Prior Lake Rotary’s Lakefront Music Fest did not disappoint the more than 28,000 who attended the two-day music festival held at Lakefront Park.

It was the organization’s 16th year of hosting the event. Friday, July 11, was designated as rock night, featuring Loverboy, 38 Special and Foreigner. One of the highlights of the evening included members of the Prior Lake High Choir being invited to sing “I Want to Know What Love Is”, one of Foreigner’s biggest hits, on stage with the group.

Country artists were on stage Saturday night with Dillon Carmichael, Randy Houser and Miranda Lambert entertaining the large crowd.

LMF Event Director Michelle Jirik said Prior Lake Rotary is overwhelmed by the ongoing support the event continues to receive each year.

“We owe huge thanks for all of our volunteers,” she said, noting that close to 1,000 area residents signed up again to help this year. “They are the fuel that keeps this event going.

“Our club is grateful for the community’s continued support which allows us to contribute to so many other organizations,” she added. “In recent years, Lakefront Music Fest has given us the opportunity to donate approximately $400,000 each year to various causes, and much of the money raised stays in the Prior Lake community. The positive impact of each year’s event is huge.”

Jirik said the proceeds are managed by the Prior Lake Rotary Foundation, a non-profit organization that oversees the disbursement of funds as defined by law. Significant contributions have been donated to local organizations such as Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, Laker Athletic Booster Club, Patron for the Arts, local Parent, Teacher, Child parent groups and a host of other non-profit establishments. In 2024, the foundation invited Prior Lake organizations to submit their idea for a “Signature Project,” which would be completed in the city. The top project would be awarded up to $1 million in funding assistance. Spot’s Last Stop, a canine rescue center, was chosen as the award recipient and will open later this year in Prior Lake.

“We very much appreciate the ongoing support we continue to receive from the City of Prior Lake, the Prior Lake Police Department and other public safety personnel, our sponsors and media partners,” Jirik said. “And, we can’t forget our very loyal fans who come back year after year!”

The 2026 Lakefront Music Fest will be held on July 10-11. Despite rumors that have been circulating in recent days, Jirik said there are no plans to change the location of the event, or the age limit of attendees. Artists have not been announced for next year, but all will be communicated in the coming months via LMF social media and on the organization’s website, www.lakefrontmusicfest.com.