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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about the Aquatennial, make sure you check out the website!
*Feature Image courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council.
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It’s good to see someone thkining it through.
Thanks, Lakeisha.
We appreciate your feedback. Did you have a favorite Aquatennial family event?