Minnesota’s New Mystic Lake Amphitheater: What’s Allowed In, What’s Prohibited

After months of anticipation, Minnesota's newest and largest outdoor concert venue is finally open, and the early reviews are rolling in strong.

The Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, a 19,000-capacity space next to Canterbury Park, has kicked off its inaugural season, and the critics who made the trek out to the Minnesota River Valley came away impressed.

The Star Tribune reported that opening night at Minnesota's biggest-ever amphitheater drew thousands of fans who spread out across a general-admission pit, a sprawling artificial-turf lawn, and rows of canopy-covered seats.

Meanwhile, a review from Racket rounded up local critics who praised the intimate design and the lawn vibe, with one noting the venue feels closer to the action than any other arena or stadium in town, though the steep slope is worth a heads-up.

With dozens of shows already booked across Minnesota this inaugural year, there's a good chance you or someone you know will be heading to Shakopee at some point this summer.

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Before you go, it pays to know exactly what you're allowed to bring through the gate — and what you'll need to leave in the car.

What You're Allowed To Bring In

The venue does allow a fair amount, as long as it fits the guidelines. According to the Mystic Lake Amphitheater, here's what's permitted:

• Bags – Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", and/or small clutch bags (6" x 9"). The small clutch bags don't need to be clear.
• Bug spray and sunscreen – Non-aerosol only.
• Cameras – Nonprofessional only, with no detachable lenses.
• Food – In a clear, 1-gallon Ziploc bag.
• Water – Up to 1 gallon in a factory-sealed or empty plastic bottle. Camelback hydration packs are not permitted.
• Medication – With prescription documentation and a matching valid photo ID. Only the amount needed for the length of the event is allowed.
• Signs – Up to 8.5" x 11" (standard paper size). All signs must be appropriate.
• Blankets – Nothing oversized. No bedsheets or tarps.

Worth noting: the venue has free water refill stations near the front, so an empty plastic bottle is your friend here. Reports indicate the venue does not sell single-use plastic water bottles as part of its sustainability push, instead offering canned water for purchase.

What's Prohibited

The prohibited list is where most folks get tripped up, especially the chair rule. Here's what you'll need to leave behind, per the venue's official guidelines:

• Alcohol
• Animals (except service animals)
• Bags that don't meet the bag policy
• Cans
• Chairs of any kind
• Fireworks
• Glass or metal containers (reusable water bottles must be plastic)
• Hard-sided or large coolers
• Illegal drugs or substances
• Laser pointers
• Lawn chairs
• Professional cameras (oversized or detachable lenses)
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Weapons of any kind

The umbrella ban catches plenty of people off guard, so if rain is in the forecast, plan to rely on that covered lower bowl or a poncho instead.

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And while you can't bring your own chair, the venue reportedly does offer lawn chair rentals for most shows, which you reserve in advance through the upgrades page.

A Quick Word on the Bag Policy

To keep entry lines moving, the venue only allows clear plastic or vinyl tote bags no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12", plus small clutch bags (6" x 9") that don't need to be clear. Medical bags, including breast-pumping equipment bags, may be larger.

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Every bag gets searched at entry — and while you can decline a search, the venue can decline your entry, so it's best to pack light and clear.

A Few Other House Rules Worth Noting

A few other house rules are worth knowing before you go:

• There are no in-and-outs once you enter
• Tailgating isn't allowed
• Smoking is limited to the lawn and plaza areas.

Because policies can change from show to show, it's always smart to double-check the official venue page before you head out.