Minneapolis is gearing up for a festive Fourth of July weekend, but with it comes a handful of closures and traffic changes that residents should be aware of. City government offices, including Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Center, will be closed this Friday in observance of Independence Day, as reported by the City of Minneapolis. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 7. Don't expect to see garbage and recycling trucks out on the streets either, as there will be no collection on Friday and metered parking will not be enforced on July 4. However, this doesn't apply to meters operated by the Park Board, the University of Minnesota, and various private organizations — it's best to check the information on each meter just in case.
Not wanting to slow down the holiday spirit, the city is pushing the As You Go Mpls campaign, urging people to leave their cars at home and go for greener transportation options like transit, walking, biking, or rolling. These methods are not only good for the health but also help to quickly navigate the bustling downtown area, the City of Minneapolis advises. Meanwhile, emergency services like police, fire, and 911 are expected to operate without interruption on July 4.
A slew of major events will also draw crowds to the city center. The Taste of Minnesota takes over downtown Minneapolis on July 5 and 6, stretching from Washington Avenue to Nicollet Mall. Metro Transit is stepping up by offering free rides on both days — passengers can visit the Taste website to snag their tickets. The Minneapolis Convention Center will play host to the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship, and sports fans can also catch the Minnesota Lynx in a three-game series at Target Center. For those after a grand spectacle, the "Red, White & BOOM!" fireworks show will illuminate the City’s Riverfront on July 4 at 10 p.m.
Road closures will be in effect to accommodate the festivities. Areas such as Main Street, West River Parkway, and the 3rd Avenue bridge will be off-limits, with limited access on 2nd Street South and a single open lane on Hennepin Avenue crossing the river. The Stone Arch Bridge will also be closed to foot and bike traffic. Finally, baseball enthusiasts can catch the Minnesota Twins as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series at Target Field from July 4-6. So plan accordingly, and maybe leave the car keys at home this time around.
