Top July 4th Fireworks and Events in Minnesota for 2024
In Minnesota, we celebrate and embrace our often-too-short summers. As anywhere else, the centerpiece of summer in the North Star State is the Fourth of July, celebrated through festivals, firework displays, and more. Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the Fourth of July perfect in Minnesota!
Manitou Days, White Bear Lake, MN
Manitou Days is White Bear Lake’s annual celebration that starts in mid-June with Marketfest, live music, food trucks, and family activities, and ends with fireworks on the Fourth of July. Celebrate this year’s annual celebration with more than 70 events and activities, that include street dances, a sand castle contest, and a medallion hunt. Take a break from all the action on the patio at Washington Square Bar & Grill, where you can sip on a refreshing handcrafted beverage while enjoying Manitou Days from a civilized distance.
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Richfield 4th of July, Richfield, MN
For more than three decades, the city of Richfield has promoted the observance of Independence Day by making the holiday its annual city celebration. Three days of family fun include a car show, a street dance, a parade, and of course, fireworks on the Fourth of July. Visitors to the area will enjoy the celebration’s close proximity to Mall of America—and if street vendors aren’t your thing, grab some tacos from nearby Las Teresitas.
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Lake Minnetonka 4th of July, Excelsior, MN
This decades-old tradition draws thousands of visitors—many by boat—to the quaint Lake Minnetonka village of Excelsior. It’s an all-day event that starts with “Firecracker Runs” in the morning, followed by a parade, and a day of kids’ activities, as well as live music, before the fireworks.
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The American Celebration, Brainerd, MN
Brainerd Lakes area residents and vacationers, alike, flock into town for the annual American Celebration every Fourth of July. Live music, food vendors, a parade, and free corn on the cob lead up to the big fireworks display. Most events take place on the Brainerd High School campus.
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July 4 - Minnesota's 4th Of July Capital The Brainerd Lakes The American Celebration
Valleyfair, Shakopee, MN
Every year, Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee puts on one of the state’s favorite fireworks displays. This year, they’re also hosting an all-you-can eat barbeque. In addition to all the picnic fare, there will also be an epic dog show at the Galazy Theater. There will be daredevil dog stunts, doggy dancing, and weave pole will all be performed, and meet and greets with the starts of the pup show. Oh, and all the rides, games, waterpark, and other usual attractions will be there, too.
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Fourth of July Fireworks, Hootenanny & Smorgasbord, Detroit Lakes, MN
Folks who are reveling in summer in the Detroit Lakes area have a whole slew of Independence Day activities to choose from. Start the day browsing the Lake Area Farmer’s Market, then look for some musical entertainment. There’s live music at Picnic in the Park, or hit the Hootenanny and Smorgasbord ar Fair Hills Resort for a musical revue and Scandinavian buffet. Top it all off with over-the-lake fireworks at the Detroit Lakes City Beach.
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Albert Lea Fourth of July Celebration, Albert Lea, MN
Albert Lea does Independence Day with gusto. A celebration that includes a themed, evening parade, a carshow, a water-skiing exhibition starts on July 3 and culminates with a fireworks display over Fountain Lake at dusk on the Fourth of July.
Red, White, and Boom, Minneapolis, MN
A few years ago, Minneapolis was named the second best Fourth of July city in the country, after only Seattle. The thing that draws 75,000 people into downtown every year is the annual Red, White, and Boom celebration along the riverfront. Races, live music, and family activities punctuate the evening, before the fireworks. Witness the amazing fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
