Top Minnesota Music Events to Catch this Summer

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June 26, 2019

Happy (delayed) summer solstice! Though Minnesota peaks weather-wise in early June, June 21st is considered to be the official start of summer, and the start of some of Minnesota’s top summer music events! Last weekend alone included Twin Cities Pride and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, some of my favorite summer music events in Minnesota - and we’re just getting started!

The Pioneer Press compiled a list of outdoor concerts for every summer day in Minnesota, while Explore Minnesota posted their 15 recommended Minnesota concerts for the summer. MSP Magazine’s Twin Cities Guide to Summer Festivals provides some great information, too. In spirit, I decided to join the party; below is my list of the top Minnesota music events to catch this summer.

Rock the Garden, June 29

Okay, who doesn’t want to spend a day in a garden filled with music? Rock the Garden is one day, two stages and eight acts, with headliner The National and other greats including Courtney Barnett and X. Rock the Garden is always a good time, and this year has one of the most anticipated lineups yet.

Basilica Block Party, June 12-13

The Basilica Block Party takes place on two consecutive nights and is hosted by the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of The Basilica of St. Mary and has grown to be one of the biggest festivals held in the Twin Cities each year.

Lakefront Music Festival, July 12-13

If you’re into country music and/or classic rock, you should try to make Prior Lake’s 10th annual Lakefront Music Festival happen for yourself. What was originally known as the Lakefront Jazz & Blues Festival has grown to be one of the largest outdoor music festivals held in the Twin Cities. This year they’re bringing in Brad Paisley! Plus, your enjoyment is all for a good cause; proceeds benefit the Prior Lake Rotary Foundation and other local non-profits.

Bastille Day Block Party, July 14

I hate to admit that I’ve never been to the Bastille Day Block Party, hosted by Barbette in Uptown, Minneapolis. But I’ve heard it’s a blast! The block party is free, and proceeds from the event’s food and drink benefit the non-profit People Serving People, so that’s cool. This year’s performer include Lucy Michelle, The Suicide Commandos, LEAGUES and more.

Twin Cities Summer Jam, July 18-20

The Twin Cities Summer Jam is presented by Mystic Lake and hosted at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. It’s three days of big deal acts in a pretty casual outdoor space. What more could you need?

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Though not solo events, per-se, I couldn’t wrap this article up without mentioning a few other great options for outdoor summer music in Minnesota. Here’s my list of worthy contenders:

Shows at Surly Brewing’s Festival Field, (Multiple Dates)

Okay - have you heard of the Surly Summer Concerts happening at Festival Field this year? Surly is definitely stepping up its game, and bringing in some big acts to the stage this year, including Of Monsters of Men, Ben Folds & Violent Femmes, and Lord Huron. Plus, Surly is hosting a series of other performers for its #SummerofSound events.

Shows at The Minnesota Zoo, (Multiple Dates)

The Minnesota Zoo is now in its 27th season for hosting music, and rightfully so. I have had the opportunity to see a few shows at the Minnesota Zoo and I’m craving more! The stage is tucked away in a quiet seating area, which is actually relaxing and feels intimate. What’s more? If you love visiting the zoo for the animals - a “Music in the Zoo” concert ticket allows entrance into the zoo beginning at 4 p.m.!

Shows at The Minnesota State Fair, (Multiple Dates)

On the 10 days prior to Labor Day, Minnesotans gather together for the annual Minnesota State Fair. While some may go for the food, everyone should stay for the music. The Minnesota State Fair is bringing in some good performers this year, including Brandi Carlile and Hootie & the Blowfish.

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And there you have it! I hope to meet you at a 2019 summer Minnesota music event!

Jenna HedlundMinnesota, music, summer, festival, Surly Brewing Festival Field, Rock the Garden, Basilica Block Party, Lakefront Music Festival, Bastille Day Block Party, The Minnesota Zoo, The Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota’s top summer music events, Twin Cities Pride, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, my favorite summer music events in Minnesota, The Pioneer Press, outdoor concerts for every summer day in Minnesota, Explore Minnesota, 15 recommended Minnesota concerts for the summer, MSP Magazine, Twin Cities Guide to Summer Festivals, top Minnesota music events to catch this summer, The National, Courtney Barnett, X, Basilica of St. Mary, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Barbette, Lucy Michelle, The Suicide Commandos, LEAGUES, outdoor summer music in Minnesota, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Folds & Violent Femmes, Lord Huron, Music in the Minnesota Zoo, Brandi Carlile, Hootie & the Blowfish, Minnesota State Fair music 2019, 2019 summer Minnesota music event