Stars, Stripes, and Bingo
What: America’s 250th Birthday Bash
When: July 1, 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester
Celebrate America’s semiquincentennial with family games, local eats, and an evening of community fun at the History Center of Olmsted County.
Catch the Glow
What: Firefly Viewing Nights
When: July 2, 3, and 5, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
Catch the magic of summer during Firefly Viewing Nights at the Arboretum on July 2, 3, and 5. Stroll evening trails as hundreds of lightning bugs illuminate the landscape, with special naturalist programming on July 2 (owls) and July 5 (fireflies and moths), plus family-friendly crafts and concessions.
Jason Boudreau-Landis
Fireworks at the Finish Line
What: Canterbury Fireworks Spectacular
When: July 3, 4 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Kick off Independence Day weekend at Canterbury Park with an evening of live horse racing, music from Sugar Buzz, family-friendly activities, and one of Minnesota’s most spectacular fireworks displays. Arrive early for pony rides and face painting before settling in for the fireworks finale after the final race.
The Ultimate Fourth of July Festival
What: Taste of Minnesota
When: July 3 (4-10 p.m.); July 4 (Noon-10 p.m.)
Where: Nicollet Mall & Washington Avenue, Minneapolis
Celebrate the Fourth of July with two days of food, music, and community as Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis. Enjoy an all-Minnesota concert lineup, more than 100 food vendors and makers, family-friendly activities, and the return of the Red, White & Boom! fireworks—all with free admission.
Taste of Minnesota
A Full Day of Fourth Festivities
What: Fairmont’s Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4
Where: Fairmont
Fairmont’s annual Fourth of July celebration features a lively boat parade, free concert by the Fairmont City Band, and one of the state’s biggest fireworks shows lighting up the Chain of Lakes.
Visit Fairmont
Art Along the North Shore
What: Hovland Arts Festival
When: July 4-5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 4957 E. Hwy. 61, Hovland
Browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fine art, woodwork, Native American beadwork, and more at the Hovland Arts Festival, a free two-day event featuring local artists, live music, and community spirit at the historic Hovland Town Hall.
Hovland Arts Festival
