The Fourth of July is only a week away but there’s still time to plan a great day with family and friends followed by a spectacular fireworks show. There are plenty of Independence Day celebrations scheduled for the Twin Cities area. Looking for a 4th of July Parade or a 5k run? The list below has all the details.

Pack a picnic and head out to a local park or one of our 10,000 lakes and then end the evening watching a great display of color and sound at any of the Fireworks shows listed below.

Manitou Days – A three week long festival in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It kicks off on June 14th and wraps up on July 4th with a bang! This year’s theme is “Bear Tales”, highlighting the literary accomplishments of  our many local writers and authors. The 2012 Grand Marshal is Julie Kramer, a nationally-recognized crime novelist.

Funfest of Eagan – A great time for the whole family! The Eagan Funfest starts on July 3rd and ends on the 4th of July with a some great fireworks. The festival includes a bike parade, car show and a Brain Freeze Contest. There are carnival rides and music for all ages. Tickets for the rides can be purchased at the Funfest or online at their website.

Woodbury 4th of July – Celebrate the 4th of July at Woodbury with this hometown celebration! The evening will kick off with entertainment featuring Woodbury’s own Josh Tollefson (my Muse) and Tyler Metkowski (TyM). The InsideOut Band will perform from 7 p.m. until the traditional fireworks display. All activities are free. Concessions sold on site.

4th in the Park – Come out to St. Anthony Park for some great Independence Day events.This year the 4th in the Park features St. Paul’s only Independence Day parade and an all-day, family-friendly picnic and party in Langford Park on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. No fireworks display.

Stillwater Firworks – Enjoy fireworks over the beautiful St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater!  Fireworks will begin at dusk (approximately 10 pm).  Musically choreographed fireworks simulcast on KLBB (1220 AM).  Fireworks sponsored by the City of Stillwater, City of Oak Park Heights and the Margaret River Fund.  Make sure to come early to get your spot!

Lake Elmo – No fireworks but Lake Elmo is having their annual 4th of July Parade and Ice Cream Social hosted by the Rotary Club and located at Lions Park. Grab the kids and get dressed up in your favorite Independence Day costume and join the parade!

Minneapolis Red, White and Boom – The Minneapolis Red, White and Boom is more than just fireworks it is also filled with family activities, a marathon and movie and music in the park. Click here to go to the Red, White and Boom website for more information. FREE.

4th of July in Chanhassen – Also much more than just fireworks on the 4th. The celebration in Chanhassen starts on July 2nd with carnival rides and games followed by a Taste of Chanhassen, a basketball tournament, Kiddie Parade and more games and rides on the 3rd. The Independence Day festivities wrap up at 10pm for the fireworks at Lake Ann Park. The Chanhassen 4th of July festivities are a large event with over 8000 people taking part. FREE.

Music In Plymouth – The Music in Plymouth isn’t actually on the 4th but it is celebrating its 40th year and there will be fireworks on the 3rd of July. The event starts at 5pm on July 3rd with a performance by the 451st Army Reserve Band followed by puppets, an air show and finally fireworks. This will be an amazing show so come early to get the best seats. FREE.

Delano 4th of July Celebration – This year’s celebration in Delano will take place June 30, July 1, July 3 and July 4th.  The bands include Rocket Club, GB Leighton, Tim Mahoney, and Diamond Back! There will also be softball and baseball tournaments, a 5k race and the Delano Royalty Coronation. For more information visit the Delano website. FREE

These are just some of the best places to see fireworks in the the Twin Cities. If you know of other great firework events please leave the details in the comments.