Want a glimpse at the future of MN Music? Check out Lumberstock in Stillwater 2026!

OK, it’s too late to go to the festival now – but put it on your calendar for 2027 and check out sneak peeks of the 11 bands playing below.

Lumberstock is a one-day summer music festival featuring young bands. No one over 21 allowed on the stage; all ages welcome in the audience in Stillwater Minnesota. It happens at the foot of the now-pedestrian bridge to Wisconsin. And as a bonus, apparently it happens on the last day or school – or the performers would need a hall pass to attend.

I got a chance to ask festival founder, organizer and mom to a performer, Chris Mish, a few questions about the event a month ago and I was persuaded to go. The youth of the community are certainly all in on the event. In a world that feels disgruntled and angry, it was a delight to be in the middle of pure enthusiasm and joy. Kids cheering kids. Kids inviting kids to join them on stage. Kids dancing with kids. Kids screaming hello to kids like they had returned from a trip to the moon.

There were a few punk bands, Indie bands, alt and classic rock and jazz. Some played all covers; some mostly original. Covers ran the gamut – Heart, Fugazi, Van Halen, AFI, Carly Rae Jespen and more. Some to appeal to the parents and some for their peers. There were plenty of parents and grandparents. The stage presence and stage turnaround for each band was stellar. I’ve booked events where that enough would get you the gig. The talent was impressive. Some still emerging and some have clearly already put in their 10,000 hours. If I were a talent scout – or just looking at the glimpse of the future – I’d show up next year.