Greater St. Cloud is Central Minnesota’s HOTSPOT for live music, entertainment, and all kinds of fun! With weekly festivals in the summer, amazing stages that host regional acts all year, and great one-time shows at unforgettable venues, this is the place to come if you’re hoping to be entertained. Check out the amazing venues below, book the tickets, and we’ll see you in the crowd!
Theaters & Stages
This list encapsulates the biggest and the best, the stages that host concerts, plays and more nearly all year long. From local acts to big national names, these are the venues where you can see the stars shine.
Paramount Center for the Arts
Located Downtown St. Cloud, the Paramount Center for the Arts is a true hub for both performing arts and visual arts in St. Cloud and Central Minnesota in general. Originally opened in 1921 as a silent film theater called Sherman Theater, the Paramount has grown to be one of the most renowned stages in Minnesota, hosting hundred of concerts and shows annually. Not only can you experience the wonders of live entertainment on the historic, ornate stage, you can also browse the works of local artists in the art gallery, take an art class in the basement studios, and even shop for artwork to take home in the Paramount Arts Gift Gallery. Immerse yourself in the arts at The Paramount, it’s an experience you’ll never forget! Check out the On Stage calendar here.
2025 shows include: Tonic Sol-fa, Parrothead Paradise, Eureka Aerial – Runaways, Magic Carpet Ride, California Dreamin’- The Songs of Laurel Canyon, ABBAFAB, School of Rock, Randy Travis: More Life Tour, and more!
GREAT Theatre 2025-2026 Season
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY JR.
Sept 19-28, 2025 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
Annual Youth Artist Project: a 45 minute musical directed and designed by high school students featuring all youth cast
9 TO 5
Oct 17-Nov 2, 2025 | Paramount Center for the Arts
A musical comedy featuring the music of Dolly Parton in a story of friendship, justice, and rebellion
ANNIE
Nov 21-Dec 7, 2025 | Paramount Center for the Arts
A beloved family musical filled with adventure, laughter, and the power of believing in a brighter tomorrow
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Jan 23-Feb 8, 2026 | Paramount Center for the Arts
A high-energy rock ‘n’ roll adventure that proves music can change everything
CABARET
Feb 19-March 8, 2026 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
A provocative musical where glamour and escapism mask the darker reality of a world teetering on the edge
TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED JULY 1, 2025
April 17-May 3, 2026 | Paramount Center for the Arts
An Amazing-But-Super-Secret Show! Due to licensing restrictions, we can’t reveal the title of this show until July 1—but trust us, it will be worth the wait.
ANON(YMOUS)
May 8-17, 2026 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
A powerful journey of self-discovery, identity, and belonging
Pioneer Place on Fifth
The Pioneer Place Theater originally opened in 1998, but the building has a rich past that is celebrated in every detail of the venue. Dating back to 1913, it was originally home to an Elks Club, and has been apartments, a gift shop, office and more over the years. The main theater can seat up to 188 guests and also features a balcony that connects to a newly remodeled second floor bar area. There is also the Veranda Lounge in the front of the building, where intimate shows take place every weekend, and you can even catch jazz music every Thursday night. Enjoy a drink in this upscale bar area, look for the blue light and make your way to the Blue Goose Speakeasy, or wait for the main event to take place. The building as a whole provides an intimate theater experience, and brings in both local and national acts all throughout the year. Check out the calendar of events and plan your visit to the Pioneer Place for a truly unique live entertainment experience!
The Red Carpet Event Center
Whether your a St. Cloud State graduate or a fan of the underground rock music scene, you’ve probably heard of The Red Carpet in downtown St. Cloud before. This huge venue includes several stages and different themed bars throughout its three levels. The Keller Bar is located through a side entrance, and it takes you down a flight of stairs to an intimate bar and stage area. The Keller is known for bringing in unique local talent like EDM artists, comedians, and more. Club Red gives all the nightclub vibes, with DJ performances every Friday and Saturday night. And of course, the Main Stage brings in big, diverse musical acts every weekend to sing along with and dance to. Dress to impress, bring your friends, and prepare for a fun night!
The Ledge Amphitheater
This stunning outdoor venue can host crowds of up to 6,000 people and regularly brings in national names to the stage. Carved into the site of former granite mining quarries, The Ledge pays homage to the mining past of the area with it’s angular design, rock structures, and even has two quarries in the grounds for guests to view. No detail has been spared in the construction of this venue, with various seating options, great concessions, and even the option to rent out the VIP area for groups. Come early for a show and take stroll through the wooded quarry area behind the amphitheater on well-tended paths. Then prepare for a high-caliber show that is sure to impress! Check out the upcoming shows and get your tickets now to experience this one-of-a-kind venue.
2025 Season:
- Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas – June 8, 2025
- ZZ Top – June 12, 2025
- Chicago – June 13, 2025
- Barenaked Ladies – June 15, 2025
- Justin Moore with Joe Nichols – June 19, 2025
- Warren Zeiders– July 18, 2025
- Darius Rucker – July 24, 2025
- Rainbow Kitten Surprise – August 3, 2025
- Slightly Stoopid August 6, 2025
- Earth, Wind & Fire – August 10, 2025
- Goo Goo Dolls – August 18, 2025
- “Weird Al” Yankovic – September 11, 2025
- Bonnie Raitt – September 20, 2025
- More announcements coming soon
The Gnarly Bard Theater is a new performance space located in downtown St. Cloud on West Saint Germain Street. They focus on bringing interesting and entertaining live theater to central Minnesota including their own one-act musicals, local and regional acts, along with a variety of styles of performance. See what they have coming to their stage.
You don’t need to be a student at St. Cloud State to appreciate all of the fine arts and entertainment that the campus brings to the community. No matter what kind of performance you’re in to, there’s something happening at SCSU. Tune in to the diverse students body at SCSU at a Cultural Night. Catch a performance to remember at one of the many theater productions throughout the year. Save the dates for a night at the movies with the International Film Series each year. Immerse yourself in the music of different times, cultures, and instruments at a concert on campus. Appreciate the works of talented students at a Kiehle Art Gallery exhibition. And that’s just the beginning! Follow the St. Cloud State University events calendar for more information on everything.
Seasonal Music Series
Every summer, Greater St. Cloud becomes alive with the sound of music from many great amphitheaters and stages. These musical events take place regularly all summer long, and they’re always a great time!
Summertime by George
What has become one of the most beloved summer traditions in St. Cloud, Summertime by George is a great way to enjoy live music on a beautiful summer night! Come out to the stage at Lake George in downtown St. Cloud every Wednesday evening from 5pm-9pm for local music plus great food vendors, shopping, a beer garden for the grown ups, and even activities for kids. The opening acts take the stage at 5pm, and the headliners at 6:30pm, and all shows are free to attend. Don’t forget your lawn chair and/or picnic blanket and arrive early to save your spot! Free to attend.
Rock the Riverside
Newly opened in Sauk Rapids, The Clearing is a picturesque amphitheater that lies on the banks of the Mississippi River. Available for private event bookings, it is also home to the free weekly summer concert series called Rock the Riverside (part of Riverside Nights) every Thursday evening in the summer. Rock out with a variety of local artists, with the opening acts starting at 5:30 and the headliners at 7pm. Plus, check out the food vendors and enjoy the scenic view of the Mighty Mississippi for a perfect summer evening. Rock the Riverside runs June 5 – August 28, 2025. Free to attend. LINE UP HERE
Wood Fired Wednesdays
Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center is located in St. Joseph and is home to the best way for adults to unwind every week. Wood Fired Wednesdays is every Wednesday in the summer from 4pm to 9pm and features great local music along with a full bar and – as the name suggests – a delicious menu of wood fired pizza and more for purchase. There is a small entry fee at check-in but it is worth every penny for a relaxing, grown-up evening at this stunning venue! Tour the grounds, take in the tunes, enjoy a sip and a bite, and then make plans to do it again next week. Wood Fired Wednesdays runs May 21 – August 27, 2025. Small admission fee.
Music in the Gardens
Hosted every other Sunday in the summer, Music in the Gardens takes place in Munsinger Gardens (the lower gardens) along the banks of the Mississippi. It is a family-friendly free concert for all to enjoy, with great local music and of course a Sunday afternoon spent in the beautiful gardens. The concert starts at 3pm and there are root beer floats available for purchase onsite. Great for kids and families or a low-key date, Music in the Gardens is a great way to cap off a weekend in St. Cloud! Music in the Gardens is June 8 – August 17, 2025. Free to attend. LINE UP HERE
Presented by Clear Valley Business Connections, this concert series happens in 2024 on June 13, July 18, August 1, and August 22 at Eldorado Park in Clearwater, MN. Free to attend and they encourage you to bring your lawn chair or a blanket. Music kicks off at 6pm and there is a selection of food and beverages for sale supporting area youth groups. LINE UP HERE
Can’t-Miss Annual Shows
Save the dates for these annual recurring shows, which bring incredible musical talent to stages all across Central Minnesota. These are the events you won’t want to miss!
FireFest
Held annually in Cold Spring, FireFest brings in some of the hottest names in country music for a full day (and night) of fun. This annual fundraiser for Cold Spring Fire and Rescue Relief Association takes place at Cold Spring Brewing every summer in late July. It features around 7 major artists on stage all day, as well as camping, food and drinks, and tons of country music fun. The 2025 FireFest will take place on July 26 and features headliner Mitchel Tenpenny, also Frontmen, and tons of other country music talent. Get your tickets ASAP! Ticketed event, tickets here.
Common Roots Festival
Taking place over the course of a weekend every August, Common Roots brings together local businesses, artists, performers and musicians from all over the area and beyond to perform on 20+ stages around St. Cloud. In 2025, the Common Roots Festival takes place August 22-23 and will features not only musicians but comedians, drag stars, and many there performers. CLICK HERE for more details!
St. Cloud Pride Drag and Cabaret Shows
Every year, St. Cloud Pride hosts a week long celebration in September to promote education, provide resources, and most of all encourage inclusion and fun in the St. Cloud community. Events range from Pride in the Park, a family friendly gathering at Lake George, to the Puppy Parade downtown, to the annual St. Cloud Pride SCSU Drag Show and Cabaret Show. This empowering and entertaining evening of music and Cabaret performances takes place at the River’s Edge Convention Center and is a great night on the town for adults!
Sporting Events
If your idea of live entertainment is catching a sporting event, we’ve got you covered! The Municipal Athletic Center (MAC) is home to Norsemen hockey and Rox baseball. St. Cloud State University also offers a plethora of sporting events, most notably, men’s and women’s SCSU hockey at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.
Local Bars & Restaurants
Many area bars and restaurants have live music regularly, from acoustic patio sessions to full blown ensembles. Catch live local music on the patio at MT’s on 8th on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sundays all summer long. Don’t miss the Live & Local series at Jules’ Bistro. Make sure to check out the live shows at the Legends Bar & Grill one night, then at Ultimate Sports Bar and Grill the next! No matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s sure to be a live show around Greater St. Cloud. Watch our event calendar for all of the dates and details!