Aquatennial Torchlight Parade | Nicollet Mall

The Minneapolis Downtown Council is proud to announce the 2025 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Most of the events take place in the heart of the City of Lakes in downtown – from Loring Park and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days.

All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial.

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade:

Annually the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach, Bob Motzko. Motzko, one of the most accomplished coaches in American hockey today, will serve as head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

The parade is Wednesday, July 23 starting at 7:30 p.m. along Nicollet Mall.