When the Twin Cities lights up for the Fourth, it really shows off. Whether you're after sky-splitting fireworks, riverside concerts, or a patriotic patio hang, this is the weekend to go all in. We combed through the crowds, skipped the mid-tier shows, and handpicked only the top-tier happenings worth your weekend. Here’s where to post up, pop a cold one, and catch the sky on fire (legally, of course).

Red, White, and Boom! — Downtown Minneapolis

Thursday, July 4 | Fireworks at 10 PM
Along the Mississippi Riverfront — best views from Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park, or Gold Medal Park

Let’s start with the heavyweight. “Red, White, and Boom!” is the Minneapolis Fourth of July tradition, and it never misses. Thousands gather along the river, and the skyline becomes a front-row seat to a dazzling display over the water. Want VIP-level views? Bring a blanket and claim your patch of grass at Gold Medal Park before sunset, or hit a rooftop bar in the North Loop and watch the show with a craft cocktail in hand. Pro tip: Metered parking is free on the 4th, but spots vanish by 6 PM, rideshare is your best friend.

CHS Field Fireworks — St. Paul Saints Post-Game Show

Thursday, July 4 | Game starts at 6:07 PM, fireworks immediately after
CHS Field, Lowertown St. Paul

The St. Paul Saints bring energy and explosions. Snag tickets to the July 4th home game and enjoy America's pastime with local flavor (and cold brews). After the final out, stick around as the stadium turns into a front-row seat for an epic fireworks show, the kind that feels up close and personal. Not into baseball? No problem. Nearby patios like The Buttered Tin or Barrel Theory offer ambient views and a vibe worthy of the holiday.

Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration — Excelsior Bay

Thursday, July 4 | Fireworks at dusk
Excelsior Commons Park, Excelsior

This one’s for the boaters, the lake lovers, the classic summer dreamers. The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration is as idyllic as it gets, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and a laid-back lakeside vibe that turns up after dark. Whether you arrive by boat or blanket, the fireworks over the bay are some of the most picturesque you’ll find in Minnesota. Bonus: Spend the afternoon boutique-hopping along Water Street, then hit Coalition for dinner before the show.

Bloomington Summer Fete — July 3rd Fireworks Preview

Wednesday, July 3 | Fireworks around 10 PM
Normandale Lake Park, Bloomington

Consider this your pregame party. Summer Fete is Bloomington’s answer to the 4th, and they’re smart enough to throw it the night before, freeing up your actual holiday for grill duty or round two elsewhere. Think live music across multiple stages, kid zones, local food vendors, and a fireworks show that rivals the main events. This one draws families and young professionals — a rare hybrid. Bring chairs, bring bug spray, and bring your appetite.

Highland Park Fireworks — St. Paul Classic

Thursday, July 4 | Fireworks at dusk
Highland National Golf Course

Highland Park has quietly hosted one of the most beloved firework shows in St. Paul for years and the locals want to keep it that way. No huge crowds, no over-commercialized chaos, just blankets, lawn chairs, and the kind of soft chatter that melts into “oohs” and “ahhs” as the sky lights up. Bring your own snacks or grab something from Groveland Tap or Bap and Chicken on the way.

Harriet Island — Unofficial Fireworks Hang

Thursday, July 4 | No official show, but epic views of the downtown skyline
Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul

Okay, no official fireworks here, but here’s a local hack: Harriet Island offers a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown St. Paul, and nearby neighborhoods often light up the sky with surprisingly impressive shows of their own. Pack a picnic, spread out by the river, and enjoy your own quiet version of the Fourth without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

Extended Weekend Specials

Native American Food Truck Festival

Sat–Sun, July 5–6, 2025
Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
A vibrant two-day celebration specializing in indigenous cuisine, live music, and cultural storytelling, an intimate yet high-caliber food festival with top-tier people-watching and riverfront ambiance.

Loring Park Art Festival

Fri–Sun, July 18–20, 2025
Loring Park, Minneapolis
A juried showcase of 140 fine artists/craftspeople set amid a lush urban park, offerings range from gourmet food trucks to live jazz and elegant garden settings. Rated among the 100 best fine art shows by Sunshine Artist magazine.

Quick Tips Before You Go

Pack smart: Portable chairs, bug spray, layers, and snacks go a long way.

Arrive early: Even the best spots get packed by 8 PM.

Skip the drive: If you’re heading downtown or lakeside, opt for Uber, the light rail, or a friendly bike ride.

Respect the vibe: Don’t bring your own fireworks, just your enthusiasm and a solid playlist for the car ride home.

Want to Make It Effortless?

From finding the best rooftop for viewing to locking in last-minute dinner reservations before the fireworks begin, Asst has you covered.

Our team can help curate the perfect evening, whether that’s a picnic basket delivered to your blanket at Boom or a seat saved at the trendiest patio in town.

Need a ride? We’ll book it. Need a dog walker while you’re out? We’ll send one.

This 4th, celebrate like a local. Experience it like a VIP.

Minneapolis is lighting up, don’t miss a spark.

Have a safe, festive, and firework-filled Fourth of July weekend!

Where to Be This 4th of July in the Twin Cities