MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Summer Concert Series Returns to Coon Rapids Dam with Free Music, Community Gathering, and Opening Night Performance by The Naked Cowboys

COON RAPIDS, MN (June 3, 2026) As summer settles across Minnesota and evening temperatures begin drawing residents outdoors, one of Coon Rapids' longest-running seasonal traditions is preparing to return to the banks of the Mississippi River.

On Thursday evening, the City of Coon Rapids will launch its 2026 Thursday Night Summer Concert Series at the performance pavilion inside Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, opening nine weeks of free live music designed to bring families, neighbors, and visitors together in one of the community's most scenic public spaces.

The series begins June 4 with a performance by Twin Cities country band The Naked Cowboys and continues through August 6, offering a diverse lineup that ranges from classic country and Cajun music to Beatles tributes, early rock and roll, variety bands, and island-inspired Trop Rock.

Organized annually by the Coon Rapids Arts Commission, the concert series has become a fixture of the city's summer calendar, drawing residents from across the north metro to gather along the Mississippi River for an evening that combines music, recreation, and community connection.

The venue itself remains one of the area's most distinctive public spaces.

Located at 9750 Egret Boulevard, the performance pavilion sits within Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, a regional destination known for its river views, trail system, wildlife observation opportunities, and direct access to the historic Coon Rapids Dam crossing.

While Anoka County Parks typically charges a vehicle permit fee for park access, that fee is waived on concert evenings, making both admission and parking completely free for attendees.

City officials encourage visitors to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as fixed seating is not provided at the pavilion.

For guests requiring easier access, a designated drop-off and pick-up area will be available near the performance venue. City officials note that the shuttle service previously offered between the visitor center and the pavilion will not operate during the 2026 concert season.

Food and refreshments will be available before each performance.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. and continuing until the start of the concert at 7 p.m., concessions will be sold by volunteers from the Coon Rapids North Star Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 524. The partnership allows local civic organizations to raise funds while helping create a welcoming community atmosphere for concertgoers.

The opening-night performers may have one of the more attention-grabbing names on the schedule, but their music is firmly rooted in traditional country.

The Naked Cowboys are a three-piece Minnesota band specializing in classic and outlaw country music. Their performances frequently feature songs made famous by artists such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams, while also incorporating elements of Southern rock and classic rock.

The group consists of Tim on lead guitar and vocals, Dan on bass and vocals, and Jake on lead and steel guitar and vocals.

According to the band's promotional materials, their focus remains on what they describe as "your daddy's country music," emphasizing traditional country sounds that helped define generations of American music.

Thursday's performance is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and run approximately 90 minutes.

The remainder of the summer lineup reflects the Arts Commission's longstanding goal of offering a broad musical variety capable of appealing to multiple generations and musical tastes.

The 2026 Summer Concert Series Schedule includes:

June 4
The Naked Cowboys
Classic and Outlaw Country

June 11
Backyard Band
Variety

June 18
Pirates, Guitars, and Beachfront Bars
Trop Rock and Island Rock

June 25
Small Town Radio
Variety

July 9
Holy Rocka Rollaz
1950s Rock and Roll

July 16
LP & the 45's
Variety and Classic Hits

July 23
Red Letter Band
Country

July 30
The New Riverside Ramblers
Cajun

August 6
Revolution 5
Beatles Tribute

There will be no concert on July 2 as the city shifts its attention to Independence Day celebrations and the larger Coon Rapids Fourth of July festivities.

Financial support for the series is provided in part by the Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that supports community improvement initiatives throughout the city. The foundation has helped fund numerous projects over the years involving parks, recreation, community events, historical preservation, public amenities, and quality-of-life improvements.

For city leaders and community organizers, the concert series represents more than a musical performance schedule.

It serves as a recurring opportunity for residents to gather in a shared public space, meet neighbors, support local organizations, and enjoy one of Minnesota's most recognizable riverfront settings.

At a time when many forms of entertainment increasingly occur behind screens or behind admission gates, the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series continues to offer something increasingly rare: a free, accessible community gathering centered on live music and public life.

If weather conditions threaten a performance, cancellation notices and schedule updates will be posted through the City of Coon Rapids' official social media channels.

For residents looking to begin the summer season with an evening outdoors, organizers say all that is required is a chair, a blanket, and a willingness to spend a few hours beside the Mississippi River.

Additional information and updates are available through the City of Coon Rapids Summer Concert Series webpage.

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life.