A MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR THE MOVEMENT. A CELEBRATION FOR THE PEOPLE.
Burnsville is throwing a party — and everyone who still gives a damn is invited.
Closer to the Edge Fest isn’t just a music festival. It’s a community-wide exhale, a reunion of the willing, a joyful collision of sound and purpose. On Saturday, September 27, we’re filling Nicollet Commons Park with music, energy, voter registration tables, and the kind of togetherness we’ve all been starving for.
This is a free, all-ages, outdoor festival — powered by passion and brought to life by Elephants and Flowers Media in celebration of their three-year anniversary. From protest anthems to sonic therapy, this lineup was built to move people — physically, emotionally, and maybe even politically.
This isn’t a protest. This isn’t a rally. This is solidarity in stereo. Closer to the Edge Fest is proud to partner with groups doing real work in the world — including voter registration drives, local civic action teams, and pro-democracy organizers. The fight’s not over. But on September 27, we’re taking the afternoon to recharge, reconnect, and remind each other what we’re fighting for.
Bring your friends. Bring your spirit. Bring your dancing shoes and a couple extra pens to fill out your voter registration form.
We’ll bring the music.
You bring the movement.
🤔 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is Burnsville, Minnesota?
Just 15 minutes south of Minneapolis, 10 minutes from the airport, and within a few miles of the Minnesota Zoo, Burnsville is one of those places that sneaks up on you. It’s got big creative energy without the ego, beautiful public spaces, and a city government that actually funds the arts instead of choking them out. Nicollet Commons Park is the jewel of the town — an open-air venue wrapped in fountains, trees, and good acoustics.
When is it?
Saturday, September 27, 2025
We’ll kick things off around 12:00 (NOON) and wrap up around 6:00 PM, depending on whether we finalize four or five artists/bands.
Who’s performing?
THE HAZY PHASE
Burnsville’s own riff-slinging rock revivalists. Fuzzed out. Stripped down. Loud as hell. They’re opening the day with a set big enough to wake up the suburbs and sweaty enough to make it worth it.
FAVOURITE GIRL
The protest-pop powerhouse led by singer-songwriter Katy Vernon, whose melodic hooks and lyrical grit make resistance feel like a dance party. Come for the ukulele. Stay for the righteous rage.
REIKI
Punk, rage + R&B in one live-wire body. REIKI doesn’t ease you in — he drags you into the middle of the moment and dares you to feel something. It’s cathartic. It’s chaotic. It’s the best kind of sweaty mess.
SURPRISE HEADLINER
Our closer isn’t here to put on a show — they’re here to bring you home. Soul-infused, poetically grounded, and emotionally explosive, their voice wraps around pain, joy, resistance, and release with the grace of a storm you’re not afraid to stand in. You’ll feel it in your chest. You’ll remember it in your bones. You’ll know exactly who it is — the moment you hear the first note.
What’s the weather like?
Late September in Minnesota is chef’s kiss. Highs in the low 70s°F, maybe a breeze, and golden-hour sunlight. Hoodies by sunset. Statistically low chance of rain. Ideal conditions for outdoor epiphanies.
Why Minnesota?
Because it’s center of the country and absolutely stacked with musical talent. Minnesota shows up. It experiments. It throws block parties that double as history lessons. If we’re going to model a better way to do music + meaning, this is where we start. Burnsville gives us the space, the sound, and the sky. We’ll handle the rest.
What does it cost?
Nothing. It’s 100% free. That’s by design — because solidarity shouldn’t come with a service fee.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Hell yes. BYOB is allowed — just no glass. Cans or plastic only. Bring a cooler, bring snacks, bring that weird beet salad your friend swears by. Chairs, blankets, and picnic vibes are welcome. There’ll also be food trucks and restaurants within walking distance if you want to wing it.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, as long as they’re leashed and chill. If your dog likes live music and making new friends, they’ll have a great time. If your dog is anti-funk or aggressively pro-squirrel, maybe leave them home with a podcast.
What else is happening that night?
Funny you should ask: Toad the Wet Sprocket, KT Tunstall, and Vertical Horizon are performing at the Ames Center just across the plaza at 7:30 PM. We’re not affiliated, but we’re amused by the timing. Feel free to end your day of soul-deep solidarity with some nostalgic harmonies and adult-contemporary catharsis. Tickets are available through the Ames Center website.
I’m flying in — are flights expensive?
Actually, no. September is one of the cheapest months to fly into Minneapolis. Round-trip fares from major U.S. cities are often under $300, with budget deals as low as $100–150 if you book early or fly light. MSP Airport is 10 minutes from Burnsville. You could land at 10 a.m. and be dancing by lunch.
Where should I stay?
There are plenty of hotels nearby — Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn, Fairfield Inn, and AmericInn are all within a few minutes of the park. Stay the night. Hit the zoo. Make a weekend of it. You deserve that much.
Closer to the Edge Fest
September 27. Burnsville, MN.
Solidarity in surround sound. Come get loud.
Also check out other Festivals in Burnsville, Entertainment events in Burnsville, Music events in Burnsville.
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