Surly Brewing Festival Field Guide to Location, Guests & Ticket info
When it comes to outdoor music festivals, Surly Brewing Festival Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stands out as one of the most exciting venues in the Midwest. Nestled within the Surly Brewing Company’s massive brewery campus, this open-air concert field offers a perfect mix of great music, good food, and exceptional beer. Early summer in Minnesota feels incomplete without a concert or two at this lively spot, and it’s easy to see why both locals and tourists love it.
Just like Blaxland Riverside Park – All About to Know, this venue beautifully blends recreation, entertainment, and relaxation in one place. With green surroundings, vibrant lights, and craft beer flowing freely, this Brewing Festival Field promises an unforgettable experience for anyone who attends.
What Type of Festival Is It?
Surly Brewing Festival Field is primarily known as an outdoor live music venue that hosts concerts and music festivals rather than a single recurring festival event. It’s a seasonal hub for music lovers who enjoy live performances under the sky, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of one of the most popular breweries in the United States.
The field transforms during the warmer months into a buzzing concert space featuring rock, indie, pop, folk, and alternative acts. In essence, this Brewing Festival Field is a hybrid of a music festival and a community celebration—a place where beer culture meets live performance.
While it’s not tied to one specific festival brand, it hosts multiple concerts and seasonal festivals organized in partnership with First Avenue, the legendary Minneapolis music promoter. This collaboration ensures high-quality performances, top-notch sound systems, and an authentic local music scene vibe.
Location of the Festival
The Surly Brewing Festival Field is located at 520 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. It sits in the heart of Minneapolis’s Prospect Park neighborhood, right beside the University of Minnesota and close to major highways and public transportation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 |
| Nearby Landmarks | University of Minnesota, TCF Bank Stadium |
| Accessibility | Accessible via Metro Green Line and bike trails |
| Parking | Limited on-site, additional street parking available |
| Public Transit | Prospect Park Station (Green Line) – 5-minute walk |
The location itself is perfect for both locals and visitors. The field lies adjacent to the main brewery, which means festival-goers can enjoy world-famous Surly craft beers just steps from the concert stage.
Who Organizes This Festival?
The events at Surly Brewing Festival Field are organized through a partnership between Surly Brewing Company and First Avenue Productions.
- Surly Brewing Company: A Minneapolis-based craft beer giant known for its flagship Surly Furious IPA and creative brewing culture.
- First Avenue Productions: The city’s legendary music promoter and operator of the famous First Avenue & 7th St Entry venues.
This partnership started around 2016 and turned the field into a leading outdoor concert venue. First Avenue handles the lineup, ticketing, and logistics, while Surly Brewing provides the perfect hospitality and atmosphere with its beer, food trucks, and signature Midwestern energy.
Together, they create one of the most dynamic and crowd-friendly venues in Minnesota, combining the energy of a rock concert with the warmth of a community event.
Dates and Times
Concerts at Surly Brewing Festival Field are seasonal, running mainly from May through September when the weather allows for open-air performances. The specific dates and times depend on the event, as multiple artists perform across the summer season.
Most shows start in the late afternoon or early evening, typically between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and run until around 10:30 PM. The venue follows a rain or shine policy, though shows may pause during severe weather conditions.
| Season | Event Schedule |
|---|---|
| May – June | Early summer concerts and kickoff events |
| July – August | Peak festival season with national and local acts |
| September | End-of-summer shows and beer-themed celebrations |
For the latest schedule, visitors can check the Surly Brewing official website or First Avenue’s event listings for lineup announcements and ticket release dates.
Where to Buy Tickets?
Tickets for concerts and events at this Brewing Festival Field are available online through First Avenue’s website, Ticketmaster, and occasionally on Surly Brewing’s official site.
Ticket Information Table
| Platform | Website | Type of Tickets Available |
|---|---|---|
| First Avenue | first-avenue.com | General Admission, VIP, and Group Passes |
| Surly Brewing | surlybrewing.com | Event Info, Direct Ticket Links |
| Ticketmaster | ticketmaster.com | National artist tours and premium seats |
Tickets usually range from $40 to $100, depending on the performer and event type. Some concerts also offer VIP experiences, which include exclusive beer tastings, early entry, and closer stage access.
It’s best to buy tickets early, as Surly Brewing Festival Field shows often sell out due to limited capacity and strong demand from local fans.
Performers at Surly Brewing Festival Field
Over the years, the Surly Brewing Festival Field has welcomed a wide variety of performers from across genres. Both international artists and local Minnesota musicians have graced its stage, giving audiences unforgettable nights filled with live music and energy.
Notable past performers include:
- The National
- Father John Misty
- Weezer
- The Head and The Heart
- Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
- Sylvan Esso
- Modest Mouse
Each concert offers a unique setup, high-quality sound production, and a well-managed crowd experience. Fans often praise the venue for its acoustics, easy beer access, and friendly crowd atmosphere.
The Experience: What Makes It Special
One of the best parts of the Surly Brewing Festival Field is its vibrant festival atmosphere. You’re not just watching a concert—you’re experiencing a full cultural event. The air smells of craft beer and grilled food, and the stage lights illuminate the Minneapolis skyline as the sun sets.
The sound quality is impressive for an outdoor venue, and the organization is seamless thanks to First Avenue’s expertise. Large video screens ensure everyone gets a good view of the performers.
Adding to the charm are food trucks that serve everything from tacos and burgers to vegetarian treats. It’s an all-around experience—music, food, drink, and community—rolled into one.
Food, Drinks, and Brewery Connection
Since this Brewing Festival Field is part of Surly Brewing Company, it naturally features some of the best craft beers in the region. The brewery offers fan favorites like Surly Furious IPA, Todd the Axe Man, and Abrasive Ale.
Festival-goers can also explore a wide range of seasonal and limited-edition brews during concert days. Alongside beer, visitors can enjoy delicious street-style food from local vendors, food trucks, and Surly’s own kitchen offerings.
| Popular Beers at Surly | Beer Type | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Surly Furious | IPA | 6.7% |
| Hell | Helles Lager | 5.0% |
| Darkness | Russian Imperial Stout | 12.0% |
| Todd the Axe Man | American IPA | 7.2% |
| Axe Man Lite | Session IPA | 4.9% |
This blend of music and brewing makes Surly Brewing Festival Field a haven for those who love both worlds.
Tips for Visitors
For anyone planning to attend a show at Surly Brewing Festival Field, a little preparation goes a long way. Arrive early to find a good spot, especially if you prefer being close to the stage. Dress comfortably and check the weather forecast—it’s an outdoor venue, after all.
Most importantly, remember that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but you’ll have more than enough choices on-site. Bring your ID for alcohol purchases, and stay hydrated by visiting water refill stations spread across the venue.
If you love outdoor events that combine art, food, and culture, you’ll also enjoy the Stone Arch Bridge Festival Guide to Guests, and Ticket info, another Minneapolis favorite. This Brewing Festival Field shares a similar crowd and vibe—creative people, open skies, and a love for community experiences.
Why Surly Brewing Festival Field Is Worth Visiting
The Surly Brewing Festival Field represents more than just a concert ground—it’s a celebration of Minneapolis’s culture, craftsmanship, and love for community. From the beers to the bands, everything about it reflects local pride and creativity.
Whether you’re a music fan, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this field offers an experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. It brings together people, sounds, and flavors in a way that perfectly captures the essence of Minnesota summers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surly Brewing Festival Field is not just a venue—it’s a summer tradition in Minneapolis. It’s where music lovers gather, craft beer enthusiasts celebrate, and the city’s vibrant energy shines through every note played on stage.
With great location, world-class organization, and a strong partnership between Surly Brewing Company and First Avenue, it continues to set the standard for outdoor entertainment in the region.
So, next time you’re planning your summer events, make sure to include a night at this Brewing Festival Field—where good music meets great beer, and memories are brewed to last.
