If you’re tired of the fireworks, you’re in luck this year. Due to COVID-19 concerns, many cities have decided to forgo firework displays. Of course, there will still be plenty of amateur pyro shows. If you plan to light up on your own, please do so safely.
In general, this year’s Fourth of July celebrations will likely look and feel different than in previous years due to the pandemic, but also because many Black people and allies across the nation will be using the holiday to continue the movement for a more equitable America leading up to Blackout Day, July 7.
Below we’ve highlighted a few local events this weekend and beyond, from traditional firework displays to rallies, marches and festivals.
Reminder: If you’re heading out, the CDC and MN Health Department recommend that you protect yourself and others by wearing a facial mask and maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others. It’s also going to be hot and humid so remember to drink plenty of water. If you’re staying in, there are plenty of virtual events like Edina’s virtual parade and more.
JULY 3
Friday Night Films & Fireworks
7 pm @ CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St., St. Paul
Movies and fireworks, not baseball, will rule the St. Paul Saints’ CHS Field for the first in their series of “Friday Night Films & Fireworks” events. On July 3, the Saints will screen film favorite “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” followed by a red, white, and blue celebration of fireworks to light up the sky in Lowertown, St. Paul. $15.Visit saintsbaseball.com or call 651-644-3517for ticket info.
JULY 4
10 am @ Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, 270 N. Lexington, St. Paul
This is the second march for kids and their families to help process the trauma of recent events in the community and nation. Organizers are asking attendees to bring a bottle of water and a face mask. After the march, there will be music, food, and fun for the kids.
Register for free here.
Black Independence Day at the State Capitol – Right To Bear Arms
11 am-1 pm @ Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. Paul
This event is organized by a group that identifies as being anti-gun violence in the community, but not an anti-guns. They will gather to affirm and assert the right of Black Americans to bear arms to “protect our community, family, and children.”
March For Liberty & Justice For All
1– 5 pm @ Cup Foods, 3759 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.
Organizers plan to march from George Floyd’s memorial to Minneapolis City Hall.
4:30– 6:30 pm @ Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S. 5th St., Mpls.
Join MIRAC and groups from around the Twin Cities for a family-friendly event. Bike, skate or rollerblade through Minneapolis and demand fundamental change to the criminal justice system–from the Minneapolis Police Department to the injustice at the border.
5-7:30 pm @ Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S., Mpls.
This event is billed as a “gathering and demonstration celebrating the movement rather than celebrating the systems we’ve identified as broken, recognizing that slavery was a building block for American independence.” The gathering will focus on healing, offering spoken word, guided meditation, and open conversations. There will be opportunities for many voices to be heard. The event will conclude with a silent march to join the Black 4th event (see below) hosted by the 10k foundation at U.S. Bank Stadium.
7-11:29 pm @ U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Mpls.
Put on your black attire, a face mask and some comfortable shoes and continue the call for justice. This event includes a silent march through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, group kneeling, food, fireworks, DJing, and the unveiling of an art installation in honor of Black lives lost to police violence. If you don’t have a face mask, PPE will be provided at the event.
Kneeling Locations: U.S. Bank Stadium, First Avenue, Federal Reserve, Stone Arch Bridge
JULY 6
2-5 pm @ Minnesota Governor’s Residence, 1006 Summit Ave., St. Paul,
This event is in honor of Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Hardel Sherrell, as well as police terror survivors Diamond Reynolds and her Daughter Dae Dae on the anniversary of the police killing of her close friend Philando.
Remembrance of Philando Castile Rally
4-7 pm @ St. Anthony Village City Hall & Community Center, 3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St. Anthony
Everyone is welcome to this annual event honoring the memory of Philando Castile who was killed on July 6, 2016, at the hands of a St. Anthony police officer. There will be speakers, along with opportunities to register to vote and sign petitions. Food and refreshments will be provided by Pimento. Join community members on the streets of Saint Anthony (Silver Lake Rd & 33rd) to fight for justice.
Fourth Annual Philando Castile Candlelight Vigil
8–9:30 pm @ Philando Castile Memorial, Falcon Heights, 1706 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul
Remember Brother Philando Castile at this fourth annual candlelight vigil, following the rally in his honor (see above). There will be a moment of silence and prayers for all the lives lost to police violence. You are welcome to bring candles but some will be provided at the event as well.
Feel free to add more events in the comments and we’ll update the article.
Correction: This story was updated to remove The BlackOUT, which takes place July 25, not July 4.
