Minneapolis’s official civic celebration returns July 23-26. Celebrate the city with favorites like the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Fireworks over the Stone Arch Bridge.
First held in 1940, Minneapolis’ Aquatennial remains a beloved community tradition. The summer festival celebrates the city’s connection to water with four days of parades, live music, artisan vendors, and fireworks along the Mississippi River. With activities for all ages and interests, here is your guide to the can’t-miss Aquatennial events.
‘We Are Water’ Exhibit
When: July 23-26, 11 a.m.
Where: RSM Plaza, 801 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Located in the RSM Plaza level on Nicollet Mall, the “We Are Water” interactive exhibit celebrates Minnesota’s deep and personal connections with water. The exhibit highlights the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of water and invites visitors to explore the ways they use water in their everyday lives.
Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
When: July 23, 24, 25, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1758 West River Road N., Minneapolis
Enjoy high-flying tricks and skills on skis between the Broadway and Plymouth Avenue bridges. The Twin Cities River Rats are a nationally renowned water ski show team known for their daring stunts, human pyramids, and crowd-pleasing performances. The pre-show starts at 6:20 p.m., and the main performance begins at 7 p.m. Onlookers can enjoy concessions during the show.
Photo by Lane Pelovsky/ Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Torchlight Parade
When: July 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Mall between Fourth and 12th Streets
Festive displays, glowing floats, and marching bands will illuminate downtown Minneapolis during Aquatennial’s Torchlight Parade. The parade runs along Nicollet Mall from 12th to Fourth streets. This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach Bob Motzko. A highly accomplished hockey coach and seven time Big 10 Coach of the Year, Motzko was recently selected to serve as head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior hockey team. The parade kicks off at 7:30, but spectators should arrive early to secure a spot—nearby roads close at 6:30. [Editor’s Note: The Torchlight Parade has been cancelled due to severe weather.]
Photo by Hoskovec Photography/Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council
Parks Movie Night: ‘Wicked’ Sing Along
Where: July 23, 9-11 p.m.
When: The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis
Sing along to the “Wicked” soundtrack in the Commons Park on Wednesday evening! The award-winning film is perfect for all ages—bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a night of song and dance in the park.
CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class
When: July 25, 6-7 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis
Get active and celebrate Aquatennial with a free CorePower yoga class at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. All ages and experience levels are welcome to this Vinyasa class, which will explore the fundamental principles and postures of Vinyasa yoga. Please arrive early to set up.
Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council
AlleyJam
When: July 25, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Alley Project, 15½ N. Ninth St., Minneapolis
A well-loved Aquatennial tradition, AlleyJam is a lively event featuring skateboarding demonstrations, food and beverage vendors, shopping, live music, and DJ sets. The block party blends art, music, and culture to celebrate community in Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Carifest
When: July 26, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Avenues
Featuring Caribbean food, music, arts, and crafts, the Twin Cities Carifest is a premier Caribbean festival. The event includes a traditional carnival parade with colorful costumes and dance, and visitors can watch the Target Fireworks along the banks of the Mississippi at night.
Courtesy of Twin Cities Carifest
Aquatennial Night Market
When: July 26, 4-10 p.m.
Where: Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum
Minneapolis Vintage Market is joining the fun of the Minneapolis Aquatennial festivities on the Mississippi Riverfront. Shop jewelry, clothing, woodwork, home goods, prints, and more—all handmade. With one-of-a-kind finds on every corner, the craft market is the perfect place to shop while waiting for the fireworks.
Photo by Daren Kamnetz
Target Fireworks
When: July 26, 10 p.m.
Where: 801 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis
The Target Fireworks are a marquee event at Aquatennial every year. The fireworks launch over the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway and are produced by the world-famous Zambelli fireworks team. Widely considered among the nation’s premier firework shows, the fireworks are choreographed to music which will be simulcast live on KDWB.
Photo by Lane Pelovsky/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
