Aquatennial | July 20th-23rd 2022
THE OFFICIAL CIVIC CELEBRATION OF
THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS
WEDNESDAY JULY 20TH - SATURDAY JULY 23RD
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY, AND OPEN FOR ALL TO ENJOY
Graphic courtesy of Minneapolis Aquatennial
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. Minnesota residents, workers and visitors have come to love and appreciate all that Minneapolis has to offer.
The Minneapolis Downtown Council proudly produces the Minneapolis Aquatennial each year.
Here are a few events that you can look forward to at this year’s celebration.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH
Lawn games at go outside with hennepin county
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza
Don’t miss out on lawn games at Hennepin County Government Center during Aquatennial. Each Tuesday through Thursday throughout the summer, South Plaza features an outdoor activities and picnic space during your lunch break courtesy of Go Outside with Hennepin County. The space features lawn games, art activities and more.
These events take place each Tuesday through Thursday from June 1 through August 31, so be sure to enjoy South Plaza throughout the summer. To learn more, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/gooutside.
centerpoint energy torch light parade
7:30 PM
Nicollet from 12th Street to 4th Street
Join us for the Aquatennial’s CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, set to take place Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. on Nicollet beginning at 12th Street and running to 4th Street. Join the community as they gather and watch floats, displays and bands march through the heart of mpls downtown. Plus, plus take in piano performances, games, Street Show performances and activities all along Nicollet from 6-8 pm. Come down and celebrate on July 20! Arrive early, find a spot along the parade route and enjoy!
The Minneapolis Aquatennial CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade has been a longstanding Aquatennial tradition. We’re excited to see you at this year’s event!
Learn more about this year’s CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade here!
movies in the park at the commons
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
The Commons
Some of the best views of mpls downtown are from The Commons, and this summer you can enjoy evenings in this two-block green space with Movies in the Park. Grab your friends or family, some chairs or blankets to sit on, swing by one of your favorite downtown restaurants and grab some food, and head over for a fun evening nestled between the downtown skyline and U.S. Bank Stadium. During Aquatennial, the Movie in the Park will be Black Panther. Enjoy!
For the full movies and music schedule, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/commons.
THURSDAY, JULY 21ST
NICOLLET MARKET
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Nicollet (between 6th and 9th Streets)
Stop by the Nicollet Market during Aquatennial and enjoy great local produce, vegetables, flowers and much more. The Nicollet Market is located along Nicollet and is open 10 am-2:30 pm each Thursday from June through September. For more information, visit www.mplsfarmersmarket.com.
music in the park at the commons
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Commons
Join us at The Commons for a summer concert series on Thursdays from July-August! During Aquatennial, Concerts at The Commons will be featuring JoJo Green. Join us from 5-6 pm on July 21 for a fun, free musical performance in the heart of mpls downtown!
learn how to roller skate
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Peavey Plaza
Join us for a fun evening of roller skating at The Commons. The first hour will include live music from JoJo Green courtesy of the Music in the Park program. Roller skates will be available with varying sizes available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
aquatennial blood drive
9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Peavey Plaza
Join us for the Aquatennial Blood Drive and help give back to your community during The Best Days of Summer! The Aquatennial Blood Drive is brought to you by the American Red Cross. Sign up in advance through the online registration, or stop by the day of the event. The Aquatennial Blood Drive will take place 9 am-3 pm at the Red Cross bloodmobile at Peavey Plaza.
Click here to sign up and schedule your blood donation.
In addition, the Red Cross has expanded its testing to include sickle cell trait screening on all donations from self-identified African American donors. This additional screening will help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help sickle cell patients and provide our Black donors an additional health insight during a time when health information has never been more important.
alchemy 365 at aquatennial
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Let’s celebrate summer in the city! Alchemy 365 is taking over the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for a free Cardio class to celebrate the Minneapolis Aquatennial! Check-in will begin at 5PM and class will begin at 5:30PM. Class is free and all fitness levels are welcome – bring your own yoga mat and get ready for a good time.
This 50-minute class starts with a gradual, yet progressive warm up integrating fundamental yoga postures to get the body moving and the heart pumping. Our Cardio class peaks when you give it your all during a 20-minute stretch of maximum cardio. Class winds down with a dose of incredibly soothing stretching so you can walk away ready to conquer your day.
Pre-register at: https://alchemy365.io/aquatennial
TWIN CITIES RIVER RATS AQUATENNIAL WATER SKI SHOW
7:00 PM
West Bank of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues
The Twin Cities River Rats present Super Mario World!
Join Mario and Luigi, and their friend Princess Peach, on their quest to rid the water ski world of villains and the dreaded Bowser. Super Mario World is filled with adventure, including high-flying jumps, tall pyramids, powerful balancing acts, and barefoot tricks. But, will all the courageous tricks be enough for Mario, Luigi and Peach to convince Bowser to be a friend of Super Mario World? Join us for a free, family show to find out!
DETAILS:
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River between the Broadway and Plymouth Ave Bridges. Pre-show begins at 6:30pm, main show starts at 7pm.
Street parking only along West River Road (arrive early for easier parking). Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for seating. Concessions are available.
1758 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
twin cities carifest
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
West River Road between Plymouth Ave. & Broadway Ave.
For more than two decades, Twin Cities Carifest has been the premier Caribbean Festival featuring Caribbean food, music, arts, crafts, and a traditional carnival parade with colorful costumes and dance. Held along the banks of the Mississippi River, you can see the Minneapolis Aquatennial Target Fireworks!
Follow Twin Cities Carifest on Facebook or on Twitter for more information.
aquajam
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge
An Aquatennial classic event is back! Join us for AquaJam, a legacy event that was a popular Aquatennial destination during the 1980s. This year’s event is taking place right along West River Parkway. Stop by and either take part or watch incredible skateboard just steps away from foods, beverages, shopping, live music and more, all leading up to the Target Fireworks at 10 pm.
target fireworks
10:00 PM
West River Parkway
Join the Minneapolis Aquatennial in celebrating another year of with the Target Fireworks, considered one of the top five annual fireworks displays in the nation. The event will take place at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. Get there early! Space fills up pretty quickly at this beloved event along West River Parkway. Music and activities run from 6-10 pm.
Viewing Tips: Come early to get your viewing spot—bring sunscreen for the afternoon and bug spray for the evening. The best spots are between Gold Medal Park and the 3rd Avenue Bridge on West River Parkway.
While you’re there: Enjoy a show, tour or walk on the Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theatre, learn about Minneapolis’ history at the Mill City Museum, enjoy a morning at the Mill City Farmers Market or a leisurely afternoon at Gold Medal Park.
AQUATENNIAL VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES
Graphic Courtesy of Minneapolis Aquatennial
ESSENTIAL AQUATENNIAL MAPS
CLICK THE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION. WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
*Event information courtesy of Aquatennial Minneapolis Official Website.