Fourth of July fireworks return to Minneapolis this year
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
/2024/07/01/1719848299525.gif?w=3840)
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Fireworks will light skies across the Twin Cities this week.
Why it matters: Independence Day just isn't the same without these dazzling displays.
⛈️ What we're watching: The weather. The National Weather Service's current forecast includes rain and thunderstorms.
- Some cities have set backup dates for July 5 or plans to postpone in case severe weather cancels the shows.
What's new: Fireworks are scheduled to return to the Minneapolis riverfront for the first time since the pandemic as part of the park board's "Red White and Boom!" celebration.
What to expect: The 16-minute show, set off from a spot between Boom Island and the Stone Arch Bridge, is scheduled to begin around 10pm, the Star Tribune reports. Live music and food kick off at 6pm.
- Per usual, it's BYO chair or blanket. The park board has more details, tips and a list of parking suggestions.
The catch: The Stone Arch Bridge remains partially closed for construction, so revelers won't be able to walk all the way across it.
⚾️ The other side: St. Paul won't host an official show, but the Saints will have post-game fireworks at CHS field on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.
- The city's annual 4th in The Park celebration is otherwise on, with one of the longest-running parades in the state.
🎆 Zoom out: Here's a look at some of the suburban celebrations on tap:
West metro: Excelsior rescheduled its show along the shores of Lake Minnetonka to Wednesday night due to the weather. St. Louis Park and Chanhassen have celebrations that include fireworks at dusk (also around 10pm) on July 4.
- Canterbury Park in Shakopee will feature post-race fireworks on July 3, and Delano is hosting its show on Saturday night instead.
- Valleyfair cancelled its show due to flooding.
East metro: Celebrations in Woodbury and Maplewood include family-friendly activities, food and fireworks.
- Stillwater's annual show over the St. Croix River is also postponed due to flooding. Officials haven't set a new date yet.
North metro: Blaine and Coon Rapids have fireworks on July 4.
- Anoka, home to the state's first social district, will hold its festivities on Wednesday.
South metro: Bloomington's Summer Fete, which also "rings in" July 4 a day early on Wednesday, claims to have one of the state's largest firework displays.
- Apple Valley Freedom Days and Eagan's Funfest will feature car shows, parades and other fun before the main event on July 4.
- And in Lakeville, the July 4 fireworks serve as a kick off to the town's annual Pan-O-Prog festival.
🚫 The bottom line: Personal use of most fireworks is illegal in Minnesota, so it's best to leave the displays to the pros.
Go deeper: The secrets of a (legal) Minnesota fireworks show
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Excelsior's show was rescheduled for Wednesday.
