The Twin Cities practically sings in the summer. Every corner of the metro is full of FREE summer concerts! Many in neighborhood parks, where kids can play while parents catch a show. What could be better for an impromptu family night out? Not much! Enjoy strains of strings, rhythms of rockers and energy of ethnic music, pack a picnic dinner, watch the headliners and sometimes catch a movie afterwards.
Where possible, we provided a basic schedule, but we recommend checking the websites – especially if the date falls near a holiday. Times and schedules are subject to change and most events are weather dependent.
ONGOING FREE SUMMER CONCERTS - SAINT PAUL & MINNEAPOLIS
FREE (unless listed as otherwise) concerts, family movies, theater productions and more. Find more details and line up on St. Paul’s Music in the Parks page.
- COMO LAKESIDE PAVILION: At the Dock & Paddle. Some of these concerts are ticketed and not free, so be sure to check the details on their calendar of events.
- MEARS PARK: Tuesday & Wednesday at 12pm & Lowertown Sound concerts Thursday evenings.
Twin Cities Jazz Fest
Mears Park, 221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
Catch live jazz music. Bring your own seating. Picnics are allowed; however, purchasing from the food vendors helps keep the festival free and open to the public. Get the Twin Cities Jazz Fest lineup here. June 23-24, 2023.
Midtown Blues & Funk Fest
Dual Citizen, 725 Raymond Ave, St Paul, MN 55114
Formerly known as Lowertown Blues Festival. All ages celebration of blues music, featuring local bands and national acts. Get the Midtown Blues & Funk Fest lineup here. July 22, 2023. FREE admission.
Groovin’ in the Garden at Como Zoo
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
FREE concerts and activities in front of the conservatory, Wednesday evenings in June. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase. Concerts will take place in visitor center if it rains. Get the Groovin’ In the Garden concert lineup here. June 7-July 26, 2023. 6pm start.
Bonus Fun: Como Zoo is open until 6pm. Make a day of it at the zoo before the concert. Or just pack a picnic and enjoy some fun playground time.
NOT YET ANNOUNCED FOR 2023
Bands on the Boulevard at Minnesota History Center
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
The museum is not open on Tuesdays, but concerts have been held Tuesdays in July. Learn more here.
Minneapolis Music in the Parks
Find more details on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s website. Memorial Day Weekend – September. 2023 Schedule TBA, but this is the traditional schedule:
- LAKE HARRIET BAND SHELL: Mon & Thurs-Fri, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2 & 5:30 pm. Also 3rd Saturdays at 7:30pm.
- NICOLLET ISLAND PARK: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7 pm
- FATHER HENNEPIN BLUFF PARK: Back in 2023?
- MINNEHAHA FALLS REGIONAL PARK: Thursday-Friday, 7 pm
- BRYANT SQUARE PARK: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 pm
- THE COMMONS: Thursdays, 5:30pm
Live at Lyndale Gardens
Amphitheatre at Lyndale Gardens, 6400 Lyndale Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
Illusion Theater brings will bring live concerts back Lyndale Gardens in Richfield in July and August, 2023. Acts will include Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin, Dan Chouinard, and Malamanya. Stay tuned for more details.
Overdressed Duo Tiny Lawn Concert Series
Pershing Park, 3523 W 48th St., Minneapolis MN 55410
45 minute family-friendly concerts featuring the original Duo members performing different genres of classical vocal music select Friday evenings at 7pm.
- May 19
- June 2
- June 16
- June 30
- Aug 4
- Aug 18
- Sept 15
- Sept 29
Opera Under the Stars
Water Works Park, 333 1st St S, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Each 90-minute, family-friendly concert features aria and ensemble hits from famous operas and music theater shows, featuring 3 or 4 opera singers and a pianist. 7pm.
- Monday June 5
- Monday July 3
- Monday July 31
Minneapolis & St. Paul – Free Summer Music Festivals
Find more information on our family festival calendars (links below), but here is a list of some of our favorite summer festivals with FREE concerts:
- June 2-3, 2023: Flint Hills Family Festival | Downtown St Paul
- June 10-11, 2023: Deutsche Tage | Germanic-American Institute, St Paul
- June 17-18, 2023: Stone Arch Bridge Festival | Minneapolis
- July 22, 2023: Midtown Blues & Funk Fest | Dual Citizen Brewing, St Paul
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
TWIN CITIES NORTH METRO
BLAINE
Performance in the Park
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast, Blaine, MN 55449
Heavy on the family-friendly, find all your favorite kids bands at this series on Tuesday nights. Thursdays are geared toward a wider audience. Find the full Blaine Performance in the Park lineup here. FREE.
Family Friendly Favorites: Tuesday Night Kids Bands starting June 13th, 2023.
BROOKLYN PARK
Brooklyn Park Music on the Lawn
Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55443
Live music and food trucks Tuesday evenings, 2023 TBA.
Concerts at Eidem Farm
Historic Eidem Farm, 4345 101st Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Bring a picnic! Live kid-friendly music and ice cream trucks. 2023 TBA.
CHAMPLIN
Summer Stage Series
Mississippi Crossing, 307 E River Pkwy, Champlin, MN 55316
Food trucks, live music and family fun on Thursday nights from May 18th – September 7th, 2023, and also select Friday and Saturday dates. Find the full line up here. FREE.
Family Friendly Favorites: Teddy Bear Band with Magician Brian Richards, July 6, 2023.
ELK RIVER
Entertainment in the Park
Woodland Trails Regional Park, 20135 Elk Lake Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Kid-Friendly entertainment on Thursdays from 10:30am to 11:15am from June 15 through August 10th.
- June 15: UM Raptor Center
- June 22: Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak
- June 29: Dazzling Dave Yo Yo Show
- July 13: The Bazillions
- July 20: Cale the Juggler
- July 27: Princess Party and Story
- August 3: Super Hero Party
- August 10: Baron of the Bubbles
Riverfront Concert Series
Rivers Edge Commons Park, 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
A series of tribute bands and cover bands play Thursday nights at 7pm June through August.
- June 15: Mick Sterling Presents
- June 22: A Hard Day’s Night
- June 29: The Whitesidewalls
- July 13: Hillbilly Inc.
- July 20: Church of Cash
- July 27: Gen X Jukebox
- August 3: Junk FM
- August 10: The Blue Ringers
- August 17: Fabulous Armadillos
FRIDLEY
Music in the Parks with Fridley City Bank
Free band concerts in Fridley parks. Bring your own lawn chairs. More Info Here.
- June 12th, 7 p.m. @ Edgewater Gardens 6700 Ashton Way
- June 19th, 7 p.m. @ Logan Park 155 Logan Parkway
- June 26th, 7 p.m. @ Briardale Park 6171 Rice Creek Drive
- July 24th, 7 p.m. @ Springbrook Nature Center 100 85th Avenue
FRIDLEY
Summer Community Concert Series
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Commons Park, 555 61st Avenue Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432
Concerts alternate between three parks, June 6-August 22, 2023. Most of the shows are at 7pm, but kids shows are sometimes at 11am. Find the Full Line up Here.
LINDSTROM
Lindstrom Harmony in the Park
Lions Park Band Shell, 13292 Sylvan Avemue, Lindström, MN 55045
Wednesday night FREE family-friendly concerts. June 7- August 9, 2023.
Family Friendly Favorites: Bob & the Beachcombers, July 5, 2023.
MAPLE GROVE
Maple Grove Sounds of Summer
Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Themed weeknights and special events including live music at Town Green, kid favorites and movies screened outdoors:
- Monday night live music. Starts June 6, 2023, 7pm
- Wednesday night live music. Starts June 28, 2023, 7pm.
- Family Friendly Favorites: Thursday morning kids entertainment. Starts June 29, 2023, 10:30am.
- Friday movies at dusk. Starts July 14, 2023. FIND MORE FREE SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK!
NEW BRIGHTON
New Brighton Summer Concert Series
Veterans Park, 803 Old Hwy 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Live music from 6-8pm on the 2nd Thursdays May-August and on Friday September 1, 2023. Learn more here.
- May 11: Kathy Vernon
- June 8: Heart & Soul Drum Academy
- July 13: Matt Yetter
- August 10: The Tuxedo Band
- September 1: Trevor McSpadden & Mary Cutrufello
Family Friendly Favorites: Heart & Soul Drum Academy, June 8, 2023.
OTSEGO
Splash & Play Tuesdays
Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Cool off in the park’s splash pad and enjoy kids entertainment on select Tuesdays at 10am. Only one event is music this year. Find the rest on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Family Friendly Favorites: Kidsdance – Fun Interactive DJ, June 20, 2023.
PLYMOUTH
Plymouth Entertainment in the Park
Hilde Performance Center
A full line up of concerts, community theater & movies throughout the summer. The 2023 Concert Series will take place June – August. Please see the link for the free entertainment lineup.
ROSEVILLE
Live at The Rog! Performance Series
Frank Rog Amphitheater, Central Park, 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113.
June 22- July 4, 2023: Select Sun, Tues & Thurs. 6 or 7pm. Find the full line up here.
Family Friendly Favorites: Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade (6:30pm), June 25, 2023.
SHOREVIEW
Shoreview Concerts in the Commons
Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126
Free Wednesday concerts for all ages at 7pm. June 14 – August 9, 2023.
Family Friendly Favorites: Kidz Concerts – Wednesdays July 5 – Aug 2, 2023, 10am.
- Bonus Fun: Have an indoor playdate at Tropical Adventures Indoor Playground.
ST ANTHONY
Silverwood On Stage
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 55421
Parking fills up fast at these concerts. We recommend arriving early and exploring the park. Ongoing Wednesdays in 2023, 6:30pm.
- June 28: Café Accordion Orchestra (French/Latin/Bohemian)
- July 5: Loser Magnet (Indie Rock)
- July 12: HEYARLO (Funk/Soul/Hip Hop)
- July 19: Michael Monroe (Folk/Jazz/Reggae)
- July 26: Jada Brown (Jazz)
- August 2: Nunnabove (Positive Alternative Pop)
- August 9: Brotherhood of Birds (Bluegrass)
- August 16: Yalla Drum! Ensemble (Traditional Arabic Percussion)
- August 23: Makam Baklava (Turkish/Balkan)
- August 30: Annie Fitzgerald (Singer-Songwriter/Sound Healing)
Salo Park Concert Series
3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55418
Thursday evenings 7-8pm. June 22-August 10, 2023. 2023 Lineup Here.
Bonus Fun: Check out the park’s recently-resurfaced trail around the pond and/or grab a cold treat at Cold Stone Creamery, Cub or Culvers.
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
TWIN CITIES SOUTH METRO
APPLE VALLEY
Music in Kelley Park
6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Music, food available for purchase, prizes and a splash pad for the kids to cool off in. Ongoing Fridays, June 16-August 11, 2023. 6:30-8:30pm.
Bonus Fun: Pack the kids swimsuits and have fun at one of the Best Twin Cities Splash Pads.
BURNSVILLE
Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour
Nicollet Commons, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
Ongoing Thursdays starting June 15, 2023. Plus arrive early for story times by local school principals.
Friday Night Boogie
Live music followed by movie screening of “Puss in Boots”. Friday, August 11, 2023.
BONUS FUN: Bring your swimsuits because your kids won’t be able to resist the landscaped splash pad!
EAGAN
Eagan Market Fest
Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
The grounds buzz with weekly concerts and themed nights, plus you can shop the market for fresh produce and other goods. Kids will enjoy the splash pad and challenge course. Ongoing Wednesdays, June 7- September 6, 2023. 4-8pm.
Bonus Fun: Join Kid’s Power of Produce (P.O.P.) Club to participate in weekly activities and earn free produce. 36 Family-Friendly Twin Cities Spring & Summer Farmers Markets
FARMINGTON
Farmington Music in the Park
Whitetail Woods Regional Park Amphitheater, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024
Bring your own lawn chair or other seating. Food trucks on site. Held the last Tuesday of each month this summer. June 27, July 25 & August 20, 2023, 5-7pm.
BONUS FUN: Dress for the weather and to get dirty. Take some time to play in the nature playground.
SHAKOPEE
Huber Park Performance & Event Series
Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N., Shakopee, MN 55379
Live music and other special events for the community. Ongoing Thursdays, May 31 – August 25, 2023. Most concerts and activities start at 7pm.
Bonus Fun: Take some time to play at the Community Playground – though plans are in place to demolish and rebuild so you’ll want to check ahead.
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
TWIN CITIES WEST METRO
BLOOMINGTON
Bloomington Arts in the Parks
Moir Park, 10400 Morgan Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
Valley View Park, 401 W 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Normandale Bandshell, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438.
Musical performances, moonlight movies and fireworks. Free and all ages. All 2023 schedules found here.
Family Friendly Favorites: Monday Morning Kids Series: June 5 – August 7, 2023. Alternates between Moir Park and Valley View Park,10:30am:
Moir Park Schedule:
June 5: KidPower with Rachael
June 19: Wiggle, Jiggle, and Jam
July 10: Todd ‘n’ Tina
July 24: Wonder Weavers Storytellers
August 7: Jolly Pops
Valley View Playfield Schedule
June 12: Brodini Magic Show
June 26: Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master
July 17: The Bazillions
July 31: Bob the Beachcomber
August 14: ACME Magic Factory
Bloomington’s Music on the Hill
Hyland Hills, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Seating is outdoors; bring a blanket. Food and beverages available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. June 7 & August 2, 2023. FREE.
BUFFALO
Buffalo Concerts in the Park
Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Thursday nights from June 29 through August 31, 2023.
Family Friendly Favorite: June 15th will be part of Buffalo Days and include a carnival, kiddie parade at 6:30pm and Movie at 9pm.
CHANHASSEN
Old National Bank Summer Concert Series
City Center Community Park, 7700 Market Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Thursday evening concerts & concessions at 6:30pm June 8-August 10, 2023.
Family Friendly Favorite: Todd ’n’ Tina plays August 10, 2023, at 11am.
EDEN PRAIRIE
Starring at Staring
Variety of Community Entertainment at Staring Lake Amphitheater throughout the summer. 2023 TBA. See the City Calendar for dates and details.
EDINA
Centennial Lakes Summer Concerts
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment! Events are held daily Sun-Thurs and include family-friendly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater.
Family Friendly Favorites: Tuesday Kids Concerts at Maezold Amphitheater. Tuesdays, 12pm.
BONUS FUN: There is so much to explore at Centennial Lakes Park from paddle boats to lawn games to tiny model yachts that zip around the canals.
Edina Performance on the Plaza (P.O.P.)
Free concerts every Friday night from 4pm-7pm at the plaza at 50th & France. June -August.
EXCELSIOR
Excelsior Concerts in the Commons
The Commons, 1351 Lake Street Excelsior, MN 55331
Food trucks open at at 5pm with music from 7-8pm. 2023 dates:
- May 17: Mallrats
- May 31: 70’s Magic Sunshine Band
- June 14: Viva Knievel
- June 28: The Lonesome Loers
- July 12: Gear Daddies
- August 9: World According to Garth
- August 23: The Hype
GOLDEN VALLEY
Golden Valley Concerts in the Parks
Brookview Park, 316 Brookview Parkway S., Golden Valley, MN 55427
June 5 -Aug 7, 2023. Ongoing Mondays, 7pm.
Family Friendly Favorite: The 1st John Philip Sousa Memorial Band and Golden Valley Ice Cream Social. July 10, 2023.
HOPKINS
Hopkins Sunset Series
Downtown Park, 40 9th Ave S., Hopkins, MN 55343
Outdoor concerts this summer run June 15-August 17, 2023. Make sure to check the calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Bonus Fun: Take a walk down “Art Street” to explore the public art of Hopkins.
MINNETONKA
Minnetonka Entertainment in the Park
Minnetonka Civic Center Amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Music in the Park select Tuesdays. June 20-August 29, 2023. 6:30pm start.
NEW HOPE
New Hope Music in the Park
New Hope Performance Center, 4401 Xylon Ave N
Wednesday night live music. Bring a blanket or chairs or use the built-in seating. Be sure to check the calendar. Select Wednesdays starting May 31, 2023. 7pm.
RICHFIELD
Richfield Entertainment in The Park
Richfield Band Shell, 636 E 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423.
Tuesdays, June 13 to August 15, 2023; 11am Kids Shows and 6:30pm Evening Series.
Family Friendly Favorites: Kids Shows: June 20 – August 8, 11am
ST LOUIS PARK
St Louis Park Summer Concert Series
Wolfe Park Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Free performances select dates: June 21 – August 10, 2023, 7pm; Open Mic Night Thursdays, June 22-August 17, 2023.
Family Friendly Favorites: Kids Summer Concert Series Wednesdays from 10am-11am, June 21-August 16, 2023.
- June 21: Teddy Bear Band
- June 28: Tricia and the Toonies
- July 5: Will Hale
- July 12: The Royal Order of Cords and Keys
- July 19: The Bazillions
- July 26: Kidsdance DJ
- August 2: Jolly Pops
- August 9: Sticks & Tones
- August 16: Kid Power with Rachael
WAYZATA
Wayzata Summer Concert Series
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
TWIN CITIES EAST METRO
CENTERVILLE
Centerville Music in the Park
Hidden Spring Park, 1601 LaMotte Drive
Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. Food truck & dessert table on site for fee. Tuesdays June 13-August 15, 2023. Check Facebook page for weather related events prior to attending.
STILLWATER
Stillwater Summer Tuesdays
Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Schedule: Market opens at 5, live music from 6-8 & movie starting 10 minutes after sunset. July 11-Aug 15, 2023.
BONUS FUN: Make a day of it in Stillwater with our suggestions of the best things to do with kids!
WHITE BEAR LAKE
White Bear Lake Marketfest
Downtown White Bear Lake
Live music every week while you shop for the freshest produce and products. Thursdays, June 15 – July 27, 2023; 6:00 – 9:00pm.
Find Bite-Size Concerts at Weekly Farmers Markets
38 Family-Friendly Twin Cities Spring & Summer Farmers Markets
April’s arrival means it’s time to start dreaming about farmers market season! How much more fun does it sound to bring your kids along to one of these family-friendly Twin Cities Farmers Markets as opposed to dragging them to the local supermarket? Bonus that most of these markets offer entertainment, kids activities and food trucks.
What We Are Watching:
COON RAPIDS: Summer Concert Series | Coon Rapids Regional Park performance pavilion. Ongoing Thursdays June 4 – August 6, 2020: 7pm, FREE (no vehicle permit)
NORTH ST. PAUL: Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series | Casey Lake Park
CHASKA: Free concerts and entertainment at Firemen’s Park & City Square Park
WOODBURY: Performance in the Park | Central Park Amphitheater
- July 1- & Aug 7, 2020: 7pm
- Kids Entertainment Series – Firemen’s Park Stage, 10:30 Tuesdays
- Evening Concerts – Fireman’s Park State, 7pm Wednesdays
- Evening Concerts – City Square Park Gazebo, 6:30pm Fridays