From sporting events to live music and everything in between, there’s something for everyone around Bloomington, Minnesota over the 4th of July holiday. Ring in your Independence Day in Bloomington, home of Mall of America and in a simply central location that’s right in the middle of all the Twin Cities’ fun summer events.
The unofficial kickoff to 4th of July weekend is Bloomington Summer Fete, held each year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. This family-friendly event includes a carnival, food trucks, and live music for both kids and adults, culminating with a firework display at dusk.
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing and founding of the United States of America. At Mall of America, you and your family can explore 250 years of the people that helped make Minnesota what it is today through an exhibit and interactive activities in Huntington Bank Rotunda. America 250 at Mall of America activities include learning about the history of the American flag, Revolution-era clothing, and even signing your own name to the Declaration of Independence. Finishing the weekend on July 5th, two fashion shows will honor our local Minnesotans and their clothing and dress customs throughout the last 250 years.
Taste of Minnesota will return to downtown Minneapolis this year, with countless food samples, live music and entertainment, and features by local artists planned on July 3 and 4. You can also start your day off with one of the longest running parades in Minnesota, Saint Paul’s 4th in the Park community celebration, or enjoy Minneapolis’ Red, White, and Boom fireworks show along the Mississippi River! Then enjoy carnivals, music, food, parades, entertainment, and games from Shakopee to Stillwater and every city in between. If you’re feeling extra patriotic, celebrate at Historic Fort Snelling and witness a mock battle, fife & drum music, and cannons galore.
Photo Credit: St. Paul Saints
St. Paul Saints fans have the opportunity to support their hometown team as they host the Buffalo Bisons minor league baseball team July 1-5. Post-game on July 4th, enjoy fireworks and the Monster Food Truck Rally.
If arts and culture is more your style, catch Come From Away at the Guthrie Theater. Feast Your Eyes: Art for the Senses will also be open for guests at Bloomington Center for the Arts, along with Nostalgic Escapism in the Atrium Gallery. Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band and Doug Collins are featured at Mystic Lake Casino’s Rock and Rockets on the 4th of July, which also includes food trucks and fireworks. In honor of the holiday, Canterbury Park will host a Hormel Foods 4th of July Celebration and Wiener Dog Races, along with fireworks and other races throughout the weekend.
Whatever your plans may be for 4th of July week, the holiday will be extra convenient and fun with a stay at one of Bloomington’s 40+ hotels. Browse our list of summer fun hotel offers and pick the deal that suits you best, then enjoy a simply central getaway or staycation in honor of Independence Day!
