July is a great month for getting out of the house to go camping, hiking, exploring all the great outdoor activities that Minnesota has to offer. If you are looking to take an impromptu road trip to see some of the more obscure offerings in Minnesota, be sure to check out Weird Minnesota by Eric Dregni. If you don’t have the time for a road trip right now be sure to get out to the local events that are happening this time of year. In addition to all the 4th of July parades, festivals and fireworks displays there’s also the annual Basilica Block Party with a fantastic line up this year.
Mill City Farmers Market
Where: 704 South 2nd Street
When: May 9-October 31, Saturdays
That fresh Minnesota food you hear about? You can get it here from 8am to 1pm. Mill City Farmers Market’s mission is to promote local, sustainable and organic agriculture, increasing economic opportunities for farmers, urban youth, small businesses and food artisans. To offer experiential learning about and access to healthy local foods, and build a vibrant gathering place for Minneapolis residents and visitors.
http://millcityfarmersmarket.org
Red White and Boom TC Half Marathon
Where: Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
420 Main Street Southeast, Mpls, 55414
When: July 4 | 6:30am
Join the fun by cheering on runners or sign up to run! You’ll find surprises on the course and a booming post-race party at St. Anthony Main. Be a part of the race that is becoming a Nordeast 4th of July tradition and have your first picnic of the day here.
https://www.tcmevents.org/events/red_white__boom_tc_half_marathon_and_relay_-_july_4_2015/
Basilica Block Party
Where: Basilica of Saint Mary
When: July 10-11
From boy bands to mangled lyrics, we’ve all sinned. Repent by attending this “musical redemption” that features local bands and national acts in the shadow of the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis. Plus, proceeds go towards continued renovation of the Basilica, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
http://www.basilicablockparty.org/
Highland Fest
Where: Cleveland and Ford Parkway in St. Paul
When: July 17th – 19th
Arts, crafts, carnival rides, games and food! New things include Wine and Canvas, a meat raffle/bingo, Zumba in the park, a pancake breakfast, a wine tasting, a movie in the park, a Cross Fit competition, the book mobile, a yoga class and the inaugural All Ford Car and Truck Show, commemorating 86 years of the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant in cooperation with Ford Motor Company and Highland Fest.
http://www.highlandfest.com
Minneapolis Aquatennial
Where: Downtown Minneapolis
When: July 22-25
Yes, the entire city of Minneapolis takes a whole week off to party in the sun. The Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. Entering its 76th year, the summer festival has more than 70 events ranging from milk carton boat races to the coveted Torchlight Parade and “Most Amazing Race.”
Places to watch fireworks in the Twin Cities
Apple Valley Freedom Days
Where: Johnny Cake Ridge Park East
When: June 27th – July 4th
2 and 5 mile runs, Freedom Day Parade, Carnival and Fireworks
Blaine Fireworks Extravaganza
Where: National Sports Center
1700 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449
When: July 4th | Dusk
http://www.nscsports.org
Bloomington Summer Fete
Where: Normadale Lake Park
When: July 3rd
Bloomington’s Summer Fete happens every year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. The 84th Street region will kick off with the Kids’ Carnival Area at 5:00pm featuring more inflatable attractions than ever before with a few specialty attractions! The 84th Street Kids’ stage, celebrating its seventh big year, will once again feature the best in family entertainment. Top off the evening with the annual Summer Fete fireworks display.
https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/summer-fete
Chanhassen 4th of July Celebration
Where: 7700 Market Boulevard
When: July 2nd – 4th
This annual celebration is a year-round topic of conversation in the community and is renowned throughout the state. Participation levels top 10,000 people per day. This year’s activities are scheduled for July 2, 3, and 4.
http://www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=272
Eagan 4th of July FunFest
Where: 1501 Central Parkway (Eagan Community Center)
When: July 3rd, 4th and 6th
Parade, car show, bingo, blood drive, music and fireworks
http://www.eaganfunfest.org/events/
Eden Prairie 4th of July Hometown Celebration
Where: Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN
When: July 3rd
5k run, kid’s parade, Fireworks, music by Martin Zeller – Neil Diamond Tribute Show
http://www.edenprairie.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4749/17?curm=7&cury=2015
Edina Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Where: 4801 W 50th St, Edina
When: July 4th, 2014 at 10:00am.
From youth groups marching to seniors dancing, the Edina 4th of July Parade offers excitement for all ages. Parade begins behind Edina City Hall, 4801 W 50th St, Edina, and ends at the US Bank parking lot at 50th St and Halifax Ave. Live music at Roseland Park followed by fireworks at 10:00pm.
http://www.edinaparade.org/main_page.html
Excelsior Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration
Where: Lake Minnetonka
When: July 4th
The Excelsior–Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce proudly produces and hosts the only public 4th of July fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka! Beginning early in the morning, until well past dark, we welcome you to be a part of the 2015 4th of July experience on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, at the Commons Park in downtown Excelsior.
http://www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com/lake-minnetonka-4th-of-july.html
Fort Snelling Independence Day Celebration
Where: Fort Snelling
When: July 4th | 10:00am–5:00pm
Celebrate the nation’s independence as people did in the early 1800’s – cannon salutes, patriotic speeches, theatrical presentation put on by the fort’s soldiers, military dress parade, patriotic and military fife and drum music, historic games. Adults $11, seniors/ college students $9, children ages 6-17 $6, children under 5 free
Mystic Lake Rock and Rockets
Where: Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel
When: July 4th
Synonymous with summer, fun and everything American, The Beach Boys will perform their surf-rock classics for an outdoor concert on the lawn at Mystic Lake on July 4.
Fireworks at 10:00pm Bring lawn chair or blanket to sit on and watch fireworks
http://www.mysticlake.com/beachboys.php
White Bear Lake 4th of July Fireworks, Flyover & Music at Memorial Beach
Where: Memorial Beach
When: July 4th | 8:00pm
Music by Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band with flyover and fireworks
http://www.manitoudays.webs.com/
