South Metro Fireworks 2026
The Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, which means no work the next day and zero excuses to skip the show. Whether you want a free festival with food trucks or a full day of roller coasters capped by a fireworks finale, the south metro has you covered. And if you can't wait, the party starts Friday the 3rd over at Canterbury Park. Here's the full lineup, when things kick off, and what's happening at each spot.
Shakopee: Canterbury Fireworks Spectacular (July 3)
Get a head start on the holiday. Canterbury Park kicks things off Friday night with live racing, music, and one of the bigger fireworks shows in the state.
When: Friday, July 3, gates at 4:00 p.m., fireworks around 10:10 p.m. (following the races) Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd S, Shakopee
A full evening of festive fun:
Live horse racing
Live music
Cold brews and classic hot dogs
Plenty of spots to sit back and watch the show
Patriotic gear in the Gift Shop
The fireworks go off after the last race wraps, right around 10:10 p.m.
Event details on Facebook | More Shakopee events
Lakeville: Pan-O-Prog Fireworks and Family Fun
Lakeville does it big with three separate viewing locations, all part of Pan-O-Prog. Fireworks launch at dusk on Saturday, July 4.
When: 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. Where: Three spots around town. Pick whichever is closest.
Century Middle School (18610 Ipava Ave) is the main hub. Family activities run 6:00 to 9:00 and food trucks stick around until 10:00. While you wait for the sky to light up:
Food trucks
Petting zoo
Photo bus
Face painters
Balloon twisters
Want a less crowded view? Grand Prairie Park has food trucks rolling all day from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Highview Elementary has food trucks from 6:00 to 10:00.
Full details on the Pan-O-Prog site | More Lakeville events
Apple Valley: Freedom Days Pre-Fireworks Party
Apple Valley's Freedom Days throws a party before the fireworks at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East. Live music, food, and room for the kids to run around.
Pre-Fireworks Party: 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks: After dusk, around 9:30 p.m. (note the new time) Where: Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, 5800 140th St W, Apple Valley
What's going on before the show:
Live music from Woody, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Music, dancing, and games
Food vendors
Playground for the kids
Freedom Days turns 60 this year and runs way more than just the Fourth. Here's the full Freedom Days schedule | More Apple Valley events
Eagan: July 4th Funfest Fireworks
Eagan's Funfest is one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations around, with a parade, carnival, and entertainment leading up to the main event. The fireworks cap it all off.
Fireworks: 10:00 p.m., just after dusk Where: Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan
Come early and make a day of it. The carnival, food vendors, and entertainment are all part of the Funfest weekend before the sky show.
Funfest fireworks details | More Eagan events
Prior Lake: Rock and Rockets at Mystic Lake
Mystic Lake's Rock and Rockets is a free outdoor festival with live music, food trucks, and a big fireworks finish. Bring a lawn chair and settle in.
When: Music starts 7:00 p.m., fireworks at 10:00 p.m. Where: Parking area between Mystic Lake and Little Six, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake Cost: Free, all ages welcome
Live music, local food trucks, and family-friendly fun under the stars. No ticket needed.
Shakopee: Star Spangled Night at Valleyfair
If you want thrills with your fireworks, Valleyfair is the move. Spend the day on the coasters and at Superior Shores Waterpark, then stick around for a patriotic fireworks show set to music. This year it doubles as a celebration of America's 250th.
Fireworks: Around 9:45 p.m. Where: Valleyfair, 1 Valleyfair Dr, Shakopee Cost: Included with regular park admission, no extra ticket
The best part is you don't need a separate ticket for the show. It's built into your day at the park.
A few tips before you go
Parking fills up fast at the bigger shows, so get there early if you want a good spot. Bring chairs or a blanket, and pack the bug spray. Most of these run rain or shine, but check the host's page or social media that afternoon if the weather looks shaky.
Want even more local happenings? Check the full South Metro Scoop event calendar.
