In 2022, Aquatennial runs from July 20th through July 23rd. 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.
-
Aquatennial Family Events
Wednesday, July 20th
Lawn Games at Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Alternative Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, June 1st through August 31, 2022
Arrive early for the parade, you can enjoy all that Downtown Minneapolis has to offer in the Summer.
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 – Black Panther
425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time: 9:30pm-11:30pm
Alternative Dates: Movies screened Wednesdays evenings June 1st – August 31st. This is your only opportunity to see Black Panther.
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.
Thursday, July 21st
Nicollet Farmers Market
Nicollet Avenue, 6th Street to 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Time: 10am-2:30pm
Alternative Dates: Every Thursday beginning June 16, 2022 through October.
Stop by the weekly downtown Farmers Market to find locally grown produce and more.
Lawn Games at Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Alternative Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, June 1st through August 31, 2022
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.
Music at the Commons – JoJo Green
425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time: 9:30pm-10:30pm
Alternative Dates: Live music Thursday evenings June 2nd – September 1st. This is your only opportunity to see JoJo Green.
Enjoy the Pop-Fusion music and powerhouse vocals of JoJo Green.
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 June 2nd – September 1, 2022.
Bring your bug spray and something to sit on. There are concessions available to purchase. Find more water sport shows here.
Friday, July 22nd
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 June 2nd – September 1, 2022.
A special Friday show just for Aquatennial. Bring your bug spray and something to sit on. There are concessions available to purchase.
Saturday July 25th
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.
Twin Cities Carifest
West River Road Between Plymouth & Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time:11am-10pm.
Alternative Dates: This is the only Carifest, but find Year-Round Festivals Here.
Celebrate Caribbean culture with food, music, arts and a traditional carnival parade along the banks of the Mississippi River.
AquaJam & Pre-Fireworks Festivities
West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Chicago Mall, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: 4pm-10pm.
Alternative Dates: This is the only AquaJam date, but find our full summer concert calendar here.
Live music, skateboarding, food vendors, and shopping. Wander over the to Chicago Mall between Mill City and the Guthrie for more shopping.
Meet Ace & Krypto
West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: 6pm-9pm.
Alternative Dates: See the movie in Theaters beginning July 29th.
Ace and Krypto, from the upcoming film DC League of Super Pets, will be at the pre-fireworks festivities. Families can take pictures with your favorite hounds, get fun prizes from the movie and join in on the on-site coloring.
Fireworks
West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: 10 pm
Alternative Dates: Since they cancelled the Fireworks for July 4th, this is your best chance for fireworks downtown in 2022.
The culmination of the best day of summer! Get there early as space fills up quickly.
For more information about the Aquatennial, make sure you check out the website!
*Feature Image courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Want to get emails when we re-publish this and other articles? Sign up for our Newsletter below:
Pingback: 10 Ideas for Free or Cheap Family Fun in July - Family Fun Twin Cities
It’s good to see someone thkining it through.
Thanks, Lakeisha.
We appreciate your feedback. Did you have a favorite Aquatennial family event?