2013 Guide to Minneapolis' Fourth of July Celebration

Editor's Note: This article was originally published June 28, 2013.

Once again its time to celebrate Independence Day Minneapolis style.

That's right. The city's annual Red, White and Boom celebration kicks of Wednesday, July 3 and ends with a major fireworks display July 4. The celebration is held at sites along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront, and features live music, food and family activities. 

According to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the annual event attracts more than 30,000 people. The following is a guide to all the events happening during the celebration:

Wednesday, July 3

Hot Dam 5K

When: 6:30 p.m. start time with registration opening at 5:30 p.m.

Where: The run begins at Nicollet Island, 420 Main St. SE. Registration is held at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 130 Portland Ave. S. 

Details: Pre-registration has already closed. The cost is $40 for adults and $15 for youth ages 11 and under. Participants 21 and older will receive a free beer from Harriet Brewing following the race; identification is required.

Live Music and a Movie in the Park

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Nicollet Island Amphitheater, 40 Power St. 

Details: This event is free to the public, with music by Rogue Valley followed by the movie "Top Gun." Food and beverages will be available for sale and Harriet Brewing will be on site. Bring chairs or blankets and arrive early because space is limited. 

Thursday, July 4

Live Events and Activities

When: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Father Hennepin Bandshell and Mill Ruins Park

Live Music - Father Hennepin Bandshell

• 6-7:30 p.m.: USONIA
  Indie Dance Rock - Pure Refreshment
• 8-10 p.m.: Herman Jones & Friends
  Bringing back the great sounds of the 70s and 80s bands with funk, R&B, blues.

Live Music - Mill Ruins Park

• 6-7:30 p.m.: TBD
• 8-10 p.m.: PopROCKS! 
  High energy live music show that plays today's hottest hits, 80's rock, throwback hip-hop, pop country, and timeless classics all mashed up and delivered in a party zone format!

Family Fun Zone - Father Hennepin Bandshell 

The Free Family Fun Zone will offer a variety of free activities for kids of all ages, including:

• Face painters;
• Caricature artists;
• Hair braiding;
• Game trucks. 

Food Vendors 

• AZ Canteen;
• Excelsior Grill;
• House of Hunger;
• Jerry’s Lemonade;
• Sandy’s Grill & Italian Ice;
• Schroeder Concessions;
• Stanley’s.

Fireworks

When: 10 p.m.

Details: Fireworks are set off from Water Power Park. Viewing area is the Mississippi riverfront between the Stone Arch and 3rd Avenue bridges.

For more information or to register, go to mplsredwhiteboom.com.