Minneapolis 4th of July Fireworks & Events Guide
Wondering what’s happening this holiday weekend in Minneapolis? Explore all your 4th of July options in one place!
Last Updated: 6/19/26
Where are the best places to view the fireworks in Minneapolis?
The downtown riverfront fireworks, known as Red White & Boom will go off at 10 pm on July 4th. Nothing beats the views of the sparkling lights over the river, so find a bridge, a park, or a rooftop restaurant where you can see all of the beautiful displays! Here are our top five picks for where to watch. See below for more details on each:
PLEASE NOTE: The sound of fireworks may trigger the nervous system of dogs and other pets with hearing sensitivity, causing them to become anxious or afraid. If you intend to bring your dog to an outdoor Minneapolis celebration, make sure they are on a leash and close by during the fireworks display to ensure that they do not run away.
1. Stone Arch Bridge
This is the absolute best place to see the skies. Watching fireworks on the Stone Arch Bridge is like watching history, as the bridge is a link to the rich past of Minneapolis. You’ll be right above the Mississippi River and right below the action. Get here early though, it fills up quick! Make it a day downtown and plan pre-firework activities!
2. Gold Medal Park
One of the most underrated spots in downtown Minneapolis, Gold Medal Park offers a more traditional viewing experience. Throw a blanket on the grass, toss a ball around and gaze up at the fireworks while you lie down and relax.
INSIDER TIP: Bring bug spray!
3. Guthrie Endless Bridge
A more unconventional place to watch fireworks, true, but it has that same VIP feel that the Mill City Museum Observation Deck has. You’ll be off the ground and closer to the action, and you’ll have a completely unobstructed view of the fireworks.
4. Bde Maka Ska
Parks are great, and buildings are very cool places to get closer to the fireworks. But, if you want a more chill 4th of July experience, Bde Maka Ska is where you want to be. Grill out, play some volleyball, kayak/paddle on the lake and sit on the beach while you get a great view of the downtown fireworks. Make a night of it! Hang out in Uptown before and after the fireworks show for more entertainment and cuisine.
Note: Dogs are allowed everywhere but the beaches
5. Hennepin Avenue Bridge
With the Mississippi rolling through Minneapolis, bridges are a necessity here, and sometimes they are useful for more than just crossing! The Hennepin Avenue Bridge is a perfect location to snag a phenomenal view of the fireworks display. Just like Nicollet Island, situated just under the bridge, this is a great spot to conveniently hit up various Minneapolis hot spots both before and after the show. Whether you go to Northeast, the North Loop and Warehouse District or Downtown, there is a place for you at either end of this bridge. Take the Light Rail downtown or park nearby and walk to the bridge for an easy and favorable Fourth of July.
6. Nicollet Island
Located between Downtown and Northeast Minneapolis, Nicollet Island is the perfect green space to unfold a blanket and lie back on the grass to watch fireworks. A beautiful garden, picnic area, and walking path make this a great place to spend the day relaxing before the night's celebrations. Situated right under the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, restaurants are abundant on both sides of the river. Grab a bite to eat in Northeast for dinner and head over to downtown for drinks after! Nicollet Island is the perfect spot to experience the right dose of relaxation and celebration this holiday.
7. Restaurant Rooftops
A lot of people don’t generally think of restaurants as prime places to watch fireworks, but we say, “Why not?!” You’re up in the air, you’ll have a great view AND there are people that will serve you food and drinks. Check out more about Minneapolis' best rooftops in the city to try before and after the fireworks show!
Photo Credit: John Yuccas
More 4th of July Related Events in Minneapolis
July 3, 2026
7:30pm
Lake Harriet Bandshell
Happy 250th birthday, USA! Enjoy celebratory and reflective pieces fit for a young nation!
July 4, 2026
10am - 8pm
Utepils Brewing Co
Join Vida y Deportes for a free Men's World Cup Street Fair! This family-friendly festival will feature a massive World Cup viewing Screen, international food, live music, local vendors, games, giveaways, and a youth soccer tournament hosted by Twin Cities SOl, highlighting futsal and youth engagement in the sport.
July 4, 2026
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Water Works Park
We’re bringing BACK for another year a full K‑pop Random Dance pop‑up to the riverfront before the fireworks go off. Come dance, celebrate, and kick off your Fourth of July with your favorite songs, your favorite community, and the best vibes in Minneapolis.
Events and Fireworks Near Minneapolis
July 4th Funfest
Where: Eagan
When: July 2-4
Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration
Where: Coon Rapids
When: July 2-4
Rock and Rockets
Where: Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel, Prior Lake
When: July 4 | 5pm-10:30pm
Firecracker: Lake Minnetonka Fireworks
Where: The Commons, Excelsior
When: July 4
4th in the Park
Where: St. Anthony Park, St. Paul
When: July 4th
