Dakota County Communities Gear Up for 4th of July Celebrations
Apple Valley, Lakeville, Eagan, Hastings, and Mendota Heights are offering full slates of events for the Independence Day 2025 Weekend!
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA — Communities across Dakota County are preparing for a weekend full of red, white, and blue as 4th of July celebrations kick off with family-friendly events, parades, and fireworks. Residents can enjoy festivities beginning as early as June 27 and running through July 5, with signature events in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Eagan, Hastings, and Mendota Heights.
Apple Valley: Freedom Days 2025
Provided by Apple Valley Freedom Days.
Apple Valley’s annual Freedom Days celebration returns with a lineup of events that spans several days. Coordinated by a committee of volunteers, Freedom Days highlights community togetherness with fun for all ages.
Wednesday, July 2
Casting with the Cops
5:30–7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Lake Park Fishing PierThursday, July 3
Cub Foods Family Fun Night
5–9 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park EastFriday, July 4
Fun Run – 8:00 a.m. start at Johnny Cake Ridge Park West
Parade – 1:00 p.m. start
Pre-Fireworks Party – 6–9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East
Fireworks Show – 9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park EastSaturday, July 5
Fireworks Rain Date – 9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East
Accessibility: Additional handicap parking is available on the south side of Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, off 142nd Street.
Lakeville: Pan-O-Prog Festival
Provided by Lakeville Pan-O-Prog.
Lakeville’s Panorama of Progress—or Pan-O-Prog—continues its decades-long tradition of celebrating the city's growth and community pride. The festival runs throughout the first week of July, culminating in a night of fireworks and family fun.
Friday, July 4
City of Lakeville Fireworks and Family Fun
6:00–10:30 p.m. at Century Middle School, 18610 Ipava Ave.
Attendees can expect a festive evening filled with food vendors, entertainment, and one of the most vibrant fireworks shows in the south metro.
Full schedule of events available at: www.panoprog.org/events-listing
Eagan: July 4th FunFest
Provided by Eagan FunFest.
Eagan’s FunFest returns for its 50+ year celebration with two days of activities, including one of the largest parades in the Twin Cities and a massive fireworks show.
Friday, July 4
4th of July Parade – 10:00 a.m.
Route: Begins near Blue Cross on Yankee Doodle Road and ends at Federal Drive.Fireworks Display – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway
Eagan’s FunFest is known for its festive atmosphere, community spirit, and wide range of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and the Ambassadors Coronation.
Mendota Heights: Fireworks at Mendakota Park
Mendota Heights will once again light up the sky with a special 4th of July fireworks display set in the peaceful setting of Mendakota Park.
Friday, July 4
Fireworks Show – 10:00–10:30 p.m.
Mendakota Park, 2111 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
This free event offers a relaxed setting for families and residents to enjoy the holiday evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and flashlights, and are advised to arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Hastings: Parade, Live Music & Fireworks
Provided by Hastings Golf Club.
Hastings invites the community to celebrate the 4th of July with a festive evening that starts with a community parade and ends with fireworks lighting up the Mississippi River Valley from the Hastings Golf Club & Public House.
Friday, July 4
Parade – 7:00 p.m.
Route: Eastbound on 15th Street from General Sieben Drive to Westview DriveLive Music & Entertainment – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hastings Golf Club & Public House
Enjoy food, drinks, and a live performance by Category 5, followed by a firetruck light show.Fireworks Display – 10:00 p.m.
Best viewing near the Hastings Golf Club & Public House
This community-focused event offers a great blend of small-town charm and big-time celebration with music, lights, and patriotic pride.
Celebrating Together, Safely
Public safety officials from each city remind attendees to follow local guidance on event parking, accessibility, and respectful viewing. Families are encouraged to arrive early for the fireworks and parades, and to check the city's websites for any weather-related updates or last-minute schedule changes.
With events spanning the county, there are numerous opportunities for residents and visitors alike to celebrate the nation’s independence in true Minnesota summer style.
For more information, visit:
Cover Photo by Anthony Roberts on Unsplash
