As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, Minnesota is gearing up for a variety of music festivals this summer. 

Here is a guide to the most popular festivals coming to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June 21-22)

Bring a chair or blanket to camp out and listen to this classic genre, all for free.

The 26th annual St. Paul Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz. Located in Mears Park in the Lowertown district of St. Paul, the festival features artists such as Stefon Harris, Karrin Allyson, the Regina Carter Quartet and the Joe Lovano Quartet. 

“I’m very excited for all of the headliners, but I have a special place in my heart for Stefon Harris, who will play at 8:30 p.m. on Friday [June 21],” said the executive director of the St. Paul Jazz Festival, Dayna Martinez. “I’ve been following his career as a vibraphonist for the last 20 years and am so happy to be able to present him and his band on stage.” 

Breakaway Music Festival (June 28-29)

For fans of electronic music or looking for a high-energy experience, Breakaway is the place to go. 

This festival showcases some of the biggest names in EDM including Illenium, Kaskade and Slander at Allianz Field in St. Paul. 

“In addition to stellar lineups, Breakaway elevates the festival experience with a silent disco featuring local artists, taking its unique music experience to a whole new level,” said Breakaway’s head of marketing, Mika Sears. “Single-day lineups, single-day tickets and more will be live in the coming months.”

Minnesota Yacht Club (July 19-20)

The first-ever Minnesota Yacht Club festival will take place at the Harriet Island Regional Park on the Mississippi River in St. Paul. The Riverboat VIP Ticket allows access to an hour-long cruise along the Mississippi River before the headliner sets. With recognizable names such as Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this festival is one to keep an eye on.

Basilica Block Party (Aug. 2-3)

The iconic summer festival at the Basilica of Saint Mary on Hennepin Avenue is back for the first time since 2021. 

The event, which is the longest-running non-profit music festival in the United States, features a top lineup of performers including The Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray and Counting Crows. On top of this, food and drink options from local vendors will be available throughout the park. 

The proceeds from the festival are donated to the St. Vincent de Paul program dedicated to caring for the homeless and people in need. 

“The Basilica Block Party aims to create an extraordinary experience for all attendees. With an exceptional lineup of renowned musicians, local talents, and emerging artists, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Basilica Block Party CEO Emily Buchanan. 

Minnesota’s summer festivals have something to offer for everyone, from music fans to those who just want to relax in the sun. These events showcase everything from the calm harmonies of jazz to the pulsing beats of electronic music. Write down these dates because these festivals may be memories that will last a lifetime.