Minneapolis, the biggest city in Minnesota, is a historic community that is a key contributor to the state’s economic and cultural scene. Every year, the city comes together for the Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of Minneapolis. This multi-day festival has a packed schedule of events and programs designed to highlight residents’ appreciation for this great American city.
The Aquatennial began in the 1940s and has rapidly become a key highlight of Minneapolis’s event calendar. This year, the Aquatennial will run from July 19th–22nd throughout Minneapolis’s downtown. The Aquatennial is completely free, so no need to worry about purchasing tickets.
The two biggest and best-known events of the Aquatennial will open and close the festivities. The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade is a long-running tradition that kicks off the Aquatennial with a bang. You’ll see incredible displays and hear talented musicians perform live. It is a festive atmosphere, and it is the largest nighttime parade in the state.
The phenomenal Target Fireworks show wraps up the Aquatennial on its final night. This massive fireworks display is one of the biggest in the country, utilizing more than 10,000 pounds of fireworks. The show is synced up with music and draws over 250,000 spectators to downtown Minneapolis.
While these are the best-known Aquatennial events, there is much more to enjoy in between. All four days offer an entertaining schedule of free-to-attend events held in prominent locations across the city, ranging from sports competitions to vendor markets.
Many scheduled events include live music, including Go Outside: Summer Sessions, Music in the Park, and the Pre-Fireworks Festivities. The Loring Park Family Fun Night will host a variety of family-friendly activities just blocks from the Torchlight Parade. Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial and Cardio Tennis will offer free fitness sessions. AquaJam, a skateboarding contest along West River Parkway, and the Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River are sure to impress spectators, and the Twin Cities Carifest is a fun festival that celebrates Caribbean culture with food, music, and more. These are just a sample of the many events this celebration will host.
