Rock the Red, White and Blue at 5 Festive 4th of July Events Around the Twin Cities

4th of July is the traditional midpoint of summer, marking a time to celebrate our country's proud heritage. Here's a handy guide to the best events taking place not far from our Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive. 

Springs Apple Valley 

Apple Valley Freedom Days
Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, 5800 – 140th St W, Apple Valley
952.432.0386
1.6 miles from Springs at Apple Valley 

Apple Valley has been celebrating the Fourth with this popular festival for more than half a century. The five-day event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30 with carnival rides, while the following days include live music, a car show and family-friendly activities. Freedom Days’ close out on Tuesday, July 4 with a parade at 1 p.m. and a fireworks show leading off with a party at 6 p.m. Admission is free with a separate charge for the rides.

Eagan's July 4th Funfest
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan
9.3 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

The Funfest is Eagan's largest annual event, drawing thousands of visitors from the area. This year's celebration is "Back with a Bang," featuring parades, carnival rides, live entertainment, bingo and poker games, and the fiercely competitive Royal Brain Freeze ice cream-eating contest. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday, July 3 and 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4. Visit the website to purchase carnival ride tickets. 

Independence Day Celebration
Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul
612.726.1171
15.6 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

Gain a new perspective on the concept of freedom at Fort Snelling, a location that played an important role in the history of our region and country. Take a trip back in time to the nineteenth century as you watch a military parade with fife and drum music, and attend a mock battle. Interactive learning stations around the fort offer thought-provoking insights into the struggles for independence over the last 200 years. Tickets for the July 4 event are $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 to 17, and advance purchase is recommended. 

Springs at Egan Drive 

Rock and Rockets
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake
800.262.7799
6.6 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Shake your groove thing to the great lineup of bands performing at Rock and Rockets. Chow down on delicious eats from the area's top food trucks before the spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. DJ St. Joel will spin tunes outdoors until 11 p.m., while the indoor afterparty runs until 1 a.m. The fun starts at 5 p.m on July 4.

4th of July Hometown Celebration
Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie
14.8 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

The Hometown Celebration packs an amazing amount of fun and games into a day and a half. Entertainment includes live music, canoeing and paddleboarding, a pickleball tournament and 5K run, kids' games and activities, karaoke and a fireworks display. Hours are 1 to 10 p.m. on July 3 and 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.

Do you have an event to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!