2025 Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

The Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade is Minneapolis illuminated extravaganza. Fantastic floats and unique specialty units combine to transform an already beautiful downtown into a dazzling showpiece of excitement and lights! We encourage all units interested in the parade to read the manual hyperlinked and details below BEFORE applying. If you have questions, please reach out to Ariel Gutierrez at agutierrez@mplsdowntown.com.  

To Register: Read the information below, then click the orange "Get Tickets" button in the upper right-hand corner of this page. 

****If you are interested in registering a High School Marching Band, please contact Ariel at agutierrez@mplsdowntown.com *****

May 14 Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade early bird registration deadline. Applications received after this date will be assessed a late fee and added to parade wait list 

June 23 Registration Closes and all fees and insurance certificates are due. Applications will not be accepted after this date.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

Application requirements do change from year-to-year. Please read the 2025 Manual here: 2025 Parade Manual

 before registering below. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance for the 2025 parade. 

The following items must be submitted by Registration Close (June 23) to be considered for participation: 

1. A complete online registration form 

2. Registration fee (non-refundable unless organizers cancel) 

3. Insurance certificates verifying required provisions (see below). 

*Please note, completing this registration does not guarantee your groups participation in the parade. 

INSURANCE 

All applicants must provide Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) insurance having a combined single limit of no less than $500,000, covering bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. 

Applicants must provide proof of automobile insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 per person, $300,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 property damage, for all motorized units. 

Any questions on insurance requirements, please contact the Minneapolis Aquatennial at 612.338.3807. 

The insurance certificate must contain the following provisions: 

A) Marketing Minneapolis, LLC (81 S. 9th Street #260, Minneapolis, MN 55402) should be listed as the certificate holder. 

B)  Mpls Downtown Council / Downtown Improvement District (81 S. 9th Street #260, Minneapolis, MN 55402) and City of Minneapolis License and Consumer Services (505 4th Avenue S. Room 220 Minneapolis MN 55402) are to be named as additionally insured with respect to any liability arising from the applicant's participation in the Minneapolis Aquatennial on both the CGL and automobile policies. 

C) Cancellation Clause - The insurance certificate shall state the policies certified will neither be canceled nor reduced in limits without a 30-day notice delivered by certified mail to the Minneapolis Aquatennial, Produced by Marketing Minneapolis LLC, 81 South Ninth Street, Suite 260, Minneapolis, MN 55402. 

***Applicants who do not provide a certificate verifying the above CGL provisions prior to the parade will not be permitted to participate.*** 

Ticket Types  

Early Non-Commercial, non-profits/community groups-$100.00 

Non-Commercial (non-profits & community groups) After May 14th-$150.00 

High School Marching Band Free- Please email Ariel for the Marching Band Registration Form. 

Early Commercial (corporations or businesses) -$950.00 

Commercial (corporations or businesses) After May 14th -$1,000.00