Entertainment
Mankato is a regional center for entertainment, shopping and nightlife. After a day on the trails, be invigorated by a headliner act, take in a local band and brew in the City Center, relax at a local winery or pick an event from our packed year-round calendar. Take a 360° virtual tour. 
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center and Vetter Stone Amphitheater Events
The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center (360° virtual tour) has a packed annual events calendar with an exciting schedule of events, concerts and shows. You can expect concerts with internationally-known artists like Elton John and Florida Georgia Line. The venue also hosts the Division I Minnesota State University, Mankato (360° virtual tour) hockey team. Each summer expect a full line-up of events and concerts including its outdoor concert series and the annual Ribfest located at Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Riverfront Park (360° virtual tour) in Mankato.
Wine and Dine
You can call us the Napa Valley of the North. Greater Mankato offers four wineries all within 20 miles of Mankato. Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery, Indian Island Winery, Morgan Creek Vineyards and Javens Family Vineyard & Winery all offer award winning wines, a packed events calendar, delicious food and exceptional scenery, each with its own unique atmosphere. Sip your way to relaxation. Learn More. Go>
Keep it Local
City Center Mankato offers a taste of the local life in Mankato. Sip on a local brew from Mankato Brewery or from Schell’s Brewery in New Ulm at one of our local pubs. Eat a local favorite like the Pub 500 sloppy joe or the classic deep dish from Pagliai’s Pizza. While you’re out, kick back and enjoy music from local bands. There is no better way to experience a city.
Night Life
Mankato’s entertainment district, located in the heart of the City Center, is home to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center (360° virtual tour) and numerous bars and grills, all within walking distance of each other. Dance the night away to a DJ or find a local live band. Over 700 shows are held in Mankato annually. You can easily find a variety of live music shows somewhere in Mankato every week.
If you would rather just relax and watch the big game, several of our bars and pubs have flat-screen TVs and great food and drinks to share with friends while rooting for your favorite teams.
Looking for more excitement? Try an evening with friends at the WowZone! where you can bowl, play arcade games, laser tag or glow in the dark mini-golf.
