Looking for ways to celebrate 4^th of July weekend? We’ve come up with several red, white, and cool ideas for Independence Day weekend fun.

Saints Game

The St. Paul Saints are in town 4^th of July weekend hosting the Omaha Storm Chasers. Games are Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4, both at 6:05 p.m. While there will be fireworks following every game, the weekend wraps up in big way with a SPIREworks Supershow after Sunday night's game.

Shopping

Shop for 4^th of July themed accessories and clothes or decorate your home in stars and stripes. Shop stores like Apricot Lane, Fox Run, GoodThings, and Williams Sonoma.

Run a 5K

The 12^th annual Free to Run 4 Miles takes place July 4^th. Presented by Charities Challenge, run or walk a time four-mile route (or optional one-mile fun run or walk) around Arbor Lakes. The run starts and finishes at the former Claddagh Irish Pub location on Main Street in Maple Grove. Holiday costumes are welcome!

Fireworks

Head west to the city of Delano for their supreme fireworks display! It’s the 50^th year of 4^th of July celebrations, and this year will be bigger and better than ever. Make an evening of it and get there early with lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks – fireworks start at 10:30 p.m.! Delano also has a 4^th of July parade, 5K race, a carnival, bean bag tournament, live music throughout the weekend and much more. The city goes all out for the 4^th!

Picnic in a Park

4^th of July weekend calls for us to be outside enjoy wide open spaces. It’s a perfect weekend to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at one of the area’s beautiful parks. Elm Creek Park Reserve has a large playground and swim pond that kids get excited for. The park is dotted with picnic tables and pavilions, so you can comfortably enjoy your meal. Of course, there’s plenty of green space to spread out on a blanket, too. Other great picnicking parts include Fish Lake Regional Park, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, and Palmer Lake Park.

Farmers Markets

Are you making a scrumptious dessert for a 4^th of July gathering? Putting together a picnic? Pick up fresh 4^th of July produce at the Lyndale Farmers Market in Minneapolis, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. or at Saint Paul Farmers Market in St. Paul, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. You may find just the right ingredients for a homemade pie  or veggie pasta salad.

Mini Golf

You’ll have a unique experience with skyline mini-golf at the Walker Art Center’s rooftop, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The course features ten distinct, artist-designed holes that will throw you for a loop. Take a deep breath and savor the view of downtown Minneapolis and lovely Loring Park, along with the quirky sculptures of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

S'mores

Nothing says summer evenings like a campfire and s’mores. Take your s’mores game to the next level when you enjoy specialty s’mores desserts! Try the S’mores pizza at Johnny Boy’s Pizza, made with Nutella, marshmallows, and chocolate syrup. The S’mores Brownie at CRAVE is also worth checking out with its side scoop of ice cream and a nice smoky char on top of the marshmallows.  

Explore Nature

Three Rivers’ popular event Nature Center Without Walls returns July 4^th at both at Eastman Nature Center and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. These special weekends feature different activities and experiences, such as meeting live animal ambassadors, viewing outdoor displays, participating in nature challenges, and checking out free exploration materials. You can also get trail tips and talk with a naturalist about your discoveries.

Aquatennial

Lots of people think of the Minneapolis Aquatennial as a 4^th of July event, but it actually takes place later in the month, July 21 – 24, and celebrates all that summer has to offer. This year will include the Torchlight Parade on July 21 and Target Fireworks on July 24.