Minneapolis Aquatennial is July 19 - 22!

The Official Civic Celebration of Minneapolis Returns July 19 – 22

The mpls downtown council (mdc) is proud to announce the 2023 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 22. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

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

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, Wednesday, July 19, 7:30pm

Along Nicollet from 12th to 4th Street 

Annually the largest nighttime event 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 22 at 10pm

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 6pm  

“Aquatennial is an event for all with over two dozen free events and activities here in downtown Minneapolis,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “This beloved summer tradition brings us together for fun unforgettable moments highlighted by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. We continue to see more people enjoying all downtown offers and invite you to celebrate Aquatennial and all that makes Minneapolis so special.”

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 2023 Minneapolis Aquatennial. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial.  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – U.S. Bancorp Center, 9am – 3pm  |  sign-up link
• Park Market: The Black Market – The Commons (425 Portland Ave. S), 11am – 3pm
• Go Outside: Summer Sessions (live music, giveaways, and more) – Hennepin Government Center South Plaza, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Music in the Park: Spaghetti Monetti and The Sauce – The Commons, 12pm – 1pm
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 5:30pm – 7:30pm  |  sign-up link
• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30pm
• Movies in the Park: “Best in Show” – The Commons, at 9:15pm 

THURSDAY, JULY 20

• Downtown Thursdays (food trucks, music, games, giveaways, and more) Nicollet from Washington Ave. to 10th Street, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Minne-Golf on Nicollet – Nicollet Mall, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Music in the Park: Chemistry Set – The Commons, 7 p.m. – 8pm
• Go Outside: Movie Night – “Legally Blonde” at Target Field Station, 7pm – 9pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7pm
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Los Angeles Sparks – Target Center, 7pm

FRIDAY, JULY 21

• Park Market: Indigenous Market – Water Works Park, 10am – 2pm
• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7pm
• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 7:10pm

SATURDAY, JULY 22

• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 9am – 10:30am  |  sign-up link
• Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam Open House – St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, 10am – 4pm
• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 11am – 10pm
• Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe Rides and Fire Building – Boom Island Park, 12pm – 5pm
• AquaJam Skateboarding –West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 4pm – 7pm
• City of Lakes Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5pm – 10pm
• Mpls Craft Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5pm – 10pm
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6pm – 10pm
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities – West River Parkway near Water Works Park, 6pm – 9pm

SATURDAY, JULY 22

• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 6:15pm
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces – Target Center, 7pm
• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10pm

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 CenterPoint Energy 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/