Heading to the Minnesota State Fair or Renaissance Festival? MVTA is offering $6 round-trip service from several south metro locations, including Burnsville, Eagan and Shakopee, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes during scheduled service periods.

Minnesota’s first Chicken Salad Chick welcomed 3,246 guests during its grand opening week in Apple Valley, marking a strong debut for the new Cedar Avenue restaurant.

MVTA's Fall 2026 service changes begin August 10, featuring the Route 490/493 merger, new service to Burnsville High School and Inver Hills College, Burnsville Center stop changes, and updated schedules.

Dakota County Parks is kicking off August with a full calendar of outdoor programs, fitness classes, family activities, and nature experiences designed to help residents make the most of the final weeks of summer.

Smoothie King is opening its new Burnsville location on Aug. 1 with $3.99 smoothies, giveaways, contests, a ribbon cutting, and family-friendly fun.

The Weenie Wagon will give away 600 free lunches during Weenie Wagon Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Mustard Seed Garden Center, with support from Deutz Brothers Meats. Residents are encouraged to attend and support local businesses.

MVTA will unveil its new Burnsville Transit Station Community Showcase during a public open house on Aug. 4, featuring artwork from Lifeworks clients and celebrating local organizations throughout the south metro.

Chicken Salad Chick is opening its first Minnesota restaurant in Apple Valley on July 28, bringing its made-from-scratch chicken salad concept to the city's popular Cedar Avenue restaurant corridor, with grand-opening giveaways including free chicken salad for a year.

Fourth of July 2026 Guide: Fireworks, Parades and Events Across Dakota & Scott Counties

The first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of 2026 have been detected in Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties. Health officials urge residents to use insect repellent, eliminate standing water, and take precautions as mosquito season ramps up following Minnesota's record-setting 2025 West Nile virus season.

MVTA has received a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant to train older adults in Dakota and Scott counties to confidently use MVTA Connect on-demand transit.

The City of Apple Valley is continuing restoration efforts at Alimagnet Park with targeted herbicide treatments as part of a $262,009 DNR-funded project to remove invasive buckthorn, restore native habitat, and improve biodiversity in the park through 2027.

MVTA is offering free shuttle service from three Shakopee park-and-ride locations to select Mystic Lake Amphitheater concerts in 2026. Learn which shows are included, shuttle schedules, pickup locations, and how concertgoers can ride free to major events featuring MGK, Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Pitbull, and more.

Heavy traffic is expected near the new 7 Brew Coffee in Apple Valley from June 19 through July 5. City and Dakota County officials are implementing traffic controls, lane restrictions, and monitoring conditions during grand opening events.

7 Brew Coffee will open its new Apple Valley location at 15440 English Avenue on June 22, 2026, the second Twin Cities 7 Brew location.

The City of Rosemount is launching a free Infant Formula Water Program beginning July 1, 2026, providing eligible households with infants a complimentary water filter pitcher and a one-year supply of replacement filters.

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce will host an open house on June 17, 2026, celebrating the reopening of the upgraded 157th Street Station in Apple Valley. The station features new electric vehicle charging infrastructure, bike lockers, safety enhancements, real-time signage, and expanded transit service, including Routes 420 and 477.

Hounds Town USA will celebrate the grand opening of its first Minnesota location in Burnsville on June 2, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, pet photos, giveaways, refreshments, and activities for local dog owners and their pets.

Emergency responders from Minnesota, Wisconsin, federal agencies and Xcel Energy will participate in a simulated nuclear incident exercise near the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant on June 2. Residents are advised not to be alarmed by increased emergency activity.

A black bear was spotted near Highway 13 and Interstate 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, prompting multiple sightings from residents. The Minnesota DNR says the bear is likely a young male traveling through the south metro as part of seasonal dispersal and breeding activity. Learn why bears are appearing in Twin Cities communities and what to do if you encounter one.