The Price is Right: 4 Fun, Free Summer Events in Apple Valley and Savage, Minnesota

"The best things in life are free" must have been first spoken by a resident of the Twin Cities. Here's a list of free summer events near Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive that we're looking forward to. Will we see you there?

The namesake of Dan Patch Days is a fabled racehorse owned by Marion Savage and kept at his stables outside Minneapolis. While some activities are paid events, with proceeds benefitting local organizations, admission is free on Saturday, when you can listen to musical entertainment and watch fireworks, as well as Sunday for the closing day parade.

Huber Park in Shakopee is host to a whole summer's worth of free events. Through August 25, each Thursday evening features a different performance event, including mariachi band Los Soles, “Absolutely Elvis” and singer-songwriter Vinnie Rose. Families will enjoy kid-friendly shows such as "The Big Epic Show" and Schiffelly Puppets. The summer entertainment also includes sunset movies in the park on Saturday, June 18 and Saturday, July 30.  

This week-long festival leads up to summer's big holiday, the Fourth of July. Most events are free, including a car and motorcycle show and a musical celebration of the festival's 50th anniversary. Sunday, July 3, features a Family Fun Night with games, dancing and a kids' parade, while the Fourth will be a full day of fun featuring a traditional parade and fireworks.

Somehow music sounds even better when you're sitting outdoors on a beautiful summer night. Whether you're a fan of jazz, funk, swing or acoustic guitar, you'll find it at Kelley Park's summer music series. Concerts run from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a holiday break on July 1.

Are there any free summer activities we left off the list? Tell us in the comments!