Summer in Burnsville: Top Things to Do
It’s summertime in Burnsville, Minnesota, and living is easy with tons of fun things to do. Located just a few miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Burnsville’s rich and diverse mix of culture, arts, shopping, dining and attractions makes the city a worthwhile visit. Add to that its vibrant festivals, variety of concert series and an outdoor scene that doesn’t go on summer vacation, and you’re in for a cool getaway that’ll leave you feeling completely rejuvenated, especially in the hot summer months. Get your sunshine on, and explore our list of some of the best things to do this summer in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Featured Events
Rockin’ Lunch Hour (Thursday’s)
Thursday’s, June 17-August 19, 2021
Join the City of Burnsville for the ninth season of Rockin’ Lunch Hour performances. These mini concerts are geared towards pre-school audiences looking for a rockin’ good time!
Buck Hill Summer Mountain Biking Programs
May-August
Mountain biking at Buck Hill is the perfect way to fill the gorgeous summer season with adrenaline-infused action. On Thursdays from May 11-Aug. 4, the family bike shop, Penn Cycle, hosts mountain biking competitions including advanced, recreational and fat bike races ($10) at 6:30 p.m.; a beginner race ($5) at 7:30 p.m.; and a kids’ bike race (free) at 7:45 p.m. These Thursday evenings are filled with loads of door prizes, plenty of eats and beverages, plus more fun activities. And for mountain biking instruction, check out Buck Hill’s programs and clinics for men, women, and youth.
Buck Hill’s artificial slope will officially open, creating the opportunity for year-round action. The slope features Neveplast—a synthetic mat that perfectly simulates real snow conditions. You can purchase a summer season pass, which will give you full access to artificial snow fun from June until the winter snow season begins. Neveplast allows novices to easily snow plow, enthusiasts to practice their favorite discipline any time of the day, and competitive athletes to train exactly as they do on snow. And if you’re interested in getting your little ones involved in summer day camps, check out Buck Hill’s Action Sports Kids Camps including snowboarding and skiing options.
International Festival of Burnsville
July 15, 2017
Every year in July at Nicollet Commons Park, this culture fest celebrates Burnsville’s vibrant diversity. This year’s celebration is marked for Saturday, July 15, when you can plan to bring your dancing shoes and an appetite to enjoy the variety of music, dance groups and food representing cultures around the globe. A sneak peek of the day’s lineup includes New Orleans-style tunes from the McNasty Brass Band, a Chinese lion dance by Ha Family Entertainment, Rince Na Chroi Irish dance and more. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The festival features an art exhibition and kid-friendly activities too, like henna tattooing, face painting, balloon twisting, and Japanese origami to name just a few.
September 8-11, 2021
Established in 1980, the Fire Muster is Burnsville’s longest-running tradition, and for the first year ever, this four-day event will be free of charge. The festivities kick off Thursday, September 8, featuring a parade, live entertainment, fireworks, and delicious food. Over the following three days, the celebration continues with activities like craft beer tasting, a vintage car show, the Heart of the City 5K, 10K, 15K and Kids Run, firetruck displays and exhibits, a business expo, a food and beer garden and more.
More Events
Friday Nights, June 25-August 13, 2021
Enjoy free-of-charge Friday night movies at Nicollet Commons Park, where seating begins at 7:30pm and the show begins at dusk. Movies will include “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse” (PG – this event will be held at Civic Center Park) and Friday Night Boogie, “The Mighty Ducks” (PG), “Aladdin” (2019, PG), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (PG) and Friday Night Boogie.
Those looking to boogie, check out “Friday Night Boogie”, the musical entertainment to show off your dance moves followed by a movie at dusk. Friday Night Boogie events will be held on June 25 and August 13 from 7-8pm.
What did we miss? Share with us your Burnsville summer favorites, and be sure to make the most of the season by checking out the full events schedule on our website.
