Summer Night Fun in Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria.

When the sun gets low, the southwest metro comes alive.

By: Carolyn Pierson | From the issue: May 2012

Photo: Courtesy of Red Stone

Kick back and grab a drink on the patio or enjoy live music on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Redstone Grill in Eden Prairie.

Beat the heat this coming summer by enjoying the twilight hours. From movies under the stars and ice cream dates to garden dinners and rodeos, this guide has everything you need for a fun night in the southwest metro.

Movies by Moonlight

Eden Prairie: Staring Lake Movies in the Park

Take in a free movie with the kids this summer. Bring chairs or a blanket and pick out a treat at the concession stand before settling in under the stars to enjoy one of these family flicks:

August 3: Wall-E

August 10: The Goonies

August 17: Dolphin Tales

Movies begin at 9 p.m. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie.

Cologne Firehouse Drive-in

Venture out to Cologne for an old-fashioned drive-in experience on August 17-18. Come early to enjoy the playground, walking path and activities—such as clowns, ponies, and games. Concession stands serve everything from hamburgers and shakes to popcorn and cotton candy, making tailgating a popular activity. A family movie begins around 8:30, followed by a movie for the older crowd (PG-13 or R). Movies are free, $20 parking donation. Highway 121 and County Road 53

Midsummer Music

There will be free concerts throughout the southwest metro this summer. From Japanese drummers to orchestras and cover bands, there’s fun music for the whole family. Grab a snack at the concession stand or pack a picnic and relax— just don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.

Eden Prairie Staring Lake Concert Series

7 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from June 27-August 10; 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie; edenprairie.org.

KleinBank Summer Concert Series presented by the City of Chanhassen

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 7–8 p.m. Thursdays from June 14-August 2; City Center Park Plaza, West 78^th Street and Market Blvd., Chanhassen.

Victoria Outdoor Music

6:30–8 p.m. most Wednesday evenings in June and July; Lions Community Park, County Rd. 11 and 82^nd St.

On the Big Stage

Eden Prairie Staring Lake Park: Annie

The ever-popular musical Annie will be playing at the outdoor amphitheater in Staring Lake Park this summer. Grab some popcorn at the concession stand or pack a picnic supper and enjoy an evening with the Eden Prairie Players. Remember to bring your own chairs or blankets to these free performances. 7 p.m. June 15-17, 21-24. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8305; edenprairie.org

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Xanadu

This summer the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres presents Xanadu, which choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson describes as “hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who’s ever wanted to feel inspired.” The play, which runs June 1-September 29, centers around a beautiful Greek muse who is sent to earth to help a man build the first roller disco. High-energy pop tunes reminiscent of the ‘80s provide the perfect backdrop for roller-skating choreography. 952.934.1525.

Sports

Waconia: PRCA Rodeo

Waconia welcomes the PRCA Rodeo to town at 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 21. Cowboys from all over the country will come to compete. Kids from the audience can partake in the calf scramble, and free pony rides are offered before the rodeo. Concessions will be available and a portion of the rodeo proceeds will go to Western Wishes. Order tickets online at extremeeventsmn.com; tickets are $10 advance, $12 gate (adult); $8 advance, $10 gate (child 6-10); Children under five are free. Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 3^rd St. W, Waconia; 612.807.7270.

PRCA Rodeo