Minneapolis Aquatennial: The Best Days of Summer

Every July, the entire city of Minneapolis, Minnesota and its surrounding suburbs gather for a ten day celebration of the twin cities and everyone who lives and works there. This celebration is known as the Minneapolis Aquatennial. During this Minneapolis festival, local residents and tourists from afar take part in a number of activites, including everything from parades to Minnesota Twins games and even block parties. Listed below is just a sampling of what the Minneapolis Aquatennial has to offer.

Minneapolis Aquatennial Block Party

This exciting event launches the annual Minneapolis Aquatennial. It is held between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue at Nicollet Mall. The outdoor concert features a variety of talented musicians, who entertain a large and diverse audience for free!

Minnesota Twins

Baseball fans, rejoice! Twins Around Town offers Minnesota Twins fans the chance to learn more about the history of their favorite baseball team. Life-sized statues of past and present Minnesota Twins players are featured throughout downtown Minneapolis. Better yet, fans can watch the Minnesota Twins contend with the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians in several exciting ballgames during the Aquatennial.

Star Tribune Beach Bash

The Minneapolis Aquatennial has several outdoor offerings in addition to the aforementioned Minnesota Twins events. An annual favorite is the Star Tribune Beach Bash, held at Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun. Here, Minneapolis Aquatennial participants can enjoy the summer sun while competing in the Sandcastle Competition and the Milk Carton Boat Races.

Torchlight Parade

The Minneapolis Aquatennial CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade runs down Hennepin Avenue. This evening parade is one of the most popular of the Minneapolis Aquatennial events. The parade features marching bands, Minneapolis Aquatennial ambassadors from nearby communities and a number of other exciting appearances.

The Salvation Army's MOST Amazing Race

This Minneapolis Aquatennial event provides an excellent way to support a good cause while competing in a variety of challenges designed to test the physical and mental abilities of the participants. The Minneapolis Aquatennial version of CBS's popular show "The Amazing Race" asks for a minimum $2,000 donation from each team of two that wishes to compete. The winning team is awarded a grand prize of $5,000.

Target Fireworks

For the grand finale of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, Target puts on a spectacular fireworks show, located on the waterfront of the Mississippi River. The best place to watch the fireworks is by the Stone Arch Bridge, although you can get a good view from just about anywhere on the river. The Minneapolis Aquatennial finale is preceded by the Aquatennial RiverBlast, a huge party where families can enjoy delicious food and great music.