You might have thought that the vibrant Minneapolis downtown on the Mississippi River could not become any more exciting and entertaining than it already is. But it does just that with the July arrival of the Aquatennial, the city’s spectacular celebration of the summer.
The 2012 Minneapolis Aquatennial marks the 73rd annual civic celebration for the City of Lakes. The excitement begins Friday, July 13 and carries on for nine fun-filled days, ending with a bang with the Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 21.
Along with the favorite events Minnesotans have come to know and love at the Aquatennial, this year’s festival brings an array of new events to the lineup, ranging from the Life Time Tri Minneapolis at Lake Nokomis, to the Global Smoothie Smack Down at the Midtown Global Market and the NorthStarSurf Stand-Up Paddle at the Star Tribune Beach Bash.
Three of the Aquatennial’s flagship events are:
The Star Tribune Beach Bash on July 15 features the Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races and Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition at Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis.
The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade on Hennepin Ave. between Dunwoody College of Technology & 5th St., Minneapolis on the evening of July 18 is a one-of-a-kind parade which will illuminate downtown with bands, floats and fun for all ages.
The Target Fireworks on the West River Parkway along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis on July 21 is one of the largest annual firework shows in the country. In addition to the amazing fireworks at 10pm, enjoy pre-fireworks festivities with live music beginning at 6pm, between Portland Avenue and the 3rd Avenue Bridge.
The Minneapolis Downtown council works to preserve and enhance a vital and attractive downtown for the people who invest, work, shop, visit and live in Minneapolis. For more information, visit downtownmpls.com.
Find a comprehensive list of events go to Aquatennial.
For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota.