Burnsville Festival Returns with Record-Breaking Drone Show, Enhanced Security, and Expanded Family Fun
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - The Burnsville Festival and Fire Muster will celebrate its 46th year this weekend, bringing a packed lineup of entertainment, food, and community traditions. Organizers say this year’s event will be “bigger than ever” despite construction at Burnsville City Hall that slightly reduces event space.
The three-day festival, operated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Burnsville Festival organization, promises a “Festival For All” with expanded multicultural programming, new family-friendly zones, and the largest drone show ever staged in the Twin Cities. The festival is held at the Burnsville Civic Center, located at 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, Minnesota.
Safety and Accessibility First
For 2025, festival leaders are implementing enhanced security measures, including an 8:00 p.m. curfew for minors ages 17 and under unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Carnival Rides and Games will close at 8:00 pm on Friday & Saturday. The curfew is intended to help ensure a safe environment for attendees as the event continues to grow in size. Similar to the Minnesota State Fair and other large-scale events, there will also be three security-staffed entry and exit points with metal detectors and bag checks.
Civic Center Pkwy off Nicollet Avenue
Ice Center/Bus Stop
Hillside from Nicollet Middle School
They will not allow weapons, coolers, outside food or beverages (personal water bottles are okay), Pets, or Emotional Support Pets (registered or red vest service dogs are accepted).
Accessible features include multi-faith prayer areas, sensory-friendly zones, and a wide range of non-alcoholic beverage options, including teas, kombucha, and mocktails.
A History-Making 1,000-Drone Show
On Saturday, September 6, at 9:25 p.m., the skies above Burnsville will light up with a 1,000-drone performance by Aerial Illuminations of Shakopee. The record-setting display will be the largest drone show ever presented in the Twin Cities, taking place just before the traditional fireworks finale at 9:40 p.m.
“This festival has grown dramatically in the last few years,” said Dan Kealey, Festival Board President. “We never stop innovating to bring a bigger and better festival for the community. Even with a little less space this year, everything you love about the Festival and Fire Muster is there.”
Festival Favorites and New Additions
Attendees can expect a wide variety of attractions, including:
Multicultural Stage with Taiko Arts Midwest Japanese Drums, Ecuador Manta South American music, and Salsa Del Soul Latin groove & dance
Zombie Garage Zone: Skateboard competition, celebrity demo, and youth music
Futsal 5v5 Soccer Tournament with divisions for youth and adults
Pickleball Tournament hosted at Red Oak Park (registration via Burnsville City website)
Parade & Fire Truck Displays, honoring the event’s Fire Muster roots
Free Bus Service from Burnsville Transit Station, courtesy of MVTA
The festival will also feature carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, bingo, live music, and fireworks shows both Friday and Saturday.
Music Lineup
This year’s free live concerts highlight both regional and tribute performers:
Thursday, Sept. 4 (Nicollet Commons Park): Free N Easy Band
Friday, Sept. 5 (Civic Center Park): Old School 191 and Johnny Holm Band
Saturday, Sept. 6 (Civic Center Park): Fleetwood Mask, a renowned Fleetwood Mac tribute band
Schedule Highlights
Thursday, Sept. 4 – Kickoff Block Party at Nicollet Commons Park (5–8:30 p.m.) with food trucks, bubble party, crafts, glitter tattoos, and a craft beer tasting (6–8 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 5 – Festival at Civic Center Park (5–11 p.m.) featuring food, carnival rides, bingo, Johnny Holm Band, and fireworks at 9:40 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 6 – Parade (11 a.m.–1 p.m.), carnival and inflatables, futsal and pickleball tournaments, youth music and skateboard contests, Police K9 show (3:30 p.m.), Fleetwood Mask concert, and the 1,000-drone show at 9:25 p.m. followed by fireworks.
Community Spirit
While the footprint of this year’s festival is slightly smaller due to construction, organizers emphasize that the heart of the Burnsville Festival remains unchanged: a community gathering celebrating cultural diversity, family fun, and the end of summer.
For full event details and updates, visit www.burnsvillefestival.org.
Image provided by Burnsville Festival.
Written by: Will Wight
