Fourth of July Weekend 2026: Fireworks, Festivals and Family Fun Across Dakota and Scott Counties
Published: July 3, 2026
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA — Communities across Dakota and Scott counties are preparing for a busy Independence Day weekend filled with parades, festivals, live entertainment, family activities, and fireworks as Americans celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
Whether you're looking for a hometown parade, carnival rides, live music, or one of the Twin Cities area's biggest fireworks displays, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.
Dakota County Celebrations
Residents across Dakota County will find no shortage of Independence Day festivities, from hometown parades and family festivals to community fireworks displays.
Apple Valley Freedom Days
One of Dakota County's largest Independence Day celebrations continues with Apple Valley Freedom Days, offering activities throughout both Friday and Saturday before concluding with a fireworks spectacular Saturday night.
Friday, July 3
The festivities begin with the annual Kiddie Parade, where children ages 12 and younger are invited to decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, and other ride-on toys in patriotic colors before making the short parade route from Scott Highlands Middle School to Johnny Cake Park East.
Check-in: 4:30 p.m.
Parade begins: 5 p.m.
Following the Kiddie Parade, Cub Foods Family Fun Night runs from 5-9 p.m. at Johnny Cake Park East and includes carnival rides, an Apple Valley Police K-9 demonstration, public safety vehicle displays, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, vendor booths, and family activities.
Saturday, July 4
Freedom Days continues with a full day of events, including:
8 a.m. – Freedom Days Fun Run
11 a.m. – Red, White & Barbecue at American Legion Post 1776
1 p.m. – Apple Valley Freedom Days Parade
2-9 p.m. – Carnival
3-9 p.m. – Food trucks
6-9:30 p.m. – Pre-Fireworks Party featuring live music
The celebration concludes with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Park East.
Eagan Funfest
Eagan's annual Funfest wraps up on Independence Day with one of the area's most popular Fourth of July traditions.
The Funfest Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday along Yankee Doodle Road, featuring veterans, first responders, marching bands, community organizations, local businesses, athletes, and entertainers.
The celebration concludes with a 10 p.m. fireworks show at the Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway.
Hastings Fourth of July Celebration
Hastings celebrates Independence Day with an evening parade beginning at 7 p.m., followed by food, drinks, live music, and a fire truck light show at the Hastings Golf Club & Public House.
The evening concludes with a 10 p.m. fireworks display.
Mendota Heights Fireworks
Residents in northern Dakota County can enjoy fireworks at Mendakota Park, located at 2111 Dodd Road, with fireworks beginning after dusk between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Lakeville Pan-O-Prog
Lakeville's annual Pan-O-Prog celebration kicks off Saturday, July 4, launching nine days of community festivities that run through July 12.
Featuring more than 80 community-organized events, this year's festival includes fireworks, parades, the BOHO Marketplace, Tribute Band Night, family activities, and much more—all organized by the community, for the community.
The opening day celebration on July 4 concludes with a fireworks display at dusk, marking the start of one of Lakeville's signature summer traditions.
Scott County Celebrations
Scott County also features several major Independence Day events.
Canterbury Park Fireworks Spectacular
Shakopee's Canterbury Park hosts its annual Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 3, with fireworks scheduled for 10:10 p.m. Admission requires a ticket.
Valleyfair Star-Spangled Night
Valleyfair's annual Star-Spangled Night returns on Saturday, July 4, featuring one of the southwest metro's largest fireworks displays.
Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. and are visible from many locations outside the park.
Rock and Rockets
Mystic Lake's annual Rock and Rockets celebration in Prior Lake concludes with a 10 p.m. fireworks show on July 4.
Nearby Twin Cities Celebrations
Several additional celebrations are taking place just outside Dakota and Scott counties.
Summer Fete in Bloomington returns Friday evening with fireworks at 10:10 p.m., but music begins at 5 pm!
Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis on July 3-4 with food, entertainment, and live music beginning at 4 PM on Friday and 12 PM on Saturday!
Red, White & Boom!at Water Works Park in Minneapolis features fireworks beginning at 10 p.m. on July 4, but festivities begin at 8 am!
Historic Fort Snelling hosts special Independence Day programming throughout July 4, offering visitors a chance to experience America's early history through demonstrations, reenactments, and family activities. The site opens at 10 AM and closes at 4:30 PM.
Fireworks Safety Reminder
Officials are reminding residents to celebrate this holiday weekend safely.
Drivers should expect heavier-than-normal traffic before and after fireworks shows and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and watch for pedestrians.
Residents are also reminded that while public fireworks displays are legal and professionally managed, many consumer fireworks that explode or fly into the air remain illegal in Minnesota. Sparklers and novelty items should always be used under adult supervision, and fireworks should never be discharged near homes, dry grass, or wooded areas. Fireworks and sparklers are also NOT ALLOWED in any Dakota County Park as they can harm and stress wildlife.
As communities across Dakota and Scott counties celebrate Independence Day, organizers encourage families to arrive early for events, bring lawn chairs or blankets, stay hydrated during the warm weather, and enjoy a safe and memorable holiday weekend.
Cover Photo by Anthony Roberts on Unsplash
