Minneapolis Aquatennial

The Minneapolis Aquatennial is back in 2024 from July 24 to 27!

The Aquatennial in Minneapolis will set sail Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27, 2024! All events are FREE, family-friendly, and open to all.

This year’s event kicks off with the signature Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 pm.

The parade runs along Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Street, filling downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown. (I marched in this parade when I was in high school!)

The festivities conclude with Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 27 at 10 pm along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Road near the Stone Arch Bridge.

This show is considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the ENTIRE country! Come early for pre-fireworks festivities beginning at 4 pm.

There are a TON of events (all free!) so you’ll want to check out the full schedule of events on the Aquatennial website, but here are some highlights:

Wednesday, July 24

• Loring Park Family Fun Night: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show: 6:30 pm
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade: 7:30 pm
• Movies in the Park (Barbie) at The Commons: 9 – 11:30 pm

Thursday, July 25

• Downtown Thursdays: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class at Boom Island Park: 5:30 – 7 pm
• Go Outside: Movie Night (Wonka) at Target Field Station: 7 – 9 pm

Friday, July 26

• Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial at Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: 6 – 7 pm
• Music in the Park at Water Works Park: 7 – 8 pm
• Warehouse District Live on 1st Avenue North: 7 pm – 3 am

Saturday, July 27

• Day of Music at Orchestra Hall: 9 – 11 am
• Nicollet Island Aquatennial Market: 10 am – 4 pm
• Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Open House: 10 am – 4 pm
• Loring Park Art Festival: 10 am – 6 pm
• Twin Cities Carifest: 10 am – 10 pm
• AquaJam: 4 – 7 pm
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities: 6 – 9 pm
• Target Fireworks: 10 pm