Aquatennial 2024 Schedule Announced for July 24-27

All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy!

The mpls downtown council (mdc) has announce the 2024 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The bookends of this year’s schedule are our longtime signature events: 

• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Along Nicollet from 12th to 4th Street

Annually the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

• Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 27 at 10 p.m.

Along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge

The Target Fireworks, produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. The fireworks will once again be synced to music this year.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 4 p.m.

“Aquatennial is a beloved summer destination for our community,” said Adam Duininck, president & ceo, mpls 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’s core has to offer—incredible dining, nightlife, performances, sports and more.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of the City of Lakes in downtown – from Loring Park and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days. 

Here are some of the highlights of the 2024 Minneapolis Aquatennial^*. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

• Go Outside: Summer Sessions (live music, giveaways, and more) – Hennepin Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies – Target Field, at 12:10 p.m.
• Music in the Park – The Commons, noon – 1 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show “Ratagascar: A Little Wild” – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30 p.m.
• Movies in the Park “Barbie” – The Commons, 8:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

• Downtown Thursdays (food trucks, music, games, giveaways, and more) – Nicollet from 6th Street to 9th Street, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Core Power Yoga – Boom Island Park, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Go Outside: Movie Night, “Wonka” – Target Field Station, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Music in the Park – The Commons, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Movies in the Park, “Best in Show” – Loring Park, 8:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Music in the Park – Water Works Park, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Warehouse District Live – 1st Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets, 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

• YMCA Basketball Tournament – The Alley Project (10th and Hennepin), 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Minnesota Orchestra Day of Music – Orchestra Hall, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Kenwood Park, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Loring Park Art Festival – Loring Park, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Kenwood Park, 10:30 a.m. - noon
• Mpls Park & Recreation Market – Nicollet Island Pavilion, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Minnesota Sinfonia Concert – Loring Park, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• AquaJam Skateboarding –West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Coffee and Cars – West River Parkway between Hennepin Ave. & 3rd Ave., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• City of Lakes Market – near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Mpls Craft Market – near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities – West River Parkway near Water Works Park, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Warehouse District Live – 1st Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets, 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.
• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10 p.m.

More information available at aquatennial.com and follow along @Aquatennial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute details.

Volunteers Needed!

The Aquatennial relies on dozens of volunteers to help make the festival a success. Sign up online to be part of the Aquatennial Volunteer Program and assist with such events as the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. Perks include access to the partner viewing area at the Fireworks, a t-shirt, and other benefits. aquatennial.com/volunteer/

The Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council and their partners include Target, Hennepin Healthcare, iHeart Media, Minneapolis Recycling, City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Metro Transit and Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. 

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*Event details subject to change.