Organizers Announce Minnesota’s Biggest 4th of July Party Ever with Live Music and Food Trucks

The Fourth of July is always a massive holiday weekend, but this year is going to be truly historic.

Communities across the state will have fireworks displays and parades, but one Minnesota city is throwing an absolute blockbuster party to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This Fourthfest celebration will include a full day of live music, food trucks, and the largest fireworks show in the Upper Midwest.

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What is FourthFest?

Fourthfest has always been the largest fireworks show in the upper Midwest and the plan is to make this year's event the biggest ever.

People from around the state will travel to this massive, family-friendly annual tradition  which brings together patriotism, incredible food, craft vendors, and non-stop entertainment.

Gates at Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park will open at Noon on Saturday, July 4th for the Fourthfest celebration, with live music kicking off almost immediately.

While admission to the park is free, you will definitely want to bring some cash or a card along to hit up the food trucks and craft vendors that will be lining the park.

The 2026 Fourthfest Live Music Schedule

Organizers have packed the schedule from afternoon until night with an incredible mix of local favorites, regional powerhouses, and heavy-hitting cover bands. Here is who is taking the stage this year:

• 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: The Perpetual Guests
• 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM: Steven Solkela’s Patriotic Event
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Sound Inc Reunion
• 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Siren
• 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM: The Sydney Hansen Band
• 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM: The Voyageurs
• 8:00 PM: SSCB (Some Sh!tty Cover Band)

At 10:00 PM, the sky over Lake Superior will light up and because of the historic 250th anniversary, organizers have promised that this year's display will be huge.

Tracy Lundeen of Lundeen Productions said, “We’re proud to bring the community together for a full day of music, patriotism, and family fun — capped off with what will be the largest and most spectacular fireworks display ever presented on Duluth’s waterfront.”

If you've never been, it's a truly special fireworks show with the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in the background.

If you're planning to attend, here are a few quick ground rules to keep in mind so you don't get stopped at the gate:

• Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to claim a prime spot on the grass.
• No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the festival grounds.
• Leave the pets at home (certified service animals are welcome).
• The event is rain or shine, so keep an eye on the radar and pack a poncho just in case!