July 18, 2018, Wednesday - Aquatennial Events (thru July 21)

Click here for all 2018 Aquatennial events listing

July 18, 2018, Wednesday - Aquatennial Events (thru July 21)

This year’s annual celebration showcases many events, including (but not limited to): 

Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway

Thursday, July 19, 7pm and Friday, July 20, 7pm

Join the Twin Cities River Rats for a humorous, family-friendly water ski show on the Mississippi River. Watch high-flying stunts, fast-paced barefooting, graceful swivel skiing and even human pyramids courtesy of the talented Twin Cities River Rats crew. Bring beach towels or lawn chairs and enjoy this free water ski show for the whole family along the banks of the Mississippi River – located just south of the Broadway Bridge. This year’s theme will be Welcome to R.A.T.S Academy! 

Aquatennial Skyline Fest  Boom Island, 724 Sibley Street NE

Saturday, July 21, 11am - 5pm

Skyline Festival is the biggest paddle sport race in Minneapolis! This is the place to be in Minneapolis. Skyline Festival is a big “ocean style” race with a good Midwest city feel. This year SUP Minneapolis is adding to the ohana by partnering with the Aquatennial. The Skyline Festival is a jam-packed day filled with tons of fun for everyone young and old. This festival has a race for everyone including a 5K Open race for any and all who want to test themselves on a board, a 10K for more experienced racers and a 200M Fastest Paddler race presented by iDol Surf. In addition to the paddleboarding there will be SUP Yoga, Board Demo Zone, great food, delicious beer, tons of local merchant tents and a raffle with great prizes. Register at the link below today and make sure to tell your friends and family because this is a day you and they will not want to miss!

Wilderness Inquiry Canoe Rides Boom Island, 724 Sibley Street NE

Saturday, July 21, 11 am -- 5 pm

Free voyageur canoeing and paddling instruction as part of the Aquatennial Skyline Fest is open to people of all abilities, including people with disabilities. Experienced Wilderness Inquiry guides will provide all equipment needed, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.

National Parks Service Picnic and Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock Tours/Open House Upper Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, 1 Portland Avenue

Saturday, July 21, 11am - 5pm

Check out the falls during Minneapolis' Aquatennial celebration! Take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful location as the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District and the National Park Service are joined by other federal agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and its Auxiliary to talk about the site's history and water safety, and learn how each of the organizations' missions benefit the area.

Ambassador Organization Queen of the Lakes Coronation Ted Mann Concert Hall, West Bank

Saturday, July 21, 4pm – 6pm

The Coronation of the Aquatennial Ambassadors will be held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota where the 2018 Queen of the Lakes, Aquatennial Princesses, Commodore and Captains will be announced. The program plans are all in place, and it will be another entertaining event! Tickets can be purchased through University of Minnesota Ticket Office at 612-624-2345.

AquaJam Best Trick Guthrie Theater, 818 Second St., parking lot

Saturday, July 21, 6pm - 8 pm

An Aquatennial classic event is back! Join us for AquaJam, a legacy event that was a popular Aquatennial destination during the 1980s. This year’s event is taking place at the Guthrie Theater’s parking lot, equidistant from the Target Fireworks/pre-fireworks festivities and X Games at U.S. Bank Stadium. Stop by this free event and watch local skateboarders take part in a Best Trick Contest on new obstacles! AquaJam is presented by Fulton Beer and Familia Skateshop.

Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Events West River Parkway near Portland Avenue

Saturday, July 21, 6pm – 10pm

Join the fun for the Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks events leading up to the Target Fireworks at 10 pm. Stop by for music, food and more as you await one of the nation’s top five annual fireworks shows. The fun includes live music, a kids zone, food trucks and more!

Target Fireworks Show Along the Mississippi River in Downtown Minneapolis

Saturday, July 21, 10pm

Join the Minneapolis Aquatennial in celebrating another year of with the Target Fireworks, considered one of the top five annual fireworks displays in the nation. Get there early! Prime space fills up pretty quickly at this beloved event along West River Parkway and on the Stone Arch Bridge. Bring sunscreen for the afternoon and bug spray for the evening. The best spots are between Gold Medal Park and the Third Avenue Bridge on West River Parkway. While you’re there: Enjoy a show, tour or walk on the Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theater, learn about Minneapolis’ history at the Mill City Museum, enjoy a morning at the Mill City Farmers Market or a leisurely afternoon at Gold Medal Park. Stop by Stone Arch Bridge and check out the skyline view from the Mississippi River. And tune into Go 96.3 and enjoy the simulcast of music set to the Target Fireworks display.