Although it's the loudest and smokiest night of the year, nothing brings more joy than a night sky filled with bright colors and shapes bursting in the air. In the Twin Cities, many Independence Day events boast live bands, food trucks and family activities in addition to rockets' red glare. The city of Minneapolis is hosting a quieter patriotic laser light show with music and food trucks on Monday at Boom Island Park. The Twins, however, will have fireworks after their game vs. Kansas City. Here's a list of where you can see skies light up. Most start at dusk. There's no fee unless noted.
July 1
CHS FIELD: Postgame monster food truck rally and fireworks. 6:07 p.m. 360 N. Broadway, St. Paul. milb.com/st-paul.
HAM LAKE: Business expo, craft market, family activities and food vendors. 3-10 p.m. Free. 1220 157th Av. NE. hamlakeareacc.org/events/freedomfestival.
July 2
HUDSON, WIS.: Booster Days with a day of live music, bingo, beer garden and activities. 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Lakefront Park, 505 1st St. hudsonboosters.org.
July 3
ANOKA: Castle Field, 600 Castle Field Blvd. anokaminnesota.com.