Your Guide to Summer in Mankato
After conquering the trails, unwind with electrifying headliner performances, discover hidden gems at local wineries and breweries featuring talented Midwestern musicians, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Greater Mankato’s annual events. Plan your Mankato summer getaway to experience these one-of-a-kind events and book your hotel today!
CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour
Embark on a journey of artistic discovery with Mankato’s outdoor sculpture exhibit. New works by US artists are installed every spring, transforming the city into a year-round open-air gallery.
Concerts and Shows in May
- Nate Smith – Thursday, May 14 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
- Brit Floyd – Saturday, May 30 @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Four free days, spread across the seasons, give you the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new or revisit a familiar place in a fresh light. Saturday, June 14th offers a Free State Park Admission Day- no vehicle permits needed!
Gather your crew every Thursday in June for Songs on the Lawn! This free, weekly event features live music from area bands, delicious bites from local vendors, and a fun atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
Concerts and Shows in June
- Lee Brice – Saturday, June 13 @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Celebrate Independence Day in style at Mankato’s “Red, Hot & Boom!” festivities. Live entertainment, delicious food & drinks kick off at 5 pm at the Minnesota State University Athletic Fields (191 Stadium Road), culminating in a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to music at 10 pm. Tune in to Radio Mankato for the soundtrack!
Get ready to be amazed by the Thunder of Drums! Witness a thrilling competition of world-class drum corps at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prepare to be captivated by their soaring musicality and visual artistry. This electrifying event supports local Kiwanis youth programs and the Mankato ’77 Lancers Marching Band.
Fun for all ages awaits at North Mankato Fun Days! This jam-packed, four-day celebration boasts a dazzling parade, a charming kiddie parade, a heart-pumping carnival, exciting softball tournaments, toe-tapping live music, and something for everyone!
Concerts and Shows in July
- Billy Currington – Friday, July 10 @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
- Niko Moon – Friday, July 24 @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Get ready to sink your teeth into perfection at Mankato’s Annual Ribfest! Over two sizzling days, the Civic Center Plaza in Downtown Mankato transforms into a BBQ paradise. Local eateries and food trucks are serving up delicious ribs, while musical acts keep the party going every night. Come hungry, leave happy – it’s a feast for the senses!
Head on over to the Madison East Center on Sunday, August 30 for a full day of live music, cold drinks, and nonstop family fun! Featuring live performances, a car show, a bean bag tourney, food trucks, a beer garden, and local vendors, it is sure to be a day you won’t want to miss!
Concerts and Shows in August
- Clay Walker – Friday, August 28 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Looking Ahead
North Mankato’s Blues on Belgrade is a free, rain-or-shine community celebration featuring a lineup of renowned blues bands from all over. Don’t miss this chance to experience the soulful energy under the open sky!
Indian Island Winery Annual Grape Stomp
Get ready to stomp your way to victory! Teams of two will battle it out in head-to-head heats for a chance to win amazing prizes. Don’t forget to strut your stuff in the costume contest for the best dressed group! Live music will keep the energy high, and a variety of vendors will be on hand for shopping and delicious treats.
Mahkato Annual Traditional Pow-Wow
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Dakota people at the annual Mahkato Pow-Wow, also known as Wacipi. Held at Land of Memories Park, this vibrant celebration features traditional arts and crafts, mouthwatering food vendors, and the soul-stirring sounds of drumming, singing, and dancing. The Pow-Wow honors the 38 Dakota warriors who lost their lives in the U.S. history’s largest mass execution and serves as a symbol of reconciliation between the Dakota people and the local community.
The fun on Belgrade Avenue kicks off with a ceremonial first toast with city officials! Live music sets the mood, while a bratwurst eating contest tests the heartiest appetites. Feeling competitive? Challenge your friends to a bean bag toss tournament. And for the truly bold, try your hand at the hammerschlagen (hammer schlagen) – a German strength test where you drive a nail into a wooden block!
Join Mankato for a vibrant celebration of over 20 years of LGBTQIA+ pride and visibility! This inclusive event welcomes everyone to show their true colors and rock their rainbows. Get ready for a day filled with fun activities for all ages!
The Kato Bike Fall Fest is a weekend-long celebration presented by the Greater Mankato Bike Walk Advocates and BikeMN which showcases the depth of the amazing bike culture of the Greater Mankato area. Expect the best routes, treats, and fun to be found in the serenity of a Southern Minnesota autumn.
More Upcoming Concerts and Shows:
- The Wallflowers – Friday, September 4 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
- Charlie Berens – Saturday, September 19 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
- Jo Dee Messina – Saturday, September 26 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center