Entertainment & Nightlife

Home » STAY & ENJOY » Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Entertainment

There’s no reason to turn in early – after hours is when Greater Mankato comes to life.

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center and state-of-the-art performing arts center, which has a full calendar with exciting events, concerts, and shows from popular world-renowned recording artists. The venue also hosts the Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Hockey team with an impressive arsenal of NCAA D1 National Championships and repeat visits to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Enjoy the open air in the warmer months when concerts are moved outdoors. The summer months bring concertgoers to Vetter Stone Amphitheater for epic performances under the stars. Every August, the outdoor concert venue also holds Mankato’s Tastiest Music Festival with the Annual Mankato Ribfest! This multi-day event features iconic performances by national recording artists as well as award winning ribbers from around the US. Other outdoor musical favorites featuring an eclectic mix of local artists and performers can be found at Songs on the Lawn in June, Music in the Park in July & September, and Alive After 5 in August. Classical vibes come from the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, which fills the bill with four full symphonic programs, five Music on the Hill chamber concerts, and multiple free family events annually.

All within walking distance, the City Center boasts several bars and grills to start your evening off right. There is an abundance of locally owned establishments offering a variety of dishes, drinks, and experiences. Dance the night away to a DJ or find a local live band. You can easily find a variety of live music shows around Greater Mankato.

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

Events & Festivals

After a day on the trails, be invigorated by a headliner act, listen to talented artists from around the Midwest at our local wineries and breweries, and check out some of the Annual Events & Festivals in Greater Mankato as well as events from a jam-packed year-round calendar!

Family Fun

Load up the kiddos and discover electrifying experiences all year-round in Greater Mankato! From warm weather adventures to shredding the snowy slopes, and everything in between. Check out all there is to see and do and start planning your family-friendly fun.

Take a Dip

Spring Lake Park in North Mankato offers a newly renovated swimming facility complete with multiple slides, sand volleyball nets, basketball hoops, ropes course, rock climbing, a 40-foot zip line, and more. Not far from Spring Lake Park is Hiniker Pond, a swimming park with a real sand beach and fishing pier. One of the area’s newer attractions that is making a splash is the Splash Pad located next to Fallenstein Playground, the all-inclusive playground at Caswell Park in North Mankato. Visit one of the many lakes in the Greater Mankato area for more fun in the water.

Snow Much Fun

Wintery temperatures and a surplus of snowfall only expand Greater Mankato’s outdoor activity options. Dig into winter at Mount Kato, where 19 trails, eight chair lifts and a snow tubing park add up to powdery pleasure for people of all skill levels. Ski, snowboard or tube—or learn the basics at the Mount Kato Snowsports Learning Center, a PAIA/AASI-certified school. The fun doesn’t end there. Grab the sleds and race down the hill at Sibley Park, go ice-fishing on one of the area lakes or ice skate at one of the local neighborhood ice rinks.

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

Kids have been found to explore and get photos with some of the most interesting of the 30+ rotating outdoor sculptures displayed through the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. Artists from around the world share their creations starting in May when the new sculptures are installed until April. Be sure to pull out a ballot from a box along the route and get the kids to vote for their favorite.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a wonder-filled destination just waiting to be discovered. Imagine getting behind the wheel of the 1917 Little Giant sod buster, exploring six unique forts suspended in the canopy of a 30-foot “tree,” or getting your hands on experience in the two-story level maker area. With six indoor exhibits and 12,000 square feet of outdoor space, there really is something for everyone at this great museum for families.

Sibley Park

Sibley Park is a favorite of many area families. Not only is the park beautifully landscaped with extensive gardens, but it also offers endless recreational opportunities including multiple play areas, a petting zoo, picnicking areas, and outdoor workout equipment. While at the park, people can also enjoy fishing on the river, taking a walk on the Minnesota River Trail or watching a local softball game. In the winter months, Sibley Park is home to a legendary sledding hill, a synthetic ice-skating rink and the Kiwanis Holiday Lights.

River Hills Mall

Kids are a big deal at River Hills Mall. Families can extend the indoor fun within the mall by taking in a movie at the Cinemark theater. Hop on the grand Carousel and get a ride from a horse, goat, and even a cat. Kids love the Mayo Clinic Health System Children’s Play Area. This fantastic playground for kids is hand-sculpted from soft foam creating a unique area specifically built for exploring. Learning, playing and just plain having fun are encouraged with this colorful and unique medical themed play area. The play pieces familiarize kids with what they’ll see in a clinic. Children will love to crawl on the stethoscope, slide down the Band-Aid slide and more.

Burn Off Some Energy

Spend the day at the Mankato Family YMCA. Kids will love to run in the gyms, play in the Kid’s Gym and swim in the Taylor Family Aquatic Center and Pool. Let the school-age kids relax in the YMCA’s Pepsi Cube with foosball, a climbing wall, video games, and more. Be Wowed at the Wow! Zone where your kids can bowl or play arcade games, laser tag or glow in the dark mini-golf. Day or night, it’s always a cool experience. Try your hand at skateboarding, biking, inline skating, and scooter riding in a supervised, safe, and family-friendly environment. Chesley Skate Park is the place for youth to socialize with others who are just as enthusiastic about skating. Rentable helmets, pads, and skateboards are available for your use.

Catch a Game!

Greater Mankato has a full menu of sports opportunities for all ages and all abilities. From pee-wee leagues to college level competitions, there is always an opening for the sports lover to either watch or play. Watch outstanding college athletes like the Minnesota State Mavericks continue to put themselves on the map each year; as well as the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings and Gustavus Adolphus College Gusties bringing their A-game for some exciting competition. In the warmer months, head on over to ISG Field to cheer on the Mankato Moondogs. With special events, fun promotions, a family friendly atmosphere, and great baseball being played from late May through early August, a MoonDogs game is a fantastic way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Are you a seasoned runner or have you always wanted to start? Sign up for the Mankato Marathon held in October and experience beautiful scenic courses for the KidsK, 5K, 10K Half, Relay, and Full Marathon. Keep the excitement going beyond the competition and enjoy all that we have to offer in our vibrant City Center.

Request a visitor guide

View Mankato’s Visitor Guide online or request a copy in the mail.

Sign Up for the Visit Mankato Newsletter!

Up to date information on visiting Mankato!

Add Your Heading Text Here