affordable group activity whether you’re a scratch golfer or haven’t touched a club in years. Virtual courses, competitive bay-to-bay challenges, and longest-drive contests mean there’s always something going on. LaunchPad is open daily until midnight most nights (1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), making it a natural cap to a day at the casino or a race at Canterbury. PGA instructors from The Meadows Golf Course offer on-site lessons, and weekly leagues run throughout the season for friendly competition.

🏰 Minnesota Renaissance Festival — Huzzah All Late Summer Long

Few experiences in the upper Midwest match the sheer spectacle and fun of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Now in its 55th season, this Shakopee landmark is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the entire United States, drawing more than 300,000 visitors each year to its 400-acre grounds near the Minnesota River.

The 2026 season runs weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from August 22 through October 4, with additional hours on Labor Day Monday (September 7) and a Festival Friday (October 2). Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. — rain or shine. Expect 16 stages of live entertainment, live armored jousting, over 250 artisan vendors, more than 120 food booths, and hundreds of costumed characters roaming the village streets. Each weekend carries its own theme, giving you a great reason to come back more than once. Parking reservations are recommended — visit renaissancefest.com for ticketing and planning details.

🍺 Breweries — Shakopee’s Growing Craft Scene

Shakopee has developed a genuine craft beer identity, and summer is the perfect time to explore it.

Badger Hill Brewing at 2805 Winners Circle Drive (near Canterbury Park) is the city’s longest-running modern craft brewery, beloved for brews like the Traitor IPA and its cult-favorite Badger Snack Peanut Butter Stout. The taproom also serves specialty coffee — making it one of the rare spots where morning and evening are equally welcome — and a comfortable patio rounds out the experience all season long.

Shakopee Brew Hall at 124 1st Avenue E is the heartbeat of downtown’s neighborhood bar scene. Housed in a building with roots in the 1840s — with historical timbers, limestone, and bricks incorporated throughout — the Brewhall serves craft beer alongside house-roasted coffee. Live music, trivia nights, and bingo nights for local nonprofits keep the calendar full all summer long.

Mana Brewing at 129 Holmes Street South is the newest addition to Shakopee’s tap scene — a family-friendly taproom with a traditional brewing approach, a full bar, signature cocktails, and games on hand. Their Cream Ale and Hazy IPA are crowd favorites, but the Tropical Stout is worth the adventure.

🥂 Shakopee Social District — Sip, Stroll, and Explore

Summer 2026 marks the first full season for the Shakopee Social District, running May 1 through October 31, 2026, daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The district covers two distinct areas: historic downtown Shakopee, running along 1st and 2nd Avenues between Spencer and Atwood Streets, and the Canterbury Park entertainment district off Winners Circle Drive. Within these zones, you can purchase beer, wine, or spirits from participating licensed businesses in official, branded social district cups — then take your drink for a walk, sit in a plaza, or step into shops that welcome it.

The Canterbury district zone is especially well-positioned for concert nights. Mystic Lake Amphitheater sits right along Canterbury Road — close enough that grabbing a drink at one of the Canterbury Commons bars or restaurants and walking over to the show is a completely natural way to start the evening. It’s one of those details that makes the whole area feel like it was designed to be enjoyed together, and it genuinely was.

Look for blue “Sold Here” signs at participating businesses, green “Drinks Welcome” signs at retailers, and red “No Drinks Permitted” signs where beverages must stay outside. Drinks must be purchased within the district; no outside beverages are permitted. It’s a genuinely fun way to experience Shakopee’s two most vibrant entertainment corridors at a relaxed, neighborhood pace.

🍽️ Where to Eat — Local Favorites Worth the Trip

Shakopee’s dining scene has evolved into something truly worth exploring, with locally owned spots spread across both the downtown corridor and the Canterbury Commons entertainment district.

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar at 1125 Shenandoah Drive is one of Shakopee’s most exciting newer additions — a restaurant and nightlife destination with an 18,000-square-foot trackside patio overlooking Canterbury Park’s racetrack, wood-fired wings and steaks, craft cocktails from a copper-topped bar, and a 7,500-square-foot live entertainment venue called the Stable with an LED video wall. Co-owners Joe Berg (of the Lumber Exchange Event Center in Minneapolis) and chef Thomas Pivec (operating partner at Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka) brought serious hospitality credentials to the Canterbury Commons district, and it shows. With horse-themed art throughout and a menu built for any occasion, it’s a natural stop before or after a race day.

Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen at 2815 Winners Circle Drive has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated restaurants in Shakopee, with craft margaritas, vibrant street-style tacos, and signature pineapple bowls that keep guests coming back. It’s also a Social District participant, making it an easy stop in the Canterbury entertainment corridor.

Mr. Pig’s Smokery, also on Winners Circle Drive, is the go-to for low-and-slow barbecue in the area. The smoked meats speak for themselves, and the craft cocktail and wine list make it equally suited for a leisurely dinner as a quick pre-race bite.

OG ZaZa at 2885 Winners Circle Drive brings serious pizza personality to the Canterbury Commons district. Owned by Food Network veteran and three-time “Guy’s Grocery Games” champion Chef Josh Hedquist, this 60-seat spot serves New Haven-style pizzas made with dough that rests five full days before baking — resulting in a crust that’s charred, crispy, and chewy in all the right ways. Standouts include the Parma (prosciutto, arugula, gorgonzola, hot honey) and the Carbonara (Italian bacon, pecorino, black pepper, egg yolk sauce). Old-school arcade games and a vibrant ’90s pop-art interior make it as much of an experience as a meal. The Happy Pizza Meal for kids — an 8″ personal pizza served in a box that doubles as a coloring book — is a genuinely clever touch for families.

O’Brien’s Public House at 338 First Avenue E is a true downtown gem — an authentically decorated Irish pub that blends local structural antiques with old country touches. The menu goes well beyond pub standards with fresh, creative options, and the large tap beer selection and signature cocktails draw a loyal and lively crowd. With a patio and live music in the mix, O’Brien’s is the kind of place that turns a quick drink into a whole evening. It’s also a Social District participant.

Turtle’s Bar & Grill at 132 First Avenue E is a downtown staple well-loved for its creative burgers, rotating craft beer taps, and the easy, welcoming energy of a neighborhood favorite done right. It’s a Social District participant, so you can kick off a downtown stroll with a cold pint in hand.

Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurante at 1561 1st Avenue E is rooted in a proud, family-driven culinary tradition spanning more than 20 years of authentic Mexican cooking. The menu runs deep with handcrafted dishes — sizzling fajitas, street-style tacos, birria, and quesabirria are consistent fan favorites — all made from traditional recipes with fresh, quality ingredients. Weekly specials like Taco Tuesday (3 street tacos for $7.99) and $5 tall mug margaritas on Thursdays make it as easy on the wallet as it is on the taste buds.

Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant at 230 Lewis Street South has earned a loyal following for its colorful, welcoming atmosphere and traditional Mexican comfort food done well. The menu spans enchiladas, tamales, and fresh margaritas, and an extensive dedicated gluten-free menu — including gluten-free chips — has earned especially enthusiastic reviews from guests with dietary needs. Pablo’s is also a Social District participant in the downtown zone.

Mallards Restaurant & Lounge at 180 Atwood Street North is a family-owned gem that has quietly built one of the most devoted followings in the south metro. Born from a Kansas City upbringing and a passion for bold, made-from-scratch cooking, Mallards serves up a chef-crafted menu inspired by Gulf Coast and Lowcountry flavors — think Tennessee Hot Chicken with house-made Come Back sauce, Maryland crab cakes, New Orleans salmon, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, pecan crusted walleye, KC-style BBQ ribs, and a lobster roll that regulars rave about. The full bar pours specialty cocktails, wine, and ice-cold beer, and weekend brunch adds another reason to make time for it. With a 4.6-star rating on OpenTable and consistent praise for both the food and the service, Mallards is the kind of place that makes you wonder how you didn’t know about it sooner.

Plan Your Summer Now

Whether you’re building a weekend getaway or mapping out a full season of day trips, Shakopee and the surrounding area have more to offer this summer than ever before. From the roar of the crowd at the brand-new Mystic Lake Amphitheater to the clip of hooves at Canterbury Park, free music on a Tuesday night downtown, a waterpark transformation celebrating Valleyfair’s 50th year, or a perfectly poured pint in the Social District — this stretch of the Twin Cities metro is absolutely worth your time and your summer calendar.