The ‘Leinie Lodge’ Is No More At The Minnesota State Fair

A long-standing tradition for many people who attend the Minnesota State Fair is catching a free show (or a few) at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, near the Space Tower.

A variety of acts that include regional names, up-and-coming national performers, and throwback groups and individuals are part of the free roster of shows each year.

While the free shows go on, saying you saw them at the Leinie Lodge is no longer an option.

It was announced this spring that both the bandshell known as the Leinie Lodge, along with the Schell’s Stage amphitheater, would be undergoing name changes as both beer brands opted not to continue their naming rights for the music venues this year.

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With the fair now underway in the Twin Cities, fairgoers are realizing the names of these venues are different than they have been for many years. The "Leinie Lodge" had been the name of the bandshell for over two decades, starting back in 2001.

For 2025, the two venues have more generic names, with the formerly-named Leinie Lodge now just being referred to as "the Bandshell" and the Schell’s Stage now just being referred to as "West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater".

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While both venues go through the 2025 Minnesota State Fair season with generic, unsponsored names, fair organizers say they are looking to find new sponsors for 2026.

In a comment to the media, the fair acknowledged, "We recognize that companies reassess their budget priorities for a variety of reasons, and we respect that every situation is unique".

This leaves the door open for new sponsors for both venues, with the fair saying, "We are open to all sponsorship inquiries."

While perhaps on a smaller scale, this is another venue naming opportunity that follows the recent name change of the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and the announcement of the new name for a large outdoor amphitheater in Shakopee.