It may seem a little hard to believe, but summer’s finally in full swing! Attention this time of year turns to the annual July 4th Independence Day celebrations that will be taking place across the country. There are a lot of festivities going on right here in Rochester and around Southeastern Minnesota, as well. Here’s a list of a few places to go to see fireworks shows in the area this year!

Rochester Honkers game – Those wanting to get an early start to fireworks season will not want to miss the Rochester Honkers Fireworks Extravaganza. Taking place on Saturday night, July 2nd, immediately after the Honkers baseball game against the Duluth Huskies, fans are allowed to come down onto the baseball field and relax out on the grass to celebrate the holiday. If you haven't taken this one in before, it's a great show, and a great way to kick off the long weekend.

Location: Mayo Field
Address:
403  E. Center Street, Rochester, MN 55904
Times:
July 2nd, 7:05 game time; fireworks display following game
Admission:
$8.00 (general admission ticket to game)
Phone:
507-289-1170

Silver Lake Park– A long-standing tradition in Rochester, Silver Lake Park will again be one of the centers of fireworks celebrations in Rochester. This year’s event will once again start with a concert performance by the Rochester Concert Band under the direction of Chuck Blattner at the Silver Lake soccer field. The concert begins at 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks at 10 pm. This is generally one of the best-attended fireworks shows in the area.

Location: Silver Lake Park
Address:
700 West Silver Lake Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Times:
July 4th, 8:30 pm concert; 10 pm fireworks display
Admission:
Free
Phone:
507-328-2200

Stewartville – Just 15 minutes south of Rochester, down Highway 63, Stewartville’s Fireworks Show will be the evening of July 4th, as part of their Summerfest activities. Kicking off with activities all day on from July 2nd through the 4th, the events the evening of the 4th will include a Grand Parade at 6:30 pm, then 'Shakespeare in the Park' at 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks in Florence Park at dusk. Bonus: For those of you who want to find a good, “secret” alternate viewing spot for these fireworks, here are two recommendations from one of our station employees that lives there:

1.) Bear Cave Park Soccer Fields County Road 8 SW / 10th St. NW
2.) 2nd Ave. NW, along Rochester Medical Drive just off of 2nd Ave. NW.

And check out their website link for a complete list of Summerfest activities.

Location: Florence Park
Address:
Lakeshore Dr. NW, Stewartville, MN 55976
Times:
July 4th, 6:30 pm grand parade; 8:30 pm 'Shakespeare in the Park'; fireworks at dusk
Admission:
Free
Phone:
507-533-6006

Oronoco – Just north of Rochester, the town of Oronoco will be having a fireworks show at Oronoco Park starting at dusk on July 4th. For those who want to get their earlier, they have a dinner at the park starting at 6:30 pm. The city is serving hot dogs with buns and chips, and people are encouraged to bring a dish to pass. Music will play from 6 pm to 10 pm, as well. According to the page on their city website, more money has been donated this year for an improved fireworks display. This event should continue to grow in the years to come...

Location: Oronoco Park
Address:
3rd Ave NW, Oronoco, MN 55960
Times:
July 4th, 6:30 pm dinner; fireworks at dusk
Admission:
Free

St. Charles – Located about 30 minutes east of Rochester, St. Charles boasts a wonderful display of fireworks that takes place around the high school. Fireworks typically start around 10 pm. Great viewing areas can be found around St. Charles High School and the park next door.

Location: St. Charles High School
Address:
600 E. 6th St, St Charles, MN 55972
Times:
July 4th, 10 pm
Admission:
Free

Do you know of some other spots to catch great fireworks and other 4th of July festivities? Share them with us in the area below and we'll try to update this list as information comes in!

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