Must-Do’s at the Minneapolis Aquatennial

Minneapolis has been booked and busy this summer, hosting a major event nearly every week—from the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and Taste of Minnesota to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and outdoor art fairs. Next up in the city’s jam-packed festival season is the Minneapolis Aquatennial , which returns to downtown Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27.

Photo by Hoskovec Photography

Whether you’re planning an entire Aquatennial weekend or just want to swing by a few festivities, this year’s schedule has plenty to enjoy. To help plan your itinerary with ease, here are our editor’s picks for what to see and do this week:

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade (July 24, 7:30 p.m.)

Don’t miss the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota! This parade fills downtown Minneapolis with floats, displays, and marching bands to kick off the festival every year. Plus, the PWHL Minnesota team will serve as this year’s Grand Marshals following their Walter Cup championship victory. Catch the action along Nicollet Avenue from 12th Street to Fourth Street.

Movies in the Park: “Barbie” (July 24, approx. 8:45 p.m.)

Grab some snacks and something to sit on before heading to The Commons for an outdoor screening of one of last year’s biggest blockbusters. The movie starts at dusk, so be sure to come early and secure your spot.

CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class (July 25, 5:30-7 p.m.)

Enjoy a free Fundamental V inyasa F low class with CorePower at Boom Island Park.

Courtesy of Mpls Downtown Council

Warehouse District Live (July 26 and 2 7 , 7 p.m.-3 a.m.)

Come experience all the Warehouse District has to offer at this late-night celebration, which features food trucks, seating, and free activities amid the surrounding bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The party will take place along First Avenue North from Fifth Street to Sixth Street.

Day of Music at Orchestra Hall (July 27, 9 a.m. -10 p.m. )

Twin Cities-based artists and music groups will perform on Orchestra Hall’s stages all day Saturday. Choose from a variety of programming, including a family concert, youth orchestras, drum ensemb les, hip-hop artists, live storytelling, and more. Plus, the Minnesota Orchestra will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Loring Park Art Festival (July 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Since 2000, the scenic Loring Park has served as the perfect locale for this beloved art festival. There will be over 140 artists selling original work, as well as children’s activities, stage performances and strolling musicians, food vendors, and a beer garden.

Twin Cities Carifest (July 27, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Find Caribbean food, music, arts, crafts, and a traditional carnival parade at this premier Caribbean festival, held along the banks of the Mississippi River. Head down to West River Road between Plymouth Avenue and Broadway Avenue to join the fun.

AquaJam (July 27, 4-7 p.m.)

An Aquatennial classic, this legacy event gained popularity in the 1980s. Stop by West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge to watch skateboarders from 3-5 p.m., and stick around for food and beverages, shopping, live music, and more.

Target Fireworks (July 27, 10 p.m.)

Everyone’s favorite firework show is back for another year! Considered one of the top five annual fireworks displays in the nation, the Aquatennial’s closing event is always a must-see . The show takes place along West River Parkway—spots fill up very fast , so be sure to arrive early (festival organizers say the best spots are between Gold Medal Park and the Third Avenue Bridge). Pre-show live music and on-site activities will keep you busy from 6-10 p.m.

Photo by Hoskovec Photography

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