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The Burnsville Festival made Minnesota history Saturday night with the state's largest drone show ever performed.
1,000 drones from Aerial Illuminations took to the sky in perfect synchronization, creating light patterns that honored local heroes before leading into traditional fireworks.
The 15-minute spectacle marked the 46-year-old festival's first drone show, adding a cutting-edge element while maintaining its community spirit

Hastings will make history as the host city for Hockey Day Minnesota's 20th anniversary celebration in January 2026.
The Minnesota Wild announced that United Heroes League's outdoor refrigerated rink will serve as the venue, expecting around 80,000 hockey fans for the weekend-long event.

Valley Natural Foods Community Night
Four bucks gets you Thousand Hills hot dogs with all the fixings (plus vegan and gluten-free options), live DJ, and a chance to meet local vendors. It's the kind of neighborhood gathering that reminds you why supporting local businesses matters.

Maiden Dixie at Babe's Hometown Bar
If you're into country rock with some serious grit, Maiden Dixie is making their way to what locals call the best live music spot in Lakeville. These guys have been tearing up the Midwest since 2011 with their high-energy shows and that authentic, blue-collar sound that just hits different.

Legacy Of The Loud at Bogart's
Classic rock medley done right... we're talking Journey, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, the whole lineup of legends. These Twin Cities rockers know how to put on a show with two 90-minute sets that'll take you through rock history's greatest hits. Doors at 6, band at 8, and it's 21+ only (so leave the kids at home for this one). Get tickets.

Buck Concert Series
Two nights of country music at Buck Hill that you won't want to miss... Friday brings Dasha with Travis Denning, Saturday features Larry Fleet with Bryan Martin and the Joe Stamm Band. Gates open early both days so you can grab a spot and settle in for some seriously good live music. All ages welcome! Get tickets.

United Heroes League Freedom Fest 2025
The very first concert at United Heroes League's brand-new outdoor venue that literally transforms from ice rink to concert stage. You'll get live music from Tim Sigler, Fistful of Ladies, and Taryn Jean, plus food trucks and a mechanical bull (because why not?). Get tickets.

Apple Valley Fall Food Truck Festival
Free food truck festival at Quarry Point Park... honestly, does it get better than that? You've got everything from Brick Oven Bus Pizza to Samurai Teppanyaki, plus live music all afternoon.

The Great Bricksworth Get-Together
Bricksworth Burnsville is turning five and throwing the kind of party that makes you forget it's only Saturday afternoon. They're releasing special beers, firing up smashburgers on the patio, and keeping the whole family entertained with face painting and bouncy houses.

Sergeant Cory Slifko Memorial Softball Tournament
This softball tournament raised over $50k, and this year's proceeds support EMS mental health organizations. Bring the family, enjoy concessions, and maybe win something in the silent auction while supporting a really important cause. It’s at Stelzel Field in Farmington.

Strut For Mutts 2025
Rescue Network's big fundraising walk where you can bring your dog and help save more lives, it's as heartwarming as it sounds. With over 1,800 anticipated pet adoptions this year and more than $1 million in vet expenses, every step really does make a difference. Whether you're walking for a beloved pet you've lost or celebrating your rescue dog, it's a beautiful way to spend a morning doing good. Sign up here.

TAP 2025 - Downtown Shakopee
Shakopee's fourth annual craft beer festival is back, and honestly, it keeps getting better... 40+ Minnesota breweries pouring both their flagship beers and exclusive brews made just for this event. VIP gets you in at 1 PM to chat directly with the brewers (totally worth the extra $10), or roll up at 2 PM with the general admission crowd. Purchase tickets.

10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance
Picture this: over 200 invite-only, historically significant cars and motorcycles competing for top prizes while you wander around chatting with their owners about the stories behind these rolling pieces of art. It's not just about the cars though... you've got fine food, vintage fashion, live music, and even pony rides for the kids. Join us at Caterbury Park.

Mississippi Pub Fall Sip & Shop
Second annual fall version of their popular event, and if you missed the first one, don't make that mistake twice. Mimosa and bloody mary bar plus local artisans showing off their stuff from 11 AM to 3 PM. At Mississippi Pub in Inver Grove Heights.

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— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor