Things to do in Minnesota: 5 things to do this Fourth of July weekend (July 3–5)
Operation Dry Water cracks down on impaired boating
The Minnesota DNR and partner law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide effort to crack down on boating while intoxicated ahead of the busy Fourth of July weekend.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Independence Day weekend is here, and Minnesota is going all out with fireworks, festivals, farmers markets and a massive sci-fi convention taking over the Twin Cities.
Taste of Minnesota 2026
- July 3, 4 p.m.–10 p.m. and July 4, noon–10 p.m.
- Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
- Free admission; all ages welcome
Downtown Minneapolis transforms into a celebration of all things local this Fourth of July weekend, with bold food, refreshing drinks, local makers, and an all-star lineup of homegrown Minnesota music.
CONvergence 2026: The Geek in the Machine
- July 3–5
- Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
- Tickets available at convergence-con.org
The upper Midwest's premier science fiction and fantasy convention returns for four days of panels, costumes, and community, this year themed around robots, cyborgs, and androids. With thousands of attendees and events spanning all media, it's a can't-miss for fans of the genre.
2026 Minneapolis Red, White and Boom
- July 4, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Water Works Park and West River Parkway, Minneapolis
- Free event; more details at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board hosts the city's largest Independence Day celebration along the Mississippi Riverfront, packed with a 5K run, yoga, food trucks, dance performances, aerial acrobatics and live Americana rock from Sawyer's Dream before fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m.
St. Paul Rotary's Red, White and Boom! Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
- July 4, 6 p.m.
- Cathedral Hill Park, 215 Summit Ave, St. Paul
- Free event
The St. Paul Rotary Club launches its annual Fourth of July fireworks show from Cathedral Hill Park, the highest point in the city, offering a spectacular vantage point for the celebration.
Linden Hills Farmers Market
- July 5, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- 2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis (Settergrens of Linden Hills parking lot)
- Free to attend; more info on the Linden Hills Farmers Market website
Wind down the holiday weekend at this weekly market featuring around 50 rotating vendors, including local farmers, artisanal food producers, chefs, artists, and live music.