Red, White and Boom! Minneapolis' Signature Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is thrilled to bring back Red, White & BOOM! returns to the Mississippi Riverfront – bringing a full day of free programming, community celebration, and one of the most anticipated fireworks shows in the state.

With 50,000+ attendees, this all-day event stretches from morning movement to late-night music, ending with fireworks over the river at 10 pm.

Event Details

Schedule of Events

A Full Day on the Riverfront

From early morning miles to sunset dancing, Red, White & Boom! is built for you to come and go – or stay all day.

Start Your Day with Morning Movement

8 am – Run the Parks 5K & 2K Walk
Kick things off along the Mississippi Riverfront with a scenic run or walk.

10 am – Yoga with Bouldering Project
Ease into the day with a free outdoor class in Water Works Park

Food, Games & Midday Fun

11 am – Food Trucks Open
12+ trucks serving all day along the riverfront – come hungry.

Noon-2 pm – Trivia with The Bar Exam (Water Works steps)
Test your knowledge with a view of the river.

Dance and Performance (at Water Works Park)

4-5 pm – SOUL Ballroom: Classic American Dance
5:30-6:30 pm – Line Dancing 
7:30 pm – Unicorn Art Circus Aerial Performance

From partner dancing to high-flying aerials, the afternoon brings energy across the park.

Live Music

8-10 pm – Sawyer’s Dream (Americana Rock)
Settle in at Mill Ruins Park for live music leading into the night.

Food Trucks

Food trucks will be located along West River Parkway near Water Works Park, with additional options on the east riverfront near Main Street.

Hours: 11 am-9:45 pm (or until sold out)

Lineup includes: 

  • TOP DOG – Hot dogs, Polish sausage, Italian & beef sandwiches, fries, soda, and water
  • B-Lo Zero Sno Cones & Minnie Donuts – Sno cones and mini donuts
  • MN Nice Cream – Soft serve ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, floats, and more
  • Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine – Koshari bowls, shish kabobs, mango juice, and hibiscus tea
  • I & E Treats – Wagyu smash burgers, crunch rolls, croissant burgers, fries, and peach lemonade
  • Schroeder Concessions (2 locations) – Corn dogs, cheese curds, burgers, curly fries, and cold drinks
  • Fair Faves – Corn dogs, mini donuts, chicken strips, pork on a stick
  • ThaiBoat 89 – Egg rolls, wontons, pad Thai, and rice bowls
  • Eggroll Queen – Jumbo egg rolls, mini egg rolls, and dessert egg rolls

Know Before You Go

Road Closures: West River Parkway will be closed from 11th Ave South to 4th Ave North beginning at 10 am. Roads will reopen after pedestrian traffic clears (estimated 11 pm).

Plan Ahead: This is one of the busiest days in Downtown Minneapolis. Parking is limited—consider biking, walking, or taking transit.

Food & Beverage Sales: All food and beverage sales end at 9:45 pm.

Seating: Limited seating is available. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the riverfront.

Weather: Events take place rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Follow event updates for any changes.

Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome but should be kept clear of dense crowds and food lines.

Getting There

Metro Transit

Mill Ruins Park (102 Portland Ave)

  • Bus routes 3, 7, 10, 17, 18, 22, 645
  • Light Rail green & blue routes (US Bank or Government Plaza stops)

Thanks to a Metro Transit Sponsorship, free rides are available to Red, White & Boom! on Saturday, July 4, 8 am- 11 pm

Please click and follow the instructions to receive your free passes.

Sponsored Transit Pass Link

Suggested Parking

  • Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot (225 3rd Ave S)
  • Gateway Ramp (400 S 3rd Ave)
  • Stadium Ramp (740 S 4th St)
  • Jerry Haaf Memorial Ramp (424 S 4th St)
  • West Bank Office Ramp (1300 13th Ave S)
  • Street parking along Washington Ave

Sponsorship Opportunities

Help support this beloved Minneapolis tradition and connect with thousands of attendees. Contact: Aisling Reynolds | areynolds@minneapolisparks.org

Thanks to a Metro Transit Sponsorship, free rides are available to Red, White & Boom! on Saturday, July 4, 8 am- 11 pm

Please click and follow the instructions to receive your free passes.

Sponsored Transit Pass Link

Metro Transit logo

Acknowledgement and Contact Info

As part of Parks for All, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is exploring how to integrate acknowledgement of land and Indigenous peoples into our work, procedures and spaces. We collectively acknowledge that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board system is located on the traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This land holds great historical, spiritual and personal significance for its original stewards, the Native nations and peoples of this region.

Indigenous Statement Parks for All [PDF]

Event Contact

Aisling Reynolds | areynolds@minneapolisparks.org
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Park Board Announcements

There are no announcements at this time. Please check back soon.