Sauk Rapids gets new music venue on Mississippi River

Sauk Rapids, Minn., is debuting its new amphitheater on the shores of the Mississippi River on Thursday with a summer music series.

The 1851 Square amphitheater, named to honor the year the first home was built in the city, will host the 10-week series "Riverside Nights." The overall park complex is called the Clearing, and features a building that can be rented for private events, a patio and fire pit.

Construction of the venue began in June 2020 after years of studying how to best redevelop parts of Lions Park and Southside Park. Officials will dedicate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Thursday.

"After months of dedication and planning, we are beyond thrilled to see this space come to life," City Administrator Ross Olson said in a news release. "We think the timing couldn't be better — people are ready to get out and come together again, and what better place than along the river, with local bands taking the stage."

Paul Diethelm of the Fabulous Armadillos will kick off the show at 5:30 p.m., followed by the headliner, Strange Daze, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The concerts are free to the public and will feature food and refreshments. The series runs through Sept. 2.

Jacques de Carbonnieres 612-673-4640