Minneapolis Aquatennial Returns July 23 - 26

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has announced the 2025 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

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

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Along Nicollet Mall 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.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach, Bob Motzko. Motzko, one of the most accomplished coaches in American hockey today, will serve as head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Target Fireworks

Taking place along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge, the Target Fireworks are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. Produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, the fireworks will once again be choreographed to music and simulcast live on KDWB.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 4 pm. The pre-party includes fantastic live bands, Chameleon Markets, Mpls Craft and Vintage Markets featuring local entrepreneurs, Cars and Coffee Show, a fun-filled Kids Zone including Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and plenty of food and beverage options. 

Per Adam Duininck, president and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council, “Aquatennial is an exciting summer celebration for our community. 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.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of 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 2025 Minneapolis Aquatennial. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial, as event details are subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

Go Outside: Summer Sessions – Hennepin Government, Center North Plaza, 11:30am–1pm. Enjoy a live performance, an Aquatennial activity, and more.

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

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

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

Parks Movie Night “Wicked” sing along - Commons, 9 pm.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state. 

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

Movie Night “Surf’s Up” with a Sing United performance before the movie, Target Field Station, 6:30pm.

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–5pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

AlleyJam Skateboarding – Fair School Alley 10th & Hennepin 4–7pm.

CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class - Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 6–7pm.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 10am–10pm.

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–4pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

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

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Chameleon Market at Aquatennial – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4–10pm. Chameleon supports entrepreneurial success through networking/training, pop-ups, and brick-and-mortar shops. Join us to champion entrepreneurs in our network and discover great products from skincare to snacks, accessories to art, and more!

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Mpls Craft & Mpls Vintage Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4pm–10pm.

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Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Kids Zone - West River Parkway 5-10pm.

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MN Cars & Coffee Show – West River Parkway near 3rd Ave. Bridge, 4–7pm.

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Fireworks Pre-Show – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 5–10pm.

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Entertainment Lineup:

Jordan Johnston, 5pm

Pullstring, 6pm

Obi Original & The Black Atlantics, 7pm

School of Rock (Plymouth), 8pm

Dysfunktional, 9pm

Kids Zone – Rondo Double Dutch, Funtime Funktions (glitter, tattoos, and spin zone), Amazing Balloons, Twin Cities Trapeze performances

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

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Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10pm.

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

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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 Minneapolis Downtown Council. Thank you to our partners, Target, Cordia, Hennepin Healthcare, Stigma, iHeart Radio, Metro Transit, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, City of Minneapolis CEAP, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. For more information, please visit aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.

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Social Media Channels:

Facebook - /aquatennial

Twitter - @aquatennial

Instagram - @aquatennial

Hashtags - #Aquatennial