Where Minnesota Summers Meet Live Music: Inside Mystic Lake Amphitheater

On summer nights in Minnesota, daylight stretches long into the evening, making it feel like the day never quite wants to end.

Mystic Lake Amphitheater was built for those nights.

Opening June 20 in Shakopee, overlooking the Minnesota River Valley, the 19,000-capacity venue gives Minnesota music fans something they have never had before: a large-scale amphitheater built for live music.

Mystic Lake Amphitheater expands the region’s ability to host major outdoor tours and is expected to welcome more than 30 concerts each season. The inaugural season features artists including mgk, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, Hilary Duff, Chris Stapleton, Guns N’ Roses, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Iron Maiden, and more.

A FULL NIGHT OUT

Mystic Lake Amphitheater was designed around a simple idea: bring fans closer to the music.

From the pit to the lawn, every section feels connected to the stage, creating a more intimate concert experience. Backstage, artists and crews will find welcoming gathering spaces and spacious dressing rooms designed for life on the road.

The night extends well beyond the stage. Before the show, fans can gather in the expansive plaza and enjoy a food and beverage program that blends local favorites, rotating food trucks, and fresh takes on concert staples.

The Backyard gathering space brings the feel of a classic American backyard to the amphitheater, with BBQ-inspired fare, cold drinks, and live DJ sets before select shows. Access is included for premium ticket holders, with upgrades available for purchase.

Fans looking for an elevated experience can enjoy the show from elevated boxes or bunker suites located just 125 feet from the stage. They’ll also enjoy access to Vinyl Room, a Japanese-inspired listening lounge featuring chef-driven menus and DJs spinning vinyl before and after the show.

OPENING NIGHT: MINNESOTA TAKES THE STAGE

On June 20, the amphitheater will officially open with a community celebration featuring an all-Minnesotan lineup and $20 tickets. A portion of proceeds will benefit The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund.

The evening will be hosted by St. Paul native and Saturday Night Live cast member Tommy Brennan and feature performances by Motion City Soundtrack, Ber, Rocket Club, and students from School of Rock, who will become the first performers to take the amphitheater’s stage.

The night will conclude with a headline performance from Minnesota legend Morris Day and The Time.

While fans are at the amphitheater, they can lock in the rest of their summer concert plans – the venue’s box office will be selling $30 lawn tickets for select shows during the opening night event on June 20. This $30 offer will also be available at the box office from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, while supplies last.

KEY QUOTES:

• Josh Lacey, Minnesota Market President, Live Nation: “Minnesota has always had a rich live music culture with incredible artists and passionate fans. Now, for the first time, it has a large-scale amphitheater built specifically for live music. For a venue this size, Mystic Lake Amphitheater feels remarkably intimate, and the views of the Minnesota River Valley are a special setting to take in a show. We hope Minnesotans walk through the gates and feel a sense of pride.”
• Stephanie March, Co-Founder, The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund: “We’re beyond honored to be the beneficiary of such a meaningful gathering at Mystic Lake Amphitheater, and it means the world to us that this hospitality is being offered to struggling Minnesota restaurants. The core of our mission is strengthening our community, and events like this, which brings people together, proves that we need these places to feed our souls every day.”
• Ned Abdul, President and CEO of Swervo Development Corp: “A project of this scale only happens when you work with great partners. The City of Shakopee has gone above and beyond to make this a reality. As has our neighbor Canterbury Park and our naming rights holder Mystic Lake. Together, we have taken this from a concept to a place that will change the way people spend their summer nights.”