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.