SHAKOPEE, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater, the first large-scale outdoor amphitheater in the Twin Cities, will open in summer 2026. 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 amphitheater is located just five miles north of naming rights partner Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), Mystic Lake is a prominent entertainment destination in the Midwest and plays a significant role in both the local community and the region’s economy. Mystic Lake will enhance the fan experience with amenities including a custom-designed photo installation and complimentary shuttle service from its nearby casino resort.
“This venue 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,” said Angela Heikes, President and CEO of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise, which operates Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. “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.”
“Minnesota has long been a powerhouse music market, and Mystic Lake Amphitheater will bring even more world-class performances to fans across the region,” said Josh Lacey, Minnesota Market President at Live Nation. “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.”
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,” said Shakopee Mayor Matt Lehman. “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.”
Fans will enjoy superior acoustics, clear sightlines, and the intimacy of a covered lower bowl, while a spacious outdoor plaza offers room to gather against sweeping views of the Minnesota River Valley. Artists will enjoy spacious dressing rooms with elevated interiors designed for comfort.
