Best Music Festivals Near Minnesota

While spending time alone jamming with your headphones on can be a wonderful way to enjoy music, there is something about getting lost in a festival that creates an unparalleled music experience. Everyone coming together to dance and enjoy the healing powers of music and take plenty of photos for your Instagram or Facebook. Don't worry if you missed the big festivals around the country. There is plenty of music to be found in and around Minnesota.

Soundset
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Rd
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 445-7223
www.soundsetfestival.com

Date: May 24, 2015

Local artists are well-represented at this annual festival in Shakopee. You can catch Brother Ali, Atmosphere, Dessa, Dem Atlas, DJ Abilities, and other Minnesota artists alongside national acts like Big Sean, Yelawolf, and Ludacris. Rap enthusiasts will revel in the constant flow of lyrical madness and this one day festival also features some of the best producers in the game. Soundset is a must for anyone who appreciates hip-hop new and old.

Bayfront Blues Festival
Bayfront Festival Park
350 Harbor Dr.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-5573
ww.bayfrontblues.com

Date: Aug. 7 through 9, 2015.

While Duluth is always busy during the summer, full of tourists, travelers, and outdoors people of all types, never does it feel crazier than for the musical festivals hosted at the massive Bayfront Festival Park. The Blues Fest sees more than 20,000 people anticipating more than 30 acts including Otis Clay to NRBQ. The party doesn't stop when the gates close either. There are plenty of acts at clubs and bars around Duluth and nearby Superior that will feature music late into the night.

Related: Best Places To Discover New Music In Minnesota

Basilica Block Party
The Basilica of Saint Mary
88 17th St N
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333-1381
www.basilicablockparty.org

Date: July 10 and 11, 2015

Running every year since 1995, this festival only gets better on the outskirts of downtown Minneapolis. Hosted on the steps of the historic Basilica that watches over fans like a guardian angel, people can dance and sing along knowing that a portion of the proceeds go to helping those in need through the Basilica's Saint Vincent de Paul Outreach Program. The lineup this year includes Weezer, O.A.R., Wilco, and plenty of supporting acts that will certainly live up to the tagline of "Praise the Loud."

Moondance Jammin Country Fest

(218) 836-1055
www.jammincountry.com

Date: June 19 and 20, 2015

While Minnesota is nowhere near Nashville, people here are dedicated wholeheartedly to the country genre. The amount of country fans in cowboy hats that will descend upon Walker in June for acts like Chris Young, Clare Dunn, American Young and more will prove just how dedicated we are.

Summer Set 
Somerset Amphitheater
715 Spring Street
Somerset, WI 54025
(715) 247-2004
www.summersetfestival.com

Date: Aug. 14 through 16, 2015. Starts Friday at 3:00 p.m.

What could be called the Coachella of the Midwest, Summer Set every year brings thousands of people to set up camp and enjoy three days straight of music and revelry. The diverse lineup this year includes everyone from The Weeknd, Bassnectar, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Cloud Cult and just about every genre in between. Light shows, wild and crazy after-parties, and raves that will make the ground shake make this the must-attend event of the year.

Related: Top 2015 Music Festivals In The U.S.

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.