2022 Aquatennial sets sail July 20-23

On this first day of summer, the organizers of the Aquatennial are delighted to announce the 2022 lineup of events. The 83^rd Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis, will set sail Wednesday, July 20 through Saturday, July 23, 2022. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

The bookends of this year’s schedule are our longtime signature events:

• CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Along Nicollet from 12^th to 4^th Street

Annually the largest nighttime event in Minnesota, the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

• Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 23 at 10 p.m.

Along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Road near the Stone Arch Bridge

The Target Fireworks, produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge beginning at 6 p.m.

“The Aquatennial schedule has something for everyone here in downtown Minneapolis,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Our City’s Official Civic Celebration, Aquatennial, is a beloved summer tradition. It brings us together for fun unforgettable moments. Whether you join us for the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, the Target Fireworks, or all of our two dozen events, we look forward to seeing you downtown and having you take part in all the collective urban experiences that make our city special.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of the City of Lakes in downtown – from Peavey Plaza and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2022 Minneapolis Aquatennial^*. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial.

2022 Aquatennial

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Go Outside with Hennepin County lawn games, Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12^th to 4^th Streets, 7:30 p.m.
• Movies in the Park: “Black Panther” – The Commons (425 Portland Ave. So), at 9:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 21

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Downtown Thursdays: Nicollet Market, music, performance and more –

Nicollet between 6^th to 8^th, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Go Outside with Hennepin County lawn games, Government Center South Plaza,

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• Music in the Park: JoJo Green – The Commons, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Learn to Roller Skate at Aquatennial – The Commons, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Outdoor Movie Night, Go Outside with Hennepin County: “Aquaman” –

Target Field Station, 7 p.m.

• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 22

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30 p.m.
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between

Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

• Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam Open House – St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam,

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• Salsa Cookoff – Midtown Global Market (920 E. Lake Street), 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• AquaJam Skateboarding – Water Works, West River Parkway near Portland Avenue 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• City of Lakes Market – West River Parkway near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Mpls Craft Market – West River Parkway near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge,

6 pm. – 10 p.m.

• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10 p.m.

More information is available at aquatennial.com and follow along @Aquatennial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute details.

Volunteers Needed

The Aquatennial relies on dozens of volunteers to help make the festival a success. Sign up online to be part of the Aquatennial Volunteer Program and assist with such events as the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. Perks include access to the partner viewing area at the Fireworks, a t-shirt, and other benefits. aquatennial.com/volunteer/