This Week at The Lake 7/20/26

Here's a locals-focused weekday guide for the Lake Minnetonka area from Monday, July 20 through Thursday, July 23, 2026

Monday – July 20

Relaxed local evening

• Explore downtown Wayzata and the lakewalk before sunset.

• Happy-hour crowd at McCormick’s Pub and Restaurant.

• Patio time at Back Channel Brewing Co. in Spring Park.

• Lakeside dining and cocktails at Maynards.

• Evening cruises aboard Al & Alma’s excursion boats.

• Tommy’s Tonka Trolley sightseeing rides around the lake communities (seasonal schedule).

Good Monday pub choices

• Carbone’s Pizzeria (Long Lake)

• Surfside Bar & Grill (Mound)

• Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque (Minnetrista)

• The Narrows Saloon for a quieter neighborhood atmosphere.

Tuesday – July 21

Farmers Markets

• Minnetonka Farmers Market at The Marsh (2–6 p.m.) featuring local vendors, live music and family activities.

Live Music

• Jazz on the Prairie Big Band performs at Minnetonka’s Music in the Park (6:30 p.m.). Free outdoor concert.

Breweries

• Back Channel Brewing Co.

• Boom Island Brewing Company

• Luce Line Brewing

Many breweries typically schedule trivia, bingo, acoustic performers or food trucks on weekday evenings, though specific July 21 entertainment varies by week.

Wednesday – July 22

Outdoor concerts

• Excelsior Concerts in the Commons offers its free Wednesday evening lakeside concert series.

Family-friendly

• Gale Woods Farm

  • Farm animals

  • Walking trails

  • Demonstration gardens

  • Children’s activities

• Everly Farms

  • Seasonal flowers

  • Farm market

  • Family photo opportunities

  • Summer events

Lakeside evening

• Walk Water Street in Excelsior.

• Ice cream at Lost Lake Creamery.

• Watch boats enter Excelsior Bay.

Thursday – July 23

Community

• Farmers markets continue in several western Hennepin County communities during the week.

• Outdoor dining throughout Excelsior, Wayzata and Mound.

• Sunset walks along Dakota Rail Regional Trail.

Live entertainment
Many neighborhood venues typically feature:

• Acoustic singer-songwriters

• Blues

• Americana

• Classic rock duos

• Jazz trios

Thursday is often one of the busiest local music nights around Lake Minnetonka during summer.

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Open Mic / Jazz / Weekday Music Spots

Watch the weekly schedules at:

• Maynards

• Surfside Bar & Grill

• Carbone’s

• Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque

• Back Channel Brewing Co.

• Boom Island Brewing Company

• Luce Line Brewing

These venues frequently host:

• Open mic nights

• Acoustic showcases

• Jazz evenings

• Local bands

• Trivia nights

• Bingo

• Patio performances

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Speakeasy-style & Lesser-known Local Spots

• McCormick’s Pub and Restaurant (classic neighborhood pub)

• The Narrows Saloon

• Back Channel Brewing taproom

• Small neighborhood bars in Long Lake and Mound that attract mostly local regulars.

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Family-Friendly Activities

• Gale Woods Farm

• Everly Farms

• Lake Minnetonka Regional Park

• Dakota Rail Regional Trail

• Wayzata Beach

• Excelsior Commons playground

• Lake Minnetonka cruises with Al & Alma’s

• Tommy’s Tonka Trolley

• Lost Lake Creamery

• Minnetonka Farmers Market

• Waterfront parks in Wayzata and Excelsior

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Festivals, Arts & Community Events

During this week you’ll also find:

• Outdoor concert series in Excelsior and Minnetonka.

• Community art displays in downtown Wayzata and Excelsior.

• Seasonal farmers markets.

• Summer recreation programs hosted by lake communities.

• Evening lakefront entertainment and public performances.