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.

Be sure to check MPR News’ Updraft weather forecasts as you make your plans. Here’s a look at where to find events and fireworks across Minnesota for 2026.

St. Paul

The St. Paul Rotary Club will host the capital city's Fourth of July fireworks 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.

Delano

Delano’s Fourth of July celebration 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.

Brainerd Lakes area

Fourth of July events across the Brainerd Lakes Area will mark America’s birthday with a full weekend of celebrations. Communities throughout the region are planning hometown parades, fireworks over the water, live music, family activities, races and festivals in honor of Independence Day.

St. Cloud

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

Duluth

Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park 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.

Fargo-Moorhead

Bonanzaville will host a Fourth of July 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.

Marshall

Independence Park will host its annual Independence Day celebration 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.

Ely

Ely’s Fourth of July celebration 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.

Minneapolis

Red, White & BOOM! 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.

Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie’s Fourth of July Hometown Celebration 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.

Stillwater

Stillwater’s Fourth of July celebration 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.

Mankato

Mankato’s Fourth of July fireworks 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

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.

Collected from Minnesota Public Radio News. View original source here.