8 Lake Minnetonka Events You Can Attend by Boat This August + 36 Live Music Shows
The best boating days of summer haven’t even happened yet. August is full of the usual live music and some fun other events like the rescheduled boat-in movie, Shrimpfest, Big Island Paddle & more!
August 4th Boat in Movie
Surfside Park, Cooks Bay
Rescheduled from the Spirit of the Lakes Festival you can watch a movie from your boat on a 40 foot mega-screen! Or, come by land, as they will have another screen at Surfside Park! Movie playing is Despicable Me 2. Learn More
photo courtesy of the Spirit of the Lakes Festival
August 5 Shrimpfest & Band 2023
Streater Cove, Big Island, Power Squadron
An authentic shrimp boil, with kielbasa and corn-on-the-cob served family style, (is that what you call it?) Cooked HOT & SPICY (but not too spicy)! A great summer tradition on the island! PLUS don’t miss the CircleDogs live after dinner … bring your dancing shoes!!!
How does the Shrimp Fest work?
When: 5 AUG 2022 Social Hour: 1700 (5PM) Dinner: 1800 (6PM) Live Band and Dancing: 2000 (8PM)
3 pots are prepared at a time (40 minutes)
3 tables are served at each seating so your seating may be after 1800
10 people at a table. Groups will be accepted only if the exact head count is 10.
When you check in, you will be assigned to a numbered table. Table numbers for serving order will be drawn randomly – please be ready to eat when your table number is called!
August 6th Lunch with Pirates
Lord Fletchers, Spring Park, West Arm
August 2-6th Maynard's 25th Anniversary Party
Excelsior
Known for the best views of Lake Minnetonka and the best waterfront dining in the state, Maynard’s is a place everyone can enjoy. Our American Casual menu is sure to suit even the most specific appetite, and our bar area is a great place to gather for the big game and enjoy our award winning happy hour. Learn More
Aug 2 Ragtown
Aug 3 Johnny Holm Band
Aug 4 Ledfoot Larry
Aug 5 Danny Tanner & The Full House Band
Aug 6 Bloodys & Bargo
August 12th Big Island & Back Paddle Event
Excelsior Commons Beach to Big Island
Tune up your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and head on over to Excelsior for a friendly race out around Big Island and back. We’ll start 9 a.m. at Excelsior Public Beach and paddle to the starting line together. Our goal is to get paddlers of all ages and skill levels out on Lake Minnetonka for a great community summer event and raise money for a couple of very worthy causes. Don’t miss the after-party at Excelsior Brewing Company beginning at 11 a.m. for refreshments from Joey Nova’s, music and of course, beer! Awards and door prizes will be given away by our wonderful sponsors. Make a day of it and explore beautiful Excelsior!
Proceeds from this event will be donated to the ICA Food Shelf program and Freshwater Society.Learn More
August 19th Largest Parade of Boats
Big Island
Join “Project Got Your Back” for the Largest Parade of Boats and Simultaneous Pool Noodle Floating Attempt.
“Project Got Your Back” (PGYB), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, is set to make a splash on Lake Minnetonka with an official attempt at breaking not one but two Guinness World Records titles.
Largest Parade of Boats Guiness World Record Attempt
The event promises an unforgettable day of fun, community spirit, and a chance to honor the brave men and women who served the nation. Scheduled for the afternoon of August 1, the event’s highlight will be the “Largest Parade of Boats” record attempt.
Participants are invited to gather at Big Island on Lake Minnetonka at 2:00 PM to kick off the festivities and generate excitement for the forthcoming record-breaking efforts.
At 3:00 PM, the lead boat will depart from the north side of Big Island, signaling the commencement of the epic boat parade. Boat enthusiasts from all corners of Minnesota are encouraged to join the flotilla as they cruise through the scenic waters, showcasing their boats and sharing their love for the state’s stunning lakes.
The journey will culminate in Browns Bay at 4:00 PM, where attendees can enjoy music and entertainment until 6:30 PM, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Learn More
August 26th Carp Fest 2023 - Concert on the Bay
Harrison Bay
CARP FEST 2023! A Concert on the Bay featuring Harrisons Bay's own The Abiders and Six Feet Apart. Come by boat and anchor at the west end of the bay, listen from your deck, or park at Center view Beach and listen. It'll be a-rockin' good time! The fun begins at 2pm and proceeds raised from this concert will go towards the removal of carp using box nets, strategically positioned at the U of MN baiting sites at the conclusion of their research study mid-September. Learn More
August 30th Artimer Market
Back Channel Brewing Co, Seton Channel
Sip & Shop Artimer Market - held on the last Wednesday of each month (May-September) - and shop over 20 different local vendors. You’ll find an array of food, art, jewelry, crafts, clothes, and more at each Artimer. In addition, we’ll have live outdoor music and a beer tent will be posted up in the market area as you peruse & schmooze. If you’re arriving by boat they have four transient slips, which will be about 500 feet away and on the East side of the channel. If you see any of the four green Back Channel flags flying high, that means that there is a spot open and you can anticipate entering a slip.
Live Music at Lord Fletchers
Spring Park, West Arm
Since 1968 Lord Fletcher’s has been providing an exceptional lakeside dining experience for its guests. Their multi-venue, resort style setting offers something for everyone…and for every occasion! They often have live music and we have the list of scheduled bands for August
Aug 2 Smith & Myers of Shinedown
Aug 3 Good for Gary
Aug 4 George Scot
Aug 6 Shane Martin
Aug 9 Shane Martin
Aug 10 SWAG
Aug 12 Todd Epley
Aug 16 Joey & Frankie
Aug 17 The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band
Aug 18 George Scot
Aug 19 Jackson & The Burn
Aug 20 The Rolling Stoners
Aug 23 Mike Bustin
Aug 24 Junk FM
Aug 26 Timmy Haus
Aug 27 Tony Sammis
Aug 31 Steal the Covers
Concerts in the Commons
Excelsior Bay
Located on the banks of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior Commons Park — Concerts in the Commons combines everything we love about summer in Minnesota. Live music, great food and drinks, and sunsets over the water. These concerts bring together people of all ages in a fun way that also helps raise money to support Community for the Commons as they improve the park. The efforts are led by the Excelsior Morning Rotary Club and the City of Excelsior. These Free concerts take place Wednesday nights between May and September, you can attend by land or anchor your boat in Excelsior Bay. Below are the scheduled concerts for August.
August 9 World According to Garth
August 23 The Hype
Live Music at COV Wayzata
WAYZATA BAY
Located in downtown Wayzata along the beautiful shores of Lake Minnetonka, CōV combines Midwest comfort and hospitality with the unmistakable allure and energy of Nantucket or the Hamptons. The coastal environment and water views transform the Minnesota lakeside into a unique East Coast getaway. The combination of high style and relaxation creates a charming atmosphere that few will want to leave. They often have live music and we have the list of scheduled bands for August. Learn More
Aug 1 DJ S Dot
Aug 3 GenNOW DJ
Aug 5 DJ S DOT
Aug 8 East Side
Aug 10 GenNow DJ
Aug 15 Pan Dimensions
Aug 17 GenNOW DJ
Aug 19 DJ S Dot
Aug 22 GenNOW DJ
Aug 24 DJ S Dot
Aug 25 Pan Dimensions
Aug 28 Ali & Joe
Aug 30 East Side
There is so much to do and see on Lake Minnetonka, plus new events are popping up all the time. If you're looking to make the most out of the summer and want to arrive by boat to these events check out our selection of new and pre-owned boats. We have major discounts happening on new in-stock boats and would love to help you get into the boat of your dreams just in time to make it to these events!
We will keep this list updated, if you have an event we don't know about send us an email at marketing@wayzatamarine.com. We will also be posting another list for September later so keep an eye out on our socials.