WE Fest: Where Music Meets Moments in the Heart of Minnesota
Discover top activities, food spots, unique campgrounds, and can’t-miss attractions beyond the stage!
· · ·
Jasmine Joy
Contributor
May 23, 20254 min read
Share
When most people hear “WE Fest,” they think of a huge country music festival. And they’re right—it’s one of the biggest country music and camping events in the U.S. But if you ask anyone who’s been before, they’ll tell you it’s more than music. It’s about community, unforgettable experiences, and those once-a-year moments that feel like magic under the stars. Set on 400 acres of Minnesota’s scenic lake country at Soo Pass Ranch, WE Fest blends high-energy performances with laid-back summer vibes, daily adventures, and late-night memories. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, here’s a taste of what makes WE Fest so much more than a concert.
Campgrounds with Personality
Your WE Fest journey starts at camp, and there’s a vibe for everyone. With six unique campgrounds, whether you’re rolling in with an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find your crowd. From all-night party zones to quiet corners for catching Zs, each campground has its own energy. And don’t miss the Campsite Décor Contest—a colorful tradition where campers go all-in with lights, themes, music, and over-the-top setups (and of course, bragging rights).
The East Village = Food, Fun, & Chill Time
Just outside the East Gate of the concert bowl, East Village is the place to meet up, fuel up, and kick back. The all-new East Village Eatery serves a variety of dishes, from brunch favorites and fish and chips to brisket tacos, steak sandwiches, and fresh Baja bowls.
You can grab a single-day or 3-day meal pass to keep the good eats rolling all weekend. Bonus: it’s right next to the East Village Bar & entertainment stage, so you’re never far from the action.
Glow-in-the-Dark Paintball? Yep.
Let’s talk about aliens. No, seriously! Annandale Paintball brings the onlydaytime glow-in-the-dark paintball shoot in the world to WE Fest. Fire glowing paintballs at life-sized “aliens trying to escape their ship—no mess, no gear, just wild fun in the sun.
Take Flight—Literally
Pass Ranch. Opt for a scenic ride or go all-out with doors-off thrills. The result? Unbeatable views and epic festival selfies from above.
Hours of operation :
Thursday, August 7th | 2:00 PM – Sunset
Friday, Aug 8 | 12:00 pm – Sunset
Saturday, Aug 9 | 12:00 pm – Sunset
Routes offered & prices :
11-Miler | Detroit Lake, City of Detroit Lakes, WE Fest Grounds – $189.00 per ticket
5-Miler | Deadshot Lake, WE Fest Grounds – $99.00 per ticket
Whether you’re a pro or a two-left-feet beginner, you’re invited to the daily dance lessons at WE Fest. Learn line or swing dances during the day, then enter the nightly competition at 5:30 PM with a 90-second solo or partner routine. You won’t know the song until it starts…but that’s part of the fun!
Then, the winners of each day will dance for the grand finale on the main stage Saturday night, August 9, at 7:00 PM in front of the crowd. It’s big moves, big energy, and even bigger memories.
And get this—final winners will receive tickets to WE Fest 2026! That means two VIP seats for first place, two reserved seats for second, and two general admission tickets for third. So grab your partner and swing ’em round—email heather@wefest.com with questions and get registered!
Your Voice. Your Moment. The WE Fest Karaoke Showdown.
For the singers out there, WE Fest Karaoke Showdown is calling. Preliminary rounds are happening at bars across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota throughout the month of June!
Winners will then move on to the semi-finals at Mustang Lounge (Shooting Star Casino) on July 13, and finalists will perform on the one and only Trading Post Side Stage at WE Fest on Friday, August 8.
The grand prize? Singing the National Anthem on the main stage. YEP, seriously. An opportunity of a lifetime!
Find Your Next Karaoke Roundup
Locals know, “DL” has so much to offer, especially in the summertime! When you’re not rocking out at Soo Pass Ranch, don’t miss these Detroit Lakes nature staples:
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area for biking, hiking, or just soaking up nature
Sucker Creek Preserve and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge for peaceful trails and wildlife
Heartland State Trail for paved, coffee-in-hand strolls or bike rides
Then, just a quick drive away, downtown Detroit Lakes brings you tons of food, shopping, and local flavor. Grab craft beers at Bucks Mill Brewing, lakeside eats at Zorbaz or Lakeside Tavern, or uncover vintage treasures at the Shady Hollow Flea Market.
It's More Than Music—It’s WE Fest
From adventure-filled helicopter rides and glow-in-the-dark alien paintball to line dancing and lakeside vibes, WE Fest is where country music meets connection, creativity, and community.
🎟️ Grab your tickets at wefest.com 📅 August 7–9, 2025 📍 Soo Pass Ranch, Detroit Lakes, MN
Ready to make memories that’ll last long after the music stops?We’ll see you at the Ranch!
Your WE Fest journey starts at camp, and there’s a vibe for everyone. With six unique campgrounds, whether you’re rolling in with an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find your crowd.
Just outside the East Gate of the concert bowl, East Village is the place to meet up, fuel up, and kick back. The all-new East Village Eatery serves a variety of dishes, from brunch favorites and fish and chips to brisket tacos, steak sandwiches, and fresh Baja bowls.
For the singers out there, WE Fest Karaoke Showdown is calling. Preliminary rounds are happening at bars across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota throughout the month of June!
Locals know, “DL” has so much to offer, especially in the summertime! When you’re not rocking out at Soo Pass Ranch, don’t miss these Detroit Lakes nature staples: