The annual Minneapolis Aquatennial is returning July 23th – 26th, 2025! It’s the official celebration of summer, and is very family-friendly with free events for all (yay!).

The two main signature events are the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, which kicks off the event on Wednesday night at 7:30pm, and the Target fireworks which conclude it all on Saturday night at 10:00pm. It’s actually one of the top five fireworks displays in the country!

But there is much more! Check out these highlights below, or go to their website for a full list.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

We Are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza (ground level on Nicollet Mall), 11:00am – 8:00pm
This interactive exhibit dives into the deep, personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Check out powerful stories, cool history, and engaging displays that show how water shapes our culture, environment, and economy.

Go Outside: Summer Sessions – Hennepin Government Center North Plaza, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Catch a live performance, join in on Aquatennial activities, and soak up the summer vibes.

Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road (between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues), 6:30pm

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet (from 12th to 4th Streets), 7:30pm

Parks Movie Night: “Wicked” Sing-Along – The Commons, 9:00pm

THURSDAY, JULY 24

We Are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza (ground level on Nicollet Mall), 11:00am – 5:00pm
Explore Minnesota’s connection to water through stories, history, and hands-on exhibits.

Concert at The Commons: Meat Raffle Ska, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Movie Night: “Surf’s Up” (with a Sing United performance beforehand) – Target Field Station, 6:30pm

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road (between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues), 6:30pm

FRIDAY, JULY 25

We Are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza (ground level on Nicollet Mall), 11:00am – 5:00pm

AlleyJam Skateboarding – Fair School Alley (10th & Hennepin), 4:00pm – 7:00pm

CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 7:10pm

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road (between Plymouth and Broadway Avenues), 10:00am – 10:00pm

We Are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza (ground level on Nicollet Mall), 11:00am – 4:00pm

Aquatennial Ambassadors Organization Coronation – Ted Mann Concert Hall, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Chameleon Market at Aquatennial – Chicago Mall (between Guthrie Theater & Mill City Museum), 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Discover skincare, snacks, art, and more while supporting local entrepreneurs.

Mpls Craft & Vintage Market – Chicago Mall, 4:00pm – 10:00pm

Children’s Entrepreneur Market (Kids Zone) – West River Parkway, 5:00pm – 10:00pm

MN Cars & Coffee Show – West River Parkway (near 3rd Ave Bridge), 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Fireworks Pre-Show – West River Parkway (near Stone Arch Bridge), 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Entertainment lineup:

• Jordan Johnston – 5:00pm

• Pullstring – 6:00pm

• Obi Original & The Black Atlantics – 7:00pm

• School of Rock (Plymouth) – 8:00pm

• Dysfunktional – 9:00pm

Kids Zone Fun: Rondo Double Dutch, glitter tattoos, balloon art, Twin Cities Trapeze shows, and more.

Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 6:10pm

Target Fireworks – West River Parkway (near Stone Arch Bridge), 10:00pm

“Aquatennial is an exciting summer celebration for our community,” said Adam Duininck, president and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “This year’s Aquatennial lineup includes more than two dozen activities downtown, headlined by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday and the Target Fireworks on Saturday night. Come downtown and enjoy all of the festivities while taking in all that our city has to offer—incredible dining, nightlife, performances, sports and more.”

Go to the website for more info.