4th of July Festivals (2024)

4^th of July Festivals in the Grand Rapids, MN Area

Three small towns in northern Minnesota host 4th of July Festivals to celebrate the holiday. Not quite, but the 4^th of July is an annual summer celebration that all Americans enjoy celebrating our freedom here in the United States. Here in northern Minnesota small towns showcase one of their favorite holidays in a very BIG way! Grand Rapids, Nashwauk and Hill City celebrate the 4^th of July in a variety of ways. Both Nashwauk and Hill City host their annual community festival over the 4^th of July. Hill City has put together a weekend full of events for the entire family.

Each year the City of Grand Rapids and the Pokegama Lake Association partner to provide an approximately 30 minute firework show over Pokegama Lake on or around the 4^th of July. For 2023, the fireworks will take place on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 10pm (or dusk). The fireworks will be set off from the Pokegama Golf Course that can be seen from the Pokegama Golf Course or via the water on the Pokegama Lake. The City has setup shuttles that will start at 8pm from Essentia Parking Lot (Grand Rapids Clinic location) and running through roughly 11:30pm. Food and beverage is available for purchase at the Pokegama Grill. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Boaters are reminded to have their navigation lights on and boat slowly while in the prime viewing areas around Nesbit, Drumbeater and in front of the Pokegama Golf Course water bays on Pokegama Lake.

Learn more by checking the Grand Rapids, MN area Events Calendar HERE.

The City of Nashwauk and 4^th of July Festival Committee will be hosting their annual festival July 3-July 4, 2023. The festival kicks off with the annual car show and live music on the main stage July 3, 2023 at 3pm. Fireworks will be set off at dusk on Monday, July 3, 2023. Then on Tuesday July 4, 2023 the Red Rock Run will begin around 8am, and then the grand parade will start at noon, and then following will be will be races for all, bean bag tournament, and a tractor pull on Main Street.

Learn more by checking the Grand Rapids, MN area Events Calendar HERE.

The City of Hill City and the 4^th of July Festival Committee have put together a full weekend of events. Starting on Friday, June 30, 2023 there will be vendors in the park and a street dance. Then the weekend continues with vendors in the park each day, a 5k race, live music and the parade that takes place on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 12noon. Highlights are on Saturday is the 5k and bean bag tournament, on Sunday the setterl’s picnic followed by karaoke and a street dance, and Monday bouncy house, dunk tank, baseball game and a street dance. The weekend festivities ends on Tuesday, July 4^th with the parade and then fireworks at dusk.

Learn more by checking the Grand Rapids, MN area Events Calenddar HERE.

There is still lodging available if you want to head north to celebrate in the 4^th of July Festivals! Visit Grand Rapids has created a where to Stay in Grand Rapids web page that will help you search the wide variety of short-term lodging options. You can sort this list based on the amenities you are looking for, and you can also search by the date(s) you are looking for. Visit Grand Rapids has also put together a Last Minute Openings web page that highlights short-term lodging properties that still have openings this summer. This is a great way to still get in a summer vacation for family and friends. You can download the interactive Grand Rapids Visitors Guide to help you start planning a visit to northern Minnesota. This guide highlights seasonal itineraries, outdoor recreation trails, cozy lodging, fun places to eat and drink, beautiful art, culture and historic sites.