Minneapolis ready to welcome back the Aquatennial with events all week

A summer tradition starts Wednesday in Minneapolis. The 2024 Aquatennial kicks off, the official civic celebration of the city.

Aquatennial spokesperson Megan Gustufson says the Torchlight Parade will run down Nicollet Mall starting at 7:30 Wednesday evening.

"We get people who come from all over the State of Minnesota for the parade, and so that has really stayed true to its roots," she says.

The parade will include over 40 candidates vying to become the 2024 Queen of the Lakes and Aquatennial Princesses. The coronation will take place Saturday at Ted Mann Concert Hall on the University of Minnesota Campus. They'll also debut the new Commodore and Captains who will become the next year's Aquatennial Ambassadors .

Gustufson says this year’s Aquatennial will run through Saturday with the Target Fireworks ending things with a bang.

"We're back on the 3rd Avenue Bridge again this year, and it's going to be another great night in downtown," Gustufson says. "And the weather is looking good for Saturday as well."

The forecast for the rest of the week looks warm and pretty much perfect for Aquatennial events. Expect temps in the 80s, possibly into the 90s, and a rarity so far this summer: no rain.

New this year, a  car show located on West River Parkway plus a new skateboard event, Auqua Jam.

There is also the return of the very popular Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show. It begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on the West Bank of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues.

There are also movies in the Park. Wednesday they'll be showing “Barbie” from 9:00 – 11:30 p.m. at The Commons, just outside U.S. Bank Stadium. You can bring your own chairs and blankets to watch the movie while enjoying some of the best views of downtown Minneapolis.

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

7:30 p.m. - Nicollet, between 12th Street and 4th Street

Join us and the community as the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade illuminates downtown Minneapolis! The procession featuring dozens of floats, displays, and marching bands will make its way down Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street. Arrive early and find your spot along the parade route. It is free and fun for all ages!

This year’s Grand Marshal float will feature members of the champion PWHL Minnesota team, goalie Nicole Hensley, and defender Lee Stecklein.

You can see all of the Aquatennial events listed here .