Minneapolis Aquatennial
Often called “Best Days of Summer,” the Minneapolis Aquatennial will return July 18-26, 2026 with a jam-packed schedule of events.
What is the Minneapolis Aquatennial?
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.
Aquatennial Events in Minneapolis
Enjoy movies in the parks, neighborhood markets, the Torchlight Parade and more during nine days of Aquatennial 2026!
Thursday, July 16 (Pre-Aquatennial)
Loring Park Family Fun Night
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Loring Park
Saturday, July 18
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Floating Lanterns & Night Market
3pm - 10pm
Bde Maka Ska North Beach
Sunday, July 19
Twin Cities Beach Blast
9am-3pm
Thomas Beach, Bde Maka Ska
ETC Children's Theatre: Frozen Jr.
All Day
Loring Park
Mpls Sailing Center Free Sailing Sunday
All Day
Bde Maka Ska
Tuesday, July 21
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Summer Snowball Classic
6pm - 10pm
The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S
Wednesday, July 22
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Trivia at Water Works Park
6pm - 8pm
Water Works Park, 333 1st St S
River Rats Show
7pm
1758 W River Rd N
Torchlight Parade
7:30pm
Nicollet Mall
Movie at the Park "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning"
8:45 pm
The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S
Thursday, July 23
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Summer Showtunes with Hennepin Arts
12pm-3pm
1022 Hennepin Avenue
Thursday Night Line Dance with Billie
6pm-9pm
Water Works Park, 333 1st St S
Commodore's Dinner
7pm
Venue TBA
Friday, July 24
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Lawn Games at Water Works
3pm - 8pm
Water Works Park, 333 1st St S
CorePower Yoga at the Walker Art Center
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl
Aqua Night with the Minnesota Twins
7:10pm
Target Field, 1 Twins Way
Stay after the game for postgame fireworks! Please note that these are replacing the annual Aquatennial fireworks show.
Saturday, July 25
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
Carifest
10am - 10pm
Venue TBA
Loring Park Art Festival
All Day
Loring Park
Boom Island Big Bounce
11am - 6pm
800 Sibley St NE
Float Fest Party
11am
810 Sibley St NE
The MN Cars and Coffee Mississippi Mile Aquatennial Car Show
3pm
196 W River Pkwy
Aqua Ambassador Coronation
4pm
Tedd Man Concert Hall
Project Alley: Electronic Music Dance Party
6pm
The Alley Project, 15 1/2 N 9th St
Sunday, July 26
Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond
10am - 4pm
Government Plaza
