July 4th Fireworks In and Near Rochester

It took a while to feel like it, but summer’s finally in full swing and we’re already into July. Attention this time of year turns to the annual July 4^th Independence Day celebrations that take place across the country. There are a lot of festivities going on in Rochester and around Southeastern Minnesota, as well. Here’s a list of some 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 Thursday, July 3, 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. We took this one in last year and it was 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 3rd, 7:05 game time; fireworks display following game
Admission: $7.00 (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 start with a concert performance by the Rochester Concert Band under the direction of Chuck Blattner, and featuring music from John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and more. The concert begins at 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks at 10 pm.

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 4^th, as part of their Summerfest activities. Kicking off with a street dance the night of the 3^rd, and various activities all day on the 4^th, there will then be a Grand Parade at 6:30 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.

Location: Florence Park
Address: Lakeshore Dr. NW, Stewartville, MN 55976
Times: July 4th, 6:30 pm grand parade; fireworks at dusk
Admission: Free
Phone:

Dover – This community about 15 minutes east of Rochester will be having fireworks at dusk on July 3^rd, as part of their larger Independence Day Celebration. Their event kicks off with a cookout in the park starting at 5:30 pm on the 3^rd, jazz music at 7 pm, root beer floats from 7-8 pm and then the fireworks display. On the 4^th, there will be a pedal tractor pull at noon and a BBQ lunch benefiting the cancer telethon.

Location: Dover Park
Address: Park Ave., Dover, MN 55929
Times: July 3rd, 5:30 pm cookout; 10 pm fireworks
Admission: Free (fee for dinner)

Oronoco – Just north of Rochester, the town of Oronoco will be having a fireworks show at Oronoco Park starting at 10 pm on July 4^th. For those who want to get their earlier, they have a dinner at the park starting at 5 pm.

Location: Oronoco Park
Address: 3rd Ave NW, Oronoco, MN 55960
Times: July 4th, 5 pm dinner; 10 pm fireworks
Admission: Free (fee for dinner)

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