Weather Expected To Be Nice For Most Aquatennial Events This Year

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We've reached the mid-point of the summer, and plenty of people are out taking advantage of it. The 80th annual Minneapolis Aquatennial is underway.

There are plenty of activities residents can expect in the ensuing days, in addition to the annual parade. And we'll have close to perfect weather for all of the free, outdoor Aquatennial events this week.

The Torchlight 5K run began Wednesday evening, and followed the parade route down 2nd Avenue. Then it turns along West River Parkway to finish at Boom Island.

The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade followed the 5K, featuring James Beard Award winner Ann Kim and the Minnesota United's Darwin Quintero as grand marshals.

On Thursday, the Twin Cities River Rats will perform on the Mississippi River at 7 p.m.

And on Saturday, you can visit the Loring Park Art Festival or try canoeing or yoga along the Mississippi.

Starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, head to West River Parkway to check out a big pre-fireworks party. There will be a ferris wheel, live music, food trucks, a craft market and more.

Then the Aquatennial ends with a bang -- the annual fireworks show at 10 p.m.