The Minneapolis Aquatennial is back in 2022 from July 20 to 23!
The 83rd Aquatennial in Minneapolis will set sail Wednesday, July 20 through Saturday, July 23, 2022! All events are FREE, family-friendly, and open to all.
This year’s event kicks off with the signature CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 pm.
The parade runs along Nicollet 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 23 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 6 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 20
- Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 am – 3 pm
- Go Outside with Hennepin County: lawn games – Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
- CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30 pm
- Movies in the Park: Black Panther (PG-13) – The Commons (425 Portland Ave S), 9:15 pm
Thursday, July 21
- Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 am – 3 pm
- Downtown Thursdays: Nicollet Market, music, performance, and more – Nicollet between 6th to 8th, 10 am – 2:30 pm
- Go Outside with Hennepin County: lawn games – Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Music in the Park: JoJo Green – The Commons, 5 – 6 pm
- Learn to Roller Skate at Aquatennial – The Commons, 5 – 7 pm
- Outdoor Movie Night, Go Outside with Hennepin County: Aquaman (PG-13) – Target Field Station, 7 pm
- Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 pm
Friday, July 22
- Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 am – 3 pm
- Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial – Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30 pm
- Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 pm
Saturday, July 23
- Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam Open House – St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 11 am – 10 pm
- Salsa Cookoff – Midtown Global Market (920 E Lake St), 12 – 2 pm
- AquaJam Skateboarding – Water Works, West River Parkway near Portland Avenue, 4 – 7 pm
- City of Lakes Market – West River Parkway near Guthrie Theater, 5 – 10 pm
- Mpls Craft Market – West River Parkway near Guthrie Theater, 5 – 10 pm
- Pre-Fireworks Festivities: live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6 – 10 pm
- Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10 pm
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Laura is a former high school English teacher turned avid deal shopper following the birth of her first child. Now she’s a work-from-home mom of six which keeps her plenty busy!
Laura grew up in southern Minnesota and has called the Twin Cities home for over fifteen years. On the off chance she gets some free time you’ll find her with her nose in a book, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
Leave a Reply