Independence Day is this Saturday, so let's talk fireworks. No matter how you feel about them the rest of the year, you'll probably want to be near some this weekend as you keep your radio tuned to Classical MPR—where we'll be highlighting American composers and playing other music appropriate for the occasion.
Minneapolis is holding its annual Red, White and Boom celebration once again this year, featuring a half-marathon, live music, food, and (of course) fireworks. Music runs from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., with Oklahoma and Step Rockets performing at Mills Ruins Park, and Bre Lewis and High Brow and the Shades performing at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Fireworks are at 10:00 p.m. In St. Paul, fireworks will follow the St. Paul Saints game at CHS Field, since the Taste of Minnesota has moved to Waconia.
Below, you'll find an embedded and interactive map (as well as an old-fashioned analog list) detailing more places to see fireworks in the Twin Cities and beyond--as well as hear some music, in most cases. The only thing you have to do yourself is scope out the perfect viewing spot(s).
Albert Lea - Community Band concert at 8:00 p.m. and fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Fountain Lake.
Alexandria - Fireworks over Lake Darling at sundown.
Apple Valley - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, preceded by pre-fireworks party featuring DJ Sounds.
Blaine - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at the National Sports Center.
Chanhassen - Live music from American Bootleg at 11:45 p.m. at Chanhassen City Center Park, fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Lake Ann Park.
Chaska - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at McKnight Park.
Coon Rapids - Live music from Shag from 7:00-10:30 p.m., fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Cottage Grove - Fireworks at dusk in Kingston Park.
Duluth - Fireworks at 10:10 p.m. in Bayfront Festival Park. Live music starting at 4:30pm featuring The Circuit Breakers, Bill and Kate Isles, Jazz Central All Stars, and Big Wave Dave and the Ripples.
Delano - Music from KRWC and The Belgaard Brothers at the Family Entertainment stage, and from Alaytra and Rock Godz at the Main Entertainment stage; fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
Eagan - Live music from the Brian Kinney Band starting at 8:00 p.m.; fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Eden Prairie - Performances from Tim Mahoney at 5 p.m., Synergy at 8:00, and fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Round Lake Park.
Edina - Performance by the John Philip Sousa Memorial Band at 8:30 p.m., fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Rosland Park.
Elk River - Fireworks at dusk from Elk River High School.
Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka - Performance by the Wolverines Big Band at 7:00 p.m., fireworks at dusk at Excelsior Commons.
Forest Lake - St. Croix Crossings and Charlie O at Lakeside Memorial Park between 5:30 and 10:00 p.m.; Twin Cities Lights and Entertainment at the American Legion from 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Hastings - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. from Hastings Country Club.
Lakeville - Live music by the Git Backs and fireworks, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Lakeville North High School.
Mankato - Music from City Mouse and the Mankato Symphony Orchestra at Riverfront Park starting at 7:00 p.m. Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Maplewood - Good for Gary at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Hazelwood Park.
Minneapolis - Minneapolis is throwing its annual Red, White and Boom Independence Day half marathon and festival, featuring live music, food, and fireworks (and running). Music runs from 6:00-10:00 p.m., with Oklahoma and Step Rockets performing at Mills Ruins Park, and Bre Lewis and High Brow and the Shades performing at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Prior Lake - Fireworks after 10:00 p.m. on Lower Prior Lake (visible from shore). Also live music from Viva Knievel and Maiden Dixie at Mystic Lake Casino, where there will be fireworks at Dusk. The Beach Boys will also be performing on the Mystic Lake lawn.
Richfield - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Live music in the park by Teen King and the Princes begins at 7:00 p.m.
Roseville - Live music at the Frank Rog Amphitheatre in Central Park starting at 2:45 p.m. and featuring the Splatter Sisters, Songs of Hope, Everett Smithson, the Roseville Big Band, and the Roseville Community Band. Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. over Bennett Lake.
Rochester - Starting at 8:30 p.m. there will be a performance by the Rochester Concert Band followed by a fireworks display at Silver Lake Park.
St. Cloud - Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. in Hester and Wilson Parks.
Shakopee - Fireworks at Valleyfair at 10:10 p.m.
St. Louis Park - Live music from Stevie and the Table Rockers, 7:00-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at approx. 10:00 p.m. Aquila Park.
St. Paul - Fireworks to follow St. Paul Saints game at CHS Field.
Stewartville - DJ Sam Hanson from noon to 2:00 p.m.; fireworks at dusk.
Stillwater - Music at two different parks: Colin Campbell and the C-Notes and Tumblin' Dice will play at Lowell Park from 5:00-10:00 p.m.; and the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra will lay in Pioneer Park from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Fireworks over the St. Croix at 10:00 p.m./dusk.
Waconia - Fireworks at dusk at Lake Waconia Regional Park.
Waconia - Taste of Minnesota - Music from the Castaways, Blue Coupe, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland, Owl featuring Chris Wyse, Fuel, and P.O.D. on the Main Stage; and The Polka Beats, Skywind, The Murphy Brothers, Sin City Escape, and Free Fallin' on the Taste Stage. Fireworks at 10:20 p.m.
White Bear Lake - Music by Shoreview Nothern Lights Variety Band at 8:00 p.m., fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at Memorial Beach Park.
Woodbury - At Bielenberg Sports Center, Flashmob! will play at 6:00 p.m., to be followed by fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Austin Gerth is a member of the class of 2016 at Concordia College. He also writes for Concordia's student blog, The COBBlog; and Concordia's student newspaper, The Concordian.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
