Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, is getting ready to set sail with two dozen events taking place from Wednesday, July 21 through Saturday, July 24. This year’s schedule of events is filled with traditional Aquatennial favorites and an array of new activities with the majority located in and around downtown Minneapolis. All events are free and open to the public.
“We are excited to welcome everyone to Aquatennial this summer, as we are leading the way back to enjoying collective urban experiences together,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Whether it is the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Target Fireworks—a top 5 annual display in the country, group fitness activities, shopping local makers, a Twin Cities River Rats show or listening to live music, we know there is something you and yours will love. We can’t wait to see you downtown.”
From the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to Peavey Plaza, Midtown Global Market to the Mississippi Riverfront, Nicollet to Mill Ruins Park, the 82nd Aquatennial will provide fun opportunities for all ages including its flagship events the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks.
“Aquatennial is our Official Civic Celebration and a summer staple here in Minneapolis, and we are thrilled to return to celebrate together this year,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “From our world-class culinary scene to views along the river and so much more, we invite you to enjoy everything our city has to offer. Whether you make every Aquatennial or this is your first time joining, there’s always something new to try downtown, and we can’t wait to welcome you for this year’s events.”
The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days as many of the festivities take place throughout downtown and at or near the riverfront, the birthplace of our city.
“Aquatennial is an annual tradition in Minneapolis, a time that offers fun ways to gather and enjoy outdoor spaces together,” said Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “We enjoy having Aquatennial events in our park system each year, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to enjoy their favorite events again this July. Events will take you along the Mississippi Riverfront to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and there is something for everyone at Aquatennial while enjoying some of our city’s beautiful outdoor spaces.”
Here are some of the highlights of the 2021 Minneapolis Aquatennial*. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events.
Flagship Events
CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
Wednesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street
The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade will illuminate downtown Minneapolis along Nicollet with parade units, floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown. The parade will begin at 12th Street and run to 4th Street.
Target Fireworks
Saturday, July 24 at 10 p.m.
West River Parkway near Portland Avenue
The Target Fireworks are considered one of the Top 5 annual fireworks displays in the country. Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities along the riverfront on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge beginning at 6 p.m. Live musical entertainment will include the Command Steppers, Dred I Dread, and Annie Mack. The world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team spends approximately two to four hours per each minute of the display to ensure that the display and music are perfectly synced.
The 2021 Minneapolis Aquatennial schedule is as follows*:
Wednesday, July 21
Aquatennial Blood Drive at Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunchtime Lawn Games at Peavey Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pianos on Parade Performance at Peavey Plaza, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22
Downtown Thursdays along Nicollet and throughout downtown, all day
Nicollet Farmers Market & Makers Market – Nicollet between 6th and 8th Streets, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Aquatennial Blood Drive at Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunchtime Lawn Games at Peavey Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Jam at Peavey Plaza, MNSpin live music performance featuring Twins of Franklin, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Pianos on Parade Performance Presented by PNC Bank featuring James “Cornbread” Harris at Peavey Plaza, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Concert at the Commons featuring Jessica Vines (425 Portland Ave. So.), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Aquatennial Workout Party with YWCA of Minneapolis at Peavey Plaza, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway bridges), 7 p.m.
Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 7:10 p.m.
Friday, July 23
The Alley Project at Mixed Precipitation (between FAIR School & The Chambers Hotel), 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (726 Vineland Pl), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway bridges), 7 p.m.
Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, July 24
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Open House (1 Portland Ave), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Twin Cities Carifest on (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway), 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Jonny Pops Pop In – Ice Cream Social at Midtown Global Market (920 E. Lake St), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City of Lakes Market (in partnership with The Black Market) at the Chicago Mall on West River Parkway between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pre-Fireworks Festivities — live music at West River Parkway near Portland Ave., 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 6:10 p.m.
Target Fireworks, West River Parkway near Portland Ave., 10 p.m.