Event Dates
From: Saturday, July 18, 2026
To: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Aquatennial Minneapolis 2026
Celebrates “The Best Days of Summer” and includes a torchlight parade, water ski shows, concerts and one of the top 5 fireworks displays in the USA.
Aquatennial Minneapolis 2026
Aquatennial Minneapolis celebrates “The Best Days of Summer” and includes a torchlight parade, water ski shows, concerts and one of the top 5 fireworks displays in the United States.
- Visiting Minneapolis? Stay at Loews Minneapolis Hotel, close to the city's gay bars and top destinations and rated “Excellent” by guests with spacious rooms and high-end amenities.
The Event
- Next Edition: Saturday 18th July, 2026 – Sunday 26th July, 2026.
- Originating in 1940, the Minneapolis Aquatennial is an annual event which highlights the summer activities in and around the lakes and rivers of the City of Minneapolis.
- Traditionally held during the third full week of July.
- Over 70 different events included in the festival are free, including milk carton boat races, sand sculptures, beach volleyball, a tennis invitational, a triathlon, and both daytime and evening parades.
- The Aquatennial features three flagship events: the Beach Bash, the Torchlight Parade, and fireworks on the final night of the celebration.
The Fireworks
- Saturday – Awaiting dates – The main fireworks display takes place on the Saturday night of Aquatennial Minneapolis at 10:00pm in West River Parkway.
- Come early to find a spot along the river—bring sunscreen for the afternoon and bug spray for the evening. It’s worth it to see a fantastic show!
- It’s a pyromusical, if you will. The fireworks, which typically last 20-25 minutes, are a spectacle on their own. But they’re intricately choreographed to music, each blast matching with a note or a beat within the song playing.
Best Place to View the Fireworks
- One of the best vantage points to take in the show is on the west side of the Mississippi River, along West River Parkway near Portland Avenue.
- Stay at the Hewing Hotel on Washington Avenue with superb views of the fireworks display from their rooftop pool.
Other Events
- Wednesday – The torchlight parade takes place on the Wednesday night of the festival at 8.30-pm
- Thursday – The Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show at 7.00pm on the Thursday night at the Mississippi River, West River Road
Gay Parties during Aquatennial Minneapolis
- 19 Bar – the oldest gay bar in town hosts parties throughout the weekend of Aquatennial.
- Gay 90s – host some great drag parties and dining
- Saloon – open from early 'till late with dance parties and their amateur shower contests.
- Eagle Bolt Bar – a big welcome for leather lovers to celebrate over the weekend. End the party with Sunday Brunch!
Gay Districts in Minneapolis
- Loring Park: Loring Park, located near downtown Minneapolis, is a vibrant and inclusive gay neighborhood known for its picturesque park, LGBTQ+ events, and lively nightlife scene.
- Uptown: Uptown, a trendy area southwest of downtown Minneapolis, boasts a diverse LGBTQ+ community, with hip bars, eclectic shops, and an array of queer-friendly establishments.
- Whittier: Whittier, also known as “Eat Street,” embraces diversity and is home to a mix of LGBTQ+ residents, offering an array of international restaurants, artistic venues, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Northeast Arts District: This burgeoning neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis has become an emerging LGBTQ+ hub, showcasing local art, craft breweries, and a growing number of queer-owned businesses. Check out the top apartments and condos in this district.
- Downtown East: Downtown East, located near the riverfront, is a trendy area with a diverse LGBTQ+ community, offering chic bars, theaters, and easy access to the city's cultural attractions.
Where to Stay
- Aquatennial is the biggest festival in the city and dwarfs even the 4th of July celebrations. Plan early and book your hotel or apartment in advance.
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action,
Radisson Blul, Hilton Hotel, Loews Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites
Save on Hotels
Stunning hotels in Minneapolis
Book now and Pay on arrival
Where we stay!
The Radisson Blu is our editors
choice when we are in Boston
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Aquatennial visit The Website
Gay Map of Minneapolis
The Chambers Hotel, 901, Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55403
Our 60 art-infused guestrooms and suites have walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs and sweeping views of vibrant downtown. A show-stopping rooftop lounge and lush courtyard with a fire pit are prime spots to admire the scenery on Hennepin Avenue.
601 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Connected to the Minneapolis Convention Center via a skyway, this city centre hotel offers easy access to top attractions and features comfortable accommodations, complete with many modern amenities.
A 50-inch flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking station are provided in every spacious room with a fridge and coffee machine are also included.
1001 Marquette Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Situated in the centre of downtown Minneapolis, within steps of Nicollet Mall and , this hotel offers elegant accommodations with free WiFi access and and chic on-site dining options.
Each guestroom is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a fully stocked minibar. Bathrooms have limestone counters and stylish glass basins.
19 North 8th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Within of , this property is connected to the climate-controlled Skyway footbridge in the heart of and offers complimentary and free WiFi.
Every room at Hampton Inn and Suites provides a 42-inch flat-screen LCD HDTV with premium cable, a small refrigerator and coffee maker.
600 5th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a coffee machine and a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
95 S 10th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge, a stove top and toaster are also featured in the kitchen, as well as a kettle. Free WiFi & Keyless Entry
240 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a living room with a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with a kettle a coffee machine and dishwasher, a dining area, a private bathroom with bath or shower, and free toiletries
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
The air-conditioned apartment offers 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views. Guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking
205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
Gay dance bar lots of fun
Open Thursday 5-Midnight, Friday 5-2am, Saturday 6-2am
990 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota
Multi award winning LGBTQ+ establishment! Voted Best of Minnesota featuring top-notch drag and more!
1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Minneapolis’ most glamorous celebrity and female impersonators host drag shows, karaoke, bingo, game night, movie night and stand up comedy to bring entertainment 7 nights a week with drag brunch every Sunday.
422 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
The Brass Rail Lounge is one of the premier gay bars in Minneapolis with a VIP section, along with nightly entertainmen and wide selection of the best drinks around
830 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
The Saloon has proudly served the Twin Cities LGBTQ community for more than 44 years, earning the reputation as its premiere going-out destination. Energizing atmosphere, pulsating dance floors, world-class entertainment, numerous bars to stay hydrated and an excess of gorgeous men to meet
A good show has always been our thing—you won’t want to miss the wet’n’wild shower platform on select evenings. Come for karaoke, our amazing contests, exclusive shows, and infamous Saloon Pride Block Party
19 West 15th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
A Gay pub classic offering, darts and pool, pizza served at bar a bonus space that opens when it gets busy and back patio for smoking, this is a cash only bar there is an ATM in the bar.
This is the perfect place for people who don’t want to go to a club.
515 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
This gay bar falls somewhere between a neighborhood bar & grill and a gay nightclub with a dance floor, outdoor patio, pool table and is home to some of the best happy hour deals in town!
408 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
A gay nightclub featuring 6 Bar, multiple dance floors and a Games room, offering Karaoke, Djs and of course Drag shows. The Dinner and Drag Show is a must as its one of the best in town.
The Black Hart Of Saint Paul, 1415 University Ave W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Gay Soccer Bar in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.
The Black Hart continues the long legacy of Town House Bar as a home for the LBGTQ+ community. Check out our calendar for our drag shows, burlesque, BINGO, and karaoke
Recommended Hotels in Minneapolis By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Minneapolis that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Chambers Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Art-Infused Rooms, Rooftop Lounge
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Rain showers, deep soaking tubs
- Front-row seat to Orpheum Theatre, art-infused rooms with luxurious bathrooms, rooftop lounge, fire pit.
Loews Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star – Chic Stylish On-Site Dining Options
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, fully stocked minibar
- In downtown Minneapolis, steps from Nicollet Mall, elegant accommodations with modern amenities and dining.
Hilton Minneapolis
4 Star – Central Location
- 4 Star – Connected to Convention Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- 50-inch TV, iPod docking station
- Direct access to Minneapolis Convention Center, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ideal for business and leisure.
Hampton Inn & Suites
3 Star – Perfect Location
- 3 Star – 24-Hour Fitness and Business Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- LCD HDTV, refrigerator, coffee maker
- Offers well-equipped rooms, 24-hour fitness and business centers, close to downtown attractions.
Video Of Aquatennial Minneapolis
Highlights of Target Fireworks | Minneapolis Aquatennial 2019
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