The city's own celebration
The Aquatennial is Minneapolis' official civic celebration, and in 2026 it turns 87.
Events run across city parks, Bde Maka Ska, the Mississippi riverfront and downtown. Nearly everything is free, family-friendly and open to all — no tickets, no gates. Bring a blanket and walk in off the street.
The festival is produced by the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization, a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) that took stewardship of the celebration in 2026 from the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Getting involved
Organizations across Minneapolis can apply to have a summer event listed as an official Aquatennial Partner Event. There's no fee to apply.
We also need volunteers — parade marshals, beach crews, information tents, setup and teardown. Shifts run three to four hours.
Marching bands, dance teams and float builders can request a Torchlight Parade entry packet.
hello@mplsaquatennial.com
Signature events
The ones people plan their week around.
Torchlight Parade
Minnesota's largest night-time parade fills Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Street with illuminated floats, marching bands and dance teams.
Milk Carton Boat Races
Created in 1971 and back under the Aquatennial umbrella. A regatta of homemade carton craft launches at Bde Maka Ska as part of the Twin Cities Beach Blast.
Model Sailboat Pond
New this year. The fountains at Government Plaza become a temporary pond with more than twenty model boats sailing between City Hall and the Government Center.
River Rats Waterski Show
The Twin Cities River Rats return to the Mississippi with pyramids, jumps and comedy, viewed from West River Road.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Aquatennial is free because Minneapolis businesses and institutions pay for it.
Hosted by
Sponsors
Partners
