Pyro to the people
5 big-ass fireworks displays to make your July brighter—and way louder
Fireworks over Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge
Article Tools
Like tahini, roller coasters, and Tom Waits, fireworks are the kind of thing you either love or hate. If a quiet night of sudoku sounds better to you than gasping the night away to Independence Day's multi-colored eruptions, then take another swig of haterade and click elsewhere. This roundup of the summer's top fireworks events (including one that's not on the Fourth of July) is strictly for the fans. Smaller alternatives can be found throughout the greater metro area, but for maximum ooh-ing and ahh-ing, these are the big dogs.
Taste Of Minnesota, Harriet Island Park (July 2-5)
Because freedom means never having to commit to a single calendar date, Taste Of Minnesota spreads the holiday pyrotechnics over four evenings, with rockets flying at 10 p.m. every night. Even if the repetition cheapens the pageantry, you can count on each display to be louder than headliner Elvis Costello (and brighter than Sunday's top act, Bret Michaels). For some gastrointestinal fireworks, look out for new vendors, including Holy Land and something called the Walleye Wagon.
Tip: If you can't face the festival crowds, go to The Liffey (kitty-corner from the Xcel Energy Center) and head up to the roof for a more refined viewing experience.
Red, White, And Boom, Minneapolis Riverfront District (July 4)
While Elvis Costello fans flock to the Taste Of Minnesota, Elvis Presley disciples can get nostalgic with a musical tribute to the King at this year's Red, White, And Boom. There's also a Neil Diamond tribute set, but the real draw is watching fireworks explode over downtown Minneapolis. A so-called "Family Fun Zone" in Father Hennepin Bluffs Park offers face painting, caricature artists, and other kid-friendly activities that have nothing to do with blowing stuff up.
Tip: The Stone Arch Bridge will be closed to bike traffic between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., so if you're pedaling for the night, plan accordingly.
Powderhorn Park's Fourth Of July Celebration, Powderhorn Park (July 4)
Fans of the annual May Day Parade already know all about Powderhorn Park's eclectic, inclusive south-side vibe. This Independence Day follow-up offers more of the same—just plain folks mingling harmoniously with the just plain freaks—augmented by a solid arsenal of pops, crackles, and luminous booms. Consider it the neighborhood alternative to the riverfront stuff.
Tip: Those hoping to throw down a blanket for the evening should arrive early to stake out their space. The event officially starts at 3 p.m., and there's only so much grass to go around.
Duluth Fourth Fest, Bayfront Festival Park (July 4)
At the risk of sullying our hometown cred, we've got to admit that this annual Independence Day sky-buster is well worth the 150-mile drive. Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park opens at noon, and bands play continuously from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. To help get spectators' necks in craning mode, the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard will do a flyover in the evening, followed by a concert by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks start around 10 p.m.
Tip: Grab a drink at Grandma’s before the fireworks, and then walk past the lift bridge toward the little lighthouse for a [cough] superior view.
Minneapolis Aquatennial, July 25
For better or worse, the area's biggest and best fireworks display is three weeks after the Fourth. As an exclamation point following the traditional water-ski show, tennis tournament, Torchlight Parade, and other Aquatennial mainstays, this nine-day celebration culminates in a massive, pyrotechnic eye-popper that's choreographed to music. In past years, organizers have even closed a downtown Minneapolis bridge to use as a fireworks launching pad. This being a downtown event, parking is sketchy, so bike or light-rail it to this one.
Tip: Don't tell the founding fathers.
