Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor: Howard’s Point Marina
Since 1926, Howard’s Point Marina on Lake Minnetonka has specialized in getting people out on the water to have a great time without the hassle. They want you to enjoy life on the lake with your friends and family and focus on the beauty and peacefulness of Lake Minnetonka, not the logistics of launching, fueling, and cleaning. As a locally owned and operated marina, celebrating 100 years on the lake, you can count on fast, friendly, full-service convenience all summer long.
Appreciation For Our Sponsors
This year’s celebration would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and community partners. Their support ensures that neighbors of every generation can gather near the South Lake Minnetonka shoreline to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary in spectacular fashion. We are grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who stepped forward to preserve this beloved tradition, and to the cities of Excelsior, Deephaven, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, and Greenwood for their partnership in keeping our community safe. Because of their commitment, the fireworks will light up the sky once again this Fourth of July. Thank you for making it happen.
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsors
Thank You to Our Supporters
Excelsior Fireworks Event Details
Date
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time
Approximately 9:50pm
Location
Excelsior Commons Park – 135 Lake Street
It’s the 250th Anniversary of America
This Fourth of July, our nation turns 250, a milestone two and a half centuries in the making. It is a moment to celebrate the independence our country fought for and the spirit that still unites us as Americans today. From the first fireworks that lit colonial skies to the displays we gather beneath each summer, the Fourth has always been a time to come together, look up, and remember what we share. This year, that tradition feels especially meaningful. As the fireworks reflect off the water over Excelsior Bay, we invite neighbors of every generation to mark this historic anniversary and celebrate 250 years of this great nation.
Excelsior’s Fourth of July, 170+ Years of Tradition
Our community has been part of Independence Day traditions for nearly as long as Minnesota has been a state. People living in and around Excelsior have gathered to celebrate July 4th since 1854, a fact preserved in the diary entries of the area’s earliest pioneers. For these settlers, the Fourth was a chance to come together, mark the nation’s founding, and build the bonds of a young community on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
Fireworks Over the Lake
Excelsior’s fireworks tradition stretches back to 1871, when a local Congregational Church staged the first documented display as a fundraiser. From there, community groups kept the celebrations going whenever funds allowed — a pattern repeated across newspapers from 1871 to 1923, and almost certainly in the years between.
An Amusement Park Era
The tradition found a lasting home from 1925 to 1973 at Excelsior Amusement Park, organized in its early years by the American Legion. For nearly five decades, families lined the lakeshore each Fourth of July to watch the show light up the bay. After the park closed, festivities returned around 1976, with the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce eventually carrying the tradition forward.
A Different Kind of Show
Early displays were modest by today’s standards — brief, small, and sometimes staged by lakeside hotels like the Lafayette in Minnetonka Beach to draw overnight guests. Excelsior, a quiet and devout town, saw most visitors catch the last train home before dark. Different times, different technology — but the same spirit of community gathering under a summer sky.
All Donations Are Welcome & Appreciated
Preserving this tradition takes community support, and every gift makes a difference. Your tax-deductible donation helps cover the cost of the fireworks so neighbors of all ages can celebrate together this Fourth of July. Give online today and help light up Excelsior Bay for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:50 p.m. on July 4.
The fireworks will be launched from a barge in Excelsior Bay near the Excelsior Commons. The Hennepin County Water Patrol will secure a perimeter surrounding the barge for safety.
The event is completely free to attend thanks to our generous sponsors and individual contributors.
In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will take place on Sunday, July 5 at approximately 9:50 p.m.
The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department and the Excelsior Fire District will be on site all evening with an comprehensive safety plan. We appreciate support from the cities of Excelsior, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Greenwood and Deephaven who are covering costs involved for public safety.
The South Lake Minnetonka fireworks always bring large crowds. We recommend arriving early to find parking and grab something to eat from one of the food trucks in The Commons. Food trucks will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The City of Excelsior has a mix of parking locations. Parking near the Commons typically fills up early. Plan for extra time to find parking and for your walk to the park. Special event parking rates are in effect on the 4th of July. Parking rates are $20 for 3 hours, $25 for 6 hours or $35 all day. For more information about parking options, please visit Excelsiorparking.com
With the fireworks being launched from a barge in Excelsior Bay, there are many great viewing areas on the water and on land. Thousands of people typically gather in The Commons in Excelsior, which has a great view of the fireworks. Others watch from local restaurants, beaches, charter boats and private residences. We encourage you to support our sponsors who have helped make sure the fireworks tradition continues in the South Lake Minnetonka area.
Limited handicap parking will be available near The Commons. Accessible portable restrooms are available on site. Sidewalks connect from the road to the heart of the park.
Yes. The City of Excelsior is organizing food trucks on site at The Commons from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.
Coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Glass containers and all alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Per city ordinance, vaping and smoking is not allowed in The Commons.
We strongly discourage people from bringing their pets because of the noise and crowds. If you bring a dog it must be leashed and well-behaved.
No bands or live music will be part of the celebration this year.
What other activities are taking place during the day? The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce is organizing the annual Firecracker Run with 1-mile, 5K and 10K options. There is also a post-race fun scheduled in The Commons until 1pm.
Yes, there will also be a fireworks show on Lake Minnetonka near Deephaven on July 4. We are using the same fireworks vendor and they will coordinate timing for an extra special show.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are all invited to help support this tradition. Individual donations can be made online here. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email [email protected] to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Yes. Donations are tax-deductible and are managed through the Community for the Commons. You can give online by going to our donations page.
The Excelsior Morning Rotary is a local chapter of Rotary International and a nonprofit service organization of about 120 members who live and work in the Lake Minnetonka and Excelsior area. Club members organize the Concerts in the Commons each summer which brings thousands of people to Excelsior on select Wednesday nights. The club also organizes charitable gaming operations at Maynards, The Narrows and North Coop. Since 2018, the club has donated more than $1.4 million dollars to non-profits in the local community. The club is currently celebrating its 30th year and is always looking for more members who value the “service above self” mindset.
Email [email protected] with any questions. Visit the Excelsior Morning Rotary Facebook page for more information and day-of-updates.