There are always big names making their way to some of the bigger cities around Minnesota and beyond, but if you're looking for that small-town charm, here are some events around the state you can check out while traveling around the land of 10,000 lakes during the month of June:
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Ongoing
These summer concert series will take place at regular intervals throughout the season. Some listings may change, so watch local websites and social media for updates.
When: May 25 through Aug. 31
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
Information: Sunday concerts are at 2 p.m.; Saturday concerts are at 7 p.m. at the Lake Bemidji State Park Amphitheater. A Minnesota State Park permit is required for park entrance. In case of rain, concerts will be held in the Visitor Center.
The 2025 season schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, June 1: Doyle Turner
- Sunday, June 8: Caige Jambor
- Sunday, June 15: Aaron Tank
- Sunday, June 22: Not Your Average Family Band
- Saturday, June 28: Bemidji Brass Quintet
- Sunday, June 29: Dean and Peggy
When: Select Saturdays, May 31-Aug. 23
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
Information: Bemidji Brewing is hosting local artists from 7 to 9 p.m. on select Saturdays as part of its free "Sunset Sounds" concert series.
The schedule includes:
- May 31 - Serotiny
- June 14 - Tiny Towns
- June 28 - The Oxbows
For more information, visit the Bemidji Brewing
When: Tuesdays, June 3 through Aug. 19
Where: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Information: Concerts take place at 7 p.m. in the Detroit Lakes City Park bandshell. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will move to the pavilion. Arrive early to enjoy Picnic in the Park at 5:30 p.m.
The summer lineup is as follows:
- June 3: Lakes Area Community Concert Band
- June 10: Bl奴 Kan奴
- June 17: Eric Reitan
- June 24: Beach Front Big Band
When: Wednesdays, June 4 through Aug. 27
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
Information: The 30-minute concerts start at noon on Wednesdays. Free-will donations are accepted to benefit the BACM scholarship program. Concerts are followed by a luncheon at each church, with meal prices to be announced.
This year's concert schedule is as follows:
- June 4: First City Handbell Choir at St. Bartholomew鈥檚 Episcopal, 1800 Irvine Ave. NW.
- June 11: Abbi Cobb, Emily Mathew, Nettie Murray and Elaine Kleinsasser at Church of Christ, 692 Mag Seven Ct. SW.
- June 18: Trinity Musicians at Trinity Lutheran, 123 29th St. NE.
- June 25: St. Philip's Musicians at St. Philip's Catholic, 702 Beltrami Ave. NW.
When: May 22 through Aug. 21
Where: Douglas County Courthouse, Alexandria
Cost: Free
Information: Each concert will begin at 7 p.m., with a break at about 10 minutes to 8 p.m. At this time a tip jar gets passed around, and the music resumes at approximately 8:05 p.m. and concludes around 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit .
This summer's series schedule is as follows:
- June 5: Blue English 鈥� classic rock
- June 12: Honky Tonk Cowboys 鈥� country
- June 19: Hard Days Night 鈥� Beatles tribute
- June 26: Meire Grove Band 鈥� concert band
When: Thursdays, June 5 through Aug. 28
Where: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Information: Concerts will be 5 to 8 p.m. in the Detroit Lakes City Park bandshell. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy free live music and food trucks at the DL City Park. In the case of inclement weather, the music will either move to the nearby Pavilion at 1361 Washington Ave., or to Bucks Mill Brewing, 824 Washington Ave. Updates will be posted on the Historic Holmes Theatre Facebook page.
The 2025 lineup includes:
- June 5: Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome
- June 12: Pocket Change
- June 19: Dan Brekke Band
- June 26: The Cropdusters
When: Wednesdays, June 11 through Aug. 13
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
Information: Concerts are at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake Bemidji waterfront and there is no admission charge. Food and beverage trucks will be on site and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
This year's season schedule is as follows:
- June 11: Rich Mattson and the Northstars
- June 18: Sam Miltich and Clearwater Hot Club
When: June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26 and July 3
Where: Willmar, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: The Prairie Winds Concert Band will present five free outdoor concerts in Rice Park on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair. Popcorn and water will be provided free of charge by Walt's and EcoWater. For more information, visit or Facebook at
When: Thursdays, June 12 through Aug. 14
Where: Park Rapids, Minnesota
Information: The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association will host the 13th annual free outdoor concert series every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. with bands. Includes a beer garden and family activities downtown. Bring your own lawn chair.
This year's lineup includes:
- June 12: Mae Simpson Music
- June 19: The Cropdusters
- June 26: Walking Phoenix
When: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7
Where: Benson, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: The concerts take place in Roosevelt Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair. Food vendors will be available at each concert.
This year's concert lineup includes:
- June 12: Prairie Smoke
- June 26: Joe Lindner
When: June 15, June 29, July 20 and Aug. 3
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
Information: Concerts are at 7 p.m. on Sundays on the lawn south of BSU's Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There is no charge for the concerts; free-will donations are accepted. In case of inclement weather, concerts are moved indoors at Bangsberg.
Where: Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: Bands in the Park will perform from 7-9 p.m. Saturdays through summer in Trailside Park. Saturdays Under the Bobber will be from noon to 9 p.m. one Saturday a month through summer in the park with bands.
Following is the June schedule:
- June 14: Emily Hammer, 7-9 p.m.
- June 21: Mark Petersen Band, 1-4 p.m.; Sugar Buzz, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- June 28: Maddie & Danny, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Crosslake, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: Bands will perform from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through summer starting June 28 in Crosslake Town Square.
Following is the June schedule:
- June 28: PK Mayo, blues guitarist on both acoustic and electric slide.
Standalone events
Makers Market
When: June 5
Where: Granite Falls, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: Live music will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in June and July as part of the Maker鈥檚 Market along the Minnesota Riverwalk in downtown Granite Falls. For more information, visit the website at and Facebook.
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Rock the Lantern for a Cure
When: June 7
Where: Brainerd, Minnesota
Cost: Tickets available at the , , or online at .
Information: Rock the Lantern for a Cure is an outdoor concert that raises money for Lymphoma and Leukemia cancer research. The year we will have Night Moves 鈥� the Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute and Betty & the Noise rockin鈥� out for you. The concert is held at the Green Lantern 9 miles east of Brainerd, MN on HWY 18. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Porchfest in New London
When: June 7
Where: New London, Minnesota
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Cost: Free
Information: The New London Porchfest will start at 11 a.m. June 7 in New London. There will be dozens of musicians performing along Main Street and Central Avenue. The free event was created in celebration of the late Bill Gossman, former mayor of New London, and is organized by the New London Arts Alliance.
Cuyuna Lakes Music in the Park
When: June 12
Where: Crosby, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: Get ready for a summer filled with sensational melodies and unforgettable moments! Join us as we present an enchanting series of musical performances in Crosby Memorial Park, 2 2nd St SW in Crosby.
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Songwriters in the Round - Harmony & Soul
When: 7 p.m. June 12
Where: Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Minnesota
Cost: Adults $20 / Seniors $15 / Under 18 $10. CLC Students $5 (available at the Box Office only). ONLINE TICKETS: .
Information: Davina Sowers from the renowned band Davina and the Vagabonds, known for energetic performances and Sowers' captivating stage presence. Rolling Stone Magazine describes Davina as creating "her own Americana mishmash," combining neo-soul and jazz influences reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin. This performance marks Davina鈥檚 first show back in Minnesota after an upcoming international tour, making it a special homecoming event for local fans.
Award-winning Minnesota singer-songwriter Samantha Grimes brings her distinct Americana sound, mixing folk, rock, blues, and country. Grimes is a two-time nominee for the Josie Music Awards' "Rising Star" category and winner of the International Singer-Songwriter Association鈥檚 Entertainer of the Year. She is also a multiple-time Best of the Valley award recipient, 2024 Midwest Country Music Association nominee for Maverick Artist of the Year, and will soon be inducted into the Midwest All-Music Hall of Fame.
Joining them is Americana and country music artist Luke Hendrickson, who has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Hendrickson has received multiple nominations from the Midwest Country Music Organization, including "Album of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year." Hendrickson was recently featured on Season 8 of the Lakeland PBS series "Backroads".
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Pioneerland Band Festival
When: June 14
Where: Benson, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: High school bands will compete for cash prizes beginning that evening at 6:30 p.m. Litchfield was named the Grand Champion of the festival in 2024. The parade route in Benson will run along U.S. Highway 12 west through town before turning onto 14th Street, ending at the high school.
Litchfield Parade of Bands
When: June 17
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Where: Litchfield, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: Nearly a dozen marching bands are expected to participate in the parade through town. Food trucks will be open all afternoon and the parade will start at 6 p.m. Visit the Litchfield Parade of Bands for any updates.
Grand View Lodge Summer Concert Series
When: June 19
Where: Nisswa, Minnesota
Cost: Adults, $65; ages 11 and under, $42
Information: Chris Stapleton and Eric Church tributes starting at 6 p.m. at The Pines Driving Range, rain or shine.
Lakes Area Music Festival Summer Solstice
When: June 22
Where: East Gull Lake, Minnesota
Cost: $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 8. Reserve seats at .
Information: Lakes Area Music Festival fundraiser at 6 p.m. at Madden's on Gull Lake, featuring internationally acclaimed opera artists, including Tracey Engleman (Minnesota Opera), Abi Levis (Deutsche Oper Berlin), David Walton (Virginia Opera) and John Taylor Ward.
Lakes Jam Music Festival 2025
When: June 26
Where: Brainerd international Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota
Cost: Visit for ticket information.
Information: Lakes Jam is a annual event that unites rock and country music fans from all walks of life and brings them together in the Brainerd Lakes area!
Located in lakes country on the grounds of Brainerd International Raceway, the area boasts beautiful scenery and allows Lakes Jam to offer optimal camping and weekend fun. Founded in 2012, Lakes Jam intends to deliver a line-up from an array of excellent live performing artists every year. Each year will be different, fresh and exciting!
The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park
Performers for June:
June 8 - Alison Krauss and Union Station
June 12 - ZZ Top and The Wall Flowers
June 13 - Chicago
June 15 - Barenaked Ladies, Guster and Fastball
June 19 - Justin Moore with Joe Nichols
Where: The Ledge Amphitheater, 1700 Parkway Drive, Waite Park, Minnesota
Cost: Visit for ticket information.
Information: The Ledge Amphitheater is a beautiful venue located between two quarries in Waite Park, Minnesota. The central Minnesota amphitheater holds up to 6,000 guests for outdoor entertainment.
Park Rapids Area Community Band
When: June 27
Where: Menahga, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on the shore of Spirit Lake. Bring your own lawn chair. This concert is part of the Sounds of Spirit Lake summer series.
Music on the Mountain
When: June 27-28
Where: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes
Who: Sagebrush and headliner the Fabulous Armadillos on Friday; John Morgan, Tigirlily Gold and headliner Chris Janson on Saturday.
Cost: $41 for Friday night's show, with free parking on site; Saturday general admission tickets are $90, and parking passes will be sold separately.
Information: Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday, with opening act at 6 p.m. and headliner starting around 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, with music starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for Friday's concert can be purchased at project412mn.org, while tickets for Saturday's main event can be purchased at detroitmountain.com.
Vikingland Band Festival
When: June 29
Where: Alexandria, Minnesota
Cost: Free
Information: The 41st annual Vikingland Band Festival will march through the streets of Alexandria on June 29, with the main parade set to step off at 1:30 p.m. More than 15 marching groups are set to take part.
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