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This year’s Fourth of July lands on a Friday, setting up a long holiday weekend filled with celebrations across Minnesota as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Communities statewide are planning fireworks, parades and festivals, giving residents plenty of ways to mark Independence Day whether at a local park, lakeside or small-town gathering. 

 as you make your plans. Here’s a look at where to find events and fireworks across Minnesota for 2026.

The St. Paul Rotary Club will host the capital city's 

 at Cathedral Hill Park. Food trucks will line Dayton Avenue beginning at 6 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to picnic before the fireworks begin at dusk.

 runs July 1–4, 2026, with a multi-day festival featuring a parade, fireworks and community events. The 2026 celebration is especially notable, marking Delano’s 150th birthday.

Fourth of July events across the Brainerd Lakes Area will mark America’s birthday with a full 

 Communities throughout the region are planning hometown parades, fireworks over the water, live music, family activities, races and festivals in honor of Independence Day.

Greater St. Cloud will mark the Fourth of July with a 

 at Wilson Park, ending with fireworks over the Mississippi River at 10 p.m. The celebration includes live music, food vendors and a shuttle from downtown St. Cloud.

 will host a full day of live music, food, family activities and entertainment on July 4, capped by a large fireworks display celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

 celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring kids’ activities, games, food vendors and an annual parade, with fireworks at dusk. 

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, visitors can also watch an historic printing demonstration and take home a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.

 with food vendors opening at 5 p.m., a performance by Kayla Daniels at 8:30 p.m., and fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

 begins July 3 with the Rock the Park music event at Whiteside Park, featuring live music, food trucks and beverages provided by the Ely Fire Relief Association. 

The festivities continue July 4 with the “4 on the 4th” run and walk, a flag-raising ceremony at the Ely Veterans Memorial and the city’s annual parade at 1 p.m.

 returns to the Mississippi Riverfront for a full day of free programming and community celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, ending with fireworks over the river at 10 p.m. The event takes place along West River Parkway and Water Works Park.

 spans two days at Round Lake Park, beginning July 3 with Sparklefest, a family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, activities and a drone show. 

The celebration continues July 4 with food trucks, live music, a World Cup watch party, a flyover and fireworks.

 features live cannon firing demonstrations, free concerts and performances at Lowell Park and Pioneer Park, and a fireworks show over the St. Croix River and Historic Lift Bridge at dusk.

 will be held at the Minnesota State University, Mankato Athletic Fields, with the show beginning around 10 p.m. Attendees can listen to a choreographed soundtrack on local radio stations while enjoying the display.

Rochester’s 4th Fest: Rochester Celebrates America

 will take place at Soldiers Field Memorial Park from 5–10:15 p.m., featuring live music, local food vendors, family activities and a fireworks finale honoring Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary.

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Mitch Klein

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Minnesota communities are planning fireworks, parades and festivals over the Fourth of July weekend, offering plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day across the state.

Your guide to Fourth of July fireworks and events across Minnesota

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