Find Fireworks And Other Fourth Of July Events In Minneapolis

Minneapolis truly has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to celebrating our nation's birthday. What are your plans?

The Neighborhood Celebration:

Head on down to for the Tangletown neighborhood's regular July 4th parade and festival. The parade kicks off at Washburn High School at 10:00 a.m. and march down to the park, where live music, games, face painting, inflatable slide, brats/hot dogs/roasted corn/sno-cones and more await. The fun lasts until 1:30 p.m.

The Neighborhood Fireworks: Powderhorn Park

Downtown Minneapolis may have Red White and Boom, but Powderhorn is a strong rival for "Best Fireworks In Minneapolis." As soon as Tangletown's event wraps up, scoot on over to Powderhorn Park on the other side of Interstate 35-W for an afternoon and evening of live music and picnicking. Musically travel the world—or the neighborhood, in multiethnic Powderhorn's case—watching everything from Aztec dancing, west African drumming, and electric blues. Want to take a break for the afternoon? Check out Theatre Pro Rata's sequin-jacketed play about the 44 United States presidents at 7:30. Come back at 9:00 p.m. for fire spinning or at 10:00 p.m. for fireworks!

The Big Show: Red White And Boom!

Head downtown for the fireworks event that headlines the city's Independence Day celebrations. July 3, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is hosting a 5k race at 6:30 p.m. and a 9:00 p.m. showing of the "Captain America" movie on Nicollet Island. On July 4, live music and family events will take place along Main Street on the far side of the river. Fireworks begin at 10:00 p.m., which as always can be seen from the Stone Arch Bridge.

The Big Street Party: The Somali-American Independence Day Celebration

Being held on Sunday July 1, this festival is a little ahead of Independence day, but it sounds totaly worth it. Head on down to Lake Street between Blaisdel Ave and Pleasant Ave from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for traditional music, dance, ballon stand, henna table, moon walk & camel rides. All are welcome.

The Big Dose Of History: Fort Snelling

Tired of all those contemporary celebrations? Find out what the 4th was like on what used to be the edge of the United States. Historic Fort Snelling opens the day with a parade at 10:00 a.m., a battle reenactment at noon, a game of rounders (proto-baseball) at 3:00 p.m. and many more events lasting until 5:00 p.m. While you're going in that direction, you can check out the first copies of the Constitution and Bill of Rights ever made on display at the Minnesota History Center and the center's upcoming exhibit on the Dakota War of 1862.

A Special Request: Please don't call 911 for fireworks complaints on July 4th. The Minneapolis Police Department would give you a big hug if you didn't, and let them watch out for genuine public safety problems instead (like if one of those fireworks lights a house or reveler on fire). If you'd like to report a fireworks disturbance, they're asking you to use this online form, instead.