The mpls downtown council (mdc) is proud to announce the 2023 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

The bookends of this year’s schedule are our longtime signature events:

• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Along Nicollet from 12th to 4th Street

Annually the largest nighttime event in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

• Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 22 at 10 p.m.
Along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge

The Target Fireworks, produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. The fireworks will once again be synced to music this year.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway
beginning at 6 p.m.

Most of the events take place in the heart of the City of Lakes in downtown – from Loring Park and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days.

A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events.