Summer may be unreliable this year, but the Minneapolis Aquatennial will press on. The 72nd annual summer festival kicks off Friday with a mixture of time-honored events and new twists.WHEN
Friday through July 23
MORE INFO
www.aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.
WHAT'S NEW
Friday: Things will get going early with free breakfast and yoga served up on Nicollet Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets. Breakfast will be available from 6 to 9 a.m. Yoga will start at 6 a.m.
Friday-July 23 (except Monday): The Hennepin History Museum will host an exhibit of festival memorabilia, including coronation items and an ambassador's uniform.
July 23: The Midtown Phillips Festival will offer a family-friendly event at Stewart Park with live music, games, stilt walkers and performers from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, from noon to 6 p.m.
WHAT'S TRIED AND TRUE
Friday: The Aquatennial Block Party is the official festival kickoff. 5-11 p.m. Nicollet Mall, between 3rd and 4th Streets. This year's headliner is Tonic, with opening acts Tim Mahoney and the Irresistibles featuring Mick Sterling.
Saturday-Sunday and July 21: River Rats Water Ski Show, 3 and 7 p.m. over the weekend and 7 p.m. on July 21, on the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth.
Sunday: Beach Bash featuring sand castle competition, canoe rides and milk carton boat races. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun.
