
14 Free Concerts + Perfect Pizza at Beautiful SE Minnesota Hidden Gem
Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Music Venue 🎶
It's a gorgeous summer evening in SE Minnesota. The sun's going down, and the breeze and temperature are just right.
Now, fill the air with the mouth-watering smell of fresh wood-fired pizzas sizzling in nearby brick ovens, there's a stage buzzing with great live music, set against a backdrop of tall pines, large oaks, and endless cornfields.
You're about to have the quintessential Midwest summer night at the coolest music spot hidden in rural SE Minnesota.
What Is the Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Summer Concert Series?
Berne (pronounced burn) is a tiny unincorporated community in Southeast Minnesota, right on HWY 57 between Mantorville and Wanamingo. 13 years ago, a pizza fundraiser event for the local Zwingli United Church of Christ was started.
The event has evolved into an incredibly fun and free summer concert series with two music acts performing live on a beautiful stage built by local businesses every Wednesday night in June, July, and August.
The fundraiser consists of a menu of really great specialty wood-fired pizzas that hundreds of volunteers work to prepare, create, and cook in brick ovens right there on-site while you listen to the tunes -- keep reading to see the drool-worthy pizzas you can order.
All money raised goes to support area nonprofits, including the church.
Berne Wood-Fired Pizza 2026 Concert Lineup
This year, some familiar fan-favorites are taking the stage at Berne. The bands that perform are also volunteering their time, which means tips are greatly appreciated. Check out the full musical lineup schedule below.
DATE | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Jun 3, 2026 | Lost Faculties | Brad Boise and the Big Wave |
| Jun 10, 2026 | Stryker | Legacy of the Loud |
| Jun 17, 2026 | Foster Grand | JT & the Gunslingers |
| Jun 24, 2026 | The Local Hooligans | Chase & Ovation: A Tribute to Prince |
| Jul 1, 2026 | America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with JoJo Green | America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with Nite Shift |
| Jul 8, 2026 | Battle of the Tribute Bands: Crazy on You: A Tribute to Heart | Battle of the Tribute Bands: The Crown Jewels: Tribute to Queen |
| Jul 15, 2026 | COUNTRY REBOOT: Old Country Boys | COUNTRY REBOOT: Country Line Drive |
| Jul 22, 2026 | The CHUBS | INCOGNITO |
| Jul 29, 2026 Kids’ Night w/Zollman Zoo | Ladies of the 80’s | |
| Aug. 1, 2026 | Saturday Night Soul Review: Retro Soul and the Westside Horns | Saturday Night Soul Review: The Soul Train |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Amateur | Six Mile Grove |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Neon-Live: Elton John Tribute | Collective Unconscious |
| Aug 19, 2026 SxSE Brewfest | The New Feral Cats | fABBAulous |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Orchid Jane | Branded: Hot Country |
When to Go and Where to Sit at Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Concerts
Berne is 25 minutes northwest of Rochester, just north of Mantorville. They have plenty of parking in the field next to the church. The address is: 23148 County Rd 24, West Concord, MN 55985
The first music act starts at 5 pm, but I suggest arriving as early as possible to get your choice of where to set up camp.
The area covered by large oak trees with picnic tables underneath seems to be the first to fill up, especially on hotter days, as it provides the most shade.
There are picnic tables scattered throughout the outdoor venue; otherwise, you'll want to bring your favorite outdoor chairs. Don't forget your cooler of drinks! 🍻
Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Options and Ordering 🔥🍕
Pizzas are $25 (20 for cheese) and they have 7 options available each week with three rotating monthly specials. See them all below.
To guarantee you get the pizza you want, you'll want to order ahead of time on the Berne website no later than 3 PM on the Wednesday of the event you'd like to attend. You can also order your pizzas when you get there, but again, make sure you arrive early. They burn through hundreds of pizzas in three hours so lines and wait times can be long sometimes.
Is Outside Food Allowed at Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Concerts?
You are allowed to bring in sides and snacks to go with your pizza, and many do, but you are asked not to bring food from other restaurants as this is a pizza fundraiser to support nonprofits.
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A variety of pop and water is available to purchase. You are also welcome to bring your own beverages, including beer and wine.
Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Menu:
Bacon Cheeseburger
Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Bacon, Beef, Pickle
Hawaiian (June Special)
Red Sauce Mozzarella Canadian Bacon Pineapple
Meat Lovers
Red Sauce Mozzarella Pepperoni Sausage Canadian Bacon
Traditional
Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sausage, Green Olive, Onion
Joanne's BBQ Chicken
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce Mozzarella Chicken Mushrooms Onions
Greek
Mozzarella, Chicken, Mushroom, Feta, Artichoke, Kalamata Olive
Chicken Bacon Ranch (July Special)
Mozzarella, Chicken, Bacon, Onion, Tomato, Ranch Dressing

Bacon Bleu (August Special)
Mozzarella, Bacon, Beef, Gorgonzola, Onion, Bleu Cheese
Veggie
Red Sauce Mozzarella Onion Artichoke Mushrooms Tomatoes
Cheese ($20)
Red Sauce Mozzarella
The Berne volunteers have been working hard to make another year of "Wood-Fired Wednesdays possible
Minnesota Musicians Who Have Made An Impact
Gallery Credit: Chris Allen




