Top Twin Cities Outdoor Concerts with Tips for Keeping Your Back Happy

Skyline Chiropractic in Burnsville, MN  knows Summer is the best in the Twin Cities! We all want to get outside as much as we can. And, a great way to enjoy the outdoors is to take in an outdoor concert or music festival. If you are ready to have some fun, we have some ideas for you. Plus, a few tips so you don’t wake up the next day with back pain.

Top Twin Cities Outdoor Concerts

If you love music, there is probably an outdoor concert every night this summer. Here’s a sample list to make your ears hum and your body sway.

• Music in the Zoo - Hop on over the the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley (and so very close to Burnsville!) for several concerts from a variety of artists. If you go early, you can explore the zoo and grab food at the concession stands. The amphitheater is small and intimate with bleachers. Consider brining a stadium seat cushion with back support.
• Rock the Garden - The Walker Art Center’s annual rock concert in the sculpture garden is June 29 in Minneapolis. This high-energy line-up is not for the faint-of-standing. Wear your comfortable shoes with great arch support.
• Lakefront Music Festival - Prior Lake’s Rotary Club celebrates music, friendship and community with one night of rock n’ roll and another of country July 12 and 13. Brad Paisley and the Steve Miller Band headline. You can bring your own chairs to this event. Consider a little lumbar support (like a small pillow or a jacket will work) to keep your back happy when you aren’t dancing.
• Basilica Block Party - July 12 and 13 bring the 25th anniversary of this outdoor music festival that raises funds for the Basilica of St. Mary. For the anniversary, they are bringing back Semisonic, who played the first year of the event. Kacey Musgraves and Jason Mraz headline. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes, and forget the flip flops. It is crowded, so you will want to protect your toes!
• Mystic Lake Casino - Did you know Mystic Lake has several outdoor concerts, like Chris Young and O.A.R.? They host a Rock and Rockets July 4 event and The Great Midwest Rib Fest July 25-27, which includes music from Gretchen Wilson, Loverboy and Better Than Ezra. Note -  their outdoor concerts do not include a seat, so bring your chair with some back support. It can get cool in the evening, so a jacket is advised.
• Lake Harriet Bandshell Music in the Parks - The Minneapolis Park Board hosts free concerts throughout the summer. You can listen to country, rock, classical, jazz and more by the lake. There are benches with backs, but you can also bring your own chair and sit to the side. Consider bringing your stadium cushion if you sit on the benches.
• Groovin' in the Garden - The Como Zoo in St. Paul hosts free concerts with some of the Twin Cities best bands. It’s a family event, where the kids can be entertained with a climbing wall, bouncy house and lawn games. Bring a blanket and something for some back support when you aren’t dancing.
• Lowertown Sounds - Mears Park in St. Paul is the spot for outdoor music on Thursdays. You can find a fabulous lineup of Twin Cities bands playing in the twilight. Bring a chair, because the best viewing is from a brick patio. The food truck and beer vendors will keep you coming back all summer.
• Twin Cities Summer Jam - Everyone will be south of the Minnesota River July 18-20 at Canterbury Park for this amazing lineup that includes Rascal Flatts, Aerosmith, Tim McGraw, REO Speedwagon, Buckcherry, Pitbull, Soul Asylum and more! If you have general admission tickets, don’t forget your chair!
• Surly Brewing Concerts - Music and beer go great together! Enjoy  top names like Ben Folds and Of Monsters and Men at the brewery’s Festival Field. Be advised to take public transit or bike to these concerts, as there is very little parking.
• Minnesota State Fair - The end of summer is not complete without the fair! The grandstand hosts several top names, but you can also see great music at a variety of other stages from August 22 - September 2. The best advice for for a day at the fair is to dress comfortably (especially your shoes), drink plenty of water, take breaks and stretch. Have fun!

Keeping Your Back Happy

Enjoying music with a few hundred of your closest friends is good for your soul, but it can be hard on your back. Remember, just because everyone else is in the mosh pit, doesn’t mean you need to be, too!

Here are a few tips for waking up the next day with a smile and good memories, instead of back pain.

• Wear comfortable shoes with good support.
• Dress comfortably. Confining clothing will limit your movement.
• Drink water!
• Vary your position and consider taking a walk during breaks.
• Support your back.
  • Bring a back support stadium seat.
  • Add lumbar support to your folding chair.

Who’s ready for a great summer of music? Enjoy!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

12940 Harriet Avenue S. Suite 240, Burnsville, MN, 55337