Minneapolis Aquatennial 2023 Family Fun Guide

Purple Fireworks over Minneapolis, Minnesota "Family Fun Twin Cities Aquatennial Family Fun Guide"

In 2023, Minneapolis Aquatennial runs from July 19th through July 22nd. This Minneapolis annual summer party began in 1940 and, while it is not as long as it once was, you won’t want to miss the most popular fun and FREE events including the Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. These four days are packed with several free options to enjoy (minus parking fees when and where they apply).

Here is a little secret. With the exception of the Saturday events, most of these events are held all summer. So squeeze it all in on one Aquatennial weekend or spread out the fun throughout the summer – it’s your choice. We’ve provided alternate dates in the descriptions.

Minneapolis Aquatennial Family Events

 

Wednesday, July 19th

Lawn Games at Hennepin County Government Center

300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Alternative dates: August 9, August 23, 2023

Arrive early for the Aquatennial parade, you can enjoy all that Downtown Minneapolis has to offer in the summer.

Loring Park Family Fun Night

1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN 55403
Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Activities: A precursor to the traditional parade, head to the park for free, family-focused activities first. This is a one-and-one event.

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade

Nicollet Avenue, 12th Street to 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm

Alternative dates: None. This is your only chance for the parade this year.

Movie at the Commons – Best In Show

425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time: 9:30pm-11:30pm

Alternative dates: Movies screened Wednesdays evenings June 7th – August 30th. 
This movie is PG-13 and a bit on the late side for the smaller kids, but stick around downtown with the bigger kids to catch a free summer flick.  Our full list of summer movies: A Guide to Free and Cheap Summer Movies in Twin Cities Parks.

Nicollet Commons Just Outside the Stadium

Thursday, July 2oth

Lawn Games at Hennepin County Government Center

300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Alternative dates: August 9, August 23, 2023
Games include ping pong, bag toss, Connect 4, Jenga and Tic-Tac-Toe. Wander over to the Nicollet Farmers Market for a game of life-size chess.

Downtown Thursdays – Aquatennial Bey Day

Nicollet from Washington Avenue to 10th Street
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Activities: Food trucks, music, games & giveaways. Today only, celebrate Beyonce’s appeareance in the Twin Cities with free lemonade, live entertainment and Minne-Golf on Nicollet. 
Alternative dates: Downtown Thursdays run through August 31, 2023.  Free parking is available at Plaza Ramp, 116 S 12th Street in Minneapolis.

Twin Cities River Rats Show

1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm. Show Starts at 7pm.
Alternative dates: Every Thursday through August 31, 2023.
Bring your bug spray and something to sit on. There are concessions available to purchase. Find more water sport shows here.

Movie Night at Target Field Station

5th Street & 3rd Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: 7-9pm
Activities: Legally Blonde (PG-13) will be screened – free admission and free cotton candy!
Alternative dates: More chances to catch free, family-friendly flicks will be August 3, 17 & 31, 2023.

Piano, games and booths at the Thursday Farmers Market in Downtown Minneapolis
Play giant versions of games or pound out some tunes on the piano at the Farmers Market

Friday, July 21st

Twin Cities River Rats Show

1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm. Show Starts at 7pm.
Activities: Please note, this is a special Friday show just for Minneapolis Aquatennial.
Alternative Dates: Every Thursday through August 31, 2023. 

Saturday, July 22nd

Saint Anthony Lock & Dam Open House

1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time:10am-6pm.
Alternative Dates: The Visitor Center is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9:30am-5pm daily.
Enjoy panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the mill district. Learn about Minnesota history and the falls and more at this open house.

St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam

Twin Cities Carifest

West River Road Between Plymouth & Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time:10am-10pm.
Activities: Celebrate Caribbean culture with food, music, arts and a traditional carnival parade along the banks of the Mississippi River.
Alternative dates: This is the Twin Cities’ only Carifest, but find a year’s worth of more festivals here.

Voyageur canoe rides

Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Time: 12-5pm
Activities: Free canoe paddles with Wilderness Inquiry along with lessons on fire-building.

AquaJam & Pre-Fireworks Festivities

West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: AquaJam, 3-5pm & pre-fireworks music, 6-10pm
Activities: Live music, skateboarding, food vendors, and shopping. Then, four live bands leading up to the Aquantennial fireworks. There’s a Kids Zone, too, from 6-9pm.
Alternative dates: This is the only AquaJam date, but find our full summer concert calendar here.

Aquatennial Fireworks

West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: 10 pm

Alternative dates: Since they again cancelled the Red, White & Boom fireworks for July 4th, this is your best chance for fireworks downtown in 2023. The culmination of one of the best days of summer!  Get there early as space fills up quickly.

girl watching fireworks
Fireworks in Downtown Minneapolis

For more information about the Aquatennial, make sure you check out the website!

*Feature Image courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council.

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