Picture this: The sun is setting on a perfect Friday evening, families are gathered on colorful lawn chairs and blankets, children’s laughter mingles with live music floating through the air, and the splash pad sparkles in the background. Welcome to Music in Kelley Park – Apple Valley’s unique summer tradition that transforms ordinary Friday nights into magical community celebrations.
25 Years of Building Community Through Music
Music in Kelley Park isn’t just a concert series – it’s the heartbeat of Apple Valley’s summer. For over two decades, the Apple Valley Arts Foundation (AVAF) has created something truly special: a free, family-friendly concert series that brings together neighbors, visitors, and music lovers of all ages.
It’s about building community. It creates a safe space for people to gather. This philosophy has transformed what began as a simple concert idea into a weekly tradition that families build their summer schedules around.
The Perfect Friday Night Formula
When Music Meets Magic
Every Friday evening from 6:30-8:30 PM, Kelley Park becomes Apple Valley’s outdoor living room. Located at 6855 Fortino Street, this charming community gathering space offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of entertainment.
The 2025 season continues Friday, June 20th with Salsa Del Soul, a vibrant multi-vocal and instrumental group that brings upbeat Latin music and infectious energy to start the summer right. Throughout the season, which runs from June through September, the Apple Valley Arts Foundation curates a diverse lineup of performers that ensures there’s something for every musical taste.
What Makes It Special
- Completely FREE admission – the AVAF’s commitment to community accessibility
- Family-friendly environment where parents can relax while kids play safely
- Professional sound and staging that rivals paid concerts
- Local food vendors offering everything from barbecue to Italian ice
- Prize drawings throughout the evening with donations from local businesses
- No glass containers policy ensures safety while allowing families to bring their own refreshments
More Than Just Music: The Complete Kelley Park Experience
A Park Built for Families
Kelley Park isn’t just a concert venue – it’s a complete family destination that keeps children entertained before, during, and after the music:
The Animal-Themed Splash Pad: Apple Valley’s only splash pad features cute animal designs, hoops of spraying water, and dump buckets. Operating daily from approximately 10 AM to 8 PM during summer months, kids can activate the water features using the “stoplight” button at the south end or the foot sensor at the north end.
Adventure Playground: Beyond standard playground equipment, Kelley Park offers unique features including a large xylophone where children can compose their own music, boulders for climbing, and shaded play structures perfect for summer evenings.
Picnic Perfect: The gazebo-style picnic shelter and expansive grassy areas provide ideal spots for families to spread out, enjoy dinner from food vendors, or share homemade picnic favorites.
Creating Lifelong Memories
For many Apple Valley families, Music in Kelley Park has become woven into their summer DNA. Families who started attending when their children were young continue the tradition well into their kids’ teenage years and beyond, making the Friday night concerts an integral part of their family routines across generations.
The impact extends beyond simple entertainment. Former attendees who grew up with the concert series often return as volunteers and board members, demonstrating how the experience shapes young people’s connection to community and the arts. Many credit their childhood participation in AVAF programming with helping them develop confidence and social skills in a supportive, creative environment.
Beyond Entertainment: Supporting Arts Education
A Foundation with Purpose
The Apple Valley Arts Foundation operates with a dual mission that makes every concert even more meaningful. While creating magical summer evenings, AVAF simultaneously fundraises for arts education in Apple Valley Schools.
Since its founding, the AVAF has donated more than $400,000 to local schools for arts programming, equipment, and educational opportunities. Every family enjoying a Friday night concert is directly supporting the next generation of young artists and musicians.
The AVAF has been one of the strongest and most consistent sources of community support for arts programming.
Planning Your Music in Kelley Park Experience
What to Bring
- Lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating
- Your own refreshments (no glass containers)
- Cash for food vendors and any prize drawing tickets
- Sunscreen and bug spray for maximum comfort
- Layers for evening as summer temperatures can cool down
Getting There
Kelley Park is conveniently located at 6855 Fortino Street in Apple Valley, with ample parking and easy access from major roads. The park’s central location makes it the perfect destination whether you’re staying in Apple Valley or visiting from surrounding communities.
Where to Stay
Make the most of your Music in Kelley Park experience by staying in Apple Valley and exploring everything our community offers:
- AmericInn by Wyndham Apple Valley offers comfortable accommodations just minutes from Kelley Park
- GrandStay Apple Valley provides family-friendly amenities perfect for extended stays
- Lebanon Hills Camp Ground delivers a unique outdoor experience for those wanting to extend their connection with nature
Make It a Full Apple Valley Experience
Before the Concert
Spend your day exploring Apple Valley’s outdoor activities or visiting our world-famous attractions. The Minnesota Zoo is just minutes away, offering the perfect family day before settling in for an evening of music.
Dinner and Entertainment
Arrive early to explore our dining scene or enjoy food vendors at the park. Many families make dinner part of their Friday night tradition, whether it’s a pre-concert meal at a local restaurant or picnic-style dining on the park’s spacious lawn.
Weekend Fun
Extend your stay and discover more things to do in Apple Valley. From shopping to additional arts and cultureexperiences, there’s plenty to fill a perfect weekend getaway.
Fall Concerts: The Season Continues
Don’t think the music stops when summer ends! Fall concerts, including those as part of the Fall Food Truck Festival, take place around Apple Valley, ensuring the community spirit and musical magic continue into autumn.
A Living Legacy
Community Impact
Music in Kelley Park represents everything wonderful about small-town America combined with the conveniences of modern suburban living. Founded by Dakota County Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland, the series embodies her vision that “music is alive in Apple Valley, and that is so important for people.”
Future Growth
The popularity of Music in Kelley Park has inspired exciting developments. The Apple Valley Arts Foundation has commented may be in the park’s future , which is expected to significantly enhance the concert experience. With improved facilities, the city envisions expanding programming to potentially include festivals, movies in the park, community theater opportunities, and private events.
Join the Tradition
Music in Kelley Park isn’t just something you attend – it’s something you become part of. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning to make it a weekly tradition, you’re joining a community that values connection, creativity, and the simple joy of sharing music under the stars.
Every Friday evening from June through September, families gather not just for entertainment, but for the irreplaceable experience of community. In a world that often feels disconnected, Music in Kelley Park offers something increasingly rare: a place where neighbors become friends, children create memories, and music brings everyone together.
Ready to experience the magic of Music in Kelley Park? Pack your lawn chairs, bring your appetite for fun, and discover why this unique concert series has become the highlight of Apple Valley summers. Whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the evening, you’ll understand why families return week after week, year after year.
Music in Kelley Park: Where summer nights, community spirit, and the power of music create memories that last a lifetime.
For the complete 2025 lineup and updates, visit the Apple Valley Arts Foundation website. All concerts are free and family-friendly, with food vendors and prize drawings at each event. Follow @AVArtsFoundation on social media for the latest updates and performer announcements.
