The cliché that’s been formed about the Twin Cities’ outdoor block party/festival circuit is that there are too many of them.
There’s some merit to the argument. But for a city bereft of all the summer debauchery our country’s coasts enjoy every year (Outside Lands, Bonnaroo, beaches, beaches — oh, and more beaches), the excess only seems like a necessary coping mechanism.
Also, for a city that’s simultaneously celebrated and criticized for its over-saturated music scene, the festival/block party format is an ideal way of getting a little taste of everything.
This summer, it’s business as usual for the most part. There are the day-long soirees, like the Red Stag and Bastille Day block parties, featuring some of our finest local outfits. Then there are the big-ticket events like the Basilica Block Party and the newly-added Live Nation-sponsored River’s Edge Music Festival in St. Paul, boasting a grab bag of both Twin Cities darlings and international headliners. More so than previous years, this summer’s festival circuit has something for each and every city dweller baking under the sun.
Of course, there’s a lot to choose from. Good thing A&E is here to break it down for you.
Bastille Day Block Party
When Sunday, July 15
Where Barbette – 1600 W. Lake St.
Lineup Peter Wolf Crier, A. Wolf & Her Claws, Prissy Clerks, Sleep Study
Cost Free
Perks Affordable, local
Red Stag Block Party
When Sunday, Aug. 5
Where Red Stag Supperclub, 509 First Ave. NE
Lineup Rogue Valley, Mayda, the Honeydogs, Chasity Brown, Kill the Vultures
Cost Free
Perks Affordable, local, location, food trucks
Stone Arch Bridge Music Festival
When Friday, June 15 – Sunday, June 17
Where Historic Main Street and Father Hennepin Park
Lineup Romantica, Heiruspecs, A. Wolf & Her Claws, Joey Ryan & the Inks, Hunting Club
Cost Free
Perks Affordable, local, location, food trucks, family friendly
Basilica Block Party
When Friday July 6 – Saturday July 7
Where Basilica of Saint Mary – 88 N. 17th St.
Lineup Train, Cake, Phantom Tails, Prissy Clerks, the Avett Brothers, Fitz and the Tantrums, OAR, Lucy Michelle & the Velvet Lapelles
Cost Single-night pass for $40 before June 25; $45 June 25 and later, two-night pass for $70 before June 25; $80 June 25 and later
Perks Local, food trucks, family friendly
Rock The Garden
When Saturday, June 16
Where The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – 1750 Hennepin Ave.
Lineup tUnE-yArDs, The Hold Steady, Doomtree, Howler, Trampled by Turtles
Cost Sold out. Try Craigslist if you’re willing to give up a small fortune.
Perks Local, food trucks, family friendly
Rivers Edge Festival
When Saturday, June 23 – Sunday June 24
Where Harriet Island, Mississippi National River and Recreational Area, St. Paul
Lineup Tool, Motion City Soundtrack, Brand New, the Rope, Quietdrive, Scissor Sisters, Coheed and Cambria, Polica, Dave Matthews Band, the Flaming Lips
Cost Single-day ticket for $65, two-day ticket for $110 (prices to increase as festival nears)
Perks Local, family friendly
