Overflowing with sunshine, friends, family, outdoors, grilling and patriotism, the Fourth of July weekend has come to a close—but Minneapolis isn’t ready to call it quits on the outdoor festivities.
Celebrating the 74th annual Aquatennial, Minneapolis is displaying patriotism on a smaller scale, but with equal amounts of pride. Beginning on Friday, food, music, parades, fireworks and more are all apart of the eight-day celebration of the city.
Photo by Todd Buchanan
Events keeping the self-proclaimed “best days of summer” full of spirit include the Star Tribune Beach Bash on Sunday, featuring the Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition and Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races, building an opportunity for a full day of family fun and possibly a clan victory. On July 17, downtown will illuminate with bands, lights and floats as the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade makes it way through the streets of Minneapolis. Check out the full calendar of (free!) events here.
As a giddy outdoor and music enthusiast, my personal favorite day of the Aquatennial is the last: July 20. To bring a close to the celebration of our vibrant and eclectic city, live music plays along the Mississippi River beginning at 6 p.m. and is followed by Target Fireworks lighting up Minneapolis’ sky. Here’s what I recommend: grab some grub at one of the food stands along the river walk, bring a blanket to hunker down on, stake out some seating and soak in the beauty of the city as our community celebrates in style.
