Few summer nights in Minneapolis feel as big as the Fourth of July. After a few quiet years, the city’s signature fireworks celebration—Red, White & Boom!—returns to the downtown riverfront in 2026, and it lands close enough to Oaklands on 9th that you can leave the car parked and walk to the show. Here’s what’s happening, the best places to watch, and how to make an easy evening of it.
Red, White & Boom! Returns to the Riverfront
Red, White & Boom! takes over the downtown Minneapolis riverfront on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with an all-day lineup that runs from morning into the night. Organizers expect more than 50,000 people, and the celebration ends with a fireworks show over the Mississippi River at about 10 p.m.
The day kicks off with the Run the Parks 5K and 2K Walk at 8 a.m., followed by outdoor yoga at Water Works Park at 10 a.m. Food trucks line up along West River Parkway near Water Works starting around 11 a.m., and the afternoon fills in with trivia, dance performances, and an aerial show. The Americana rock band Sawyer’s Dream plays Mill Ruins Park from 8 to 10 p.m. right before the finale. You can confirm the latest schedule on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board event page and the Meet Minneapolis Fourth of July guide.
Where to Watch the Fireworks
The fireworks launch over the river near the Stone Arch Bridge, so the best seats are anywhere with a clear view of the water. A few local favorites:
- Stone Arch Bridge — right above the Mississippi and steps from the action.
- Mill Ruins Park — close to the stage, food trucks, and the evening’s entertainment.
- Nicollet Island — a relaxed, grassy spot to spread out a blanket.
- West River Parkway — open riverfront sightlines along the water.
Leave the Car: Getting There from Oaklands on 9th
From Oaklands on 9th at 215 South 9th Street, the riverfront is roughly a mile away—about a 20-minute walk through downtown, or a quick ride on transit. On big event days, Metro Transit typically adds service and has offered free rides to Red, White & Boom in past years, so it’s worth checking their site before you head out. Either way, the Fourth is one night you’ll be glad to skip downtown parking. Want to get your bearings earlier in the day? Minneapolis Trolley Tours is a fun way to see the city before the crowds arrive.
Make It a Long Weekend — and Plan Ahead for the Aquatennial
If the Fourth has you in the mood for more, downtown keeps the momentum going. The Minneapolis Aquatennial runs July 18–26 with more than 30 free events, including the Torchlight Parade down Nicollet Mall on July 22 and postgame fireworks at Target Field on Aquatennial Night. It’s an easy reason to extend a stay—and our studios are booked by the night, the week, or the month, so there’s no pressure to rush home. Traveling with family or marking a special occasion? Our sister property, the historic 300 Clifton mansion bed & breakfast, is a lovely option a short ride away, and the Pillsbury Club is worth a look too.
A Comfortable Home Base Downtown
Oaklands on 9th is a restored 1889 brownstone of fully furnished studios, each with a full kitchen, free WiFi, all utilities, and free laundry—the settled-in comfort that beats a standard hotel room when you’re in town for a holiday weekend or longer. You’re steps from the skyway and walkable to Target Center, U.S. Bank Stadium, Orchestra Hall, and the riverfront itself.
Planning to be downtown for the Fourth? Book your studio or call us at (612) 314-5124—we’d love to host you for the fireworks and the rest of your Minneapolis summer.
Keep reading: Temporary Housing in Minneapolis After an Insurance Claim: How a Furnished Studio Works · How Oaklands on 9th Was Restored: 65 Windows, 4,000 Pounds of Lime Mortar, and a Salvaged Grand Staircase