Parades. Music. Food. Fun. Adult libations. Carnival rides. Oh, and booming, beautiful fireworks. The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the Twin Cities metro area offers a number of amazing festivities to celebrate our nation’s independence.

But with so many choices, where should you go? We’ve dug up a number of events, festivities, and fun fireworks displays from around the Twin Cities to help you celebrate America’s independence. Here are our top seven picks for some of the COOLest spots to consider:

1. Red, White and Boom! TC Half Marathon & Relay

(Photo Credit: HalfMarathons.net)

Dates: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Location: Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront

Why Go? This annual, family-friendly race is set along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront. It’s perfect for first-time and experienced runners alike, and even includes a post-race picnic full of exciting summer festivities to follow. The race is limited to 3,200 runners. It starts and finishes on Main Street, along the Mississippi River. Later on in the night, you can watch a beautiful fireworks display.Fireworks begin around 10 p.m.

For more information, visit the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s website.

2. Apple Valley Freedom Days

(Photo Credit: Apple Valley Freedom Days website)

Dates: June 27-July 4, 2019

Location: Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Why Go? Apple Valley Freedom Days is an annual, week-long celebration of Apple Valley and the United States of America’s independence. This year, Freedom Days celebrates its 53rd anniversary. The celebration boasts a number of fun activities and unique events, including: a carnival, car and motorcycle show, vendor fair, a special family fun night, a parade and, of course, a fireworks show. Fireworks begin around 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2019.

For more information, visit the festival’s website.

3. Richfield 4th of July Parade

(Photo Credit: MinnPost)

Dates: July 2-4, 2016

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423

Why Go? Nearby Minneapolis suburb Richfield has put on a 4th of July celebration since 1980, complete with an afternoon parade, vendors, food, music, and a fireworks display sponsored by Best Buy. This year, festivities kick off with Family Night on July 2nd and end with a bang—A.K.A., a fireworks display—at 10 p.m. to cap off the evening.

For more information, visit the Richfield Tourism Promotion Board’s website.

4. Lakeville’s Pan-O-Prog

(Photo Credit: Lakeville Pan-O-Prog website)

Dates: July 4-13, 2019

Location: Various sites throughout Lakeville

Why Go? This Lakeville tradition celebrates its 53rd anniversary this year. The week-long Pan-O-Prog celebration features a number of different activities and entertainment options in  Lakeville for everyone to enjoy, including: beer, brats and bingo, the Grand Parade, a carnival at the Fun Fair, cruise night, inflatables, music, food and fireworks. A shuttle service is available to get you safely from attraction to attraction. Fireworks will start around 10 p.m. on July 4 at Lakeville North High School.

For more information, visit the Pan-o-Prog website.

5. Stillwater 4th of July Celebration

(Photo Credit: Eventbrite)

Date: July 4, 2019, 4-10 p.m.

Location: Downtown Stillwater Riverfront

Why Go? With the St. Croix River serving as a beautiful backdrop, take a trip to Stillwater, Minnesota, and explore the quaint town before the 4th of July Fireworks event begins. During the day, you can walk along Main Street, shop, go out to eat, take a cruise along the river, take a tour in a trolley, taste locally made ice cream, and so much more. Fireworks will begin around 10 p.m.

For more information, visit the event’s page on DiscoverStillwater.com.

6. Lake Minnetonka 4th of July

(Photo Credit: Hometownsource.com)

Date: July 4, 2019

Location: Lake Minnetonka & Commons Park in Excelsior

Why Go? Brought to you by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration offers a little something for everyone. Activities include: Firecracker Runs (1 mile, 5K and 10K), Sand Sculpture Contest, three musical acts and what the chamber calls “the best fireworks on Lake Minnetonka.” Of course, event-goers can take advantage of boating, swimming and other water recreation opportunities and watch the fireworks show from on top of Lake Minnetonka, too.

For more information, visit the chamber’s website.

7. Canterbury Park Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Encore

(Photo Credit: Canterbury Park website)

Date: July 4, 2019

Location: Canterbury Park, 100 Canterbury Access Road, Shakopee, MN 55379

Why Go? Celebrate Independence Day at the races! Canterbury Park always puts on a fun-filled Fourth of July Celebration. This year, the first race at the iconic Shakopee race track begins at 4 p.m. From there, friends and families can enjoy activities like face painting and pony rides, live music from Boogie Wonderland, and a beautiful fireworks show.

For more information, visit the Canterbury Park website.

Happy Fourth of July, Minnesota!

We truly hope you’re able to get out and enjoy another wonderful Minnesota summer this year, and take advantage of any time off you have to celebrate America’s favorite holiday, the Fourth of July. If you find your way to one of these 4th of July events in the Twin Cities, share a photo or two with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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