Winter Dig Out (Longfellow)

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater
When: Annually in February
Best for: Fans of indie, hip-hop, local music, and Minneapolis winter vibes

The Current’s Winter Dig Out is an indoor music festival designed to shake off the winter blues with an evening of live music, local flavor, and community. Held each February at The Hook and Ladder Theater, the event features multiple bands across various genres in an intimate, low-key setting that’s as warm as it is lively.

Expect live sets, fire pits, food and drinks from local partners (like Jucy Lucys and craft beer), plus unexpected extras like video games, DJ sets, or even impromptu haircuts. The event brings together music lovers for a night that feels part concert, part winter block party. Tickets are free but limited, the only way to get in is by winning them through The Current’s ticket giveaways. Listen on-air or check The Current’s website in January for details on how to enter.

Insider tip: Extend your evening by starting with a bite to eat at Himalayan or Hi-Lo Diner. After the festival, wind down with craft beers at Arbeiter Brewing.

Taste of Minnesota (Downtown)

Where: Along Washington Avenue and Nicollet Mall
When: Annually in early July
Best for: Fans of big summer energy and free outdoor concerts

Taste of Minnesota is a reimagined Fourth of July weekend festival that brings free live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly fun to downtown Minneapolis. Expect national touring acts alongside local favorites, food trucks, artisan markets, and games.

The festival is free and open to all, with performances taking place across multiple stages throughout the day and into the evening.

Insider tip: Come early and enjoy a game of lawn bowling on the roof at Brit's Pub, or stop for a drink in the beautiful beer garden at The Butcher's Tale.

Farm Aid 40 (University)

Where: Huntington Bank Stadium
When: September 2025 (2025 only)
Best for: Fans of country, folk, and rock — and anyone passionate about family farms and food justice

Farm Aid is making its first-ever stop in Minneapolis in 2025, bringing legendary performers like Willie Nelson and Neil Young to Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus for a full day of music, food, and activism. The lineup blends Americana icons, contemporary stars, and grassroots performers in support of family farms.

In addition to nonstop music, the event includes an extensive “Homegrown Concessions” with farm-to-fork food, sustainability showcases, and hands-on activities. Tickets are required and tend to sell out quickly — purchase early through the Farm Aid website.

Insider tip: Make a weekend of it. Stay downtown, explore Dinkytown and the University neighborhoods, and spend the next day visiting local farmers markets or farm to table restaurants.

Global Roots Festival (Cedar-Riverside)

Where: The Cedar Cultural Center
When: Annually in September
Best for: Fans of global music, cultural exploration, and community connection

Hosted by The Cedar Cultural Center, the Global Roots Festival is a multi-day celebration of music and culture featuring international artists from across continents. Performances span genres from Afrobeat to Nordic folk, often paired with storytelling, workshops, and food offerings.

The festival is free and open to the public, with programming that’s inclusive, educational, and family-friendly. It’s a beloved event that highlights the global communities that call Minneapolis home.

Insider tip: Come early for dinner at Afro Deli or Tamu Grill nearby, then grab a post-show drink at the iconic Palmer's Bar. The Cedar Cultural Center is in the Cedar Avenue Cultural District - get the District guide here.

Not every music moment in Minneapolis happens on a dedicated stage. These favorite festivals may center on art, culture, or community, but each one brings a strong live music presence that’s worth planning around. Expect block parties, riverfront sets, and spontaneous shows throughout the city.

Art-A-Whirl (Northeast)

Where: Various locations
When: Annually in May
Best for: Fans of indie music, visual art, and neighborhood energy

The country’s largest open studio tour turns into a sprawling music experience during Art-A-Whirl weekend. Dozens of breweries, galleries, and parking lots across Northeast Minneapolis host live music — from punk and psych rock to jazz and DJ sets. It’s un-curated, electric, and full of surprises. There’s no central stage or schedule - wander between spots like Bauhaus Brew Labs, 331 Club, Indeed Brewing, and the Solar Arts Building to discover music in unexpected places.

Insider tip: Download the NEMAA map, wear comfy shoes, and plan to hop between shows and artist studios. Fuel up at any of the dozens of food trucks while you’re out and about.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival (Downtown)

Where: Along the riverfront area on W. River Parkway from 11th Ave S to N. 4th Avenue.
When: Annually in June
Best for: Art lovers, families, and fans of local live music with scenic river views

Set along the Mississippi River, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival pairs a massive outdoor art market with multiple stages of live music. From indie rock to bluegrass and cover bands, the music complements the relaxed summer atmosphere of strolling, snacking, and shopping. This free, all-ages festival is spread across the riverfront with art, food trucks, kids' activities, and beer gardens.

Insider tip: Skip parking and either bike the scenic Grand Rounds or take public transit to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, then explore the charming St. Anthony Main neighborhood nearby.

Soul of the Southside (Longfellow)

Where: Intersection of Minnehaha Avenue and East Lake Street
When: Annually around Juneteenth
Best for: Celebrating Black music, culture, and community

Soul of the Southside is a one-day festival held in celebration of Juneteenth. The event features a powerful lineup of local Black artists, spoken word performers, DJs, and community voices. Expect gospel, hip-hop, soul, jazz, and family-friendly programming, all centered on joy and justice. Held in South Minneapolis near Lake Street, the festival is free and rooted in honoring Black culture and resilience.

Insider tip: Make time to explore Black-owned businesses, and grab a bite to eat at Soul Bowl, Mama Sheila’s House of Soul, or Smoke in the Pit.

Twin Cities Pride Festival (Downtown)

Where: Loring Park
When: Annually in June
Best for: LGBTQ+ community, allies, and fans of high-energy outdoor performances

Twin Cities Pride is one of the largest free Pride festivals in the country, centered around Loring Park with a weekend of music, parades, drag shows, dance tents, and community celebrations. The music lineup spans pop, dance, hip-hop, and local queer artists, with headline acts often performing on the main stage each night. No tickets are required, though VIP upgrades and Pride-related events may have separate costs. Expect thousands of attendees, colorful outfits, and joyful energy.

Pro tip: Fuel up before the parade at Nicollet Diner or Hell's Kitchen. After the park festivities, head to The Saloon, the Gay 90s, or a rooftop downtown for afterparties that go all night. For more planning tips, get our guide for Pride weekend in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis gets a lot of love, but some of the Twin Cities’ best music festivals happen just across the river in St. Paul. From jazz in Lowertown to EDM at the fairgrounds, these events are worth the short trip for big sounds, iconic settings, and unforgettable summer nights.

• Breakaway Music Festival: Typically held in early June at Allianz Field, this national touring festival primarily showcases electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop, featuring globally recognized DJs and artists across multiple stages for a high-energy, immersive experience.

• Twin Cities Jazz Festival: This free, family-friendly event is one of the largest civic jazz festivals in the Midwest, usually taking place in late June. It celebrates diverse jazz forms, from traditional to contemporary and fusion, with performances across numerous venues in Lowertown, St. Paul.

• Minnesota Yacht Club Festival: Held on Harriet Island in mid-July, this multi-day festival brings major national and international acts spanning rock, pop, alternative, indie, and blues genres, offering a picturesque riverside setting with various amenities.

• Minnesota State Fair: While a broad agricultural and cultural event, the State Fair boasts a significant music component with daily performances across multiple stages throughout its run, which traditionally spans late August through Labor Day. It includes major national acts at the Grandstand covering genres like country, classic rock, hip-hop, and pop.