Summer Slam & Jam ’26
Tournament
Minnesota’s Premier Pickleball Experience
August 6th – 9th, 2026
Presented by Experience Maple Grove
Featuring 28 divisions across mixed, men’s, and women’s categories, our tournament offers a great experience for all skill levels, from beginner to seasoned player. Our divisions are structured with a narrower skill range than typical tournaments, guaranteeing closely matched opponents throughout the event.
Last year we had over 1000 players, and we expect an even bigger turnout this year!
Competitive Details
– Round robin play at Lakeview Knolls Park, a brand new 18-court outdoor facility, just 5 minutes from Pints & Paddle.
– All teams will advance to a single-elimination bracket (championship or friendship) at Pints & Paddle, played on the same day.
– All teams get a minimum of 6 games.
Post-Game Fun
– Relax and watch the championship matches, courtside or from our second floor mezzanine.
– Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the attached Pints & Paddle’s taproom, featuring 78 self-serve taps, full cocktail bar and a scratch-made American kitchen.
– Unwind on the spacious patio with live music playing through the afternoon and into the evening.
Live Music
Slam & Jam: The Ultimate Tournament After-Party
This isn’t just a pickleball tournament – it’s a party! Thursday, Friday & Saturday night rock out to free live music by local artists on the patio at Pints & Paddle.
Thursday
Mike Bustin (5pm)
A highly-rated acoustic musician from Minneapolis, known for his ability to expertly cover a wide range of genres, from country and pop to rock and singer-songwriter classics. With over 13 years of professional experience, he performs thousands of shows each year, captivating audiences with his versatile voice and skilled guitar work.
Friday
Southern Syndicate (7:30pm)
Southern Syndicate is a high-energy, live-music powerhouse based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Built for the stage, this local favorite specializes in an upbeat, party-ready mix of classic rock, modern hits, and country anthems designed to keep crowds on their feet.
Kurt Bearinger (4:30pm)
High-energy show with a great mix of classic-modern country and rock, everything from Johnny Cash to Josh Turner and Elvis Presley to Hootie & the Blowfish.
Saturday
GB Leighton (7pm)
A cornerstone of the Midwest music scene! Brian Leighton and his band bring a contagious rock ‘n’ roll spirit, engaging audiences with great songs and energetic performances that have made them a regional sensation. Don’t miss the chance to see why GB Leighton has earned a reputation as one of Minnesota’s top-drawing bands.
Maya Holmgren (4:30pm)
A talented, local acoustic musician. While she’s a country fan, her performances also feature hits from artists like Billy Joel, Elvis, and The Beatles.
Brady Grey (2pm)
Based in Northeast Minneapolis, Brady Grey is a captivating indie-folk singer and songwriter who has been drawing national attention since the release of his debut single in 2019. With a soulful voice and thoughtful, lyric-driven songwriting, Grey brings a rich, authentic sound to the stage. His performances offer a perfect blend of intimate folk storytelling and engaging indie energy.
Brenda B Sings (12pm)
Don’t let the ukulele fool you – Brenda B is a dynamic, crowd-pleasing vocalist who brings a massive catalog of hits to the stage! A lifelong performer who began singing at age six, she is a familiar favorite at breweries, wineries, and stages across the Twin Cities. Armed with her signature ukulele and a versatile voice, Brenda covers an incredibly wide range of genres and decades, effortlessly jumping from classic country icons like Patsy Cline to ’90s rock legends like Pearl Jam.
Pro Team Kickoff
Thursday at 6pm
Experience the thrill of professional pickleball this Thursday night with our high-energy team event, the official kickoff to our Slam & Jam pickleball tournament! Watch top pros strategize and compete for a $$$ prize in a unique team format, delivering fast-paced rallies and exciting court dynamics. It’s a can’t-miss evening of intense pickleball action under the lights, setting the stage for an unforgettable Slam & Jam weekend.
Pro Divisions
Friday & Saturday
Watch the best of the best compete for a shot at the $$$ prizes (per division) purse in the Pro Divisions on Friday and Saturday night.
Pro mixed divisions will play on Friday and Pro Men’s / Pro Women’s divisions will be played on Saturday.
Eat & Drink
Award Winning Taproom
Scratch-Made American Kitchen: Pints & Paddle serves up delicious American cuisine made from scratch. Our menu features popular items like the Bang Bang Wrap and Smash Burgers, alongside many other customer favorites.
78 Self-Serve Taps: With an impressive 78 self-serve taps, you’re in control! Sample a variety of beers, ciders, seltzers and wines. There’s something to satisfy every taste bud at Pints & Paddle.
Full Cocktail Bar: Try out our BRAND NEW full cocktail bar, featuring hand crafted cocktails and mocktails.
Stay & Play
Hotel Discounts & Ambassador Program
Join us for the Slam & Jam tournament! Last year, our event brought together players from over 22 states, making it one of the largest pickleball tournaments in the Midwest.
To make your stay comfortable and affordable, we’ve partnered with several Maple Grove hotels to offer exclusive group rates. Book using the links below for the discounted prices.
Are you part of an out-of-state pickleball club or group that would love the Slam & Jam experience? Contact blake@pintsandpaddle.com to inquire about our Out-of-State Ambassador program. Refer enough players, and you could earn free tournament entry and gift card prizes!
Things To Do
Explore Maple Grove
You’ll have no trouble finding things to do when you visit Maple Grove. We have exciting attractions to experience, beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, and arts and culture to engage all your senses.
Help Out
Court Monitors Get Rewarded
Interested in helping out for the event? We are looking for court monitors to make this event run smoothly. All Court Monitors will receive:
+ Volunteer hat
+ FREE meal after your shift
+ $20 CourtReserve credit
Do I have to commit an entire weekend to this event?
No! Each division takes place IN A SINGLE DAY.
Is there a skill level for me?
YES! We have divisions ranging from 2.5 (beginner) to Open (for professionals). You will play against players of the same skill level!
How does the live music work? Do I have to pay?
Join us for a fun-filled day with live music! Each day, we have live bands taking the stage in the afternoon, playing into the night. Come for the competition, stay for the entertainment! No entry fee.
I want to come watch the tournament, is that allowed?
Pints & Paddle boasts a spacious second-floor mezzanine overlooking the event, perfect for watching the competition. Grab a beer and enjoy the best seat in the house!
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Outside food and drink are NOT permitted at Pints & Paddle. Our facility features a scratch-made American kitchen and 78 self-service taps, with beer, cider, seltzer, wine, cocktail and mocktail options.
Part of the tournament is hosted outdoors, what happens if it rains?
This pickleball tournament includes outdoor play, and we are committed to completing all scheduled matches. However, in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, we reserve the right to modify the tournament format, including playing an abbreviated version or canceling altogether. Please note that no refunds will be provided due to weather-related changes or cancellation.
