Independence Day Events in the Southwest Metro
Celebrate America’s 250th close to home
Scroll down for a listing of the Independence Day events in the Southwest Metro this year.
Reasons to Be Proud
I’ve been enthralled for the past week watching reaction videos of Europeans visiting America for the World Cup and their amazement at Costcos and Walmarts, ordering food at restaurants, four-lane highways, and other mundanities.
While all that is amusing, it is heartening to also hear them praise the kindness and hospitality of ordinary Americans.
It is the people that make our country great, not the leaders. Here are some other things I’m thinking about that give me pride in this country on our 250th birthday:
Social Security: Under Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal Democratic coalition, the Social Security Act of 1935 created old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid programs for vulnerable Americans. It remains one of the most durable anti-poverty and retirement-security programs in U.S. history.
The New Deal: As a response to the Great Depression, the New Deal reshaped the federal government’s role in stabilizing the economy, protecting workers, regulating finance, supporting farmers, building infrastructure, and putting people to work. Not every program succeeded equally, and some excluded many Black workers and women, but as a governing achievement it fundamentally changed American life for the better.
Workers’ Rights: The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 protected workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and seek better working conditions without retaliation. That helped create the legal foundation for the mid-20th-century labor movement and the growth of the American middle class.
Saving the World from Fascism: FDR’s leadership before and during World War II, followed by Harry Truman’s early postwar leadership, placed Democratic presidents at the center of defeating fascism, mobilizing American industry, creating the foundations of the postwar order, and helping shape institutions like the United Nations and NATO-era internationalism that kept the world largely at peace for eighty years.
The G.I. Bill: Signed by FDR in 1944 after unanimous congressional passage, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, or G.I. Bill, helped millions of veterans access education, housing, and economic opportunity. It was one of the most important middle-class-building policies in American history, though its benefits were distributed unequally because of discrimination in implementation.
The Civil Rights & Voting Rights Act: Under Lyndon B. Johnson, Democrats helped pass and enact the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, two of the most important democracy-expanding laws in U.S. history. These laws attacked legal segregation and protected voting rights, though they required enormous pressure from the civil-rights movement and also received crucial Republican support in Congress.
Medicare & Medicaid: The Social Security Amendments of 1965, signed by LBJ, created Medicare and Medicaid, transforming health care access for seniors, low-income Americans, people with disabilities, and families. CMS describes these programs as protecting the health and economic security of millions of American families.
Affordable Care Act: Under Barack Obama, Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the largest health-care overhaul since Medicare and Medicaid. It expanded coverage, created insurance marketplaces and subsidies, expanded Medicaid in participating states, and barred insurers from excluding people because of preexisting conditions.
Renewable Energy Investments: Under Joe Biden, Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which included major climate, clean-energy, prescription-drug, tax, and health-care provisions. It is widely described as the largest U.S. climate investment to date, though its long-term impact depends on implementation, courts, markets, and later Congresses.
When we’ve been guided by our better angels, our country has done and is capable of doing amazing things and making the world a far better place. While a lot of that progress has been under assault, take some time to appreciate all the good that has been done.
And give yourself a pat on the back for your contribution to keeping this an amazing country.
Here’s to 250 more!
David
All events below are free unless otherwise noted. Events span July 1–5, 2026
QUICK REFERENCE: FIREWORKS BY DATE
Friday, July 3
Shorewood/Chanhassen — Lake Minnewashta Regional Park: Dusk (~9 p.m.) | Free
Eden Prairie — Sparklefest drone show, Round Lake Park: ~9:45 p.m. | Free
Waconia — Sovereign Estate Winery / Lake Waconia: ~9:45 p.m. | $30/person
St. Louis Park — Aquila Park: 10:00 p.m. | Free
Shakopee — Canterbury Park (Kwik Trip Spectacular): ~10:10 p.m. | Tickets req’d
Saturday, July 4
Excelsior — Excelsior Commons / Excelsior Bay: ~9:50 p.m. | Free
Chanhassen — Lake Ann Park: 10:00 p.m. | Free
Eden Prairie — Round Lake Park: 10:00 p.m. | Free
Prior Lake — Lakefront Park: 10:00 p.m. | Free
Prior Lake — Mystic Lake (Rock & Rockets): ~10:00 p.m. | Free
Shakopee — Valleyfair (Star-Spangled Night): ~10:00 p.m. | Admission req’d
Shakopee — SMSC Wacipi Grounds: 10:00 p.m. | Free
Chaska — McKnight Park: Dusk (~10 p.m.) | Free
Edina — Rosland Park: Dusk (~10 p.m.) | Free
CARVER
The City of Carver, MN, celebrates July 4th primarily through the annual Carver Steamboat Days event, which features live music, food, and fireworks on the holiday weekend.
Carver Steamboat Days (July 3–5, 2026)
Friday, July 3: Lions Beer Tent opens (4 p.m.), food vendors, Carver Fire Dept Water Fights (5:30 p.m.), and live music with Mojo Monks (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, July 4:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Car Show (sponsored by Carver Auto)
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: MN Marketplace
10:30 a.m.: Bean Bag Contest
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Balloon Animals in Gazebo Park
3:00 p.m.: Duck Duck Magic Family Show in Gazebo Park
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Main Stage - Blue Ribbon Bandits
8:20 p.m.: FIREWORKS
8:30 p.m. – Midnight: Main Stage - Gen X Jukebox
Sunday, July 5: Parade (1 p.m.), Super Nova Youth Band
CHANHASSEN
43rd Annual 4th of July Celebration — “America’s 250th”
The City of Chanhassen’s flagship community celebration, now in its 43rd year, spans four full days with events at City Center Park, downtown Chanhassen, and Lake Ann Park.
Date: Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: City Center Park, 7700 Market Boulevard, Chanhassen, MN 55317; Lake Ann Park (fireworks)
Cost: Free (carnival rides and some activities cost extra: $3–$6/ride)
Schedule Highlights:
Wednesday, July 1
Free Movie Night at City Center Park — National Treasure — 9 p.m. (complimentary popcorn & candy, sponsored by Xfinity)
Thursday, July 2
Family Night at the Carnival (discounted rides $3 before 8 p.m.)
Face painting, wacky hair, temp tattoos ($3–$15)
Kiddie Parade ride decorations (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Friday, July 3
Minnesota Twins Youth Baseball Clinic
Taste of Chanhassen Food Truck Festival & Beer Garden (4–11 p.m.)
Stone Daisy Concert (5:15–7:15 p.m.)
Kiddie Parade (5:30 p.m.)
3rd Lair Summer Skateboard Series (7 p.m.)
Street Dance (8–11 p.m.)
Saturday, July 4
Classic Car Show (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Carnival (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Taste of Chanhassen Food Truck Festival (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
BINGO (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
American Bootleg Concert (11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Rotary Club 4th of July Parade at 2:30 p.m.
Fireworks over Lake Ann at 10 p.m.
Source: ChanhassenMN.gov/4th, cclocalnews.org
Lake Minnewashta Fireworks Show
A popular Carver County Parks fireworks show launched over Lake Minnewashta, with the park located along the Chanhassen/Shorewood border. Presented by KABOOM (Keeping America’s Birthday Observation Over Minnesota) and Carver County Parks.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: Dusk (approximately 9:00 p.m.)
Location: Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Shorewood/Chanhassen, MN 55331
Cost: Free
Rain Date: Sunday, July 5
Source: CarvercountyMN.gov, FamilyFunTwinCities.com
CHASKA
City of Chaska 4th of July Fireworks
The City of Chaska hosts a free public fireworks display at McKnight Park. This show was confirmed for July 4, 2026 at dusk (~10 p.m.). Simply show up with a lawn chair or blanket.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: Dusk (~10 p.m.) — approximately 20 minutes
Location: McKnight Park, 2905 McKnight Road, Chaska, MN 55318
Cost: Free
Source: Macaroni KID Carver
Jonathan Association 4th of July Festival & Community Event
An annual community celebration hosted by the Jonathan neighborhood association, featuring a fun run, kiddie parade, entertainment, and family activities at Lake Grace Pavilion.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. (Fun Run registration) through midday
Location: Lake Grace Pavilion, Chaska, MN
Cost: Free (fun run participants receive a t-shirt)
Schedule:
7:30 a.m. – Fun Run registration
8:00 a.m. – Fun Run
9:30 a.m. – Kiddie Parade (gathers at Karen House at 9 a.m.)
10:30 a.m. – Entertainment at Lake Grace Pavilion (music by Eddie Mac, magician/comedian, bounce houses, face painting, food including hot dogs, chips, ice cream)
Notes: Rain or shine
Source: JonathanInChaska.com
EDEN PRAIRIE
Sparklefest — Sensory-Friendly Drone Show
A family-oriented, sensory-friendly July 3rd pre-celebration at Round Lake Park featuring inflatables, crafts, bingo, dance party, foam party, and a spectacular sensory-friendly drone show (not fireworks — lower noise, ideal for children and pets with sensitivities).
Date: Thursday, July 3, 2026
Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m. (drone show ~9:45 p.m.)
Location: Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Cost: Free; free parking at Eden Prairie Community Center with free shuttles
Activities: Dance party, hands-on crafts, inflatables, kids bingo, lawn games, food truck plaza, foam party (7:30–9:30 p.m.), archery/games by Scouting America (6–9:30 p.m.)
Source: EPLocalNews.org, FamilyFunTwinCities.com
4th of July Hometown Celebration — Music & Fireworks
Eden Prairie’s main Independence Day celebration with live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 3:00–11:00 p.m. (fireworks at 10 p.m.)
Location: Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Cost: Free; free parking at Eden Prairie Community Center with shuttles
Rain/Postponement Date: Sunday, July 5 (announcement by 8:30 p.m. July 4)
Schedule:
3:00 p.m.: Food & beverage vendors open
3:15 p.m.: Blue Hazard (live music)
4:30 p.m.: Annie Mack (live music)
6:00 p.m.: Maiden Dixie (live music)
7:45 p.m.: Welcome from Mayor Ron Case & City Council
8:00 p.m.: Free and Easy (live music)
10:00 p.m.: FIREWORKS
Source: EPLocalNews.org, FamilyFunTwinCities.com
Prairie Hill Church — July 4th Celebration (Free Community Event)
A free community celebration at Prairie Hill Evangelical Free Church with live band, food, cotton candy, dirty soda station, games, crafts, bounce houses, and more. After the event, attendees can watch the Eden Prairie fireworks from the church parking lot.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m. (fireworks viewable from parking lot ~10 p.m.)
Location: Prairie Hill Evangelical Free Church, 17200 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (Parking Lot)
Cost: Free (everything)
Note: Valley View Road closes at 8 p.m.; notify police if arriving after 8 p.m.
Source: PrairieHill.church
EDINA
Edina 4th of July Parade
Edina’s beloved annual Independence Day parade through the heart of the city, featuring veterans, marching bands, floats, horses, musicians, and character groups. An estimated 20,000 spectators typically attend.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. (approximately one hour)
Parade Route: Starts on Eden Avenue behind Edina City Hall → east on Eden Ave → east on West 50th Street → ends at Halifax Avenue (near Lunds & Byerlys)
Cost: Free
Broadcast: Live on Edina TV (Comcast/Xfinity channels 813 and 16)
Source: EdinaMN.gov, EdinaParade.org, Patch.com
Rosland Park Concert & Fireworks Spectacular
An evening celebration with food trucks, live patriotic music by the 204th Army Band and the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: Food trucks from 5:00 p.m.; 204th Army Band at 8:00 p.m.; First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band at 8:45 p.m.; Fireworks at dusk (~10 p.m.)
Location: Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St., Edina, MN 55435
Cost: Free; no alcohol served
Parking: Available in two lots at Rosland Park and surrounding neighborhoods; W. 66th St. will be closed from West Shore Drive to Southdale Road
Source: EdinaMN.gov, Patch.com
EXCELSIOR
Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration
Excelsior hosts the only public fireworks show on Lake Minnetonka, produced and organized by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce. The full-day celebration begins at dawn and ends with fireworks launched over Excelsior Bay.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. – ~10:15 p.m.
Location: Excelsior Commons / Excelsior Bay, 135 Lake St (Commons Park area), Excelsior, MN 55331; Excelsior Elementary School (race start)
Cost: Free (Firecracker Run has registration fees: 1-Mile $25–$33; 5K $45–$53; 10K $47–$55)
Full Schedule:
7:30 a.m.: Excelsior Firecracker 1-Mile Start at Excelsior Elementary
7:50 a.m.: Excelsior Firecracker 10K Start
8:00 a.m.: Excelsior Firecracker 5K Start; free face painting (8 a.m.–1 p.m.)
10:00 a.m.: Kids’ Bike Parade gathering at Kowalski’s in Excelsior (hosted by Primrose School)
11:00 a.m.: Kids’ Bike Parade down Water Street, ending at Excelsior Commons; Petting Zoo & DJ Dance Party (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
3:00 p.m.: Food vendors open at Excelsior Commons
3:00–5:00 p.m.: The Percolators (live music)
5:00–7:00 p.m.: Sawyer’s Dream (live music)
7:15 p.m.–close: Jake + Josie (live music)
~9:50 p.m.: Fireworks launched over Excelsior Bay
Source: Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, Patch.com, Lake.com
HOPKINS
No standalone City of Hopkins July 4th weekend celebration was identified for 2026. Hopkins’ signature summer festival — the 92nd Annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival — runs July 15–19, 2026, with the Grande Day Parade on Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 p.m. on Main Street.
For July 4th fireworks nearby, Hopkins residents may visit Edina’s Rosland Park (6 miles), St. Louis Park’s Aquila Park (4 miles), or Minneapolis’ Red, White & BOOM! events.
MINNETONKA
No standalone City of Minnetonka July 4th celebration was identified for 2026. For July 4th fireworks, Minnetonka residents are within easy driving distance of the Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior celebration and multiple other events in this guide.
PRIOR LAKE
Prior Lake Association Fireworks — 60th Anniversary!
The Prior Lake Association hosts its 60th consecutive annual fireworks display, launched from the beach at Lakefront Park over Prior Lake. Completely community-funded through donations.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 p.m. (show starts from the beach)
Location: Lakefront Park, Prior Lake, MN (viewing from the park and around the lake)
Cost: Free
Note: Check the Prior Lake Association’s Facebook page for any weather-related updates
Source: PriorLakeAssociation.org, CitiesSouthMag.com
Rock and Rockets at Mystic Lake
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel hosts its free Fourth of July outdoor celebration with live music, food trucks, and a fireworks show in the outdoor area between Mystic Lake and Little Six.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 5:00–10:30 p.m. (fireworks ~10:00 p.m.)
Location: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, MN 55372 (outdoor area between Mystic Lake & Little Six)
Cost: Free; family-friendly
Source: PriorLakeEvents.com, USA-Quarter-Millennial.com
SAVAGE
No standalone City of Savage July 4th celebration was identified for 2026. For July 4th weekend, Savage residents may attend events in nearby Shakopee (Canterbury Park, Valleyfair, SMSC) or other neighboring communities.
SHAKOPEE
Canterbury Fireworks Spectacular (Kwik Trip Fireworks Spectacular)
Canterbury Park hosts Shakopee’s biggest July 3rd fireworks show, following an evening of live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Sugar Buzz performs live, and the fireworks display follows racing at approximately 10:10 p.m.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. (first race at 4:00 p.m.; fireworks ~10:10 p.m.)
Location: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Cost: Tickets required (general admission and reserved seating available at tickets.canterburypark.com)
Source: Patch.com, ExploreMN.com, CanterburyPark.com
Hormel Foods 4th of July Celebration & Wiener Dog Races
Canterbury Park’s July 4th America’s 250th Birthday celebration featuring live horse racing, the beloved wiener dog races between races, and a hot dog eating contest.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Cost: General Admission Adults (18+): $2.81; discounted for America’s 250th anniversary
Highlights: Wiener dog races between live horse races, hot dog eating contest, family-friendly activities
Source: ExploreMN.com, Tickets.CanterburyPark.com
Valleyfair Star-Spangled Night
Valleyfair amusement park hosts its annual Independence Day celebration with full access to rides, the Superior Shores Waterpark, food, and a fireworks spectacular at ~10 p.m. Fireworks are set to music and included with park admission.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (fireworks ~10:00 p.m.)
Location: Valleyfair, 1 Valleyfair Dr., Shakopee, MN 55379
Cost: Tickets start at $54.99 plus parking; active military and veterans receive FREE admission July 4–7
Source: Patch.com, FamilyFunTwinCities.com
SMSC Public Fireworks Display
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) sponsors a free public fireworks display, open to the general public, best viewed near the SMSC Wacipi (Pow Wow) Grounds.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 p.m. (rain or shine, unless severe weather)
Location: Best viewing near SMSC Wacipi (Pow Wow) Grounds, 3212 Dakotah Parkway, Shakopee, MN (south of County Road 42, between CR 83/Canterbury Rd and CR 17/Marschall Rd)
Cost: Free; open to the general public
Source: ShakopeeDakota.org
SHOREWOOD
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park Fireworks
Carver County Parks presents a professional fireworks display launched over Lake Minnewashta. The park straddles the Shorewood/Chanhassen border and is the premier lakeside fireworks venue in the area. Presented by KABOOM.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: Dusk (~9:00 p.m.)
Location: Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Shorewood/Chanhassen, MN 55331
Cost: Free
Rain Date: Sunday, July 5
Note: Also the route for the Excelsior Firecracker Run on July 4, which passes through Shorewood, Deephaven, and Greenwood
Source: CarvercountyMN.gov, Patch.com Shorewood calendar
ST. LOUIS PARK
Fireworks Celebration at Aquila Park
St. Louis Park’s beloved Independence Day celebration is consistently cited as one of the best fireworks shows in the Twin Cities. The free event features food trucks, vendors, DJ entertainment, and fireworks set to music.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 7:00–10:30 p.m. (fireworks begin promptly at 10:00 p.m.)
Location: Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave. S., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Cost: Free; no registration required
Rain Date: Thursday, July 9
Food Trucks & Vendors on site: Ralph’s Rib Crib, KCM Eggrolls, Waffle Bar, Pizza Karma, Cave Cafe, Big Bell Ice Cream, Firefly S’mores, Shelita’s Art World Face Painting, DJ Trilogy, Park N’ Play mobile rec city vehicle
Note: Leashed dogs welcome in the park, but please leave pets at home during fireworks
Source: StLouisParkMN.gov, ExploreMN.com, Patch.com
VICTORIA
No standalone City of Victoria July 4th celebration was identified for 2026. Victoria’s prominent annual summer festival is Volksfest, typically held in mid-July.
For Independence Day fireworks, Victoria residents are within easy reach of the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park fireworks show on July 3 (approximately 7 miles), and the Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior celebration on July 4.
WACONIA
Lake Waconia Fireworks — Sovereign Estate Winery
Note: In 2026, the Lake Waconia fireworks are scheduled for Friday, July 3 — NOT July 4. This year, Sovereign Estate Winery has taken over organization of the beloved community fireworks tradition (previously managed by the Waconia Chamber for 30+ years), launching from the winery’s lakeside property. The fireworks are entirely community-funded through donations.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – dusk/~9:45 p.m. (fireworks just after dusk)
Location: Sovereign Estate Winery, 9950 North Shore Road, Waconia, MN 55387 (on the shores of Lake Waconia)
Cost: Ticketed event — $30 per person (tickets through OneCause.com benefiting Ridgeview Medical Center Foundation)
Entertainment: Rock tribute band XPEDITION at 8 p.m.; food trucks; fundraising activities
Viewing Alternatives: Lake Waconia Regional Park (8170 Paradise Ln), Lola’s Lakehouse, InTowne Marina, Island View Golf Club, or by boat on Lake Waconia (free viewing from these spots)
Source: DestinationWaconia.org, SovereignEstateWine.com
All event details were current as of July 1, 2026. Always confirm event details and check organizer websites or social media for last-minute updates due to weather.
The Southwest Crier does not guarantee the accuracy of times, dates, or costs listed herein and recommends confirming with event organizers.
Chaska Protests
Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]
Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]
Chanhassen Protests
Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.
Norwood Young America
Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)
Victoria
Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.
Waconia
Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]
SW Protectors
Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.
Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.