Aquatennial, the Celebration of Minneapolis, is getting ready to set sail on July 18 – 26, 2026!
As is tradition, the Aquatennial highlight is the Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 22, and ends with a bang with the Target Field Fireworks on Sunday, July 26.
The schedule includes free, family fun options such as outdoor movies, Twin Cities River Rats shows, musical performances, games and fitness activities, pop-up markets, fireworks, Kids Zone, AlleyJam Skateboarding and SO much more.
Here are some of the highlights of the Minneapolis Aquatennial *A full schedule of events can be found on their website.
Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial.
Aquatennial Celebration and Events
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is back this summer with a full week of fun for families! From fireworks and parades to movies, music, water shows, markets, and more—this is one of the biggest summer celebrations in the Twin Cities. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to enjoy the whole weekend, there’s something exciting happening every day.
Signature Events You Can’t Miss:
🚒 Aquatennial Torchlight Parade
Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets
Minnesota’s biggest nighttime parade features glowing floats, marching bands, and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach Bob Motzko!🎆 Target Field Fireworks
Friday, July 24 at 7pm
Fans can catch a postgame fireworks show following the Aquatennial-themed Minnesota Twins game at Target Field.
Day-by-Day Breakdown –
Here’s a family-focused roundup of the major events happening during the 2026 Minneapolis Aquatennial (July 18 – 26) –
Minneapolis Aquatennial Events (July 18–26, 2026)
Wednesday, July 15 (Pre-Aquatennial)
Loring Park Family Fun Night
Kick off Aquatennial with an evening of family-friendly entertainment, activities, games, and community fun at Loring Park.
Saturday, July 18
- ⚓ Model Sailboat Pond (Government Plaza)
- Watch miniature sailboats race around a temporary pond in Government Plaza, and kids can even try sailing one themselves.
- 🏮 Floating Lanterns & Night Market (Bde Maka Ska North Beach)
- Head to Bde Maka Ska for an evening featuring floating lanterns, local makers, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities.
Sunday, July 19
- 🥛 Twin Cities Beach Blast
- Spend the day at Bde Maka Ska enjoying the popular Milk Carton Boat Races, Sandcastle Competition, beach activities, and more.
- ⛵ Free Sailing
- Experience sailing on Bde Maka Ska with free introductory rides offered by the Minneapolis Sailing Center.
- ❄️ Frozen Jr. Performance
- Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor performance of the beloved Disney musical.
Monday, July 20
- 🏐 Community sports and recreation activities throughout Minneapolis parks, including family-friendly games and outdoor programming.
Tuesday, July 21
- Summer Snowball Classic | Enjoy one of Aquatennial’s most unique traditions as participants cool off with an epic summertime snowball fight.
Wednesday, July 22
- 🎉 CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
- One of Minnesota’s largest nighttime parades featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, performers, and community groups traveling down Nicollet Mall.
- Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show| Watch the nationally known River Rats perform thrilling jumps, stunts, and water ski acts on the Mississippi River.
- Movies in the Park | Wrap up the evening with a free outdoor movie at The Commons.
Thursday, July 23
- 🎵 Live music, outdoor entertainment, and Aquatennial partner events continue throughout Minneapolis.
- Summer Showtunes with Hennepin Arts | Enjoy free live musical performances in downtown Minneapolis.
Friday, July 24
- 🎪 Community celebrations, family entertainment, food vendors, and live performances continue across official Aquatennial venues.
Saturday, July 25
Lawn Games at Water Works
-Play giant outdoor games while enjoying the riverfront.
CorePower Yoga – Vinyasa Flow
-Take part in a free outdoor yoga class at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Aquatennial Night at the Minnesota Twins
-Celebrate Aquatennial at Target Field with the Twins and enjoy special festivities during the game.
🎶 Additional family entertainment and partner events throughout the city.
Saturday, July 25
Twin Cities Carifest
Celebrate Caribbean culture with music, dancing, food, entertainment, and family activities.
MN Cars & Coffee – Mississippi Mile Aquatennial Car Show
Browse an impressive collection of classic, exotic, and specialty vehicles along the Mississippi River.
Aquatennial Ambassadors Organization Coronation
Watch the annual coronation of the Aquatennial Ambassadors.
Project: Alley Electric Dance Party
Dance the night away at this outdoor electronic music celebration.
Float Fest
Enjoy a day of floating, relaxing, and fun on the river.
Loring Park Art Festival
Browse artwork from talented local and regional artists while enjoying food and live entertainment.
Boom Island Big Bounce
Kids and adults alike can enjoy giant inflatable attractions and bounce houses at Boom Island Park.
Sunday, July 26
- 🎉 Final day of Aquatennial featuring community celebrations and closing events throughout Minneapolis.
Family Favorites
- Model Sailboat Pond
- Floating Lanterns & Night Market
- Milk Carton Boat Races
- Sandcastle Competition
- Free Sailing
- Frozen Jr. outdoor performance
- Summer Snowball Classic
- Torchlight Parade
- Aquatennial Night at Target Field
Editor’s Note: Unlike previous years, the traditional downtown Aquatennial fireworks are not part of the 2026 festival schedule. Instead, fans can catch a postgame fireworks show following the Aquatennial-themed Minnesota Twins game at Target Field.
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is the city’s signature summer festival, celebrating Minneapolis’ beautiful lakes, rivers, and vibrant community with a week of free and family-friendly events. Held each July, the festival brings together residents and visitors for parades, live entertainment, outdoor recreation, sporting events, cultural celebrations, and activities for all ages.
Whether you’re cheering on the Torchlight Parade, watching creative Milk Carton Boat Races, admiring impressive sand sculptures, exploring a lively night market, or enjoying hands-on activities with the kids, Aquatennial offers something for everyone. With many events taking place throughout downtown Minneapolis, Bde Maka Ska, and other parks across the city, it’s one of the Twin Cities’ biggest summer traditions and a great way for families to experience the best of Minneapolis.
Tips for Families
Getting Around: Many events are walkable or bikeable! Bring a stroller or wagon for younger kids.
Food & Drinks: Plenty of food trucks, markets, and vendors will be on site.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water bottles, and picnic blankets for outdoor fun.
Cost: Everything is free—no tickets needed!
(except for the Minnesota Twins game on July 23rd, 2026)
💙 Celebrate Summer in the City of Lakes
Aquatennial is a fantastic way to enjoy everything Minneapolis has to offer—music, parades, art, community, and summer fun! Whether you’re local or visiting, bring the kids and make some sweet summer memories together.
📲 Check out the full schedule and updates at aquatennial.com/events
More information is available at aquatennial.com and follow along @Aquatennial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute details.
