Start the morning with coffee and a guided bird walk around Pike Lake with SMSC naturalist Michael Kurtz. Free, and it kicks off Watershed Week.

More than 20 big trucks, emergency vehicles and specialty rigs to climb on in the Shakopee High School lot, plus a free hot dog for the first 500 guests. Free.

The Gopher Gazette's Ryan Burns and Luke Buer preview the 2026 Gophers season live at LaunchPad Golf with guest Daniel House. Free to attend, with a one-hour suite voucher for guests and a shot at home opener tickets.

Watch a short film about the new iron-enhanced sand filter at Swamp Lake, then ride the bus out to see it working. A rare inside look at lake cleanup.

Melodic house under the open sky. Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL headline a Tuesday night at the amphitheater, with German producer Ben Böhmer opening.

Tony Sammis plays Live on the Landing, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the lakeside patio at Charlie's on Prior.

Three bands' worth of radio staples in one evening. TOTO, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics stack a Wednesday bill at the amphitheater.

A free community meal in the Great Room at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. All are welcome.

Grandparents and grandchildren picnic, play lawn games, and paddleboat at Cleary Lake. Comic stunt juggler Tuey performs from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Bring your own food and drink.

Paint shoreline plants with artist Catherine Tong and hear why native shorelines matter. Free, all supplies provided, no experience needed.

Free Thursday waterski show at Quarry Lake Park: jumps, pyramids, tricks, and barefoot skiing. Pre-show at 6:20, main show at 7; bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Two classic rock catalogs share one Thursday night stage. Santana's guitar and the Doobie Brothers' harmonies wind down August at the amphitheater.

Two classic rock giants on one bill: Deep Purple with special guest Kansas. Tickets from $99.

Kids move between dinosaur-themed sensory stations: volcano slime, dino print painting, and fossil digging. Ages 1 to 6, caregiver required.

Pipe a box of realistic buttercream sunflowers, then linger over an artisan bread and butter tasting at Edelweiss. Beginner friendly, and everything is provided.

Skitzo Fonik plays the free Music in the Park series at Lakefront Park, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a chair and a cooler, no glass please; food vendors on site.

The costumed funk band takes over Canterbury Park on Friday night. Gates at 6:30, music at 7:30, tickets from $29 online.

Icons of Country plays Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, and Kenny Chesney tribute sets in the semi-outdoor pavilion at Horse and Hunt. $35 advance, and the club expects it to sell out.

Fresh produce, baked goods, maple syrup, handmade soaps, candies, food trucks, coffee, and live music, every Saturday morning in downtown Prior Lake. Bring a tote and come hungry.

Roasted corn and elote, live music, and a corn-eating contest, Saturdays and Sundays through August 30 at Valleyfair. Included with park admission.

Rhino Wine Bar opens early Saturday for its annual White Party: wear your whites, work through the summer's white wine list with drink specials, and play some wine bingo. No tickets needed.

Grey Day rolls into Shakopee with a five-act undercard. $uicideboy$ headline a Saturday evening of underground rap at the amphitheater.

Bring the kids and leave chalk welcome-back messages for Prior Lake teachers at Twin Oaks before the first day of school. Chalk provided.