13 Free Concerts + Perfect Pizza at Beautiful Minnesota Hidden Gem

Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Music Venue 🎶

Picture this: It's a gorgeous summer evening in SE Minnesota. The sun's going down, 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 Mantroville 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 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 2024 Concert Lineup

This year, some familiar fan-favorites are taking the stage at Berne. The bands that perform are volunteering their time also, which means tips are greatly appreciated. Check out the full musical lineup schedule below.

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.

LOOK: Hidden Minnesota Caves Unlocked For First Time In 50 Years

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

Get our free mobile app

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