Outdoor Summer Music

There's no better way to enjoy beautiful summer weather than listening to live music outside.

Dock & Paddle at Como Lake Pavilion

Enjoy live performances amid open-air waterfront seating at Dock & Paddle. Music is scheduled most nights, so check the schedule. All events are free unless indicated otherwise. May - September.

Bands on the Boulevard

Tuesdays in July

Bands on the Boulevard is a free music series offered every Tuesday night in July on the Minnesota History Center lawn with music kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the History Center lawn and food and drinks will be available to purchase from food trucks. July.

Groovin' in the Garden

Wednesdays

A series of free outdoor concerts featuring some of the Twin Cities' finest musicians and activities for the whole family (Voted by City Pages as the "Best Place to See a Concert with Kids!); bring a chair or blanket Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Food, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase. June 8-July 27

Lowertown Sounds

Thursdays

Formerly Music in Mears, Lowertown Sounds will help you kick off the weekend (Thursdays count, right?) with outdoor live music. This popular Thursday night concert features different local acts, and the artists, restaurants and spectators truly bring the romantic Mears Park to life. June - August.

Summer Nights in Rice

Select Thursdays

Summer Nights in Rice is a free concert event held in Rice Park from 4 - 7pm on two Thursday nights each month. Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project is curating featured artists from Blues and Jazz to Salsa and Reggae. Add in a visit to a nearby restaurant for dinner and drinks, and you've got a perfect summer evening! July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8 & 22

Summer Sessions at Keg & Case Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

Check out this free summer music series on the outdoor stage at Keg & Case Market every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening this summer. Enjoy local music across a range of genres from jazz to indie rock and everything in between, 7pm nightly. June - August.

Bands on the Bluff

2nd Fridays

Enjoy live outdoor music at the new Klas Overlook at Historic Fort Snelling, featuring a stunning backdrop of the Wakpa Tanka/Mississippi River and Minneapolis downtown skyline. Bands include Bend in River Big Band, TaikoArts Midwest and Bluedog. June 10, July 8 & August 12.

Music Festivals

Twin Cities Jazz Festival

June 21-23

Kick-off summer with the famous Twin Cities Jazz Festival in Saint Paul's lively Lowertown, with headliners performing in beautiful Mears Park and shows at over 20 venues throughout the city.