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Sure, the Fourth of July looks a little strange on the calendar this year (what are we all doing with that Monday, July 3, anyway?)—but that means even more days (and chances!) to celebrate. From riverfront fireworks displays to suburban parades, laser shows to live music, we have your Independence Day (er, weekend) covered. Just BYO bug spray and blanket, and remember to play it safe when it comes to pyrotechnics.
CHS Field, St. Paul
Batter up for the weekend ahead with a baseball game-and-fireworks double feature at CHS field. Select games this weekend and Monday feature post-game fireworks shows. June 30–July 3, 360 N. Broadway St., St. Paul, www.milb.com
Coon Rapids
The Fourth of July Celebration in Coon Rapids packed with activities from Sunday through Tuesday, with Tuesday’s fireworks show as the grand finale of it all. Other events include live music, a car show, and more. July 2–4, Boulevard Plaza, 11002 Crooked Lake Blvd., Coon Rapids, coonrapidsmn.gov
Bloomington's Summer Fete
An annual tradition, Summer Fete starts the holiday weekend off with a bang on July 3 with one of the state's largest firework shows. A part of the summerlong Arts in the Parks series, this event also has musical performances, activities, and food vendors. July 3, 5–10:30 p.m., Normandale Lake Park, W. 84th St. and Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, bloomingtonmn.gov
Minneapolis
Although there's no fireworks show this year (Aquatennial is just around the corner!), Minneapolis is putting on a patriotic, laser light show at Boom Island Park on July 3 in a new iteration of the Red, White, and Boom event of years past. July 3, 10–10:25 p.m., 724 NE Sibley St., Mpls., minneapolisparks.org
Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park’s Fireworks Spectacular has something for everyone, with live racing and family-friendly activities, including pony rides and face painting, and fireworks that kick off at the conclusion of the night’s races. July 3, 4–8 p.m., 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee, tickets.canterburypark.com
Excelsior
For those looking to maximize their holiday, Excelsior starts their Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July celebration bright and early at 7:30 a.m., filling the day with activities including a 5K run and a free petting zoo until fireworks boom over Lake Minnetonka in the evening. July 4, 7:30 a.m.–dusk, The Commons, 337 Water St., Excelsior, excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
Stillwater
What better place to watch fireworks over the St. Croix River than Stillwater’s iconic Lift Bridge? The show kicks off at approximately 10 p.m., with other events—including live music performances from Scott Holt Band and the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra—taking place beforehand. July 4, 10 p.m., 103 E. Chestnut St., Stillwater, discoverstillwater.com
St. Louis Park
Aquila Park kicks off the Fourth of July with food trucks and a set from DJ Bob before fireworks start at 10 p.m. Rain? No problem—watch out for fireworks on July 5 instead. July 4, 7–10 p.m., 3110 Xylon Ave. S., St. Louis Park, stlouisparkmn.gov
Eagan's Funfest
Eagan’s July 4 Funfest has a fireworks show set for just after dusk following earlier Funfest events including a parade and carnival. July 4, 10 p.m., 1501 Central Pkwy., Eagan, eaganfunfest.org
Valleyfair
Cap off a day of 'coasting and splashing at the waterpark with a fireworks show and Grand Carnivale party at one of the Twin Cities' favorite amusement parks. July 4, 1 Valley Fair Dr., Shakopee, www.valleyfair.com
Mystic Lake
The Rock and Rockets event at Mystic Lake is outdoors (and free!), starting off with a concert from rock bands Gin Blossoms and Lit before fireworks launch into the sky starting at 10 p.m. Food trucks will be around onsite, but BYO seats and blankets. July 4, 5–10:30 p.m., 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, mysticlake.com
Sovereign Estate Winery
With an excellent view of the Lake Waconia Fireworks Festival, Sovereign Estate will open their doors for a celebration including live music, wine tasting, and classic American eats before the fireworks light up the night. July 4, 2:30–9:30 p.m., 9950 North Shore Rd., Waconia, sovereignestatewine.com
Delano
Delano calls in the talents of Northern Lighter Pyrotechnic to put together its fireworks display, which acts as the finale to its Fourth of July celebration events. The 27-minute show gets started at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. July 4, 10:30 p.m., 650 N. River St., Delano, www.delano4th.com
White Bear Lake
Celebrating is a serious affair in White Bear Lake, where the Manitou Days celebration spans three weeks full of activities leading up to the July 4 holiday. Take in the fireworks along the lakeshore at Memorial Beach. July 4, 10 p.m., 4980 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake, manitoudays.com
4th In The Park
Celebrate the Fourth with a run, games and live music in St. Paul at its 4th In The Park event, with one of the longest running parades in Minnesota. July 4, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., 210 Knapp St., St. Paul, 4thinthepark.org
Maplewood
Light It Up Maplewood has a fleet of food trucks to sample and other activities for the family before the fireworks cap off the night. July 4, 4–10p.m., 1663 County Rd. C., Maplewood, www.maplewoodmn.gov
