Best Outdoor Music Venues In Minnesota
Outdoor concerts in Minnesota are a breath of fresh air on sultry summer days. For a look at the state's previous outdoor music fests, read Best Outdoor Summer Concerts In Minnesota. Then, for a list of more concerts that have happened before, go to Best Upcoming Summer Concerts In Minnesota. You'll see familiar concert venues and the names of performers who are now household names. You've braved the snow and cold while waiting for summer. Braving the summer heat to get to these outdoor venues should be a breeze. The stages are set and the music breathes with fresh air.
TCF Bank Stadium
2009 University Ave., SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-5072
www.stadiumminneapolis.com
TCF Bank Stadium is a venue for concert entertainment as well as sports events. Spectacularly located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, the horse shoe-shaped stadium has a seating capacity of nearly 53,000. The stadium is poised for an expanded seating capacity. Accessible seating for the handicapped is available throughout the stadium. On May 23, Beyoncé will be the star attraction. You can bet the "Bey" will have as large a following as the Minnesota Gophers when she takes the stage.
Cabooze Plaza
917 Cedar Ave., South
Minneapolis, MN, 55404
(612) 338-6425
www.first-avenue.com
As the weather warms into late spring, Cabooze Plaza takes music acts from the classy indoor club to the outdoors. Adjacent to a dance club and a short distance from a light rail station, Cabooze Plaza sometimes co-hosts dance parties. The plaza is one of the most popular venues in Twin Cities for diverse music entertainment. Gentlemanly Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies returns to the plaza on June 3 to court audiences. On August 25, Slightly Stoopid will be at the plaza with SOJA and Fortunate Youth as musical company.
Related: Best Up-And-Coming Minnesota Bands To Check Out In 2016
Bayfront Festival Park
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 834-5037
www.bayfrontfestivalpark.com
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfront Festival Park has two stages that can hold more than 30 different acts. Adding more culture to the music vibe are art exhibits and refreshments. This summer, the park rocks with reggae and blues. On July 18, the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival has a talent lineup that features rising reggae artists Tessanne Chin, Romain Virgo, Ryan Liestman, Warrior King and others. From Aug. 12 - 14, the park will host the annual Bayfront Blues Festival. During the blues festival, up to 500 bands often converge on the park. Behind them is the crowd of music fans.
Related: Best Summer Outdoor Music Festivals In The Twin Cities
Winstock Grounds
3233 230th St.
Winsted, MN 55395
(320) 485-4287
www.winstockfestival.com
What began in 1994 as a fundraiser for a local parish and a school in Winsted has become an annual country music festival on the grounds of Winstock. This fest draws crowds and top country music artists. The Winstock grounds have campsites adjacent to the concert area. The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce will provide shuttle service from downtown Winsted to the Winstock grounds. From June 9 -11, this year's lineup features country music veterans Brad Paisley and Parmalee and emerging artists Dylan Scott and Lindsay Ell. Other performers will also make appearances. The fest opens on June 9 with a beer tent party and music from the raucously melodious country/Southern rock band 2 Mile Final.
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
1265 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108-3099
(651) 288-4400
www.mnstatefair.org
The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand has a seating capacity meant for grand scale entertainment. It also has the ambiance of an amphitheater on the fair grounds. Concession stands and exhibitor booths surround the perimeter of this larger-than-life venue. The Dixie Chicks, scheduled to perform on the grandstand Aug. 27 and 28, have had a quick sellout. But more live pop entertainment is stepping into the grandstand spotlight. On Aug. 31, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas (The Jonas Brothers) come to the grandstand to duo romantically. On Sept. 5, singer/songwriter Bonnie Raitt arrives for a Dig In Deep tour with The Richard Thompson Trio.
Related: Best Music Venues In The Twin Cities
Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.
