This weekend, Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, one of the Midwest’s fastest growing music festivals, returns to Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul for its third year. From July 17-19, the banks of the Mississippi River will be transformed into a destination filled with nationally acclaimed artists, local food favorites, and plenty of ways to enjoy a (hot) summer weekend.

Something that really sets Minnesota Yacht Club apart from other festivals is its location. Harriet Island offers a unique backdrop to many other festivals which adds something special to the overall festival experience. The scenic views of downtown St. Paul, river views, and sprawling fields really create a beautiful setting for any festival goer, whether you’re looking to soak in the views from the banks of the Mississippi or catch a show from the lawn.

The weekend officially starts off a day early, with a kickoff concert on Thursday evening (July 16). Minnesota’s beloved Semisonic, who is also featured on the festival lineup, will headline the Varsity Theatre with support from indie-folk artist Humbird, giving fans an additional opportunity to celebrate before the festival gates officially open on Friday. Tickets can be purchased here.

Once the festival kicks off, the lineup really speaks for itself, with The Lumineers headlining Friday night, Matchbox Twenty at the top of the bill on Saturday, and The Strokes closing out the weekend on Sunday. Each day features a deep lineup of artists spread across two stages, making it easy to spend the entire day discovering new artists between those that may be more familiar — and, with no overlapping set times, you can easily catch every set on the lineup if you wish.

There are a few performances that we feel are especially worthy of adding to your weekend schedule. Folk-rock band Mt. Joy’s soaring live performances have made them a fan favorite on the festival circuit. The Fray brings nostalgia with a catalog of hits that defined the 2000s while also grabbing the attention of fans with their newer material. The All-American Rejects remain one of pop-punk’s most beloved bands and will no doubt deliver a high energy performance that will have the whole crowd singing along. Cage the Elephant puts on one of the most explosive performances I have ever witnessed. Those looking for something a little heavier should make time to check out Die Spitz. These ladies landed in my top 3 sets of the last festival I attended with their high-energy punk sound and stage presence and are definitely worth a watch!

One of the best parts of any festival is stumbling across an artist you’ve never heard before. We recommend arriving early each day for the chance to experience those unexpected moments that often become the highlights of your festival weekend.

The temperatures are expected to climb, so staying cool should be a part of everyone’s game plan for the weekend. Sunscreen, an empty reusable water bottle, and a personal misting fan will really come in handy throughout the day, but a few other items I always make sure to have in my bag include a small pack of tissues, hand sanitizer, and most importantly — EARPLUGS! Your ears will thank you after three days of live music. Before you pack your bag with all the essentials, make sure to check out the festival’s list of permitted items.

Minnesota Yacht Club also offers an impressive food lineup, with plenty of options to keep you fueled between sets. Island Noodles, a festival favorite, returns, alongside other vendors like Bao Bao Buns, Ben & Jerry’s, El Burrito Mercado, and Hot Box Wraps. The festival offers a wide variety of food options to satisfy just about every craving, from comfort food to lighter bites. There will also be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available throughout the grounds. Check out the festival food map before making your way to the grounds so you can plan your stops and make the most of your time between catching sets. One stop that’s sure to attract plenty of visitors this weekend is the Slushy Truck, which could become one of the most popular destinations as the afternoon temperatures rise.

Festival goers will also want to take time to checkout the festival partners throughout the grounds. They’ll be offering a number of interactive experiences where fans will can relax, recharge, pick up exclusive swag, cool off with refreshing beverages, sample new products, enjoy shaded lounges, participate in games and photo opportunities, and take away festival-themed merch. Several of the activations also focus on hydration and wellness, which will be much needed during the hottest parts of the days.

Whether you’re planning to make it a full weekend getaway or attending for a single day, Minnesota Yacht Club offers a number of ticketing options tailored to different festival experiences. General Admission provides access to all performances, food vendors, merchandise, bars, concessions, and complimentary water refill stations throughout Harriet Island. For guests looking for a little extra comfort, GA+ adds a shaded lounge with seating and lawn games, air-conditioned restrooms, a private bar, dedicated food vendors, a separate merchandise location, and access to lockers and charging stations available for rent. VIP includes everything offered in GA+ while adding premium viewing areas, a dedicated viewing platform overlooking the Skipper Stage, quicker entry through a dedicated entrance, expanded lounge access, and hospitality staff available throughout the weekend.

The VIP Riverboat package elevates the festival experience even further with guaranteed access to the Padelford Riverboats where guests can enjoy a 60-minute cruise on the Mississippi River each day, complete with a complimentary margarita happy hour before the evening’s biggest performances, and access to all of the VIP amenities. For those seeking the highest level of access, Platinum delivers front-of-stage viewing, select on-stage viewing opportunities when available, complimentary food and beverages inside the Platinum Lounge, exclusive viewing areas, concierge service, complimentary lockers, a commemorative festival gift, and every benefit included in the other ticket tiers. Single-day tickets are also available for each admission level, making it easy for fans to catch their favorite artists even if they can’t attend the entire weekend.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Before you make your way down to Harriet Island, you’ll want to take a few minutes to review the official festival guide. The guide includes everything you’ll need to know, from directions and parking information to rideshare locations, bag policies, prohibited items, accessibility services, locker rentals, box office details, health and safety information, and the festival’s re-entry policy.

With an impressive lineup, one of the Twin Cities’ most picturesque venues, plenty of local food, and experiences that extend well beyond the stages, Minnesota Yacht Club has quickly become one of the region’s signature summer events. Whether you’re there to see a favorite headliner or hoping to discover your next favorite band, all signs point to another memorable weekend on the Mississippi. We hope to see you there!

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