FFTC’s Guide to Local Parades in the Twin Cities

Ultimate summer guide to parades

Parades are some of the best family fun in the summer. They’re free, you get candy, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to show up and cheer. Bring a blanket or a chair –  oh, and some pillowcases for all the tootsie rolls you’ll be collecting.  We add parades as we learn about them, so check back often.

2024 Twin Cities Parades

St. Patrick's Day Parades - March

March 17, 2024: World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

American Legion, 10 12th Avenue S., Hopkins, MN 55343 to the Elks Lodge | 1pm 

March 16, 2024:  St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Rice Park, 109 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102 | 12-3 pm 

March 16, 2024: Minneapolis’ Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

530 Mill St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Parade route starts at the intersection of 40th Ave NE and Van Buren St NE down 40th Ave NE then turn onto 5th St NE and end at Mill St NE at Murzyn Hall. 6pm. 

Find more St. Patrick’s Day Activities here. 

Saint Patrick's Parade

May Parades in the Twin Cities

Sunday May 5, 2024: MayDay Parade & Block Party

Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Community organizations such as ArtCars, ArtBikes and Wearable Contraptions, Battle Train, Stilt Walkers and Cardboard Camp Artists of Minnesota have teamed up to revive the annual MayDay Parade in South Minneapolis near Powderhorn Park. Don’t miss this spring tradition! 12-4pm, FREE. 

June Parades in the Twin Cities

June 1, 2024: Celebrate Brooklyn Park

Tater Daze Parade 

101st Avenue to Noble Sports Park, 4701 Oak Grove Pkwy, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
See emergency vehicles, visiting royalty, live music, and more. 11am-12:30pm. 

Sunday, June 2, 2024: Grand Old Day Parade

Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
The traditional kick off to summer. The parade route follows the major St Paul shopping and dining artery, starting at Dale Avenue and traveling to Fairview (just over 2.5 miles).

Thursday, June 6, 2024: Tower Days Parade

Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 
Rain or shine. 6:30pm. 

Friday, June 7, 2024: Father Hennepin Festival Parade

West River Road, Champlin, MN 55316 
Blankets and lawn chairs can be set up between Douglas Drive & East Hayden Lake Road. Parade followed by carnival and fireworks at the Festival Site. 6:30pm. 

Saturday, June 8, 2024: West St. Paul Parade

Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Parade will have a sensory-friendly block with lessened noise and lights. Stick around after for WestsFest. Part of Explore West St. Paul Days. 10:30am.

Saturday, June 8, 2024: Hugo Good Neighbor Days Parade

152nd Street North, Hugo, MN 55038 
This year’s parade theme is “Lion’s Roar in 2024.”  Parade participants may pass out candy and other giveaways. 11am.

Sunday, June 9, 2024: Albertville Friendly City Parade

Main Avenue, Albertville, MN  55301
Antique cars, tractors, horses, visiting royalty and more in this 100-unit parade. 12:30pm.

Sunday, June 9, 2024: Centennial Lakes Parade of Boats

Centennial Park, 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435 
This boat parade is more of an event than a traditional parade. The Edina Model Yacht Club display a mix of sail and scale boats on Centennial Lake. Stick around, The John Phillip Sousa Memorial Band plays at 7pm. 8am-dusk. 

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Fridley ’49ers Days Parade

Start: 61st Ave NE & 7th St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Parade units will consist of floats, walkers, live music and bands and animals. Entrants may toss candy. Come early for a Kids Pre-Parade Party beginning at 4pm. Parade starts 6:30pm. 

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Buffalo Grand Day Kiddie Parade

From the library to Sturges Park
Bring the kids for this special parade designed just for them. 6:30pm.

Friday, June 14, 2024: White Bear Lake Manitou Days Parade

Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Parade starts downtown and ends at Memorial Beach where there will be a dance on the waterfront. 6:30pm. 
 

Saturday, June 15, 2024: Buffalo Grand Day Parade

5th Street NE, Downtown Buffalo, MN 55313
Antique cars, tractors, horses, visiting royalty and more in this 100-unit parade. 12:30pm.

Saturday, June 15, 2024: Faribault Heritage Parade

1814 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, MN 55021 
Parade starts at the Fairgrounds and ends at Central Park. 6:15pm.

Saturday, June 15, 2024: St Louis Parktacular Grand Day Parade

40th & Joppa to the Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN 55416 
This year’s parade takes place rain or shine. Parade walkers may distribute candy to spectators. Stick around for family fun at Wolfe Park, including Kidtacular from 1:30-6pm, a concert from 6-9pm, and food trucks all day. Parade: Noon-2pm. 

Tuesday June 18, 2024: Minneapolis Celebrate Northeast Parade

Central Ave between 18th and 27th, Minneapolis, MN 55418
A fun community parade for the area of Northeast Minneapolis and its vibrant arts district. 6:30pm.

Boy waving American Flag at the Celebrate Northeast Parade in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Celebrate Northeast!

Saturday, June 22, 2024: Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest Parade

Cottage Grove, MN 55016 
In addition to the parade, there will be a carnival and fireworks.
10am.

Saturday, June 22, 2024: Rockin’ Rogers Parade

Cottage Grove, MN 55016 
Stick around after the parade for a carnival, live music and games.
12pm.

Sunday, June 23, 2024: Farmington Dew Days Parade

Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
The Grand Parade is the grand finale of the community’s Dew Days celebration. Route: Up 3rd street to Oak, head right on Oak and then and back down 4th street to the fairgrounds. Kicks off at Noon.

Monday, June 24, 2024:  Rosefest Rose Parade

Roseville Lexington Ave from B-2 to C, Roseville, MN 55113 
Marching bands, color guards, firetrucks and police vehicles among other units. 6:15pm. 

Thursday, June 27, 2024: ArtCar and ArtBike Parade

Lyndale Park Rose Garden, 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Bring something to sit on and a picnic to the Lyndale Park Rose Garden and watch the amazing ArtCars and ArtBikes parade past. 4pm-6pm.

Thursday, June 27, 2024: Plymouth Happy Birthday America Kids Parade

Hilde Performance Center, Plymouth, MN 55447
Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes (or kits with streamers, beads and decorations provided) and join this parade each year. 10am-12pm.

Thursday, June 27, 2024: Ted Bearth Grande Parade

6133 15th Street N., Oakdale, MN 55128 
Rain or shine at 6pm.

Friday, June 28, 2024: Columbia Heights Jamboree Parade

45th Ave NE & NE Central Avenue, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 
Carnival goes until midnight, parade marches 6-8pm.

Friday, June 28, 2024: South St Paul Kaposia Days Grande Parade

Thompson Avenue, South St Paul, MN 55075 
If you can’t attend, you can watch live on Town Square Television, Channel 14. 6:30pm. 

Saturday, June 29, 2024: Blaine Festival Parade

Jefferson St. from 117th, Blaine, MN 55434 
The festival also includes a petting zoo, kids dance party, and craft show. Parade route: starts at Jefferson & 117th Avenue, ends at Madison Elementary. 12pm. 

parade

July Parades - Independence Day & More in the Twin Cities

Wednesday July 3, 2024: Shakopee Happy Birthday America Parade

Lions Park, 1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Decorate trikes, bikes, wagons, etc., and join this neighborhood parade. Popsicles and entertainment to follow. Staging begins at 10, parade at 10:30am. 

2024 TBA: Coon Rapids 4th of July Parade

Mississippi Blvd & 111th Ave NW., Coon Rapids, MN 55433 
Begins at 111th Avenue and Mississippi Boulevard traveling south. 1pm. (Sunday, July 2, 2023)

2024 TBA: Eagan Funfest Bike Parade

Central Park, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
Decorate a bike and join the Eagan Funfest Bike Parade. Line up 2:30pm; parade 3pm.

Monday July 3, 2024: Chanhassen 4th of July Kiddie Parade 

Chanhassen Elementary,  7600 Laredo Dr, Chanhassen, MN 55317 Kids can decorate wagons, bikes, or strollers and participate with a parent. 10am-2pm. 

Tuesday, July 4, 2024: Edina 4th of July Parade

Edina City Hall, 4801 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55424 
Features veterans, marching bands, floats, horses, musicians, clowns, and more. 10am-11am. 

Tuesday, July 4, 2024: Chanhassen 4th of July Parade

Downtown Chanhassen, MN 55317 
This festival also includes live music, carnival, street dance and kids activities. 2:30-4pm. 

Tuesday, July 4, 2024: Delano 4th of July Parade

559 North River Street, Delano, MN 55328 
One of Minnesota’s oldest and largest parades, stick around for a carnival, live entertainment and fireworks at dusk. 10:30am. 

Thursday, July 4, 2024: Eagan Funfest 4th of July Parade

1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121 
In addition to the parade, enjoy a carnival, entertainment and food as part of this festival. 10am-12pm.

Thursday, July 4, 2024: St Anthony Park 4th in the Park – Grand Parade 

Langford Park, St Paul, MN 55108
Color guard, neighborhood units, kids bikes, trikes & wagons. Parade runs Como Avenue, the main artery of the neighborhood and ends in Langford Park for the community picnic. 11am. 

2024 TBA: Richfield 4th of July Parade

Veterans Park, 6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Back in 2024! More details TBA.

2024 TBA: Forest Lake 4th of July Parade

Forest Lake, MN 55025
The community parade route starts at Broadway & 6th Street SW. 10am-noon.

2024 TBA: Afton 4th of July Parade

Main Street, Afton, MN 55001 
The parade marches down Main Street at 1pm. Trolleys running the route will operate from 11:00 until 3:00, breaking for the community parade.

2024 TBA: Apple Valley Freedom Days Parade

Features marching bands, drum and bugle corps, clowns, horses, and carriages. Parade route: In 2022, the parade began at Fireside Dr and Pennock Ave and ended on Hayes Rd next to Apple Valley High School. 1pm start.

Thursday, July 11, 2024: Maple Grove Days Parade

89th Avenue No. from Zachary to Elm Creek, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Clowns, marching bands, and local organizations’ floats. 6:10pm.

Saturday, July 13, 2024: Andover Family Fun Fest Parade 

Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304 

Part of Andover FamilyFun Fest. 11am. 

Saturday, July 13, 2024: Lakeville Pan-O-Prog Parade 

Holyoke Ave & 210th Street, Lakeville, MN 55044 
There will be a massive 120 units in this 2-hour parade. 5:30pm. 

Saturday, July 13, 2024: Lindstrom Karl Oskar Days Parade

Lindström, MN 55045 
Celebrating more than 60 years of Karl Oskar Days. 6pm.

Sunday, July 14, 2024: Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Parade

N 42nd Ave & W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422 
Fun for all ages. 3pm.

Sunday, July 14, 2024: Monticello Riverfest Parade

Pioneer Park, 9165 Fallon Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362
Candy & goodies if you position yourself accordingly. Big kids, watch for the youngsters, please!

Sunday, July 20, 2024: Centerville Fete Des Lacs Parade

Main Street & Centerville Road, Centerville, MN 55038
Main Street from Brian Drive to Dupre Road offers the best parade viewing along with neighborhoods along Dupre Road to Meadow Lane. 11am.

2024 TBA: Wannigan Days Parade

St. Croix Falls, WI 53024 to Taylors Falls, MN 55084  This parade spans two towns and two states. Prior to the main parade, there is a Kidde Parade at 5pm in Taylors Falls. 6pm.

Saturday, July 20, 2024: Mound Spirit of the Lakes Grand Parade

Downtown Mound, MN 55365
Kids activities take place at Surfside Park before and after parade. 10am-12pm.  

Sunday, July 21, 2024: Hopkins Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade

Mainstreet Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343
Visiting royalty, animal entries, candy may be handed out. 1pm-3pm.

2024 TBA: Stillwater Lumberjack Days Parade

The city’s community festival parade begins at Churchill and Greeley. 1pm. 

Wednesday, July 24, 2024: Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Aquatennial is one of Minneapolis’ biggest summer events. You’ll want to check the link for more family-friendly activities. 7
:30pm.

Saturday, July 27, 2024: ArtCars & ArtBikes Parade 

Lyndale Park Gardens, Address: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Bring a chair, a blanket and a picnic to watch the parade cruise past. 5-7pm

Saturday, July 27, 2024: Slice of Shoreview Parade

The parade begins at Victoria Street and County Road D and goes North to Island Lake Park. 10-11am.

2024 TBA: Robbinsdale Pet & Wheel Parade

Sanborn Park, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Kids can dress in costume, decorate their bikes and/or leashed pets and participate in this parade/festival
. 6:30-8pm. 

Saturday, July 27, 2024: Rosemount Leprechaun Days Grand Day Parade

Starts on 145th St W. at Shannon Pkwy going east to Cameo Av, Rosemount, MN 55068 
Entrants include musical acts, fire trucks, and royalty. 11am. 

July 28, 2024: Chaska River City Days Parade

Downtown Chaska, MN 55318
River City Days will be July 26-28, 2024. Parade, 1pm Sunday.

clowns on parade

August Parades in the Twin Cities

Sunday, August 4, 2024: Little Canada Canadian Days Parades

Saxon Lanes to Spooner Park, Little Canada, MN 55117
Community parade on Sunday at 10am and a kiddie parade on Saturday, August 5th at 11am.
 Canadian Days is August 2-4, 2024.

2024 TBA: St Anthony VillageFest Parades

St. Anthony, MN 55418 
Community parade runs along St. Anthony Boulevard at 7pm on August 4 & the Tot Trot Parade for kids ages 5-8 is held on August 5 at 11:30am.

Saturday, August 10, 2024: New Brighton Stockyard Days Grand Parade

Downtown New Brighton, MN 55112 
All kinds of vehicles will participate in the community parade thru Old Downtown New Brighton. Parade route begins at 1st Ave NW & 10th St NW. 2024 Details TBA.

2024 TBA: Rockford River Days Grand Parade

WestRock Mall, 8900 Walnut St, Rockford, MN 55373 
Parade is traditionally followed by coronation, beer tents and food booths. 12pm.

2024 TBA: Moundsview Festival in the Park Parade

Greenfield Ave, Mounds View, MN 55112
The parade begins at 6pm.

Saturday, August 17, 2024: North Hudson Pepper Fest Grand Parade

The Pepper Fest parade route from the website: Starts at the intersection of Eighth St. N & Michaelson St. N.  West on Michaelson St, then turn left Ends at the intersection of Hwy 35 / 6th St. N and St. Croix St. N. 11am-1pm. 

Sunday, August 18, 2024: Vadnais Heights Heritage Days Parade

Mcmenemy St & Commerce Court, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 
Expect street closures from 11:15am-1:30pm. Parade at 12pm.

Sunday, August 18, 2024: Chisago City Ki Chi Saga Days Parade

282nd Street on Old Towne Road, Chisago City, MN 55013 
The parade ends at Lakeside School. 2pm.

Sunday, August 25, 2024: Woodbury Days Grand Parade

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125  
Floats, musical entertainment, dance and royalty. 11am.

August 22, 2024 to Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2024: Minnesota State Fair Parades

1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108 
Daily parades included with fair admission ($16+). 2 pm.

2024 Fall Parades

2024 TBA: Burnsville Fire Truck Parade

E 130th St., Burnsville, MN 55337
Includes family-friendly displays, floats, and bands. 11am-1pm.

Sunday, September 8, 2024: Wayzata James J. Hill Days Parade

Lake St E., Wayzata, MN 55391
Parade route: Lake Street, Superior to Walker Avenue. 3pm-4pm.

Thursday, September 19, 2024: North St Paul Fall Round Up Parade

7th Avenue East, North St. Paul, MN 55109
Family friendly parade through Historic Downtown. 6pm.

2024 TBA: Plymouth on Parade

Plymouth City Center, 15600 36th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446
Family activities from 9:30am-12:30pm. Parade begins at 10:30am.

2024 Halloween Parades

Three Halloween Parades in the Halloween Capitol of the World:

Saturday, October 19, 2024: Light Up the Night Parade

Anoka Main Street, 1922 1st Ave. S., Anoka, MN 55303 
7pm.

2024 TBA: Big Parade of Little People

Anoka Main Street, 1922 1st Ave. S., Anoka, MN 55303  

Saturday, October 26, 2024: Anoka Halloween Grand Day Parade

Anoka Main Street, 1922 1st Ave. S., Anoka, MN 55303 

Twinkle Parade at Lowell Park in Stillwater Minnesota

2024 Winter Parades

2024 TBA: Santa Parade

Taylors Falls, MN 55084
The Friday night Santa Parade is part of Taylors Fall’s weekend Lighting Festival. 6pm.

Nov 2024 TBA: Wayzata Parade of Lights

Depot Park, 402 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
The parade begins the annual tree lighting ceremony. 4pm.

Friday, November 29, 2024: Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt Grand Parade

Excelsior Commons, 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN 55331
Friday night parade begins the celebration with Father Christmas, local royalty and Excelsior Trolley Conductors. 2024 Details TBA.

Saturday, November 30, 2024: Excelsior Children’s Lantern Parade

Excelsior Commons, 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN 55331 
A part of Excelsior’s Christkindlsmarkt, Children can purchase lanterns and join the parade. (2024 Details TBA)

Friday, December 6, 2024: Osseo Minidazzle Fire Engine Parade

Main Street, Osseo, MN 55369 
Fire Engine Parade down Main Street. Followed by tree lighting, Santa, holiday cheer by the bonfire. 6-8pm.

2024 TBA: Stillwater Twinkle Parade

Chestnut Plaza, 131 Main Street S.,  Stillwater, MN 55082 
This Holiday tradition is historically part of the Twinkle Festival and marks the arrival of Santa and celebrates Stillwater’s holiday decorations throughout town. However, there is no parade in 2022 and the event is now held at Lowell Park. We’ll watch for 2024 details. 

Twinkle Parade at Lowell Park in Stillwater Minnesota
Image Credit: Mainstreet Stillwater MN

Jan 2025 TBA: King Boreas Grande Day Parade 

Rice Park, 109 4th Street W., Saint Paul, MN 55102 
A world-famous parade for all people who love wind, snow and cold.  

Feb 2025 TBA: Winter Carnival Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade 

Rice Park, 109 4th Street W., Saint Paul, MN 55102 
The final parade of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival marking the Vulcans march to overthrow King Boreas and bring back summer.

2025 TBA: Coon Rapids Snowflake Days Community Parades 

The parade takes a different route each night, collecting food donations from the entire city. It features city fire trucks, police vehicles, a float, lights and music. 

parade
Your turn!
Please let us know of any parades that we've missed, and we'll share them with the community.

22 thoughts on “FFTC’s Guide to Local Parades in the Twin Cities”

  1. Pingback: Kari Erpenbach

  2. The parade of boats at Centennial Lakes Park is June 9th in 2024, followed by a Sousa Band that evening.

  3. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks. Wondering if know if chairs can be set up the night before the Delano 4th of July parade to save you a spot for the parade?

    1. Hi Debra. We’ve been told that Sunrise is the earliest the city will allow seats out. Apparently, spots fill fast. I think most cities around this area restrict setting up chairs prior to the day of the parade.

  4. Kari Erpenbach

    The North St. Paul Fall Round Up Parade is on Thursday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in historic downtown North St. Paul.

    1. Thank you, Kari. We also received your email and will add this parade to our guide. It’s nice to have another September option.

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