Fourth of July 2026 Guide: Fireworks, Parades and Events Across Dakota & Scott Counties

The Eagan Community Foundation recently celebrated a record-breaking year for its scholarship program, awarding 124 scholarships totaling $157,025 to local students during its annual Scholarship Dessert Social and Awards Celebration.

Veterans and active military personnel can receive a free breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at participating Hy-Vee locations with hot food service.

Eagan-based author, podcast host, and mental health advocate, Wanda Marie Thibodeaux, is scheduled to host a public book signing event next month at Vendella Euro Boutique & Coffee Haus in Eagan for her award-winning book Grace in the Grind: 52 Devotions for Thriving in the Workplace.

The Saint Paul Pride Festival & Parade 2026 is set to return June 13-14, 2026, with a weekend focused on community unity, local art, live entertainment, and inclusive celebrations across Saint Paul.

La Merced Super Mercado is inviting community members to come together later this month for a Family Fun Day and Community Fundraiser to support the locally owned grocery store as it navigates ongoing challenges following Operation Metro Surge.

The Eagan Lions and fellow volunteers will be doing a cleanup along Highway 13 in Eagan this coming Saturday, May 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will help clean litter and debris along portions of Highway 13 as part of the Eagan Lions’ ongoing community service efforts.

A powerful tribute to nurses is set to light up parts of the Twin Cities metro for National Nurses Week, with several prominent buildings and landmarks glowing red in honor of the profession’s impact on communities across the country.

One of the community’s most beloved grassroots traditions is set to return this fall, as the Pleasant Street Art Walk celebrates its 8th year in downtown Prior Lake.

Community members will have a chance to enjoy live music, interactive activities, and local craft beer while supporting the arts during an upcoming fundraiser for Twin Cities Bronze, this Sunday, March 15, from 6–8 p.m. at Bald Man Brewing.

The City of Burnsville is inviting residents of all ages to attend Swiftie Skate Night on Thursday, March 13, at the Burnsville Ice Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The City of Farmington’s Parks and Recreation Department invites residents and visitors to lace up their skates this January as it celebrates National Skating Month with two special community skating events and ongoing open skate opportunities through early March.

The Eagan Community Foundation is celebrating a major milestone after announcing that its annual International Evening of Eagan fundraiser brought in a record-setting $52,000 this year, the highest total in the event’s decades-long history.

Three Apple Valley Scouts BSA troops are teaming up to announce they will open their annual Christmas Tree Lot at Cub Foods Apple Valley, located at 15350 Cedar Avenue, starting Friday, November 21, 2025.

The Farmington Police Department is kicking off its 38th annual Toys for Town program, a beloved local tradition that brings holiday cheer to families in need throughout the community.

Families are invited to celebrate the spooky season at the annual Halloween Fest, taking place Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicollet Commons Park, located at 12550 Nicollet Avenue.

The City of Farmington’s Parks and Recreation Department is once again inviting residents to celebrate the spooky and festive seasons with two beloved community traditions, the Halloween Havoc Tour and the Holiday Lights Tour.

This October, several Dakota County police departments are teaming up once again to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research through the nationwide Pink Patch Project.

The City of Farmington has announced a range of fall programs, initiatives, and events designed to unite the community while promoting public health, safety, and recreation.

The Farmington Fire Department is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves for a lifesaving cause, their annual Community Blood Drive!

Families in Dakota County have two opportunities this weekend to experience the fun and adventure of Scouting, with back-to-back free events open to the public.

More than 230 officers representing 35 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will take the field this weekend for the 5th Annual Cory Slifko Memorial Softball Tournament.

The Burnsville Festival and Fire Muster will celebrate its 46th year this weekend, bringing a packed lineup of entertainment, food, and community traditions.

A new butterfly garden is taking root in downtown Lakeville, thanks to the vision and determination of local Girl Scout Isla Engh and the support of the Garden Circle of Friends and the City of Lakeville Parks Department.

Two standout student leaders from Lakeville will be going to Washington, D.C., as State Officers for Minnesota HOSA-Future Health Professionals (HOSA-FHP) and are preparing to represent Minnesota at the 19th Annual Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) this September.

The Twin Cities community will come together this fall to take a collective step toward hope and healing at the Out of the Darkness Walk, part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) nationwide movement to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention efforts.

The City of Burnsville is exploring the development of a dedicated eight-court pickleball facility—and they’re asking the community to help decide where it should go.

Communities across Dakota County are preparing for a weekend full of red, white, and blue as 4th of July celebrations kick off with family-friendly events, parades, and fireworks.

The City of Burnsville announces they are taking a proactive step in fostering community connections with the launch of Neighborhood Organizations, a new initiative aimed at uniting residents, local businesses, and institutions to build stronger, more engaged communities.

The highly anticipated Mid-Winter Fest returns to Johnny Cake Ridge Park West this coming Saturday, February 1, 2025, promising a full day of exciting activities for residents and visitors of all ages.