Minneapolis Aquatennial

The Minneapolis Aquatennial is back in 2025 from July 23rd to 26th!

The Aquatennial in Minneapolis will set sail Wednesday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 26th, 2025! 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 23rd 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 26th 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 23

• 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 (Wicked) at The Commons: 9 – 11:30 pm

Thursday, July 24

• Concert in the Commons: 7-8pm
• Go Outside: Movie Night (Surf’s Up) at Target Field Station: 7 – 9 pm

Friday, July 25

• Core Power Outdoor Yoga Class at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: 6 – 7 pm
• AlleyJam at the Fair School: 4 – 7 pm pm
• Twins Game: 7:10pm

Saturday, July 26

• Nicollet Island Aquatennial Market: 10 am – 4 pm
• Loring Park Art Festival: 10 am – 6 pm
• Twin Cities Carifest: 10 am – 10 pm
• MN Cars & Coffee Show: 4 – 7pm
• Chameleon Market at Aquatennial: 4 – 10pm
• Mpls Craft Market & Mpls Vintage Market: 4 – 10pm
• Twins Game: 6:10pm
• Target Fireworks: 10 pm