Best Outdoor Summer Concerts In Minnesota

Summer is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate the much-anticipated sunny, warm weather than by attending an outdoor concert. Whatever your musical inclinations, there are tons of fun outdoor concerts planned in Minnesota this year. Read on for some musical highlights.

Summer Set
Somerset Amphitheater
715 Spring St.
Somerset, WI 54025
(751) 247-2004
www.summersetfestival.com

Dates: Aug. 9-11

Last year marked the inaugural beginning of Summer Set, a three-day music festival that promises to be the ultimate summer experience. Located just across the border in Wisconsin, Summer Set attendees are encouraged to make the most out of their summers by listening to live music, camping and tubing down the nearby Apple River. Featured artists hail from a variety of musical genres including jam bands, indie rock, hip hop and dance music. Don't let the summer slip away without experiencing one of the year's most anticipated festivals. Check the Summer Set website to review the current lineup and get your tickets.

Related: 2012 Sounded Good: The Best Breakout Music Acts In Minnesota

Vans Warped Tour
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 445-7224
www.vanswarpedtour.com

Date: July 21

The Vans Warped Tour annually gathers some of the best punk acts to entertain fans for a day packed with punk rock. Rock out to your favorite bands, including Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack, Reel Big Fish, Allstar Weekend and many more. Musical acts vary by location. Please check the Vans Warped Tour website for more information on which acts are playing in Minnesota. Slip on those Vans and head over to Canterbury Park for the year's most highly anticipated punk rock festival.

WE Fest
Soo Pass Ranch
25526 City Highway 22
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-1681
www.wefest.com

Dates: Aug. 1-3

One of country music fans' most anticipated extravaganzas is WE Fest held in Detroit Lakes. Known for creating annual catchy slogans like "Livin' the Dream in 2013," this year's WE Fest will feature country superstars Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Eric Church and many more. Buy a daily pass and catch your favorites, or settle in for three days of country by bringing along a camper to stay in. Kick on those cowboy boots and prepare to dance up a storm as your favorite acts play live at this huge outdoor concert in scenic Detroit Lakes.

Related: Gone Country: Best Southern-Style Bars In Minnesota

Moondance Jam
7050 39th Ave. N.W.
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 836-1055
www.moondancejam.com

Dates: July 18-20

Started in 1992 with a few bands jamming out, Moondance Jam has since grown into a huge annual festival featuring notable rock bands. Whether you're a fan of modern or classic rock, Moondance Jam features a variety of artists that know how to rock 'n roll. This year's musical highlights include The Offspring, Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Theory of a Dead Man and many more. This rockin' three-day festival offers attendees a host of entertaining musical acts, so pull up a camper and camp out or stay at a nearby hotel and don't miss out on any of the action.

Basilica Block Party
88 N. 17th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333- 1381
www.basilicablockparty.org

Dates: July 12-13

Conveniently located at the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis, the Basilica Block Party is a family-friendly fundraising event with proceeds benefiting the restoration of the Basilica as well as supporting the St. Vincent de Paul outreach program that provides food and other services to those in need. Now in its 19th year, the two-day Block Party is going strong and features a variety of local acts and musical genres. Over 25,000 attendees showed up last year alone, gathering to support the spirit of community. Check out the Basilica Block Party and celebrate good food, good music and summer fun. Check the Basilica Block Party website for information on scheduled acts.

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
P.O. Box 16505
Duluth, MN 55816
(218) 590- 1210
www.duluthhomegrown.org

Date: Apr. 28 through May 5

While not a specifically outdoor festival, one can enjoy strolling the streets soaking up various musical acts at this eight-day local music extravaganza featuring over 150 musical acts playing at various venues throughout Duluth and neighboring Superior, WI. Kickstart your summer with the Homegrown Music Festival, and enjoy this great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the local music scene. No one musical genre dominates, and attendees can expect to see a variety of artists. Some shows are 21+, so please consult the website for more information on specific acts, venues and showtimes. The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival has come a long ways from its humble beginnings in 1999, so make sure to check it out and support local musicians.