Greater St. Cloud is known for several things – the granite industry, St. Cloud State Hockey, and St. John’s University to name a few. But there is one thing that the area collectively has in common, and it quickly becoming the cornerstone of all events, gatherings, and community get-togethers, and that is: MUSIC. Nearly every night of the week, nearly all year long, you can find live music happening somewhere around Greater St. Cloud. From intimate acoustic sets at small restaurants to large-scale rock concerts at massive outdoor venues, there is a show to fit every mood around the area. And with amazing venues like The Paramount, Pioneer Place, Lake George and now the new Southside Park Amphitheater in Sauk Rapids and The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park, the perfect atmosphere is yours for the choosing. Check out this roundup of some of the area’s biggest and best recurring concert series and indulge in pure entertainment. And as always, check out or full event calendar for everything that is happening in Greater St. Cloud this summer and beyond!
Millstream Night Market
Monday Evenings | College Avenue | St. Joseph, MN
Shop, stroll, dine & enjoy! Millstream Night Market takes place every Monday starting June 21 in the alley between Krewe and Flour & Flower bakery in St. Joseph. You can shop from local artisans, enjoy food from Krewe and Flour & Flower, ice cream from Jupiter Moon, beer from Bad Habit Brewing on their patio, and of course enjoy music from small ensembles set up along the sidewalk. This New Orleans inspired market begins at 5pm and is free to attend.
Wood Fired Wednesdays
Wednesday Evenings | Rolling Ridge Event Center | St. Joseph, MN
Every Wednesday evening from May 19 – September 8, Rolling Ridge Event Center is rocking with live music of all kinds. Entrance into the event is $5 per person. Digital Encore DJ will take the stage starting at 4pm, followed by live acoustic music from 6-9pm by a different artist every week. Beverages, wood-fired pizza, and more will also be available for purchase onsite. This event is catered towards grownups – so no pets or small children, please. Come enjoy an adult night out once, twice, or weekly!
Summertime by George
Wednesday Evenings | Lake George | St. Cloud, MN
What has become known as the place to be on Wednesday nights, Summertime by George is a lively, fun, and unique community gathering and concert that happens all summer long. With shows kicking off on June 23rd this year and going through September 1st, there are plenty of opportunities to head downtown to beautiful Lake George to enjoy. Not only can you catch the free opening act and headliner concert, you can also shop and eat at Middle Town Market, grab an adult beverage at Eastman Tavern, and take the kids to Little Georgetown for weekly activities and fun. Great for the whole family, outdoors and in the open air, and free to attend, Summertime by George is a summer bucket list must-do!
Rock the Riverside
Thursdays Evenings | Southside Park | Sauk Rapids, MN
Taking place every Thursday evening from July 1 – September 2, Rock the Riverside brings live outdoor music to an all new venue in Sauk Rapids! Southside Park and the brand new stage and seating area overlook the Mississippi River, providing a beautiful backdrop as you rock and roll on the riverbanks. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, and all of your family is invited to attend this free event! Opening acts start at 5:30 and headliners take the stage at 7pm each week. Yet another fun outdoor music event to put on your summer calendar!
Music in the Gardens
Every Other Sunday | Munsinger Gardens | St. Cloud, MN
For a low-key and beautiful music experience, Music in the Gardens is the perfect place to be. Starting on Sunday, June 13 and taking place every other Sunday until August 22, this intimate, outdoor music venue is free to attend and totally photo-worthy. Concerts start at 3pm near the gazebo in Musinger Gardens, and root beer floats will be available for purchase. Bring your own chair or blanket, some snacks, and have a relaxing afternoon!
Other Recurring Series
Patio Sessions at Milk & Honey Ciders: Held most Saturdays with a few Friday and Sunday dates, Patio Sessions is a fun way to sip cider and listen to local music. Click here to see the full lineup and purchase ticket.
Rockville Music in the Park: Intimate live music that takes place every other Sunday starting June 6th at Rockville Lions Park near Pleasant Lake.
Party on the Patio: Live music at Powder Ridge on the first Wednesday of the month (June through September) from 5pm to 9pm!
MC’s Dugout: Free live music on the patio every Tuesday evening from 6pm-8pm.
Art in Motion Live Music Series: Come out to Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail in Holdingford every Sunday at 5pm for live local music – $5 per person or book a picnic table for $20.
Bad Habit Jam Sesh Sunday: Bring a lawn chair, grab a beer and join a jam Sesh on the Bad Habit Patio every Sunday with local artists.
House of Pizza Live Music: Live music from 6:30pm-9:30pm at House of Pizza West every Tuesday.
St. Cloud Municipal Band: Save the dates for three summer concerts in Barden Park.
Music on the Patio at MT’s on 8th: Live music every Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Sunday all summer long.
Big-Name, One-Time Concerts
Liberty Block Party – St. Cloud, MN: Annual Granite City Days tradition featuring The Guess Who and Ozark Mountain Daredevils on June 25.
Firefest – Cold Spring, MN: Country music festival featuring headliner Dustin Lynch, Jo Dee Messina, and more on July 24.
Dropkick Murphys and Rancid: Boston to Berkeley II: Don’t miss this rock spectacular at The Ledge Amphitheater on August 10.
The Beach Boys – Waite Park, MN: One of the nation’s most loved bands at the first ever show at The Ledge Amphitheater on August 11.
311 – Waite Park, MN: Alternative rock band taking the stage at The Ledge Amphitheater on September 12.
Common Roots Festival: August 18-21, live music takes stage at outdoor venues all around downtown St. Cloud.