Minneapolis Aquatennial

Often called “Best Days of Summer,” the Minneapolis Aquatennial will return July 24-27, 2024 with a jam-packed schedule of events.

What is it?

The Minneapolis Aquatennial originated in 1940 as an annual multi-day outdoor event celebrating the city's famous lakes, streams and rivers. Known to many as The Best Days of Summer, events include a parade, marathons, performances, like music, special festivities and of course, water activities like canoeing and a water ski show.

Visit the official Aquatennial website for more information about this year's festivities and to learn how to register for specific events.

Events

Wednesday, July 24

  • Go Outside: Summer Sessions
    11:30am-1:00pm, Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza
  • Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
    12:10pm, Target Field
  • Music in the Park
    Noon-1:00pm, The Commons
  • USTA Cardio Tennis
    5:30-7:30pm, Loring Park
  • Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show
    6:30pm, West Bank of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues
  • Aquatennial Torchlight Parade
    7:30-9:30pm, Nicollet Mall between the Minneapolis Convention Center & 2nd Street
  • Movies in the Park at The Commons
    9:00-11:30pm, The Commons

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Thursday, July 25

  • Downtown Thursdays
    11:30am-1:30pm, Nicollet from Washington Avenue to 10th Street
  • CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class
    5:30-7:00pm, Boom Island Park
  • Go Outside: Movie Night at Target Field Station
    7:00pm-9:00pm, Target Field Station
  • Music in the Park
  • 7:00-8:00pm, The Commons
  • Movies in the Park
    9:00-11:30pm, Loring Park

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Friday, July 26

  • Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial
    6:00pm-7:00pm, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  • Music in the Park
    7:00-8:00pm, Water Works Park
  • Warehouse District Live
    7:00pm-3:00am, 1st Avenue North, 5th Street - 6th Street

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Saturday, July 27

  • YMCA 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
    8:00am-4:00pm, The Alley Project
  • Day of Music at Orchestra Hall
    9:00am-11:00pm, Orchestra Hall
  • USTA Cardio Tennis
    9:00-10:30am, Kenwood Park Tennis Courts
  • Twin Cities Carifest
    10:00am-10:00pm, West River Road between Plymouth Avenue and Broadway Avenue
  • Nicollet Island Aquatennial Market
    10:00am-4:00pm, Nicollet Island
  • Loring Park Art Festival
    10:00am-6:00pm, Loring Park
  • Minnesota Sinfonia Concert
    2:30-3:30pm, Loring Park
  • MN Cars & Coffee Show
    4:00-7:00pm, West River Parkway near 3rd Avenue Bridge
  • AquaJam
    4:00-7:00pm, West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge
  • Minneapolis Craft Market
    5:00-10:00pm, Chicago Mall (between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum)
  • Pre-Fireworks Festivities
    6:00-10:00pm. West River Parkway near 3rd Ave Bridge & Portland Avenue
  • Target Fireworks
    10:00pm, West River Parkway
  • Warehouse District Live
    7:00pm-3:00am, 1st Avenue North, 5th Street - 6th Street

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What's Nearby?

Aquatennial is jam-packed with things to do, but if you're looking to discover more about the area you're in, check out our Minneapolis neighborhood guides.

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