The Brief
- The 2026 Minneapolis Aquatennial runs from July 18–26 with free, family-friendly events.
- The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization is now producing the festival, including the Torchlight Parade.
- New and returning events like the Milk Carton Boat Races and Summer Snowball Classic are planned.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Big changes are coming to the Minneapolis Aquatennial in 2026, with new leadership, events and the return of once beloved traditions.
Minneapolis Aquatennial returns
What we know:
The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) is now leading the Aquatennial, taking over from the Minneapolis Downtown Council, which previously announced it would step back after 2025.
The festival will run from Saturday, July 18, through Sunday, July 26, with activities spread across city parks, Bde Maka Ska, the Mississippi riverfront, and downtown Minneapolis.…