Guide to FREE Summer Concerts in the Twin Cities

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The Twin Cities practically sings with live music 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. Most of these concerts are held on evenings or weekends. If you are looking for daytime concerts for children, find them here:

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CONCERTS & ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS

This Week's Featured Concerts

Events TBA.

MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

Minneapolis | Music In the Parks

Nightly music is performed in a variety of genres in a selection of Minneapolis parks all summer long. Participating parks include:

  • Bryant Square Park
  • Father Hennepin Bluff Park
  • Lake Harriet Park (Lake Harriet Bandshell)
  • Loring Park
  • Minnehaha Regional Park (Minnehaha Bandstand)
  • The Commons
  • Water Works Park

 We recommend checking the site the day of the event for the most up-to-date information. Find more details on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s website. 

Minneapolis | Overdressed Duo – Classical Vocal Concerts

The Overdressed Duo returns in 2025 with their line up of outdoor concert series at Minneapolis parks:

St Paul | Music & Entertainment in the Parks

FREE (unless listed as otherwise) concerts, family movies, theater productions and more. 

Como Lakeside Pavilion

1360 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55103
Held at the historic pavilion, some of these concerts are ticketed (not free) so be sure to check the details on Dock and Paddle’s calendar of events.

Groovin in the Garden

1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103 
Live music and fun, family-friendly activities at Como Park Wednesday nights from 5-7pm. Full series runs June 10-July 29, 2026.

Lowertown Sounds

Mears Park, 221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
An independent concert series in the park – still free – with live music and food trucks on Thursday nights. Full series runs June 12-August 14, 2025 from 6-10pm.

Mears Park Lunchtime Series

221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
Free lunchtime concerts most Tuesdays & Wednesdays at noon. Full lunchtime concert series runs June 17-August 19, 2025, 12-pm. 

370 Sets Summer Concert Series

Enjoy summer concerts on the outdoor covered patio of Osborn370 building on Tuesdays from 4-6pm. Series runs June 10 – August 12, 2025. 

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:

TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO FREE SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

Albertville | Lions Summer Concert Series

Lions Depot in Central Park, 5801 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Free live concerts in the park – bring your own seating and refreshments, or purchase grill items at the farmers market. Thursdays starting June 19, 2025, 6-8:30pm.

Anoka | Rockin’ On the Rum Concerts

Riverfront Memorial Park, 2201 2nd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Free concerts are performed with the backdrop of the Rum River and feature family-friendly music and the occasional food truck. This is one of the longest summer concert series in the Twin Cities, running mid-June into September. All shows performed Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Full series runs June 18-September 24, 2025.

Brooklyn Center | Entertainment In the Park

Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430
Free live music and movies in the park – bring your blanket or chairs and a picnic dinner. Full series runs May 21-August 21, 2025.

Buffalo | Concerts In the Park

Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Free summer concerts in Buffalo’s premiere park on Thursday nights. Full series runs June 26 – August 28, 2025, 7-8:30pm.

Champlin | Mississippi Crossings Summer Series

307 E River Pkwy, Champlin, MN 55316
Food trucks, live music and family fun on Thursday nights plus a few select Friday and Saturday dates. June 11 – August 20, 2026, 6pm.

Coon Rapids | Summer Concert Series

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd, Coon Rapids MN
Concessions for the concerts will be on sale from 5:30-7pm. Bring your own comfortable seating. Ongoing Thursdays June 5 – August 7, 2025, 7pm. FREE (no vehicle permit required for the concerts). 

Columbia Heights | Music In the Park

Huset Park East, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN.
If you’re bringing kids it’s prudent to come prepared – there’s a large, colorful and sure-to-soak splash pad located in the park. Performances are usually 90 minutes from 6:30-8pm. June 4-August 20, 2025. FREE. 

Elk River | Riverfront Concert Series

Rivers Edge Commons Park, 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
A series of tribute bands and cover bands play select Thursday nights at 7pm. See also our link for free kids entertainment in the park Thursdays at 10:30am. Full series runs June 11-August 6, 2026.

Golden Valley | Concerts In the Park

Brookview Park, 316 Brookview Parkway S., Golden Valley, MN 55427
Free summer concerts are performed ongoing Mondays. June 2 -Aug 4, 2025, 7pm.

FAMILY FAVORITE The 1st John Philip Sousa Memorial Band and Golden Valley Ice Cream Social. July 7, 2025.

Maple Grove | Sounds of Summer

Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
All ages concerts on Monday & Wednesday evenings at 7pm and kid favorites on Thursday mornings at 10:30am. There will also be movies on select Fridays. June 23-August 25, 2025.

New Hope | Music In the Park

New Hope Performance Center, 4401 Xylon Ave N., New Hope, MN 55428
Wednesday night free live music in the park sound good? Bring a blanket or chairs or use the built-in seating. Food trucks will be parked for your dinner needs. Two concerts this summer will be aimed at kids and held at 10am – see link for details. Select Wednesdays, May 28-August 27, 2025, 7pm.

Osseo | Music & Movies In the Park

Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
Head down to the park on Tuesday nights starting mid-June for a free concert and a movie screened at dusk. Click here to get the full lineup of free movies. Ongoing Tuesdays, starting June 10-August 19, 2025. 

Plymouth | Hilde Nights

Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth, MN 55447
Monthly concerts with food trucks and space to picnic, usually between 6-10pm. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Please see link for this year’s schedule.

Ramsey | The Draw Summer Concert Series

7401 Ramsey Parkway, Ramsey, MN 55303
Free and family-friendly outdoor concerts plus $5 art classes for kids ages 5-15 hosted by Rumriver Art Center. No need to register, simply drop in from 6-7pm while enjoying live music from 6:30-8pm. Ongoing Thursdays starting June 12-August 21, 2025.

TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO FREE SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

Blaine | Performance In the Park

Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast, Blaine
Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine
Blaine’s summer concert season kicks off with a Saturday afternoon concert at Tom Ryan Park. Free, Thursday night concerts at Tom Ryan are appropriate for families, but geared toward a wider audience. Find all your favorite kids bands in this series on Tuesday nights at 6pm. These special, kid-centric concerts are performed in Aquatore Park. Full series runs June 6-August 13, 2026.

Centerville | Music In the Park

Hidden Spring Park, 1601 LaMotte Drive
Food truck & dessert table on site for purchase to go along with your free summer concerts. Full series runs June 10 – August 19, 2025, concerts starting at 6:30pm.

Fridley | Summer Community Concert Series 

Free summer outdoor concerts in Fridley are plentiful and scattered among several locations: The Fridley Civic Campus (Tuesdays), Springbrook Nature Center (two Tuesday shows) and one Monday a month at Moore Lake Park. Shows run from 7-8pm and are free! See our lineup of concerts from the link below. Full program runs June 2-August 25, 2025.

FAMILY FAVORITE Planning to tote kids along to a concert in Fridley parks this summer? You may want to pick the two dates SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER hosts shows. Your kids will adore the sandy natural playground – just plan ahead when picking out the ‘fits.

Lindstrom | Harmony In the Park

Lions Park Band Shell, 13292 Sylvan Avenue, Lindström, MN 55045
Wednesday night free family-friendly concerts. June 4 – August 6, 2025.

New Brighton | Summer Concert Series

Veterans Park, 803 Old Hwy 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Live music in the park from 6-8pm on the 2nd Thursdays of each month. Note that street parking is limited and make sure to bring comfortable seating. May 14-August 14, 2026, 6-8pm.

North St Paul | Music In the Parks Series

Three concerts, three North St Paul parks to explore during the city’s summer Music In the Park Series. The shows are family-friendly, great for all ages and free! Three dates this summer: June 26, July 17 & August 14, 2025. Please see the link for the lineup.

Roseville | Live at The Rog! Performance Series

Frank Rog Amphitheater, Central Park, 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 
Roseville’s CENTRAL PARK is a wonderful, expansive park filled with walking paths, playground equipment, a lovely lake and an amphitheater hopping with entertainment during the summer months. New this year, food trucks onsite for your sustenance. Find our concert lineup below. Select Sun, Tues & Thurs, June 8-August 17, 2025. 6 or 7pm. 

Shoreview | Concerts In the Commons

Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 
Free Wednesday concerts for all ages at 7pm. See also special kids entertainment on Wednesday mornings at 10am. June 11 – August 6, 2025. 

BONUS FUN Have an indoor playdate at Tropical Adventures Indoor Playground or play outdoors at the awesome SHOREVIEW COMMONS destination playground.

Playground at Shoreview Commons Park

Spring Lake Park | Music In the Park

Lakeside Lions Park, 7840 Pleasant View Dr, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
You may want to bring along swimsuits for the sandy beach at Spring Lake. Free outdoor concerts select Wednesdays this summer. May 28-August 6, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm. 

St Anthony | Silverwood On Stage

2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 55421
Parking fills up fast at these concerts (though the lot is free). We recommend arriving early so you can run around exploring SILVERWOOD PARK. Ongoing Wednesdays, June 11-August 20, 2025. 6:30pm. 

Shakespeare in the Park Performance at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony, Minnesota Silverwood Offers Stage Performances, Music, Movies and Art all summer

St Anthony | Salo Park Concert Series

3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55418
To add more to your night of music in the park, check out Salo Park’s recently-resurfaced trail around the pond and/or grab a cold treat at Cold Stone Creamery, Cub or Culvers. Thursday evenings 7-8pm. June 26-August 14, 2025. 

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 8-August 12, 2025.

BONUS FUN Make a day of it in Stillwater with our suggestions of the best things to do with kids!

Vadnais Heights | Music In the Park Series

Parks echo with the sounds of free outdoor concerts in Vadnais Heights. Limited seating will be provided for these shows so if you’ve got chairs or a blanket, bring them along. All events are scheduled for Wednesday evenings. Full series runs June 25-July 30, 2025, 6-8pm.

White Bear Lake | Marketfest

Downtown White Bear Lake
Live music on two stages every week while you shop for the freshest produce and products. Thursdays, June 19-July 31, 2025, 6-9pm.

FIND MORE FRESH AND DELICIOUS TWIN CITIES FARMERS MARKETS

Girl cooking with vegetables from the farmers market: "Kid-Friendly Farmers Markets to Visit in Spring & Summer"

TWIN CITIES SOUTH EAST METRO FREE SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

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 20-September 6, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm. 

Eagan | Market Fest

Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 
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 4-August 27, 2025, 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.

Eagan | Music in the Park

1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
One more chance to enjoy free live music this summer in Eagan – a concert series presented at the bandshell in Central Park. 

Farmington | Music In the Park 

Whitetail Woods Regional Park Amphitheater, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN
Bring your own lawn chair or other seating. Food trucks on site. Held the last Tuesday of each month. May 26-September 29, 2026, 5-7pm.

BONUS FUN: Dress for the weather and to get dirty. Take some time to play in the nature playground.

Hastings | Music + Market

Levee Park, 20 Ramsey Street, Hastings, MN 55033
Live music Thursday night on the Mississippi riverfront plus a Makers Market, kids zone and food trucks. These shows are best for families with older kids & teens. Program runs June 5-September 11, 2025, starting at 6pm.

Mendota Heights | Music In the Park

Market Square Park, 720 Main St, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Live, outdoor music in Market Square Park. Select Wednesdays, May 13-September 2, 2026. 6-7:30pm.

South St Paul | Summer Concert Series

Jefferson Park, 125 21st Ave N, South St Paul, MN 55075
The city presents three concerts in the summer series, one each month, plus food trucks, kids activities and a local market open starting at 4pm. June 24, July 15 & August 5, 2026, music from 6-7:30pm.

Woodbury | Performances In the Park

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury MN
Free summer concerts (among other entertainment) are held at the Woodbury Lions Bandshell in Ojibway Park. Family-friendly and open to all ages. Program runs May 7-September 10, 2025, 6:30pm start.

TWIN CITIES SOUTH WEST METRO FREE SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

Bloomington | Arts In the Parks

Weekly concerts include, the Monday Morning Kids Series, Tuesday Performance Series, Midweek Music & Market, Thursday Blockbusters Series, Sunday Funday and other special events throughout the summer.

FAMILY FAVORITES: Monday Morning Kids Series: June 8 – August 10, 2026 in Valley View Park, 10:30am. 

FULL LINEUP of 2026 Bloomington Arts in the Park:

Bloomington | Music On the Hill

Hyland Hills, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Seating is outdoors on the natural amphitheater; bring a blanket. Food and beverages available for purchase. Food available starting at 5pm, concerts start at 7pm. Two dates in 2025: June 4 & August 6.

Chanhassen | Summer Concert Series

Lake Ann Park, 1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Thursday evening concerts & concessions from 6:30-8:00pm. Program runs June 12-July 31, 2025. 

Chaska | Summer Concert Series

300 N Chestnut St, Chaska, MN 55318
Chaska’s Summer Concert Series takes place on Thursday nights at City Square Park during the Community Market. Tuesday Kids Entertainment moves over to lovely FIREMEN’S PARK on the Clayhole. I’d pack swimsuits and such for the kids as the swimming beach will be tempting. Full concert series runs June 11-August 28, 2025.

Toddler boy splashing in fountain style splash pad at Clayhole Park in Chaska, Minnesota

Eden Prairie | Starring at Staring Concert Series

Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Variety of community entertainment at Staring Lake Amphitheater throughout the summer. Music tunes up at 7pm. There’s a great playground adjacent to the amphitheater for kids! 

Edina | Centennial Lakes Summer Concerts

7499 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
 Centennial Lakes Park is a haven for FREE summer entertainment! Concerts are held Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the outdoor amphitheater. June 1-August 27, 2025.

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 | 50th & France Music on the Plaza

Free concerts every Friday night from 5-8pm at the plaza at 50th & France.

Excelsior | Concerts In the Commons

The Commons, 1351 Lake Street Excelsior, MN 55331
Select Wednesday nights, concerts are performed on the banks of Lake Minnetonka. Food trucks open at at 5pm with music starting at 6:30. Concerts run between June 3-August 26, 2026.

Hopkins | Sunset Series Outdoor Concerts

Downtown Park, 40 9th Ave S., Hopkins, MN 55343
Free outdoor concerts this summer run ongoing Thursdays. Make sure to check the calendar for the most up-to-date information. June 12-August 21, 2025, 7pm.

BONUS FUN Take a walk down “Art Street” to explore the public art of Hopkins.

Minnetonka | Entertainment In the Park

Civic Center Amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 
Music in the Park appropriate for the whole family, Tuesdays. June 23-August 25, 2026, 6:30-8pm.

Minnetonka | Summer In the Commons

Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Fun, super family-friendly events that feature live music, entertainment, food trucks and yard games. Don’t miss the Carnival In the Commons in August.

Richfield | Entertainment In the Park

Richfield Band Shell, 636 E 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
Kids Entertainment (11am) and an Evening Family Series (6:30pm – see link for full schedule). Tuesdays, June 10 to August 12, 2025.

Savage | Treats ‘n Tunes

Free ice cream, yard games and family-friendly music one Tuesday each month. May 19-September 15, 2026, yard games from 6-7pm before the concerts run from 7-8pm.

Shakopee | Huber Park Performance & Event Series

Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N., Shakopee, MN 55379
Free live music and other special events for the community, including a free movie. A large playground is only steps from the amphitheater making this a good choice to bring kids.  June 5-August 14, 2025, 7pm start time.

St Louis Park | Summer Concert Series

Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN 
Includes the Kids Summer Concert Series and free evening performances for the whole family – Wednesdays and select special dates. June 18-August 23, 2025. Most concerts begin at 7pm.

Victoria | Live By the Lake Concert Series

Charlson Thun Community Bandstand, Bayfront Park, 1730 Steiger Lake Lane, Victoria, MN 55386
Wednesday evening concerts in Bayfront Park on the shores of Steiger Lake. Pack a picnic dinner and relax on the hill overlooking the bandstand while you enjoy free live music and participate in family-friendly activities. Full series runs June 3-August 26, 2026.

Wayzata | Sunday Music In the Park

Hotel Landing, 925 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Free summer concerts in August are performed on the Great Lawn in front of the hotel.

6 thoughts on “Guide to FREE Summer Concerts in the Twin Cities”

    1. Joy Peters

      Thanks Mary. I’ve asked Gianna to add your email to our weekly newsletter mailing list. If you don’t see newsletters in your email inbox shortly, you can sign up at this page or on the right side of most pages on this site.

  2. Lynn

    Excellent job of listing all this wonderful music. I’m new to Minneapolis. Can this be sent to my email?

    Reply
    1. Joy Peters

      Absolutely, Lynn. Sign up for our email newsletter and you’ll receive this and more delivered to your email weekly.

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