13 Best Music Festivals in Minnesota to Experience (2023 Edition)

Are you looking for the best music festivals in Minnesota 2023? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This Midwestern state hosts some great music events, and this list contains a great selection of upcoming Minnesota festivals that will have you dancing all year long! Minnesota borders Canada and Lake Superior. It is famous for its stunning scenery, most notably its many bodies of fresh water. It is called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. These settings are popular locations for Minnesota’s summer music festivals. Enjoy the great outdoors while listening to catchy tunes and indulging in local food and drink vendors. Or, if you’re more of a city dweller, you’ll also find music events in the bigger cities, too. They are spread all over the state! Also be sure to read my guides to music festivals in Michigan and music festivals in Canada for more festival fun nearby! 1) WE Fest When: August 3-5, 2023 Where: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota WE Fest is one of the best country music festivals in the United States. It takes place on the shores of Sally Lake and the surrounding woods contain camping sites for attendees to use during the event. The 2022 lineup includes a whole host of popular artists, such as Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan. They sure know how to keep the energy up and the party going. Inside the venue, you will find top notch beer and food trucks adding to the fun festival atmosphere. Your ticket includes entry to all three days of the event, just be sure to purchase your camp pass separately. Join the WE Fest event on Facebook for more details 2) Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival When: June 14-17, 2023 Where: Karlstad The Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival is one of the most important country events in the state. The 2022 lineup features artists such as Martina McBride, Tracy Lawrence, Tobi Lee & Mustang Sally. You’ll enjoy four days of country music and more. The festival features many exciting entertainment options that enhance the social atmosphere. There is a working theme park, and admission is included in your music festival ticket. Daily events are held as well, including a Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson competition. The best food and beverage vendors in the area are present to offer a variety of meals and refreshments. Finally, thanks to campsites located within walking distance of the festival’s main gate, you can enjoy four full days of this Minnesota country festival without having to leave. Join the Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival event on Facebook for more details. 3) Twin Cities Summer Jam When: July 2023 Where: Shakopee The Twin Cities Summer Jam is an annual multi-genre music festival that takes place in the Twin Cities metro area. There really is something every music fan will appreciate at this event, says the festival: “Our philosophy is simple. We plan to offer the best overall lineup year after year. Heavy on the Rock? More Country? Lots of Pop? All three? Those artists that blur the lines? All that.” It takes it to give you the best music you can play in any given year.” They pack three days full of musical performances in a fun and lively atmosphere. And to add to the action, there are also plenty of local food and beverage vendors. The Twin Cities Summer Jam is held in Canterbury Park, which can accommodate over 25,000 guests. You can buy a 1-day pass, 2-day pass or 3-day pass. Make sure to get your ticket early, as this is a popular event that is likely to sell out the closer to its big date. Join the Twin Cities Summer Jam event on Facebook for more details. 4) Winstock Country Music Festival When: June 2023 Where: Winstead The Winstock Country Music Festival is one of the premier country events in the Midwest. It is run entirely by volunteers and all proceeds benefit the private education of students in and around the area. The Winstock 2022 roster features big names in the country music industry, like Tim McGraw and Jake Owen. There are also plenty of emerging artists for you to discover and fall in love with. If you want to experience the full atmosphere of the festival, you can camp right next to the venue. You will be walking distance from the platform. There are food and drink vendors on site to provide you with all the fuel you need for two days of dancing and fun. Join the Winstock Country Music Festival event on Facebook for more details. 5) Lakes Jam When: June 2023 Where: Brainard The Lakes Jam The Minnesota music festival is an event you won’t soon forget. Each year includes a group of first-rate performers. Aside from the music, there are many experiences for guests to enjoy, such as lawnmower races, poker tournaments, bean bag tournaments, and more. There are also campsites on site, so you don’t have to miss a minute of all the action. LakesJam also hosts social media contests that will keep you entertained on the big day. Enter for your chance to win a meet and greet with selected performers. Stage tokens are other prizes you can win, which allow you to stand on stage during certain shows. This rock and country festival in Minnesota is the complete package. Join the Lakes Jam event on Facebook for more details. 6) Lakefront Music Festival When: July 2023 Where: Prior Lake Lakefront Music Festival is an outdoor event that takes place next to scenic Prior Lake. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor summer music festival. It features both rock and country stars. The 2022 playlist includes artists such as Toby Keith, Sammy Hagar, The Circle, and Uncle Cracker. The two-day event begins at 5:00 PM each day. This is also when food vendors start selling delicious festival foods, such as corn dogs, wood-fired pizza, and turkey legs. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also available for purchase. Start the night with dinner and a drink and end with dancing and singing along to your favorite songs. Weekend tickets and day passes are available. Join the Lakefront Music Festival Facebook event for more details. 7) Moondance Jammin Country Fest When: June 2023 Where: Walker The Moondance Jammin Country Festival has been going on for 15 years. Every June, country stars take to the stage for a weekend packed with fun, easy-to-listen performances. Camping is offered on site with well kept facilities. Get out and celebrate summer with good music, local food and cold drinks. Join the Moondance Jammin Country Fest event on Facebook for more details 8) Twin Cities Jazz Fest When: June 2023 Where: St. In and around Mears Park, in downtown St. Paul. The main performances are held on the three outdoor stages in the park as well as an outdoor stage near the farmers’ market. There are also about 15 other venues around this area that also host jazz musicians during the event. The entire festival is walkable, with most of the flowerbeds within walking distance of each other. There are over 100 musicians performing and all shows are free! Food and drink vendors are there every day serving delicious local cuisine. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and you’re all set to have a good time. Join the Twin Cities Jazz Fest event on Facebook for more details. 9) Boats & Bluegrass When: Sept. 21-24, 2023 Where: Winona You can’t beat the location of this Minnesota music festival. It is located directly on the picturesque shores of the Mississippi River. The Boats and Bluegrass Music Festival has been taking place since 2005. Bluegrass isn’t all that special, there’s also a good mix of other genres, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Usually, about 40 bands take the stage. The festival will immerse you in nature. Your ticket includes access to one of three campsites. Canoe and kayaking trips through the backwaters of the Mississippi River are also organized for festival guests. Be sure to get your tickets early, as they are limited to 1,500 ticket sales. Festival organizers try to keep the event sustainable and environmentally friendly. Join the Boats and Bluegrass event on Facebook for more details. 10) Revival Music Festival When: May 2023 Where: Clarks Grove The Revival Music Festival is all about good times and great music. The 2022 lineup includes bands like The String Cheese Incident, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Leftover Salmon. Your ticket to this three-day event includes access to the adjacent campsite. When you are not busy with the music, you can continue the party back in your tent. The camp site is well maintained, with shower facilities, a filter water bottle filling station, and a pub on site. There is also access to the lake shore and community fires. It is safe to say that you will have everything you need to have a great time. Join the Revival Music Festival event on Facebook for more details. 11) Bayfront Blues Festival When: August 2023 Where: Duluth The Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the largest outdoor blues festivals in the Midwest. It attracts approximately 20,000 fans each year. It features blues and blues/rock. Past years have included performances by artists such as Little Richard, Buddy Guy, and Blues Traveler. About 30 acts are performed in two stages for three full days of entertainment. Join the Bayfront Blues Festival event on Facebook for more details. time. The 2021 Minnesota Music Festival lineup included performances by artists and bands like Aaron Watson, Whiskey Myers, and Lake Street Drive. Each year includes an all-star cast of country, rock and blues stars. Food trucks will keep you fueled during the festivities. Some of the finest barbecue makers in the state serve up the best barbecue food in the Midwest. After you’ve had your fill, head to the Bullet Tasting Tent where you can sample spirits for just $5. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes. The upbeat tunes, lively atmosphere, and easy-drinking drinks will keep you on your feet all day long. Join the Sister Cities Smokeout event on Facebook for more details 13) Duluth Homegrown Music Festival When: May 2023 Where: Duluth The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival was founded in 1999. It features music from Duluth and the surrounding areas. When it first started, it only had about 10 acts, but today, that number has grown to nearly 200. Attending this music festival is free, though donations are encouraged. Join the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival event on Facebook for more details 14) Vicki’s Camp N Country Festival When: July 6-13, 2023 Where: Redwood Falls Vicki’s Camp N Country Jam wants you to have the ultimate VIP experience in making memories that last a lifetime. Life…by partying with great friends, great music, great camping, great food and lots of laughs!Vicky’s Camp N Country Jam is an intimate little festival hosting local and regional musical artists in a beautiful country setting.Have you ever been to a festival with scores Thousands of people out there? Have you ever said, “If only we could be at a festival that doesn’t have a lot of people, but have great artists?” Have you always wanted to be a “VIP” at a festival? Well, that’s why I exist The Vicky Camp N Country Jam is here!You will experience the time of your life when you are the “VIP” everywhere you go…from the concert area, beer garden, food lines, port-a-potties…to the campgrounds… There are no long paths to anywhere in the festival.” Did I miss any music festivals in MN? This concludes my picks for the best music festivals Minnesota has to offer. But since this state has such an amazing music scene, I missed one or two. If you know of anything that deserves a spot on this list, be sure to drop me a message and let me know. More Resources for Planning the Minnesota Music Festival If you’re looking for more information for planning the Minnesota Music Festival, here are some additional resources you’ll find helpful. Looking for more American music festivals? Check out some of our other festival rides for more epic adventures of 2020! Thanks for reading our list of the Best Minnesota Music Festivals! Share this list with your family and friends to let them know your pick for the best music festival in Minnesota! Twitter Facebook Pinterest