Minneapolis Aquatennial

Often called “Best Days of Summer,” the Minneapolis Aquatennial will return July 19-22, 2023 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 19th

  • Aquatennial Blood Drive
    9:00am-3:00pm, U.S. Bancorp Center
  • Park Market: The Black Market
    11:00am-3:00pm, The Commons
  • Go Outside: Summer Sessions
    11:30am - 1:00pm, Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza
  • Music in the Park: Spaghetti Monetti and The Sauce
    12:00pm-1:00pm, The Commons
  • USTA Cardio Tennis
    5:30pm - 7:30pm, Loring Park
  • Loring Park Family Fun Night
    5:30pm-7:30pm, Loring Park
  • CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
    7:30pm, Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street
  • Movies in the Park at The Commons (Best in Show)
    9:30pm - 11:30pm, The Commons

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Thursday, July 20th

  • Downtown Thursdays
    11:30am-1:30pm, Nicollet from Washington Avenue to 10th Street
  • Go Outside: Movie Night at Target Field Station (Legally Blonde)
    7:00pm-6:30pm, Target Field Station
  • Learn to Roller Skate at Aquatennial
    5:30pm-9:00pm, The Commons
  • Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
    7:00pm, West Bank of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues
  • Music in the Park: Chemistry Set
    7:00pm-8:00pm, The Commons

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Friday, July 22nd

  • Park Market: Indigenous Market
    10:00am-2:00pm, Water Works Park
  • Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial
    5:30pm-6:30pm, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  • Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
    7:00pm, West Bank of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues
  • Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox
    7:10pm, Target Field

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Saturday, July 22nd

  • USTA Cardio Tennis
    9:00am - 10:30am, Loring Park
  • Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Open House
    10:00am - 4:00pm, Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam
  • AquaJam
    4:00pm - 7:00pm, West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge
  • Mpls Craft Market
    5:00pm - 10:00pm, Chicago Mall (between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum)
  • City of Lakes Market
    5:00pm - 10:00pm, Chicago Mall (between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum)
  • Pre-Fireworks Festivities - Live Music
    6:00pm-10:00pm, West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge
  • Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities
    6:00pm - 9:00pm, West River Parkway near Portland Avenue
  • Target Fireworks
    10:00pm, West River Parkway

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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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