Summer is special in Minnesota. With school out, warm temperatures and long daylight hours, it’s the perfect time to explore everything Woodbury and the Twin Cities has to offer. While not a complete list, here are some recommendations to get you started.

 

Jump to Category: 

  1. Summer Events
  2. Attractions
  3. Parks and Playgrounds
  4. Performing Arts
  5. Recreation
  6. Restaurant Patios
  7. Sweet Treats
  8. Places To Stay
  9. Explore the Region

SUMMER EVENTS (2026)

Woodbury values connection and community. Our events calendar is a one stop shop to learn more about what’s going on around Woodbury from festivals to holiday events and outdoor movies to destination shopping.

4th of July Hometown Celebration

M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive

4th of July event attendees enjoying food trucks prior to the fireworks

Photo by Joe Vaughn

Celebrate the commemoration of America 250 with the 4th of July Hometown Celebration at M Health Fairview Sports Center in Woodbury! The event is free and features fireworks, a kids zone, food trucks and live music.

Pro Tip: Construction is taking place near the Sports Center this summer—check for updates before you go.

 

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Woodbury Lakes, 9020 Hudson Road

Three weekends of music (July 18, August 1 and August 15), shopping and sunshine at the Sounds of Summer Concert Series.

 

Starlight Cinema

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive

Aerial photo of Starlight Cinema outdoor movie night

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Seasonal outdoor movie series on a 40-foot inflatable screen. 2026 line-up includes: Zootopia 2 (June 11), The Bad Guys 2 (June 25), Hoppers (July 23), The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (August 6).

 

Woodbury Days

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive

Guitar player at Woodbury Days

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Taking place on August 28-30, Woodbury Days is the city’s annual festival packed with entertainment, carnival rides, the Taste of Woodbury, Grand Parade, fireworks, recreational activities, educational demos, and much more!

 

Woodbury Farmers’ Market

Red Rock Elementary School, 3311 Commonwealth Avenue

The St. Paul Farmers’ Market is open every Sunday at Red Rock Elementary Woodbury. Fresh, high-quality foods grown within 100 miles by local small-business growers.

 

Minnesota State Fair

1265 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul

The "Great Minnesota Get-Together" takes place over 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day.

 

ATTRACTIONS

Woodbury continues to experience an uptick in attractions and activities. In fact, we wrote about it in our “Plan Your Visit to these New Woodbury Attractions”.

Central Park & Lookout Ridge

8595 Central Park Place

Open Door Community Theater performing "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Central Park Amphitheatre with a singer and piano player.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Well known for its beautiful garden and indoor spaces, Central Park also hosts a free Summer Music Series on select dates throughout the summer season, many of which take place on the outdoor patio. Check the events calendar for dates and times.  

 

Topgolf

560 Bielenberg Drive

Topgolf is a large entertainment facility featuring 102 outdoor, climate-controlled golf bays on three levels. No golf experience? No problem! Topgolf is ideal for all skill levels.

Did you know? Main Event is a new attraction opening August 3 at 540 Bielenberg Drive next to Topgolf. This new entertainment center will feature bowling, laser tag, tons of arcade games, and virtual reality experiences and more!

 

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Of many standout features in Woodbury, Parks and Playgrounds are a shining example of local amenities in Woodbury. The city features 3,600 acres of green space and eight lakes, all intentionally designed for accessibility and connection for year-round use.

Pro Tip: Download the latest Woodbury Parks and Recreation Parks and Trails Map (PDF) to plan your visit

 

Colby Lake Park

9715 Valley Creek Road

Participants playing pickleball in a multi-use rink during the summertime.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Playground, pickleball courts, picnic tables and paved trails.

 

Edgewater Park

3100 Edgewater Drive

Playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, paved trails and fishing pier.

 

Madison’s Place Playground and Splash Pad

4125 Radio Drive

Splash Pad on a warm, sunny day with kids playing in the outdoor water structures.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Madison’s Place Playground is an all-inclusive, 16,000-square-foot playground with sun-shade covered play decks, swings, sensory play equipment and ramps for wheelchair access. The Splash Pad is next to the playground for ease of use and plenty of space for a summer picnic. 

 

Ojibway Park

2695 Ojibway Drive

Playground at Ojibway Park in Woodbury

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Bandshell, playground, a rentable park building, open-air shelters, sports fields and a skate park.

 

Powers Lake

10000 Brookview Road

A new fishing pier, a playground, picnic area and restroom facilities.

 

Tamarack Nature Preserve

1825 Tower Drive

The Tamarack Nature Preserve, a rare wetland in the Twin Cities, is a hidden gem that connects you with nature on a convenient boardwalk.

 

Valley Creek Park

11500 Valley Creek Road

Amenities: A 70-acre park featuring a playground, paved trails, signage highlighting city’s history and historic barn.

 

PERFORMING ARTS

Big Blue Theatre

1750 Weir Drive

Valley Creek Mall entrance on a sunny morning with light clouds in the sky.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Big Blue Theatre is a new local community theatre located within Valley Creek Mall. Their first big event is Cabaret, a production of 40+ performers, in June.   

 

Merrill Arts Center

The Loft Stage at East Ridge High School, 380 Rivertown Drive

A community arts organization presenting live performances for all ages, including Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Jr. in July.

 

RECREATION

From family activities to outdoor recreation, there is something fun for everyone in Woodbury! The city’s extensive trail system is ideal for biking and walking, and golf remains a popular activity with high quality golf courses.

Carver Lake Park and Beach

3175 Century Avenue South

Beach and Lake

Photo by Woodbury Parks & Recreation

Carver Lake is a popular summer option for swimming, volleyball, hiking, playground, picnicking and much more!

 

Carver Lake Off-Road Cycling Trail

3175 Century Avenue South

A 5.5 mile mountain bike trail, open from April to November, is accessible from the trailhead at the west end of the parking lot at 3175 Century Avenue. Check trail conditions on Carver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Trail Facebook page or TrailBot.com.

 

Eagle Valley Golf Course

2600 Double Eagle Lane

Golfer teeing off at Eagle Valley Golf Course with water feature in the background

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Eagle Valley Golf Course is a public course known for its beautifully maintained fairways, rolling terrain and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Designed to be both enjoyable and challenging, the course appeals to players of all skill levels.

 

Prestwick Golf Club

9555 Wedgewood Drive

Prestwick is a par 72 championship golf course featuring five sets of tees and large undulating greens. The natural beauty of Prestwick Golf Club – from its lovely landscapes to its colorful wildflowers and its strategically placed groves of mature trees – offers a high-level golf experience.

 

Pickleball

Multiple Locations: Shawnee Park, Colby Lake Park and Pioneer Park offer the most courts.

Pickleball player focused on hitting the ball at Pioneer Park.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

 

RESTAURANT PATIOS

Outdoor dining is a highlight of summer in Woodbury, with many restaurants offering patios with sun, shade and relaxed seating.

3rd Act Craft Brewery

4120 Radio Drive

3rd Act has perhaps the largest patio in Woodbury. Enjoy craft beer like the James Blonde Ale and soda paired with brats and hot dogs, pizzas and pretzels while playing yard games on the patio. The Brewery is open to all ages and is a group-friendly restaurant. 

 

Angelina’s Kitchen

2170 Eagle Creek Lane

Angelina's is a local full-service restaurant and wine bar with a quaint, well-appointed patio perfect for couples searching for a date night location.

 

Carmine’s Restaurant

9900 Valley Creek Road

Carmines

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Carmine’s Woodbury is a family-owned and operated bar and restaurant. Carmine’s is a great spot for watching the big game and a nice semi-private patio.

 

Southern Social

1424 Weir Drive

Southern Social is a contemporary Southern kitchen focused on fried chicken, smoked meats, and artisanal craft cocktails. For this patio, think lush plants and greenery with comfortable seating offer for casual outings with friends and family.

 

Tamarack Tap Room

8418 Tamarack Village

Tamarack Tap Room patio with live music playing to diners.

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Tamarack Tap Room is local to Woodbury and features a huge menu of handcrafted burgers, smokehouse entrees, flatbreads and small plates not to mention 70 beers on tap. The patio overlooks a nice water feature in front of the restaurant.

 

Tavern Grill

772 Bielenberg Drive

Specializing in build-your-own burgers, pizzas, and salads, this restaurant offers American comfort food at its finest. In the summer, the patio opens up with a full bar and plenty of seating.

 

Yum! Kitchen & Bakery

8340 City Centre Drive

Yum! Kitchen and Bakery offers a wide variety of year-round and seasonal eats for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The patio is spacious with the option of sun or shade.

 

SWEET TREATS

Cool off with something sweet at these local favorites.

Bevvie Dirty Soda

2190 Eagle Creek Lane

The first dirty soda shop to open in Woodbury, the drinks are customizable with a mix of classic drinks, syrups, creams and fruit purées or order from a list of menu items.

 

Bridgeman’s Ice Cream

2110 Eagle Creek Lane

Family at Ice Cream Shop

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

As a local, family-owned and woman-owned business, Bridgeman’s takes great pride in its premium ice cream and long-standing history. Since 1936, Bridgeman's Ice Cream has been a cherished tradition for Minnesotans. 

 

Dairy Queen

7450 Currell Boulevard

The fast food restaurant chain is a favorite for its iconic sweat treats from blizzards, ice cream cones and dilly bars.

 

Sip. Dirty Soda

7060 Valley Creek Plaza

Close up of Sig. Dirty Soda drink in the store with customers ordering in the background

Photo by Destination: Woodbury

Locally-owned, Sip. is the newest dirty soda shop in Woodbury and recently did a collab with Bridgeman’s Ice Cream to create the “Dirty Soda Floats.” 

 

Smoothie King

1575 Queens Drive

Smoothie King features fresh ingredients and a variety of blends with whole non-GMO fruits, organic veggies and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. 

 

Boba options

Multiple locations: Boba X, Niko Niko Boba, Sencha Tea Bar, Sky Boba Tea and Tii Cup

 

PLACES TO STAY

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or attending an event, Woodbury offers a variety of hotel options with free parking and convenient access to nearby attractions and events across the Twin Cities. With multiple price points and hotel brands, Woodbury is an ideal home base for exploring the region.

 

EXPLORE THE REGION

Afton State Park: Scenic hiking and biking trails along the St. Croix River.

Cottage Grove: Strawberry Fest, a fun seasonal festival, takes place on June 18-21.

Downtown Stillwater: A historic river town known as the birthplace of Minnesota and the iconic Lift Bridge.