After uncertainty surrounding the future of Aquatennial following the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s decision to step back from producing the event, the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) announced it will take the helm of the city’s beloved civic celebration, ensuring the tradition continues when Aquatennial returns July 18-26.
Aquatennial Ambassador Organization
Now entering its 87th year, Aquatennial will continue its mission of bringing residents and visitors together through free, family-friendly events held throughout Minneapolis—from downtown and the Mississippi riverfront to Bde Maka Ska and city parks. Organizers say the next chapter of Aquatennial will combine longtime traditions with fresh ideas designed to engage a new generation of festivalgoers.
“Few traditions capture the spirit of Minneapolis quite like Aquatennial,” Mayor Jacob Frey said in announcing the transition. “When our city cares about something, we find a way to make it happen.”
Among the most anticipated returning events is the iconic Torchlight Parade, which will light up Nicollet Mall on July 22 with marching bands, dance groups, and illuminated floats. Another fan favorite, the Milk Carton Boat Races, returns to Bde Maka Ska on July 19 as part of the Twin Cities Beach Blast.
Aquatennial Ambassador Organization
This year’s festival will also introduce several new attractions, including a Paris-inspired Model Sailboat Pond at Government Plaza, a Summer Snowball Classic featuring real snowball fights at The Commons, Floating Lanterns and a Night Market at Lake Nokomis, and a free Summer Showtunes event presented by Hennepin Arts featuring Broadway-inspired performances downtown.
Sports fans can look forward to Aquatennial Night at Target Field on July 24, which marks the return of the beloved Skipper Pin for the first time since 2019. Meanwhile, electronic music fans can close out the week at the new Project: Alley Electric Dance Party hosted by Dance Agenda.
Additional highlights include the Twin Cities River Rats waterski show, Movies in the Park, free sailing on Bde Maka Ska, CorePower Yoga at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Loring Park Art Festival, Minneapolis International Festival, Carifest, and Float Fest.
For organizers, the festival’s continuation is about more than events—it’s about preserving a piece of Minneapolis history.
“We are delighted to maintain this beloved Minneapolis tradition that has been bringing the community together since 1940,” said Marie Carrell, 2026 Aquatennial Commodore. “We are committed to preserving and progressing this treasured tradition for the next generation.”
 announced it will take the helm of the city's beloved civic celebration, ensuring the tradition continues when Aquatennial returns July 18-26.){kind=link}