MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesotans know that in the land of four seasons, summer can feel painfully short... so every day is worth celebrating.
In Minneapolis, however, four days are of particular note: those that constitute the summer party known as the Aquatennial. On Monday, organizers announced the lineup of events that will unfold between Wednesday, July 24, and Saturday, July 27. They range from the traditional opening night Torchlight Parade down Nicollet Mall and Saturday's concluding fireworks to Boom Island Yoga, Movies in the Park and music at Warehouse District Live.
Most of the action will take place downtown in the heart of the City of Lakes.
“Aquatennial is a beloved summer destination for our community,” said Adam Duininck, President & CEO of the Minneapolis 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.”
Here is a list of Aquatennial highlights - all are free and designed to be family friendly!
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.
For the entire schedule of events, visit the official 2024 Aquatennial website. It will be updated in the weeks leading to opening day.
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