Let the sparks – and sauces – fly: Eden Prairie’s July 4 celebration brings back the flavor and flair

Eden Prairie’s Independence Day celebration returns this week with familiar favorites – live music, family activities, food trucks and fireworks – spread across three nights at two parks.

From patriotic tunes at Staring Lake to paella (a Spanish rice dish often made with meats or seafood) and pulled pork at Round Lake, the city’s 4th of July Hometown Celebration once again offers a festive lead-up to the holiday, with new food vendors, fresh partnerships and a few safety updates in place.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together and celebrate,” said Amy Markle, Eden Prairie’s parks and recreation director. “We really try to make it fun for everyone.”

It all starts with a salute

The celebration kicks off Tuesday, July 2, with a free concert and military salute at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Eden Prairie Community Band will perform patriotic favorites as the community honors local veterans and active-duty service members.

“People are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and just enjoy the music,” Markle said. “It’s always a nice way to kick off the holiday.”

Sparklefest lights up July 3

On Thursday, July 3, Sparklefest brings families to Round Lake Park from 6 to 10 p.m. for an evening of inflatables, crafts, bingo, a dance party – and the return of the foam pit, scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

New this year is a partnership with Scouting America, offering archery and games from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The night ends with a 15-minute sensory-friendly drone show at approximately 9:45 p.m., launched from the Round Lake baseball field.

“It’s not as loud as fireworks, which is great for people and pets with sensitivities,” Markle said. “But it still puts on a really cool visual show.”

Those watching from a distance can stream the show’s synchronized music on a mobile device using the app and show code WDC2. (The download link functions only on mobile.)

Food trucks both nights – with variety

Round Lake will host 17 food trucks on both July 3 and 4.

“We’ll have some of the same trucks both nights, but quite a few will be different,” Markle said. “If you come both nights, it’ll look a little different each time.”

On July 4, the menu stretches from shawarma to street tacos, with brisket, butter chicken and chicken sandwiches sizzling alongside gyros, fried rice bowls and other global flavors. Classic fair staples — corn dogs, cheese curds, hot dogs — round out the savory side.

Sweet tooth? You’ll find scoops of ice cream served in or on fresh waffles, boba tea, tropical smoothies, mini donuts, and shaved or soft-serve ice cream — including Blue Moo Ice Cream, new to the lineup this year. For those looking to toast the holiday, the Eden Prairie Lions Club will be pouring adult beverages.

“There really is something for everyone,” Markle said.

Live music and fireworks on the Fourth

Friday, July 4, features the largest slate of entertainment, beginning at 3 p.m. at Round Lake Park.

Blue Hazard performs at 3:15 p.m., followed by Annie Mack at 4:30. Mainstage acts include Maiden Dixie at 6 p.m. and crowd favorite Free and Easy at 8 p.m., with a brief welcome from Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and the City Council at 7:45 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m., weather permitting. Last year’s show was postponed to August due to rain. During the rescheduled event, a firework launched at an angle toward a crowd gathered on the far side of Round Lake. No one was injured, but the incident led to a review of the city’s safety protocols.

Markle said that area will be closed to spectators this year, and attendees will be directed to view the fireworks from the main event side of the park.

“We’ve been meeting with our fire department and fireworks company,” she said. “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience.”

If weather forces a postponement, the fireworks will be rescheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5. The city will announce any changes by 8:30 p.m. July 4 on its website, and will also share updates via email, social media, and at the event.

Getting there

Free parking is available at the Eden Prairie Community Center, with shuttle service to and from the event. Accessibility parking is available near the tennis courts at Round Lake Park, and golf carts will help transport those who need assistance.

Markle said planning for the celebration starts almost as soon as the previous one ends.

“There’s a lot of evaluation and preparation that goes into making it a great experience,” she said. “We’re just excited to have people come out and enjoy what we think is the best part of summer.”