Mystic Lake Amphitheater In Twin Cities Set For 2026

Live Nation and Swervo Development Corp announced that Mystic Lake Amphitheater, the first large-scale outdoor amphitheater in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Sant Paul, Minnesota), will open in summer 2026 – with booking already underway.

The 19,000-capacity venue will bring a full season of live entertainment to the region and will deliver an estimated $138 million in annual economic impact to the local economy. The cost of the project was not announced.  

“Minnesota has long been a powerhouse music market, and Mystic Lake Amphitheater will bring even more world-class performances to fans across the region,” states Josh Lacey, Minnesota Market President at Live Nation in a release. “This one-of-a-kind venue blends the energy of live performance with the natural beauty of Minnesota, creating a new summer tradition for fans and artists alike.”

The amphitheater is located five miles north of naming rights partner Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, which is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). Mystic Lake is a popular entertainment destination in the Midwest with the 2,100-cap Mystic Showroom and the 8,300-cap Mystic Amphitheater, which has a busy schedule of bands and comics including The Doobie Brothers and Jeff Dunham.

Mystic Lake Amphitheater “and our collaboration marks an exciting time in the SMSC and Mystic Lake’s long-standing commitment to the broader community and to the entertainment and hospitality experiences that we deliver for our guests,” added Angela Heikes, president and CEO of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise. “Mystic Lake Amphitheater will stand as an entertainment landmark for Minnesota, celebrating talent, creating lasting memories and delivering both remarkable experiences and meaningful impact across our region.”

According to a study by Oxford Economics, the amphitheater will generate $73 million in annual fan spending at local restaurants, hotels and shops. That spending will produce $11 million in tax revenue and support a total economic impact of $138 million each year in the region. About half of that impact is expected to come from visitors traveling from outside the metro area. In addition, the venue will create more than 700 new jobs.

“The new amphitheater represents a major milestone for Shakopee,” stated Shakopee Mayor Matt Lehman in a release. “It’s sure to be a catalyst for further development in this up-and-coming area, and for increased tourism, economic activity and year-round experiences in our community. This project will not only attract top-tier performers but also support our local businesses and reinforce that Shakopee is a premier entertainment destination. There isn’t a bad seat in the house.”

Mystic Lake Amphitheater is designed for live music and puts fans and artists at the center of every detail. Fans will enjoy superior acoustics, clear sightlines and the intimacy of a covered lower bowl as well as premium luxury suites and VIP boxes. Artists will enjoy spacious dressing rooms with elevated interiors designed for comfort.

Live Nation will oversee operations at Mystic Lake Amphitheater including booking and hospitality.

“A project like this only happens with the strength and commitment of partners like Live Nation and Mystic Lake Casino,” states Ned Abdul, President and CEO of Swervo Development Corp. “Everyone involved in this development has a track record for creating something special that will offer something fresh and unique to Minnesota’s vibrant concert landscape.”

Fans can expect a full summer season of national headliners, international touring acts and regional talent. Additionally, the venue will host community and private events and offer complimentary shuttle service from the casino resort.