Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Minnesota

Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Minnesota

(and Just Across the Border)

Whether you're staying close to home or looking to make a full holiday weekend out of it, there's no shortage of spectacular fireworks shows within driving distance this July 4th. We've rounded up the best displays across the Twin Cities metro, Western Wisconsin, and up north for those ready to hit the road.

Twin Cities Metro

The metro delivers some of the biggest and most festive celebrations in the state. Here are the top picks for 2026.

Minneapolis: Taste of Minnesota (Red, White & Boom!)

July 4 at 10 p.m.

Cap off a full day at the Taste of Minnesota with the Red, White & Boom! fireworks display following the final music set of the evening. It's one of the metro's signature July 4th traditions, combining live music, local food, and a fireworks finale all in one place. A great pick if you want a full-day event rather than just a show.

St. Paul: Cathedral Hill Park

July 4 at dusk

The Saint Paul Rotary Club hosts the capital city's fireworks from one of the best vantage points in the city: Cathedral Hill Park, the highest point in St. Paul. Food trucks line Dayton Ave starting at 6 p.m. if you want to grab dinner before the show. Bring a blanket and arrive early to claim a good spot.

Excelsior: Lake Minnetonka

July 4 at dusk

This is the only public fireworks display over Lake Minnetonka, and it's worth the drive. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Excelsior, grab dinner from one of the waterfront spots, and settle into Commons Park (or a boat on the lake) to watch the show reflect off the water. A beautiful setting that's hard to beat.

Bloomington: Summer Fete at Normandale Lake Park

July 3, fireworks at nightfall (festivities begin at 5 p.m.)

If you want to get ahead of the July 4th crowds, Bloomington's Summer Fete is a fantastic option the night before. The celebration runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at Normandale Lake Park, wrapping up with a fireworks display over the lake at nightfall. Family-friendly and a little more relaxed than the downtown shows.

Woodbury: America 250 Fourth of July Celebration

July 4 at 10 p.m.

Woodbury's celebration is a great local option for east metro residents. Arrive early and bring your own seating and blankets. A solid neighborhood show that's easy to get to without fighting downtown traffic.

St. Louis Park: Aquila Park

July 3 at 10 p.m.

Another excellent July 3rd option, St. Louis Park's celebration features concessions, vendors, and live entertainment from DJ Bob before fireworks kick off at 10 p.m. sharp. A fun pre-holiday option if you want to celebrate two nights in a row.

Western Wisconsin

Just a short drive across the St. Croix River, Western Wisconsin offers a couple of standout Independence Day celebrations worth considering for a mini road trip.

Hudson: Booster Days at Lakefront Park

July 4 at dusk

Hudson's Booster Days celebration is one of the most beloved Fourth of July traditions in the St. Croix Valley. The multi-day festival runs through the holiday weekend, featuring carnival rides, live music, bingo, a Saturday morning parade, and a car show. The fireworks over Lakefront Park at dusk on July 4th are the grand finale, sponsored by the City of Hudson and Festival Foods. It's a full-day family event with a classic small-town feel. For more details, visit hudsonboosters.org.

Eau Claire: Festival Foods Fireworks over the Chippewa River

July 4 at 10 p.m.

Eau Claire's July 4th celebration is anchored by a fireworks display launched from the High Bridge, creating a spectacular show that lights up the Chippewa River. Top viewing spots include Phoenix Park and Owen Park, both of which fill up early. The day kicks off with morning races (including a 5K, dog run, and kids' fun run), giving you a full day of activities before the evening finale. WAXX 104.5 FM syncs patriotic music to the show for added effect.

Up North: Make a Weekend of It

Heading north for the Fourth is a Minnesota tradition. Whether you're on the lakes, in the Northwoods, or heading all the way to the Shore, here are the best fireworks destinations for a summer getaway.

Brainerd: America 250 Celebration

July 4 at 10:15 p.m.

Brainerd calls itself "Minnesota's Fourth of July Capital," and it lives up to the name. The 2026 celebration features a parade, live music, and family relays leading up to fireworks at Don Adamson Field at 10:15 p.m. sharp. Tune into B93.3 for patriotic music synced to the show. Brainerd is already a popular lake country destination, so combine the fireworks with a cabin weekend on one of the hundreds of nearby lakes.

Bemidji: Red, White & BOOM! at Lake Bemidji

July 4 at dusk

The Bemidji Jaycees' Annual Water Carnival is one of northern Minnesota's most celebrated summer events, and the Red, White & BOOM! fireworks spectacular over Lake Bemidji is its crown jewel. Head to the southern end of the lake for the best viewing angle. Bemidji is a natural weekend destination with great dining, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Duluth: Fourth Fest at Bayfront Festival Park

July 4, fireworks following the final performance

Gates open at noon for a full day of entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family activities at Bayfront Festival Park. The day wraps up with fireworks over the harbor after the last performance of the evening. If you're making a weekend trip to Duluth, pair the fireworks with Canal Park, the Lakewalk, and some time exploring the North Shore. Hard to imagine a better holiday weekend setting.

Grand Marais: Tofte Town Park

July 4 at dusk

For those willing to make the full drive up the North Shore, Grand Marais delivers a classic small-town Fourth of July with live music, kids' games, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk. The setting alone, a small harbor town on the edge of Lake Superior, is reason enough to make the trip. Grand Marais is a natural gateway to the Boundary Waters, making it an ideal base for a long holiday weekend.

Ely: Miners Lake

July 4 at 10 p.m.

Ely is as far north as it gets for a long weekend trip, but it's worth every mile if you're looking for a true Northwoods Fourth of July. Fireworks light up the sky above Miners Lake at 10 p.m., and the town's remote location means a darker sky and a more intimate show. If you're already planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip, Ely is the perfect place to kick it off with a holiday celebration.

Plan Ahead

Most shows start between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., so plan to arrive at least an hour early for popular venues. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, dress in layers if you're heading up north, and check each event's page for any parking updates or road closures closer to the date.

However you celebrate this year, have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Sources: Explore Minnesota (exploreminnesota.com) | Hudson Boosters (hudsonboosters.org) | Visit Eau Claire (visiteauclaire.com) | Festival Foods (festfoods.com/fireworks)