Family Friendly Guide To Minneapolis Aquatennial
Photo Credit: aquatennial.com/Facebook
2014 Minneapolis Aquatennial
Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.aquatennial.com/
Dates: July 18 to 26
The Minneapolis Aquatennial celebrates its 75th year with a celebration filled with fun events for the entire family. The 2014 Aquatennial kicks-off in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis with a jam-packed weekend of fitness, music, water, and historic activities and is quickly followed by fun-filled summer days and nights of free (or low cost) public events throughout the city.
Festival goers are going to want to make their plans now to fit everything in. Visit Aquatennial.com for a full schedule of events. While you're online, like us on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, pin with us on Pinterest, and follow us on Instagram to get up-to-the-minute details and insider tips.
Photo Credit: aquatennial.com/Facebook
Star Tribune Beach Bash
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun
Hours: July 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Star Tribune Beach Bash is home to some of the Aquatennial's most iconic events. Sandcastles of all kinds will line the beach as competitors defend their craft at the Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition. Watch teams defy the odds by racing boats made of milk cartons across Lake Calhoun during the Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races. Various categories of competition take place throughout the day and close with an awards ceremony at 3:30 pm. Other activities back by popular demand are the Minneapolis Fire Department, Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive and Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe.
Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show
Mississippi River, West Bank along W River Rd. between Broadway and Plymouth Aves.
Hours: July 18: 7 pm, July 19-20: 3 pm & 7 pm, July 24: 7 pm
The Rats are back! A Twin Cities favorite, this talented water ski team braves the Mississippi River to perform a series of tricks, pyramids, and more. This year, the Rats will feature their largest ever ballet line, the Fly-High jet pack flyer, and a brand new "Star Wars" themed show.
Key Log Rolling Invitational
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun
Hours: July 19, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Test your core strength, balance, footwork and cardio with this American tradition.
Key Log Rolling Finals and Demos
West River Parkway along the Mississippi River
Hours: July 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The winners from the Invitational advance to determine the champion.
Photo Credit: aquatennial.com/Facebook
Aquatennial Pre-Parade Party at Loring Park
Loring Park
Hours: July 23, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Come down early to the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and join in this family fun event featuring live music, jugglers, inflatable jumpers, food vendors, carnival games and new this year, free canoe rides on the Loring Park pond.
Photo Credit: aquatennial.com/Facebook
CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
Hennepin Avenue between the Dunwoody College of Technology and 5th Street
Hours: July 23, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Join Grand Marshal Chris Shaffer for a colorfully lit parade of bands and floats that march straight through the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. Fun for all ages, the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade is sure to brighten up your summer and the kids' faces.
Photo credit: aquatennial.com
Target Fireworks
West River Parkway along the Mississippi River between Portland Ave. and the 3rd Ave. Bridge
Hours: July 26, 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
One of the largest annual fireworks displays in the nation, the Target Fireworks will light up the Minneapolis sky with a spectacular pyrotechnic display in celebration of the 75th Aquatennial. In addition to the amazing fireworks at 10 pm, enjoy pre-fireworks festivities beginning at 6 pm, along West River Parkway between Portland Avenue and the 3rd Avenue Bridge.
Dining
(credit: CBS)
Family Fun Restaurants:
You'll need a full stomach to keep up with the fun-filled days of the Aquatennial. Between events, stop by one of Downtown's incredible restaurants to refuel.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, 1333 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, (612) 339-0540
The News Room, 990 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, (612) 343-0073
Rock Bottom Brewery, 800 Lasalle Ave, Minneapolis, (612) 332-2739
The Local, 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, (612) 904-1000
Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, (612) 332-3908
Fogo de Chao, 645 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, (612), 338-1344
Rosa Mexicano, 609 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, (612) 656-7144
Kieran's Irish Pub, 85 6th St, Minneapolis, (612) 339-4499
Get a Meal and a Deal:
Present your 2014 Aquatennial Skipper Pin at these participating locations and take advantage of the great deals.
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, (612) 332-1010
Hell's Kitchen, 80 S 9th St Ste 2, Minneapolis, (612) 332-4700
Shout House Dueling Pianos, 650 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402, (612) 337-6700
Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 S 7th St, Minneapolis, (612) 349-4000
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 370-1234
Click here for even more offers!
